Texas may be known for its big cities and BBQ joints, but as someone who’s spent countless weekends exploring the Lone Star State, I can tell you there’s so much more to discover when you’re looking for a romantic escape. Sure, Austin and Houston have their charm, but sometimes you need to step away from the hustle and bustle to really connect with your special someone.
From hidden Hill Country vineyards to quiet coastal towns along the Gulf, Texas serves up plenty of sweet spots for couples who want to spend quality time together. Whether you’re planning a quick overnight trip or mapping out a long weekend, you’ll find places that let you slow down and make memories without fighting through tourist crowds. Here’s my handpicked list of the best weekend getaways for couples in Texas, perfect for when you need that quality time together.
Fredericksburg Wine Country
Get a taste of Texas wine culture in Fredericksburg, where over 50 wineries and tasting rooms line the countryside. You can hop between vineyards along the famous Wine Road 290, sampling local varieties like Tempranillo and Viognier while taking in views of the rolling hills. Book a stay at one of the cozy bed and breakfasts in town, then spend your days exploring historic Main Street’s German-inspired architecture and boutique shops. For a romantic evening, reserve a table at Otto’s German Bistro, where you can enjoy schnitzel and local wines on their intimate patio. It’s an ideal spot for couples looking to slow down and savor life together.
Galveston Island
Located just 50 miles southeast of Houston, Galveston Island has been drawing couples to its shores since the late 1800s. This barrier island along the Texas Gulf Coast stretches 32 miles, with the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico lapping at its sandy beaches. The island’s Historic Downtown District tells stories through its Victorian architecture and brick-paved streets, while the famous Pleasure Pier extends 1,130 feet over the water, filled with rides and games that bring out the kid in everyone. Couples can stroll along Seawall Boulevard, watching waves crash against Texas’ longest continuous sidewalk, or duck into one of the many seafood restaurants serving fresh catches of the day. The Moody Gardens’ distinctive glass pyramids house tropical plants and marine life, offering a perfect escape when the coastal sun gets too strong.
San Antonio River Walk
I always recommend couples visiting San Antonio to spend time at the River Walk. Located in the heart of downtown, this charming network of walkways runs alongside the San Antonio River, connecting you to restaurants, shops, and hotels that line both sides of the waterway. You can stroll hand-in-hand along the cypress-lined paths, take a romantic boat tour, or enjoy dinner at one of the riverside cafes while watching the world go by.
Austin Hill Country
Looking to escape into nature without straying too far from comfort? Austin’s Hill Country strikes that perfect balance of wild and refined. Just west of the city, rolling hills dotted with ancient oak trees give way to clear streams and hidden swimming holes. During spring, patches of bluebonnets paint the landscape in shades of blue, making those country drives feel like you’re cruising through a postcard. The area is packed with cozy bed & breakfasts, local wineries where you can sip and sample, and small towns like Fredericksburg where German heritage meets Texas charm. When you’re not floating down the Guadalupe River or exploring limestone caves, you can join locals at rustic dance halls where couples two-step under the stars to live country music.
South Padre Island
South Padre Island stands out as Texas’s own slice of tropical paradise, where the Gulf of Mexico meets endless stretches of sandy shoreline. This barrier island, just 30 miles long, packs in everything you’d want for a beach escape – from wind-surfing and paddleboarding to sunset cruises where dolphins play in the boat’s wake. Unlike much of Texas’s coastline, the water here runs clear and blue, making it perfect for couples who want to snorkel or just lounge on the beach without the crowds you’d find in more popular coastal destinations. While spring break brings college students in droves, the rest of the year offers a laid-back atmosphere that’s ideal for romantic walks along the shore or sharing fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop
Looking for a romantic retreat that feels worlds away from city life? Head to Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop, Texas. Set among 405 acres of rolling pine forest just 30 minutes from Austin, this Hyatt resort offers couples everything from horseback riding and spa treatments to lazy river floating and fine dining. The property’s rustic-luxe rooms give you that perfect mix of outdoorsy charm and modern comfort.
