Hey y’all, as someone who’s been road-tripping across the U.S. for years, I can tell you that Texas holds a special place in my heart when it comes to weekend getaways with the girls. While Austin and Dallas tend to steal the spotlight (and they’re great, don’t get me wrong), there’s so much more to the Lone Star State than these popular hotspots.
From hidden Hill Country vineyards to quiet coastal towns along the Gulf, and artsy desert communities out west, Texas serves up countless options for that perfect girls’ escape. Whether you’re looking to unwind, shop, explore, or just catch up over good food and even better company, I’ve put together a list of 15 destinations that’ll give you and your girlfriends exactly what you’re looking for – without the tourist crowds and inflated prices of the bigger cities.
San Antonio Riverwalk, Texas
The San Antonio Riverwalk feels like a slice of Europe dropped right in the heart of Texas. Located one level below the city streets, this network of waterways winds through downtown San Antonio like a lazy river, lined with restaurants, shops, and hotels. But unlike other tourist spots in Texas, the Riverwalk has a distinctly intimate feel, where you can watch river boats glide by while sipping margaritas at a waterfront cafe. Because of its unique layout, the area stays cool even during Texas’ hot summers, making it perfect for afternoon strolls or evening gatherings. Mexican culture has deeply influenced this area, and you’ll find authentic taquerias next to upscale wine bars, creating a blend that’s uniquely San Antonio.
Fredericksburg Wine Country, Texas
A short drive west of Austin brings you to Fredericksburg, where German heritage meets Texas wine country. Like many Hill Country towns, Fredericksburg has its share of local shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. But unlike the others, it’s surrounded by more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms dotting the countryside. Thanks to its location along Wine Road 290, visitors can hop between family-owned vineyards sampling award-winning tempranillos and cabernets. The area’s unique soil and climate conditions have made it a prime spot for growing Mediterranean grape varieties, and you’ll find plenty of passionate vintners eager to share both their wines and stories about the region’s growing wine scene.
South Padre Island, Texas
Beach lovers head to South Padre Island for its 34 miles of white sand coastline, but this coastal gem offers much more than just sunbathing spots. The island serves as a natural playground for water sports enthusiasts, with perfect conditions for kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and jet skiing throughout the warm months. The area is also a top spot for dolphin watching and deep-sea fishing excursions, while the Isla Blanca Park provides a more laid-back beach experience. During spring break, the island transforms into a lively destination for college students, but outside these weeks, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for unwinding with your girlfriends.
Austin Downtown District, Texas
Austin’s downtown district is where the city’s famous “Keep Austin Weird” motto truly comes to life. This bustling area serves as the heartbeat of Texas’s quirkiest city, where food trucks line up next to sleek rooftop bars, and live music spills out of historic venues onto the streets. During the day, you’ll find groups of friends hopping between local boutiques and coffee shops, while evenings transform the district into a lively scene where bachelor parties mix with longtime locals at honky-tonks along 6th Street. It’s the kind of place where you can start your morning with tacos from a trailer, spend the afternoon paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, and end your night dancing to live bands – all without having to venture far from your hotel.
The Woodlands, Texas
Looking for an upscale escape just north of Houston? The Woodlands offers that perfect blend of city sophistication and natural beauty, where you can shop at Market Street’s designer boutiques in the morning and paddle a kayak through peaceful waterways by afternoon. This master-planned community has grown into a destination in its own right, with over 200 miles of hiking trails winding through pine forests and along serene lakes. The Woodlands Waterway, a Venice-style canal complete with water taxis, connects you to high-end restaurants, live music venues at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and charming waterfront patios where you can sip wine while watching the sunset reflect off the water.
Grapevine Historic District, Texas
Just 30 minutes from Dallas, Grapevine’s Historic District feels like stepping back to the 1900s with its old-world charm and small-town atmosphere. Main Street stretches for five blocks, lined with local boutiques housed in carefully preserved buildings from the city’s early days. The district comes alive during weekends when groups of friends hop between the numerous wine tasting rooms, a nod to Grapevine’s rich history as the wine capital of Texas. Beyond the shops and cafes, the vintage railroad adds extra character, with its restored 1920s coaches offering wine tours through the countryside. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad station serves as the perfect meeting spot for girlfriends starting their weekend adventure, while the nearby food scene offers everything from traditional Texas barbecue to modern farm-to-table restaurants.
Galveston Island, Texas
Galveston Island holds a special place in my heart as one of Texas’ most charming coastal getaways. This 32-mile barrier island combines the laid-back vibes of a beach town with the rich history of a once-booming Victorian seaport. Along the seawall, groups of girlfriends can hop between casual seafood joints, browse local boutiques, or simply plant their umbrellas in the sand for a day of swimming and sunbathing. The island really comes alive in the historic downtown district, where 19th-century buildings house quirky shops and wine bars – perfect for those evening catch-ups with your best friends. It’s an easy drive from Houston, but once you cross the causeway, you’ll feel worlds away from big city life.
