float and chill

Texas’ largest crystal lagoon makes a splash with new floating cabanas

Lagoonfest Texas crystal lagoons floating cabana aquabanas

Float and chill with these new “aquabanas.”

Photo courtesy of Lagoonfest Texas

Already causing quite the tropical storm since its opening, Lagoonfest Texas is stirring up a frenzy with a cool new water experience. The wildly popular beachy attraction, located in Texas City near Galveston on the Texas coast, has just introduced floating cabanas — dubbed “aquabanas” — designed to marry the thrill of water with the chill of sipping cocktails in a cabana.

Since an announcement video revealing the installation was posted, Lagoonfest Texas’ Instagram has blown up.

And why not? These aquabanas offer floaty lounging and are linked together, creating a pool at their center that will be exclusive to those renting the floating cabanas. Regular cabanas seat six. The larger cabanas can accommodate 12 guests, per a release.

The new aquabanas are accessible via Paradise Shore, the lagoon’s VIP beach, and are the first floating cabanas to be featured on a Crystal Lagoons property in Texas, the company notes.

When not sipping on a cold drink and floating on an aquabana, visitors can rent kayaks, sailboats, stand-up paddleboards, and bumper boats. Active types can traverse the floating obstacle course and race down the 185-foot Titan slide.

Boasting 12 acres, the Lago Mar lagoon, where Lagoonfest Texas is located, is the state’s largest, and it offers the most shoreline of any lagoon in the nation. The lagoon surface equals approximately 1,350 home swimming pools. By the numbers, the lagoon holds 24 million gallons of water, and its liner system is large enough to cover 14 NFL football fields.

Food and a full bar are available. Ticket prices start at $20 for adults and $15 for children. (Children aged 2 and younger get in free.) For tickets, information, and hours of operation, visit the official website. Following Labor Day, the attraction is open Saturdays and Sundays through September 26.

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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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