Explore The Bachelor’s Texas filming spots, why Houston invested $240K to host the show, and where fans can visit these reality TV landmarks.

When it comes to finding the perfect backdrop for romance, “The Bachelor” franchise has returned to Texas time and again. The Lone Star State’s diverse cities have played host to dramatic rose ceremonies, tearful confessions, and budding relationships across multiple seasons of the hit ABC series.

Whether filming in the vibrant streets of Austin, the scenic River Walk of San Antonio, or the cosmopolitan energy of Houston and Dallas, producers have found that Texas offers the perfect blend of urban sophistication and down-home charm for reality TV love stories. While each Texas city has welcomed the show in its own way, Houston’s approach in 2021 stands out for its significant investment in bringing Bachelor Nation to town.

The $240,000 Houston investment

While viewers watched contestants exclaim “We’re going to Houston, baby!” during Clayton Echard’s season, behind the scenes, Houston First Corporation—the public agency tasked with marketing the city—had invested $240,000 in hotel occupancy tax dollars to bring the production to town.

Holly Clapham-Rosenow, chief marketing officer at Houston First, explained the investment as a strategic marketing opportunity. “At the time that we did the deal, it was just for one episode, but we got two,” she told local media. What was initially planned as a single episode expanded when producers “loved it so much here that they filmed two episodes in Houston.”

The city estimated a direct economic impact of at least $500,000 from the show’s presence, with more than 200 producers and crew members staying in Houston for 7-10 days.

Where to Spot Bachelor landmarks in Texas

For fans looking to experience locations featured in The Bachelor, these filming spots played prominent roles in Season 26:

C. Baldwin Hotel (Downtown Houston)

The luxurious Hilton property served as a home base for contestants and crew during their Houston stay. General Manager Chris Niederschulte noted that after the Houston episodes aired, visitors inquired about where specific scenes, including the rose ceremony, were filmed throughout the hotel.

“The exposure that you get from that show is just incredible, not only for Texas, not only for Houston, but for all the places that they touch,” Niederschulte told ABC13 News.

NRG Stadium

Bachelor Clayton Echard and contestants participated in the “Bachelor Bowl” at the Houston Texans’ home stadium, with Texans players Jonathan Greenard and Kamu Grugier-Hill serving as coaches. The football-themed group date featured commentary from sports broadcaster Hannah Storm, who worked in Houston early in her career, including hosting Rockets and Astros postgame shows.

Hughes Manor (Washington Avenue, Houston)

This event space on Washington Avenue near Studemont hosted an after-party following the football game at NRG Stadium. The venue typically hosts weddings and parties but transformed into a Bachelor hotspot for one dramatic evening.

Blood Bros. BBQ

The show staged what appeared to be a chance encounter between Echard and one contestant at an outdoor picnic featuring the acclaimed Houston barbecue joint. Despite the show’s framing—the restaurant’s logo was blurred, and the name wasn’t mentioned—Blood Bros. co-founder Robin Wong appreciated the exposure. “Houston is definitely a destination spot for barbecue,” Wong told ABC13. “We do get a lot of tourists.”

The Historic Hill House and Farm (Willis)

Located about 60 miles north of downtown Houston, this farm hosted a one-on-one date featuring horseback riding and an outdoor barbecue picnic with Blood Bros. BBQ. According to local reports, the venue describes itself as “a little bit of everything” in a “secluded countryside escape.”

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

For a classic oceanside date, the show ventured to this Galveston landmark, offering Gulf of Mexico views and amusement park attractions. The iconic pier, which reopened in 2012 after being destroyed by Hurricane Ike, provided the perfect backdrop for romantic moments with its carnival games, rides, and panoramic coastal views that have made it a popular destination for couples beyond just reality TV stars.

Worth the cost?

Not all Houston residents were thrilled about the city’s six-figure investment. During interviews with local media, Houstonian Sara Perez expressed concern about the expense: “I think that’s too expensive,” she said. “They already make enough profit off of the show, so why are you still trying to upcharge us for just Houston, coming to Houston.”

However, marketing experts like Steven Devadanam, editor of CultureMap Houston, argued that the value extends beyond what a traditional advertisement could deliver. “If it brings people here and if it gets people away from Austin and it gets people away from Dallas and brings tax dollars and it brings dining dollars, entertainment dollars, hotel dollars to my city, I’m all for it,” Devadanam said.

According to Houston First, the investment may have led to additional opportunities, as Clapham-Rosenow mentioned that another show affiliated with “The Bachelor” was shooting in the city after their initial visit.

Texas: A recurring Bachelor destination

The Lone Star State has been a recurring destination throughout the franchise’s history, with dozens of popular contestants hailing from cities in the state. Former Bachelor Zach Shallcross calls Austin home, and the most recent Bachelor, Grant Ellis of Season 29, currently lives in Houston and has expressed his appreciation for the city in interviews.

Dallas hosted a romantic hometown date during Colton Underwood’s Season 23, and San Antonio joined the Bachelor universe during the filming of “The Bachelorette” in 2015. Production captured Kaitlyn Bristowe’s romantic dates along the River Walk, at the San Antonio Botanical Garden (complete with fireworks), in the popular downtown restaurant Mi Tierra, and even included two-stepping lessons at historic Gruene Hall in nearby New Braunfels.

Whether you’re a dedicated Bachelor fan or simply curious about reality TV landmarks, these Texas locations offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of one of television’s most popular dating franchises.

This article may have been created with the assistance of AI.