Texas may be known for its big cities like Houston and Dallas, but as someone who’s driven through every corner of the Lone Star State, I can tell you that its charm really shines in the small towns and hidden spots perfect for weekend escapes. Sure, everyone heads to Austin or San Antonio when they need a break, but Texas has so much more to offer beyond these popular destinations.
From the rolling hills of Hill Country to the peaceful shores of the Gulf Coast, and the rugged beauty of West Texas to the pine forests of the east, Texas serves up endless possibilities for quick getaways. Whether you’re looking for small-town squares with local shops, quiet hiking trails, or lesser-known cultural gems, there’s a perfect weekend spot waiting for you. Here are 18 weekend getaways in Texas that deserve your attention.
San Antonio, Texas
Wander along the famous River Walk in San Antonio, where old-world charm meets modern Texas flair. This unique waterway winds through downtown, offering countless restaurants and shops to explore as you stroll beneath towering cypress trees. Stop by the Alamo to dive into Texas history, then head to the Pearl District, where a former brewery has become a food lover’s paradise. For family fun, spend an afternoon at SeaWorld or Six Flags Fiesta Texas, both just a short drive from downtown. When evening comes, grab a table at Mi Tierra, a 24-hour Mexican restaurant that’s been serving up authentic dishes since 1941.
New Braunfels, Texas
Just 45 minutes northeast of San Antonio lies New Braunfels, a city where German heritage meets Texas charm. Like many Hill Country towns, New Braunfels has its share of local restaurants, wineries, and outdoor activities. But unlike its neighbors, it offers a unique blend of old-world European influence and small-town Texas living. Listen for the cheerful sounds of polka music drifting from historic dance halls, and you’ll get the picture. Thanks to the German settlers who founded the city in 1845, you’ll find authentic biergartens, German architecture, and time-honored festivals like Wurstfest scattered throughout town. The city’s two rivers, the Comal and Guadalupe, make it a top spot for tubing and water recreation during Texas’s hot summers.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Step back in time when you visit Fredericksburg, a charming German settlement in the Texas Hill Country. You can spend your days strolling down Main Street, popping into more than 150 local shops, art galleries, and German restaurants serving authentic schnitzel and beer. Wine lovers will enjoy exploring the many vineyards along the famous 290 Wine Trail, where you can sample Texas-made wines while taking in views of the rolling hills. For history buffs, the National Museum of the Pacific War offers an in-depth look at World War II, while the Pioneer Museum shows what life was like for early German settlers in Texas.
Galveston, Texas
Looking for a classic Texas beach experience? Galveston is your answer. This historic island city on the Gulf Coast combines Victorian architecture with 32 miles of sandy beaches, making it perfect for both history buffs and sun-seekers. Stroll down the Pleasure Pier for old-school carnival rides and games, or wander through the Strand Historic District where 19th-century buildings house quirky shops and restaurants. The island’s seafood spots serve up fresh Gulf catches daily, and Moody Gardens’ glass pyramids offer everything from rainforest adventures to aquarium exhibits.
Austin, Texas
Austin has been my go-to weekend escape since moving to Texas in 2015. The state capital sits nestled among rolling hills and winding waterways, with Lady Bird Lake cutting through its heart like a blue ribbon. Food trucks and live music venues line South Congress Avenue, while the University of Texas campus adds youthful energy to the city’s north end. Barton Springs Pool, a natural swimming hole in the heart of Zilker Park, stays 68 degrees year-round, making it the perfect spot to cool off during Texas’ hot summers. When the sun sets, thousands of bats emerge from under Congress Avenue Bridge, creating a natural spectacle that draws visitors and locals alike to the shores of Lady Bird Lake.
Port Aransas, Texas
Located on Mustang Island along the Texas Gulf Coast, Port Aransas offers everything you’d want in a beach escape. This laid-back fishing town draws visitors with its 18 miles of sandy beaches, where you can spot dolphins playing in the waves or cast a line from one of the fishing piers. The local restaurants serve up fresh-caught seafood, and the streets are dotted with colorful beach shops and ice cream parlors that give the town its classic coastal charm.
