Texas travel

Texas' largest crystal lagoon makes waves as cool new summer vacation spot

This new Crystal Lagoon boasts a mile of shoreline.

Photo courtesy of Crystal Lagoons

Texans looking to make a splash — but with a healthy distance from others — will have a chance to dive into a massive island-style getaway this summer. A 12-acre lagoon will open to the public during the limited-capacity Summer Lagoonfest at Lago Mar in Texas City (in the Houston area) from July 15 through September 13.

The new “Crystal Clear Lagoon” retreat comes courtesy of Crystal Lagoons and is the largest amenity the group offers in Texas, according to a press release. Besides the white-sand beaches, entertainment includes an inflatable obstacle course, kayaks, and sailboats.

Visitors should expect to see COVID-19 precautions, including operating at under 50 percent capacity to allow for proper social distancing and wearing face masks to enter and in designated, high-traffic areas. Staff will be required to wear face masks and undergo temperature checks and health screenings, and beach and lawn furniture, restrooms, and other high traffic areas will be sanitized frequently. Tickets start at $10 for admission.

The beachy lagoon boasts a mile of shoreline — more than any other Crystal Lagoons amenity in the nation. The numbers are impressive: According to Crystal Lagoons data, the lagoon holds 24 million gallons of water. Its liner system is large enough to cover 14 NFL football fields. The surface is equivalent to approximately 1,350 home swimming pools.

The water feature is the centerpiece of a 100-acre mixed-use entertainment district being built at the entrance to Lago Mar. Plans for the development include hotels, condo buildings, retail, dining, and entertainment.

A separate, pay-for-access beach club with multiple public beaches will offer a cabana pool; a two-story swim-up bar on an island; a kid’s beach with water features; a floating obstacle course; and a world-class watersports facility including kayaks, paddleboards, and small sailboats.

Also planned is an event center with a beachfront lawn for corporate events, weddings, and concerts.

Tickets for Summer Lagoonfest start at $10 for children under age 13 and $15 for those ages 13 and older. Children age 2 and under get in for free. COVID-19 guidelines will be enforced. Advance tickets can be purchased at www.summerlagoonfest.com. (Tickets purchased at the box office onsite for day-of entry will be sold at the highest price levels.)

For more information on Lago Mar, visit the official site.

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Airline News

San Antonio gets nonstop flights to this Washington, DC airport

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

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American Airlines will soon introduce long-awaited nonstop flights between San Antonio (SAT) and Washington, D.C. (DCA). One flight will be scheduled daily, starting in March.

Tickets for the new service will be available on sale starting December 23 through aa.com or American’s mobile app.

The route was tentatively announced in October, but the U.S. Department of Transportation has now formally approved the application by American Airlines.

“This new service will offer convenient nonstop access to our nation’s capital for San Antonians, while helping further connect customers to our comprehensive global network," said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, in a press release. "American thanks the many elected officials and citizens who supported our application, and we look forward to welcoming customers onboard this new service soon.”

Flight 1718, reflecting the year San Antonio was founded, will depart SAT at 6:35 am and arrive in DCA at 10:41 am. Flight 1947, reflecting the year the U.S. Air Force was established, will depart DCA at 7:45 pm and arrive in SAT at 10:43 pm.

“This long-awaited connection to our nation’s capital is a game changer for our community, opening doors to countless opportunities for travel and economic development,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I’m grateful to those who have championed this effort and for the bipartisan support of our representatives in the Senate and House, whose advocacy was instrumental in making these flights a reality. We look forward to the positive impact this nonstop service will have for years to come."

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh echoed the sentiments about economic development and pointed out some growth already happening in San Antonio. The release also notes that San Antonio is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA and the largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population without nonstop service to DCA.

“Serving the fastest-growing city in the country, SAT has achieved record-breaking passenger numbers throughout 2024. This nonstop service to and from DCA addresses a need for our military, business, educational and research communities, among others. It also promotes competition and offers more travel options for passengers flying to and from San Antonio, enhancing connectivity as we continue making progress on the airport Terminal Development Program.”

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