Hill Country Resort & Spa, Texas
Escape to the rolling hills of Texas at the Hill Country Resort & Spa, where peaceful relaxation meets outdoor adventure. The sprawling property offers multiple pools, a world-class spa, and an 18-hole golf course surrounded by native oak trees. You and your girlfriends can start your day with yoga on the lawn, spend the afternoon getting pampered with massages, and end the evening sharing wine and small plates at their cozy restaurant overlooking the countryside. For active groups, there are hiking trails, tennis courts, and guided horseback rides through the property’s 300 acres.
Dallas Arts District, Texas
Experience culture and creativity in Dallas’s Arts District, a 20-block neighborhood filled with museums, theaters, and performance spaces. You can spend hours exploring the Dallas Museum of Art, which offers free general admission, or catch a show at the architecturally striking Winspear Opera House. For a fun girls’ night out, book tickets to a Broadway performance at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, then head to one of the nearby restaurants like Tei-An for pre-show sushi or Musume for creative Asian fusion. The district really comes alive during the monthly late-night art events, where you can gallery hop with a glass of wine in hand.
New Braunfels & Gruene, Texas
New Braunfels draws visitors year-round for its refreshing Schlitterbahn Waterpark, but this charming Texas Hill Country town offers much more than just water slides. The Gruene Historic District, with its famous dance hall and boutique shopping, provides the perfect backdrop for a girls’ getaway. During summer months, friends gather to float the Comal River, Texas’ shortest river, or the longer Guadalupe River, both offering a cool escape from the Texas heat. While tubing and water activities might be the main draw, you’ll find plenty to keep your group entertained throughout the year, from wine tasting at local vineyards to exploring the local farmers market or catching live music at one of the town’s many venues.
Marfa, Texas
Ever seen an art installation in the middle of nowhere? That’s just another day in Marfa, a tiny West Texas town where cowboys and contemporary artists share the same streets. This former railroad stop, about three hours from El Paso, has become an unlikely art haven where minimalist galleries sit next to old-school ranches. You can spend your mornings browsing modern art at the Chinati Foundation, catch the mysterious Marfa Lights at dusk, and end your day stargazing in some of the darkest skies in the country. The town’s food scene is just as eclectic – from food trucks serving tacos to high-end restaurants housed in converted garages. When you’re ready to rest, choose between a vintage trailer at El Cosmico or a sophisticated stay at Hotel Saint George.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
If you think Marfa is just another small Texas town, think again – this tiny desert city of 2,000 people has become an unlikely art hub thanks to minimalist artist Donald Judd, who moved here in the 1970s and started filling abandoned buildings with massive art installations. These days, the town attracts artists and hipsters from around the world who come to check out the galleries, food trucks, and mysterious Marfa Lights that appear in the desert at night.
Port Aransas, Texas
Nestled along the Gulf Coast of Texas, about four hours south of Houston, Port Aransas offers a laid-back island escape that feels worlds away from big city life. Unlike other coastal towns that have gone full tourist mode, Port A (as locals call it) maintains its authentic fishing village charm while still catering to beach lovers. You’ll spot weathered fishing boats pulling into the harbor with their daily catch, while pelicans dive into the waves nearby. The town’s rich history as a former pirate hideout and fishing hub lives on through its many local seafood joints and maritime museums. Because of its position on Mustang Island, Port Aransas benefits from consistent Gulf breezes, making it a top spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding – and you’ll often see colorful sails dotting the horizon.
Round Top, Texas
Round Top might be tiny, with just 90 residents, but it’s earned its reputation as the antique capital of Texas. Located between Austin and Houston, this charming town transforms twice a year during its famous Antiques Fair, drawing thousands of treasure hunters and design enthusiasts from across the country. The town’s historic buildings house an array of boutiques, art galleries, and wine bars that make for perfect girlfriend getaways. The Vintage Round Top, a collection of restored guest houses, offers a cozy base for exploring the area’s attractions. When you’re not shopping, you can spend afternoons sipping Texas wines at local tasting rooms or enjoying live music at Royers Round Top Cafe, where the famous pie selection is worth the trip alone.
Georgetown Square, Texas
Just 30 minutes north of Austin lies Georgetown Square, a charming slice of small-town Texas that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a Hallmark movie. The Victorian-era buildings surrounding the most beautiful town square in Texas tell stories of times gone by, while local shops and restaurants buzz with modern energy. Unlike other historic districts that have lost their authenticity to tourist traps, Georgetown Square maintains its genuine character where locals and visitors naturally mix and mingle. The square comes alive during First Fridays when shops stay open late, live music fills the air, and food trucks line the streets. Thanks to the nearby Southwestern University, the oldest university in Texas, the area has a youthful spirit that blends perfectly with its historical roots, creating an atmosphere that’s both laid-back and lively.
Highland Lakes Region, Texas
The Highland Lakes Region draws visitors with its chain of six beautiful lakes formed by dams along the Colorado River, but this area offers much more than just waterfront activities. Located about an hour northwest of Austin, these connected bodies of water – including Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis – provide perfect spots for boating, water skiing, and lakeside lounging. Beyond the water, you’ll find scenic hiking trails, local wineries, and charming small towns dotting the limestone hills. Whether you’re interested in renting a pontoon boat for a day on Lake LBJ, exploring the underground wonders of Longhorn Cavern State Park, or sampling wines at Fall Creek Vineyards, the Highland Lakes Region delivers year-round entertainment for groups seeking both relaxation and adventure.
