Texas Is Building Massive New Waterfront Paradise With Name-Brand Resorts

Let’s be trustworthy — on the subject of the South, Florida is the primary place that involves thoughts if you’re craving a soothing waterfront paradise.

While Texas has its justifiable share of coastal charmers that do not rhyme with Shalveston, the Lone Star State is extra generally identified for its sprawling lakes, the place boats and good instances galore.

You do not have to go to Nashville or Branson to get your honky-tonk repair — all you gotta do is make your technique to one among many Texas lakes the place nation music is at all times blaring and chilly beer is at all times on the prepared.

As they are saying, “everything is bigger in Texas” and now they’re proving that outdated adage interprets to the state’s desires and ambitions with the lofty aim to develop a brand new trip vacation spot — and 2 premiere name-brand hotels have already signed on to anchor this lakeside oasis.

While Texas is taking the reins, that is really a multi-state affair. Oklahoma shares Lake Texoma (therefore the identify)…

Expect Margaritaville on one facet of the state line, and Hard Rock on the opposite. Either method you slice it, Texas tourism will look quite a bit completely different for years to return.

It’s not simply Fort Worth’s surprising island transformation that is altering the panorama of North Texas.

Next up, is Preston Harbor…

So Long, Summers! Lake Texoma Will Soon Be A Year-Round Getaway

As most individuals envision Texas as a sunny vacation spot, the reality is that pockets of winter might be simply as brutal because the Northeast.

Take it from me, who grew up a lifelong Texan and had a number of snow-blanketed birthdays in March.

That stated, Lake Texoma is generally referred to as an ideal fishing spot. As such, it loses its enchantment much more through the colder months since there at present is not quite a bit to do besides complain about how chilly it’s proper now.

Summer, although? That’s an entire completely different vibe, and matches the invoice with what we stated earlier as a ‘boats galore’ playground.

But as enjoyable as this lake is throughout blazing sizzling summers, the aim is to let the nice instances roll for the entire yr!

What higher method than to develop a waterfront paradise led by iconic resorts, leisure districts, scenic bike paths, and points of interest designed to maintain guests coming lengthy after summer season fades?

That’s the thought behind Preston Harbor, a $6 billion venture (sure, with a “B”) that is destined to reshape North Texas tourism.

This behemoth of an endeavor will take over 3000+ acres of land, together with practically 10 miles of calm shoreline and winding tributaries to discover.

Margaritaville & Hard Rock Are The First To Gamble On Preston Harbor

I do not know why I grew up within the small home I did if Texas has such deep pockets…

Margaritaville is a $100 million development. According to Dallas Morning News, it is set to nestle the peninsula adjoining to the prevailing Grandpappy Point Marina (sure, on the Texas facet).

Yeehaw to that!

As for Oklahoma, a state the place Texans generally go to to legally gamble at quite a few flashy casinos, equivalent to Winstar, an much more recognizable identify will quickly be a part of the occasion.

That’s proper, Hard Rock is rumored to plant its flag on Lake Texoma’s Oklahoma shoreline.

Margaritaville has the inexperienced mild, whereas Hard Rock hit some bureaucratic bumps within the highway, in accordance with the newest reports final summer season.

‘Dirty Water’: Is This The Right Lake For Such A Massive Bet?

Trouble in paradise, already? Depends who you ask…

It appears to be a baseline consensus that there are way more majestic lakes in Texas. We at Travel Off Path have reported on the ‘Maldives of Texas‘ up to now…

According to 1 specific report taken place final yr, it was deemed amongst “the most polluted lakes in the United States”.

In equity, this report was issued in regard to officers admitting there must be substantial water upgrades for the neighborhood.

Though, a separate study claimed Lake Texoma was the third dirtiest lake in America in 2025.

Reviews on TripAdvisor appear to say the opposite, nonetheless.

Holding a reasonably spectacular 4.4 ranking throughout the board, vacationers aren’t saying it is Cancun 2.0, however they are not saying it is a dump both.

Preston Harbor’s closest comparability could also be Punta Gorda, Florida, when widespread finances airline Allegiant surprisingly bought into the resort recreation.

Despite hugging brackish waters, their highly-anticipated resort turned a spot nice for sundown views and posh facilities, however not a lot for swimming and the everyday seashore vibes you envision in Florida.

Not to say Lake Texoma will not be a raging success, however it’s price noting Punta Gorda’s resort by no means lived as much as the hype because it struggled with occupancy and finally modified possession inside a couple of years of opening doorways.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist primarily based in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a deal with sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.

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