The Texas Hill Country hosts many of the best attractions in the state, according to the 2024 Texas Travel Awards. The winners of these prestigious awards offer some of the most unique experiences in the state, that every traveler should see for themselves.

The San Antonio area took home a total of 13 awards this year, just four shy of the 17 that were awarded in 2023. This further solidifies the Hill Country region's soaring popularity among travelers.

The Texas Travel Awards were created by Austin Monthly, San Antonio Magazine, and Texas Music publishers, and the winners are decided by a panel of industry professional judges, travel journalists, and one musician. The 49 awards were split into two smaller gorups: statewide best attractions and best attractions by population. The latter was further divided into market size: small/mid and big market.

The San Antonio Zoo was the only Alamo City attraction to win a statewide award, for the second year in a row. It has been crowned the best zoo/aquarium. The remaining awards all fell to New Braunfels and Boerne.

Awards in New Braunfels
New Braunfels earned the highest number of accolades by far out in the Texas Travel Awards, even going so far as to be designated 2024's "Destination of the Year."

"The city’s vibrant downtown is full of character, with historic architecture housing one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, speakeasies, craft breweries and eateries," an overview said. "Only blocks from the spring-fed Comal River, visitors and patrons can spend a day tubing or lounging riverside, then meander to downtown for live music, dining, shopping, wandering, and exploring."

New Braunfels won five awards in the “Big Market” awards by population. One businesses triumphed twice. They are:

• Phoenix Saloon – Best Bar
• Thru the Chute Cardboard Boat Race – Best Community Event and Best Under the Radar Activity
• 8Sages-The Dolly Cottage – Best Instagrammable Spot
• Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch – Best Outdoor Activity

• Gruene Hall – Best Iconic Tourist Attraction
• Gruene Historic District – Best Shopping District
• Dry Comal Creek Vineyards – Best Winery

Awards in Boerne
This small town located 20 miles northwest of San Antonio earned three awards in 2024. The historic boutique hotel known for its National and Texas landmark status and freestanding cabins, The Kendall, won the "Best 'Small/Mid Market' Unique Lodging."

Less than two miles down South Main St. from The Kendall is Dog and Pony, which earned the title of "Best 'Small/Mid Market' Live Music Venue." This family- and dog-friendly restaurant provides enough entertainment to bring out the smiles in tourists and locals alike, with its fenced dog park, children's playground, a basketball court, and more, all spread across two acres of land.

Boerne's Cibolo Creek Brewing Company earned a statewide award in the category for the best brewery.

"Boerne is quickly climbing the ranks in the craft brewery scene, and Cibolo Creek Brewing Company has become a community favorite in a big-time lineup found along the Hill Country Mile, the city’s thriving downtown district," the Texas Travel Awards brewery overview said. "Known for approachable, true-to-style beers, family-owned Cibolo Creek offers a homey atmosphere where friends and families are welcomed for a good drink, a great meal and good old-fashioned conversation."

The full list of winners in the 2023 Texas Travel Awards can be found on their website.