Texas is nearly 900 miles across, yet only a handful of cities are responsible for the majority of our population. As a result, many people are led to believe the rest of the state is nothing but wide-open prairies (and maybe a few tumbleweeds). That couldn’t be further from the truth – in between the hustle and bustle of big city life lies a plethora of small towns filled with Southern charm. Hiding everywhere from the mountainous desert out west to the sprawling Hill Country landscape, here are seven of the best small towns in Texas for a weekend getaway.
- Fredericksburg
Flickr/sheffieldb Perhaps the most well-known small town in Texas, Fredericksburg is famous for its German heritage and plethora of award-winning vineyards. It’s also a nature lover’s dream, with the iconic Enchanted Rock State Natural Area just outside the city. We aren’t the only ones who think Fredericksburg is awesome, either - in fact, Buzzfeed just named it the coolest small town in Texas! Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
- Boerne
Wikimedia Commons/Jonmallard Another charming Hill Country town, Boerne is less than 15 miles from San Antonio - but it feels like an entirely different world. Instead of the hustle and bustle of a big city, Boerne is full of the small-town Texas charm we all know and love. From locally-owned shops and restaurants to an abundance of outdoor activities to not one, but two amazing caverns, there’s something for everyone here. Oh, and we’d be remiss not to mention that House Beautiful ranked Boerne among the 25 happiest small towns in the U.S. back in 2019.
- Jefferson
Flickr/Nicolas Henderson With tons of local history (and a few hauntings for good measure), Jefferson is a totally bucket-list-worthy small town. This itty bitty city of a few thousand boasts more than 70 historic landmarks, plus tons of antique shops where you’re bound to find some cool treasures. Jefferson is also home to several of the most haunted buildings in the state, including two hotels…would you dare to spend the night? Jefferson, TX 75657, USA
- Luckenbach
Flickr/Gino Next up is Luckenbach, which happens to be the very smallest town in Texas. It only has three permanent residents, and they’re all part of the family who runs the only building in town: a general store, post office, and dance hall rolled into one. Come hang out, jam out to live music, and have a great time in the town where “everybody’s somebody.” If you’re lucky, you just might run into Willie Nelson! Luckenbach, TX 78624, USA
- Alpine
Flickr/Luis Tamayo A charming mountain town tucked away in the west Texas desert, Alpine is the definition of a hidden gem. It might take a while to get to, but you’ll definitely want to stay awhile once you’re here. There’s so much to see, from delicious restaurants to historic hotels and museums to - of course - the breathtaking scenery all around. Alpine, TX, USA
- Marble Falls
Flickr/jaygannett Marble Falls is such an underrated Hill Country destination. This small town is home to about 6,000 people and has a little bit of everything - especially when it comes to the outdoors. You can explore sprawling canyonlands, enjoy water recreation on the lake, and have a blast at an adventure park. Afterward, hit up the iconic Blue Bonnet Cafe for a slice of their world-famous pie (and maybe a few for the road, too).
- Granbury
Flickr/Dana Smith Recently named the #1 historic small town in the U.S. by USA Today, Granbury is a must-visit. The town square is charming as can be, and there are over 40 Texas Historic Landmarks scattered all over town. Other activities include an old-fashioned trolley ride, a park with a white sandy beach, and the longest continuously operated drive-in theatre in Texas. The whole family is sure to have a blast! Granbury, TX, USA
How many of these small Texas towns have you visited? Did we leave off your favorite? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section, and check out a previous article of ours to learn more about Marble Falls.
Flickr/sheffieldb
Perhaps the most well-known small town in Texas, Fredericksburg is famous for its German heritage and plethora of award-winning vineyards. It’s also a nature lover’s dream, with the iconic Enchanted Rock State Natural Area just outside the city. We aren’t the only ones who think Fredericksburg is awesome, either - in fact, Buzzfeed just named it the coolest small town in Texas!
Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Jonmallard
Another charming Hill Country town, Boerne is less than 15 miles from San Antonio - but it feels like an entirely different world. Instead of the hustle and bustle of a big city, Boerne is full of the small-town Texas charm we all know and love. From locally-owned shops and restaurants to an abundance of outdoor activities to not one, but two amazing caverns, there’s something for everyone here. Oh, and we’d be remiss not to mention that House Beautiful ranked Boerne among the 25 happiest small towns in the U.S. back in 2019.
Flickr/Nicolas Henderson
With tons of local history (and a few hauntings for good measure), Jefferson is a totally bucket-list-worthy small town. This itty bitty city of a few thousand boasts more than 70 historic landmarks, plus tons of antique shops where you’re bound to find some cool treasures. Jefferson is also home to several of the most haunted buildings in the state, including two hotels…would you dare to spend the night?
Jefferson, TX 75657, USA
Flickr/Gino
Next up is Luckenbach, which happens to be the very smallest town in Texas. It only has three permanent residents, and they’re all part of the family who runs the only building in town: a general store, post office, and dance hall rolled into one. Come hang out, jam out to live music, and have a great time in the town where “everybody’s somebody.” If you’re lucky, you just might run into Willie Nelson!