South Padre Island, Texas
Located at the southern tip of Texas, South Padre Island feels like a slice of the Caribbean dropped right into the Lone Star State. Much like other coastal towns, it has warm waters, beach bars, and plenty of water sports. But unlike its Gulf Coast neighbors, South Padre maintains that perfect balance between spring break energy and family-friendly charm. Walk along the wide, sandy beaches where kids build sandcastles next to fishermen casting their lines, or hop on a boat to spot dolphins playing in the Laguna Madre Bay. Because of its location on a barrier island, South Padre has become a haven for both wind surfers catching the gulf breeze and nature lovers exploring the Isla Blanca Park, where you can spot everything from pelicans to sea turtles making their home along the shore.
Hill Country, Texas
Craving a taste of authentic Texas charm? You’ll find it in abundance across the rolling landscapes of Hill Country, where limestone cliffs meet winding rivers and wildflower meadows stretch as far as the eye can see. This sprawling region west of Austin and north of San Antonio serves up the perfect blend of outdoor adventures and small-town hospitality. You can float down the Guadalupe River, explore underground caves at Natural Bridge Caverns, or hop between charming German-influenced towns like Fredericksburg, where local wineries and peach orchards beckon visitors year-round. The area is also home to Enchanted Rock, a massive pink granite dome that Native Americans once considered sacred ground.
Marfa, Texas
Art lovers and curious travelers head to Marfa for its unlikely combination of minimalist art and West Texas charm, but this remote desert town offers much more than meets the eye. The former railroad stop has become an unexpected cultural hub, home to the famous Chinati Foundation and its large-scale art installations. In the evening, visitors gather at viewing stations to catch a glimpse of the mysterious Marfa Lights, an unexplained phenomenon where strange orbs dance across the desert sky. While the town’s art scene draws many weekend visitors, you’ll also find locally-owned shops, food trucks serving up tasty treats, and Historic Hotel Paisano, where the cast of Giant stayed during filming in 1955.
Granbury, Texas
Located just 70 miles southwest of Dallas, Granbury offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and historic appeal. The town’s restored Victorian-era buildings line the perimeter of Hood County Courthouse, creating one of the best-preserved town squares in Texas. Local shops and family-owned restaurants fill these nineteenth-century structures, while Lake Granbury provides a cool retreat during warm summer days. History buffs will appreciate the tales of Jesse James, who allegedly lived here under an alias, while wine enthusiasts can explore the handful of wineries dotting the countryside. The Granbury Opera House, dating back to 1886, still hosts live performances, adding a touch of cultural elegance to this laid-back Texas gem.
Canyon Lake, Texas
Looking for a slice of Hill Country paradise? Canyon Lake, nestled between San Antonio and Austin, is where lake life meets Texas charm. This 8,200-acre reservoir draws water sports enthusiasts who spend their days boating, fishing, and swimming in its clear waters. Eight parks dot the shoreline, offering perfect spots for picnics and sunset watching. You can explore limestone caves at Canyon Lake Gorge, a natural wonder created by a massive flood in 2002, or try your luck catching bass and catfish. The surrounding hills are home to cozy cabins and waterfront rentals where you can wake up to views of morning mist rising off the water.