New Braunfels & Gruene
Located just 30 miles north of San Antonio, New Braunfels is a charming German-influenced town I first discovered during a summer road trip in 2019. This Hill Country gem sits at the meeting point of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, creating a perfect setting for water-loving couples. The historic downtown area tells the story of German settlers who arrived here in 1845, with cozy beer gardens and authentic German restaurants dotting the streets. Schlitterbahn Waterpark draws visitors during warm months, while the natural Cave Without a Name offers cool underground exploration year-round. The town really comes alive at Gruene Historic District, where couples can two-step at the famous Gruene Hall – Texas’ oldest continually operating dance hall – or spend afternoons browsing antique shops and sipping local wines at riverside tasting rooms.
Port Aransas
Looking to escape the Texas heat? Port Aransas, perched on Mustang Island along the Gulf Coast, offers couples a laid-back beach town vibe just a four-hour drive from Austin. Known by locals as “Port A,” this coastal gem is where you can spot dolphins playing in the waves right from the fishing pier, or watch giant cargo ships glide through the channel at sunset. Home to 18 miles of sandy shores, it’s a place where you can spend your mornings collecting seashells, afternoons trying your luck at deep-sea fishing, and evenings sharing fresh-caught seafood at local dockside restaurants. The town’s character-filled cottages and beachfront condos make it easy to find the perfect romantic hideaway for two.
Marfa Art Scene
If you’re looking for something completely different from the usual Texas scene, Marfa will blow your mind. This tiny desert town has become an unlikely art capital, where minimalist installations stand against the backdrop of dusty West Texas plains. The 200-mile drive from the nearest major city might seem daunting, but it’s worth every mile to experience this quirky mix of cowboy culture and contemporary art. During the day, you’ll find yourself wandering through converted warehouses filled with modern art, and at night, you might catch a glimpse of the mysterious Marfa Lights dancing across the desert horizon. It’s not your typical romantic getaway, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
Dallas Bishop Arts District
Looking for a slice of old-school charm mixed with new-age cool? That’s exactly what you’ll find in Dallas’s Bishop Arts District, where historic buildings house everything from craft coffee shops to indie art galleries. This walkable neighborhood feels like a small town dropped right in the heart of the big city, with local artists selling their work next to mom-and-pop restaurants that have been around for decades. You can spend your morning browsing vintage vinyl records, grab lunch at a trendy taco spot, then wind down with a glass of wine at one of the district’s cozy wine bars. It’s especially magical in the evening when the strings of lights twinkle overhead and couples stroll hand-in-hand between the boutiques and bistros.
Wimberley Valley
Located just 45 minutes from Austin, Wimberley Valley is where nature-loving couples go to slow down and reconnect. This laid-back Hill Country town offers swimming holes like Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well, where you can take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters. The downtown area features local wineries, art galleries, and charming boutiques perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
Jefferson Historic District
Step back in time with a visit to Jefferson’s Historic District, a charming slice of 19th-century Texas that I first explored on a spontaneous road trip in 2019. This small town, nestled in the eastern corner of the Lone Star State, holds the distinction of being one of Texas’s best-preserved historic districts. Red-brick buildings and Victorian mansions line the streets here, alongside vintage general stores and old-fashioned ice cream parlors that have barely changed since the town’s heyday as a bustling river port. The historic Excelsior House Hotel, dating back to 1858, anchors the district with its period furniture and wraparound porch, offering couples a cozy base for exploring the town’s antique shops, horse-drawn carriage rides, and local history museums.
Kemah Boardwalk
Many couples head to Kemah Boardwalk for its waterfront location on Galveston Bay, but this coastal destination offers much more than just water views. The 60-acre entertainment complex combines classic boardwalk attractions with modern amenities, featuring everything from carnival rides to waterfront dining spots. While weekends bring live music performances and special events that light up the boardwalk, the area’s charm isn’t limited to these peak times. Whether you’re looking to try your luck at midway games, enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants, or simply take a romantic stroll along the water’s edge, Kemah Boardwalk provides a perfect mix of nostalgic amusement and coastal relaxation all year round.