Luckenbach, TX 78624, USA
Flickr/Luis Tamayo
A charming mountain town tucked away in the west Texas desert, Alpine is the definition of a hidden gem. It might take a while to get to, but you’ll definitely want to stay awhile once you’re here. There’s so much to see, from delicious restaurants to historic hotels and museums to - of course - the breathtaking scenery all around.
Alpine, TX, USA
Flickr/jaygannett
Marble Falls is such an underrated Hill Country destination. This small town is home to about 6,000 people and has a little bit of everything - especially when it comes to the outdoors. You can explore sprawling canyonlands, enjoy water recreation on the lake, and have a blast at an adventure park. Afterward, hit up the iconic Blue Bonnet Cafe for a slice of their world-famous pie (and maybe a few for the road, too).
Flickr/Dana Smith
Recently named the #1 historic small town in the U.S. by USA Today, Granbury is a must-visit. The town square is charming as can be, and there are over 40 Texas Historic Landmarks scattered all over town. Other activities include an old-fashioned trolley ride, a park with a white sandy beach, and the longest continuously operated drive-in theatre in Texas. The whole family is sure to have a blast!
Granbury, TX, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Towns For A Weekend Getaway September 18, 2022 Tori Jane What are the best towns for a weekend getaway in Texas? People don’t tend to think about Texas as a great getaway destination, but they should – after all, there are literally hundreds (and hundreds) of small towns in Texas, many of which are ideal for a short escape. Some of our favorite towns for a weekend getaway in Texas include South Padre Island, which is a stunning resort town that’ll make you forget you’re in Texas at all, and Port Aransas is a beach town where you can check out ocean views from high-up towers and even spot dolphins from time to time. Where are the best towns in Texas to retire? Believe it or not, Texas is a great state to retire in. There are many excellent small towns in Texas that work perfectly for retirees, like Beaumont, which boasts a population of almost 400,000 and has access to some of the best fishing in Texas. Corpus Christi is another excellent option thanks to its plethora of fun things to do, and we also love Killeen. What are some cute small towns in Texas for a day trip? Dripping Springs is one of our favorite cute small towns in Texas; it’s very quaint, and it’s close to one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in Texas: the Hamilton Pool Preserve. Marfa is another excellent day trip destination in Texas thanks to its artsy, quirky nature, and we also can’t get enough of places like Luckenbach, which is adorable (and outrageously tiny, home to just 13 residents) and well-known for its place in the country music scene. Ennis is also absolutely gorgeous (on top of being cute), and if you’re seeking Texas bluebonnets, you’re in luck: this region is home to the Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas, which measures 40 miles.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Towns For A Weekend Getaway
September 18, 2022
Tori Jane
What are the best towns for a weekend getaway in Texas? People don’t tend to think about Texas as a great getaway destination, but they should – after all, there are literally hundreds (and hundreds) of small towns in Texas, many of which are ideal for a short escape. Some of our favorite towns for a weekend getaway in Texas include South Padre Island, which is a stunning resort town that’ll make you forget you’re in Texas at all, and Port Aransas is a beach town where you can check out ocean views from high-up towers and even spot dolphins from time to time. Where are the best towns in Texas to retire? Believe it or not, Texas is a great state to retire in. There are many excellent small towns in Texas that work perfectly for retirees, like Beaumont, which boasts a population of almost 400,000 and has access to some of the best fishing in Texas. Corpus Christi is another excellent option thanks to its plethora of fun things to do, and we also love Killeen. What are some cute small towns in Texas for a day trip? Dripping Springs is one of our favorite cute small towns in Texas; it’s very quaint, and it’s close to one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in Texas: the Hamilton Pool Preserve. Marfa is another excellent day trip destination in Texas thanks to its artsy, quirky nature, and we also can’t get enough of places like Luckenbach, which is adorable (and outrageously tiny, home to just 13 residents) and well-known for its place in the country music scene. Ennis is also absolutely gorgeous (on top of being cute), and if you’re seeking Texas bluebonnets, you’re in luck: this region is home to the Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas, which measures 40 miles.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
People don’t tend to think about Texas as a great getaway destination, but they should – after all, there are literally hundreds (and hundreds) of small towns in Texas, many of which are ideal for a short escape. Some of our favorite towns for a weekend getaway in Texas include South Padre Island, which is a stunning resort town that’ll make you forget you’re in Texas at all, and Port Aransas is a beach town where you can check out ocean views from high-up towers and even spot dolphins from time to time.
Where are the best towns in Texas to retire?
Believe it or not, Texas is a great state to retire in. There are many excellent small towns in Texas that work perfectly for retirees, like Beaumont, which boasts a population of almost 400,000 and has access to some of the best fishing in Texas. Corpus Christi is another excellent option thanks to its plethora of fun things to do, and we also love Killeen.
What are some cute small towns in Texas for a day trip?
Dripping Springs is one of our favorite cute small towns in Texas; it’s very quaint, and it’s close to one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in Texas: the Hamilton Pool Preserve. Marfa is another excellent day trip destination in Texas thanks to its artsy, quirky nature, and we also can’t get enough of places like Luckenbach, which is adorable (and outrageously tiny, home to just 13 residents) and well-known for its place in the country music scene. Ennis is also absolutely gorgeous (on top of being cute), and if you’re seeking Texas bluebonnets, you’re in luck: this region is home to the Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas, which measures 40 miles.