Lost Pines, Bastrop, Texas
Just an hour southeast of Austin, Lost Pines Bastrop offers a peaceful retreat among towering loblolly pines. This unique region gets its name from a 13-mile belt of pine trees that somehow got separated from the East Texas Piney Woods thousands of years ago. At its heart lies Bastrop State Park, where you can hike through pine forests, fish in the park’s lake, or stay overnight in historic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Jefferson, Texas
Jefferson is where history comes alive in the heart of East Texas. Founded in the 1840s as a bustling river port, this charming town sits along Big Cypress Bayou, surrounded by tall pine trees and historic buildings that tell tales of the past. The downtown area feels like stepping back in time, with brick-lined streets and well-preserved Victorian mansions standing proudly as they did during the town’s heyday. You can hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a guided tour, explore antique shops housed in original storefronts, or take a ghost walk through what locals call “the most haunted small town in Texas.” The nearby Caddo Lake State Park adds to Jefferson’s appeal, offering cypress-lined waterways perfect for kayaking and fishing, while bed and breakfasts housed in period homes give visitors a true taste of Southern hospitality.
Wimberley, Texas
Visitors flock to the Hill Country town of Wimberley for its natural swimming holes, with Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well being the main draws, but this peaceful spot offers much more than just places to cool off. The town sits at the meeting point of the Blanco River and Cypress Creek, creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities like kayaking and tubing. Throughout the year, Wimberley’s Market Days bring together hundreds of vendors selling crafts, food, and antiques, while the nearby wineries offer tastings of Texas-made wines. Whether you’re climbing Mount Baldy for valley views or exploring the local art galleries, Wimberley provides a perfect escape from city life.
Glen Rose, Texas
Step back in time when you visit Glen Rose, known as the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas.” Located just 90 minutes from Dallas, this small town lets you walk in the footsteps of prehistoric creatures at Dinosaur Valley State Park, where real dinosaur tracks are preserved in the limestone riverbed. The Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers a different kind of animal encounter, where you can drive through 1,800 acres of open space and feed giraffes, zebras, and other exotic animals from your car window. For a change of pace, head to the historic downtown square to browse local shops and grab a slice of homemade pie at the Pie Peddlers, a beloved local institution since 1986.
Cool Fact:
Did you know that Glen Rose, Texas is known as the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas” thanks to its incredible collection of fossilized dinosaur footprints preserved in limestone along the Paluxy River? The town embraces its prehistoric claim to fame with Dinosaur Valley State Park, where visitors can literally walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs that roamed the area over 113 million years ago.
Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi holds a special place among Texas coastal cities, offering something you just won’t find anywhere else in the Lone Star State. This seaside gem combines the charm of a beach town with the conveniences of a mid-sized city, stretching along 70 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline. The city serves up plenty of ways to enjoy the water, from watching massive cargo ships slide through the port channel to casting a line off Bob Hall Pier. It’s where you can spend your morning walking through the USS Lexington aircraft carrier museum, grab lunch at a local seafood joint, and still have time to dig your toes in the sand at Padre Island National Seashore before sunset.
Conroe, Texas
Located just 40 miles north of Houston lies the laid-back city of Conroe. While many Texas towns boast large lakes and outdoor recreation, Conroe stands out with Lake Conroe’s 22,000 acres of water perfect for boating, fishing, and waterfront dining. But what really sets this place apart is how it balances small-town charm with modern entertainment. You’ll find locals gathering at the historic downtown square for live music and craft beer, while others spend their afternoons hiking through the towering pines of W. Goodrich Jones State Forest. Thanks to Conroe’s history as a lumber boomtown in the early 1900s, the downtown area features well-preserved architecture and local shops that tell stories of its timber-rich past.
Georgetown, Texas
Just 30 miles north of Austin lies Georgetown, a charming small town I first discovered during a springtime drive through Texas Hill Country. The town square, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands as the centerpiece of this historic community, with its red-brick Victorian architecture dating back to the 1890s. Local shops and cafes line the streets here, while the San Gabriel River winds through town, creating the perfect backdrop for Blue Hole Park – a favorite swimming spot among locals. The area comes alive each spring when red poppies blanket the town’s gardens and parks, inspiring an annual Red Poppy Festival that draws visitors from across the state. Natural wonders like Inner Space Cavern offer underground adventures, where prehistoric remains and ancient rock formations tell stories of Texas from millions of years ago.