Glen Rose & Fossil Rim
Glen Rose might be known for its prehistoric past preserved in Dinosaur Valley State Park, but Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers couples a modern-day safari experience just an hour southwest of Fort Worth. The 1,800-acre conservation center lets visitors drive through rolling hills to observe more than 1,100 animals from 50+ species, including zebras, giraffes, and endangered rhinos. While the traditional drive-through tour takes about 3-4 hours, couples can opt for special behind-the-scenes tours or even stay overnight in safari-style lodging. Beyond animal encounters, the center offers educational programs and seasonal events, making it an engaging destination for nature-loving pairs year-round.
Lake Austin
Less than 30 minutes from Austin’s downtown core sits the peaceful oasis of Lake Austin. Like other lakes in Texas, it offers plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and waterfront dining. But unlike its busier neighbors, Lake Austin maintains a more laid-back, exclusive feel. Just watch the steady stream of luxurious boats gliding past waterfront mansions, and you’ll see what makes this spot special. Because of its constant water level, maintained by the Mansfield Dam, Lake Austin has become a favorite among wealthy residents and visitors looking for a reliable escape from the Texas heat, and you’ll find upscale resorts and cozy vacation rentals dotting its shores.
The Woodlands
Just 30 minutes north of Houston lies The Woodlands, a peaceful retreat that feels worlds away from the big city bustle. Like many suburban communities in Texas, The Woodlands has its share of shopping centers, restaurants, and parks. But unlike the others, it manages to blend urban convenience with natural beauty in a way that makes you forget you’re so close to a major metropolis. Just take a stroll along the waterway, where you’ll spot couples paddling boats and families enjoying outdoor concerts, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of its careful development around existing pine forests, The Woodlands maintains a unique outdoor focus, with over 200 miles of hiking trails weaving through neighborhoods and past scenic lakes.
Little-Known Fact:
Did you know that The Woodlands, Texas was originally designed in 1974 as a planned community for Houston commuters, with a unique focus on preserving the area’s natural forest landscape? Today, this master-planned city has grown into a thriving hub north of Houston with over 150 miles of walking trails woven through neighborhoods and forests, living up to its woodland namesake.
Grapevine Historic District
Just 25 minutes from Dallas, the Grapevine Historic District transports you back to the late 1800s with its collection of preserved buildings and small-town charm. Main Street stretches for five blocks, lined with red-brick storefronts that house local shops, art galleries, and wine tasting rooms – a nod to the city’s rich winemaking heritage. Couples can spend their days browsing antique stores housed in buildings from the 1890s or hopping between the area’s nine wine tasting rooms. The vintage railroad that runs through downtown adds to the old-world atmosphere, while the nearby Grapevine Lake provides a perfect backdrop for evening strolls. The district really comes alive during the holiday season when millions of lights transform Main Street into what locals fondly call the Christmas Capital of Texas.
Did You Know This Fact?
Did you know that Grapevine got its name from the wild mustang grapes that once covered the region’s rolling hills back in the 1800s? Today, this historic district stays true to its grape-growing roots with over 7 wineries along Main Street where you can sample Texas wines while wandering past preserved 19th-century buildings.
Rockport-Fulton
Ever heard of a town where fishermen and artists live in perfect harmony? That’s Rockport-Fulton for you, a charming coastal duo on the Texas Gulf Coast where pelicans soar overhead and sailboats dot the horizon. Just a short drive from Corpus Christi, this laid-back beach community is where couples can spend their mornings browsing local art galleries and afternoons casting lines from the famous Rockport Beach Pier. The area’s calm waters make it perfect for kayaking through the channels, while the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge nearby offers prime spots to watch endangered whooping cranes during their winter migration. Between fresh seafood dinners and sunset walks along the shore, you’ll understand why this hidden gem has been drawing romantics to its waters for generations.