What to pack for a Gaylord Texan stay
Pack swimwear, sunscreen, and a cover-up for Paradise Springs Water Park plus casual daytime clothes and smart-casual outfit(s) for restaurants like Old Hickory Steakhouse. Bring chargers, a light jacket for cooler evenings, any prescription meds, and items for your specific room type (e.g., slippers or a small laundry kit).
In this guide
Pool & water-park gear
If you plan to use Paradise Springs Water Park or the resort pools, pack at least one swimsuit, a quick-dry towel (the property provides towels at pools but a personal towel is convenient), water shoes, and reef-safe sunscreen. Paradise Springs is a seasonal outdoor water park; bring a cover-up for walking through common areas and when leaving the pool.
The water park has rules about appropriate swimwear and no glass; if you expect to buy alcohol poolside, bring photo ID. Pool hours and rules can vary by season, and access to Paradise Springs is for overnight resort guests only.
- Swimsuit(s) and cover-up
- Sunscreen (broad-spectrum) and sunglasses
- Water shoes or flip-flops
- Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
- Photo ID for poolside alcohol purchases
| Pool item | Why bring it |
|---|---|
| Quick-dry towel | Convenience between pools and rooms |
| Water shoes | Grip on wet surfaces; protection from hot decking |
| Sunscreen | Sun protection during summer months |
What to pack for your room
Guest rooms at Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center include a range of types — Room, Standard Room, Standard Room (Atrium, Tub), Room (Atrium, Tub), Executive Suite, Deluxe Suite, and Family Suite — so tailor extras to your room. Basic in-room amenities include coffee stations and bottled water, but bring any specialty items you need (e.g., travel coffee, adapters, or preferred toiletries).
If you reserve an Executive Suite, Deluxe Suite, or Family Suite and expect extra sleepers, bring any bedding or sleep aids your family needs; children up to 12 can stay free using existing beds in a parent/guardian’s room. Pack slippers or flip-flops for walking on balcony/room tile and a small laundry kit if you prefer to handle minor stains between activities.
- Phone/tablet chargers and power bank
- Travel-size laundry detergent or stain stick
- Earplugs or white-noise app for light sleepers
- Prescriptions, contact-lens supplies, and basic first-aid
| Room type | Pack extra for |
|---|---|
| Room / Standard Room | Comfortable daytime outfits; one or two evening options |
| Executive Suite / Deluxe Suite | Extra socks/shoes if you’ll use the fitness center or spa |
| Family Suite | Kid-friendly snacks, small toys, or travel games |
Dining, dress code, and extras for restaurants
Dining options include casual venues (Riverwalk Cantina, Texan Station Sports Bar & Grill, Paradise Springs Kitchen & Bar) and more formal spots (Old Hickory Steakhouse and Zeppole). Old Hickory Steakhouse posts a Smart Casual dress code, while many pool- and bar-side locations are Casual.
Pack at least one neat evening outfit if you plan to dine at Old Hickory Steakhouse or Zeppole. Bring any specialty items you prefer for meals (e.g., baby food, formula) since the resort is not all-inclusive and most food is pay-as-you-go.
- Smart-casual outfit for Old Hickory Steakhouse or Zeppole
- Casual daytime clothes for poolside and family dining
- Reusable water bottle (the resort provides some bottled water inclusions via the resort fee)
| Venue style | Suggested packing |
|---|---|
| Old Hickory Steakhouse | Smart-casual outfit, reservation suggested |
| Riverwalk Cantina / Texan Station | Casual clothes; family-friendly |
| Paradise Springs Kitchen & Bar | Swim cover-up and sandals |
Spa, fitness, and wellness items
Relâche Spa & Salon is an on-site full-service spa; spa guests can use the lap pool, sauna, and steam room as part of a spa visit. If you plan spa treatments, pack a swimsuit for spa pool/steam access and lightweight workout clothes for the 24-hour fitness center.
The fitness center includes Technogym cardio equipment and locker rooms. Bring workout shoes, a water bottle, and any small accessories you use (resistance bands, heart-rate monitor). The spa offers services like massages and facials; bring any medical notes relevant to treatments (for example, prenatal massage eligibility).
- Workout clothes and athletic shoes
- Swimsuit for lap pool and spa amenities
- Small toiletries for post-workout/shower
- Medical info if booking specialty spa treatments
| Facility | Pack |
|---|---|
| Relâche Spa & Salon | Swimsuit, light robe/cover-up if desired |
| Fitness Center | Athletic shoes, water bottle |
| Lap pool | Goggles and swim cap if you lap swim |
Business travelers & event attendees
The resort includes extensive meeting and convention space, so bring professional attire for conferences, a lightweight blazer, and comfortable shoes for walking long hallways or exhibit halls. Pack extra power cords, a laptop bag, and a portable charger for long event days.
If you’re presenting, bring a copy of your slides on a USB drive and verify A/V needs with event organizers — the property hosts many large-scale events and capacities vary by ballroom and exhibit hall.
- Business attire and at least one comfortable outfit
- Chargers, HDMI adapter, and backup USB drive
- Notebook, pens, and business cards
- Comfortable shoes for long exhibit floors
| Event type | Pack |
|---|---|
| Large convention/ballroom | Comfortable dress shoes; extra socks |
| Boardroom or meeting room | Laptop, presentation adapters |
| Evening reception | Smart-casual or cocktail attire |
Getting there and practical extras
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center sits on Lake Grapevine at 1501 Gaylord Trl, Grapevine, Texas, about six miles from DFW Airport. The hotel does not operate a complimentary airport shuttle; rideshare, taxi, or rental car are common options. A paid one-way shuttle to DFW Airport runs on a limited schedule.
Expect a mandatory daily resort fee and parking fees to be charged at check-in; pack a credit card for incidental charges. The property is smoke-free, and pets are not permitted (service animals allowed). For seasonal visits, bring appropriate layered clothing — summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild to cool.
- Photo ID and credit card for incidentals and parking
- Light jacket for cooler evenings or air-conditioned public spaces
- Portable umbrella or lightweight rain jacket in wetter months
| Practical item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Credit card | Resort fee, parking, dining and incidentals |
| Photo ID | Check-in and age-restricted venues (21+ for Glass Cactus) |
| Light layers | Texas weather can change; indoor areas are air-conditioned |
