Let’s be honest — when it comes to the South, Florida is the first place that comes to mind when you’re craving a relaxing waterfront paradise.
While Texas has its fair share of coastal charmers that don’t rhyme with Shalveston, the Lone Star State is more commonly known for its sprawling lakes, where boats and good times galore.
You don’t have to visit Nashville or Branson to get your honky-tonk fix — all you gotta do is make your way to one of many Texas lakes where country music is always blaring and cold beer is always at the ready.
As they say, “everything is bigger in Texas” and now they’re proving that old adage translates to the state’s dreams and ambitions with the lofty goal to develop a new vacation destination — and 2 premiere name-brand hotels have already signed on to anchor this lakeside oasis.
While Texas is taking the reins, this is actually a multi-state affair. Oklahoma shares Lake Texoma (hence the name)…
Expect Margaritaville on one side of the state line, and Hard Rock on the other. Either way you slice it, Texas tourism will look a lot different for years to come.
It’s not just Fort Worth’s shocking island transformation that’s changing the landscape of North Texas.
Next up, is Preston Harbor…
So Long, Summers! Lake Texoma Will Soon Be A Year-Round Getaway
As most people envision Texas as a sunny destination, the truth is that pockets of winter can be just as brutal as the Northeast.
Take it from me, who grew up a lifelong Texan and had multiple snow-blanketed birthdays in March.
That said, Lake Texoma is mostly known as a great fishing spot. As such, it loses its appeal even more during the colder months since there currently isn’t a lot to do except complain about how cold it is right now.
Summer, though? That’s a whole different vibe, and fits the bill with what we said earlier as a ‘boats galore’ playground.
But as fun as this lake is during blazing hot summers, the goal is to let the good times roll for the whole year!
What better way than to develop a waterfront paradise led by iconic resorts, entertainment districts, scenic bike paths, and attractions designed to keep visitors coming long after summer fades?
That’s the idea behind Preston Harbor, a $6 billion project (yes, with a “B”) that’s destined to reshape North Texas tourism.
This behemoth of an endeavor will take over 3000+ acres of land, including nearly 10 miles of calm shoreline and winding tributaries to explore.
Margaritaville & Hard Rock Are The First To Gamble On Preston Harbor
I don’t know why I grew up in the small house I did if Texas has such deep pockets…
Margaritaville is a $100 million development. According to Dallas Morning News, it’s set to nestle the peninsula adjacent to the existing Grandpappy Point Marina (yes, on the Texas side).
Yeehaw to that!
As for Oklahoma, a state where Texans commonly visit to legally gamble at numerous flashy casinos, such as Winstar, an even more recognizable name will soon join the party.
That’s right, Hard Rock is rumored to plant its flag on Lake Texoma’s Oklahoma shoreline.
Margaritaville has the green light, while Hard Rock hit some bureaucratic bumps in the road, according to the latest reports last summer.
‘Dirty Water’: Is This The Right Lake For Such A Massive Bet?
Trouble in paradise, already? Depends who you ask…
It seems to be a baseline consensus that there are far more majestic lakes in Texas. We at Travel Off Path have reported on the ‘Maldives of Texas‘ in the past…
According to one particular report taken place last year, it was deemed among “the most polluted lakes in the United States”.
In fairness, this report was issued in regard to officials admitting there needs to be substantial water upgrades for the community.
Though, a separate study claimed Lake Texoma was the third dirtiest lake in America in 2025.
Reviews on TripAdvisor seem to say the contrary, however.
Holding a fairly impressive 4.4 rating across the board, travelers aren’t saying it’s Cancun 2.0, but they’re not saying it’s a dump either.
Preston Harbor’s closest comparison may be Punta Gorda, Florida, when popular budget airline Allegiant surprisingly got into the resort game.
Despite hugging brackish waters, their highly-anticipated resort became a place great for sunset views and posh amenities, but not so much for swimming and the typical beach vibes you envision in Florida.
Not to say Lake Texoma won’t be a raging success, but it’s worth noting Punta Gorda’s resort never lived up to the hype as it struggled with occupancy and ultimately changed ownership within a few years of opening doors.
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