10 Most Breathtaking Towns In Texas

The big and beautiful state of Texas is full of breathtaking towns to choose from. From art installations to huge cypress trees and a collection of Western romance film memorabilia, this list will lead tourists through the most breathtaking tour of Texas’s small towns. If you’re ready to walk through streets full of preserved houses from different eras, drink cups of local brew while listening to live music, and paddle through gorgeous swamps, then you’re ready for a road trip through the 28th state.

Fredericksburg

The Germanic town of Fredericksburg is the ideal location for those who want to dig into history. Start with the National Museum of the Pacific War, a Smithsonian affiliate, which is known as the most comprehensive account of World War II. This museum honors those who served in the war and commemorates their efforts. For local history, check out the Vereins Kirche Museum, which focuses on the town’s heritage and local legend. To talk over your new local and national historic discoveries over a glass of wine, head to Barons Creek Vineyards. Here, guests can choose from an especially curated list of wine and food pairings.

Wimberley

This beautiful little town has a turquoise crystal gem at its center - Jacob’s Well. Swim through the sparkling water that is beloved by locals and tourists alike. While floating in the water, admire the cypress trees that stretch over the river. Dry off and walk through Wimberley Square, which is full of cafes and boutiques. Only 2.5 miles away from the square is another natural wonder.

Old Baldy Park offers the chance to see the entirety of Wimberley Valley. Hikers are only 218 stone steps away from this view, which is breathtaking during the day or beneath the night stars. To learn about the earliest Wimberley settlers, tour the Wimberley Valley Museum. You’ll leave with an intimate understanding of a gorgeous town.

Seguin

Begin your journey through Seguin at the Sebastopol House Historic Site, a restored 1856 Greek revival lime‑crete mansion. The ultra-sturdy “lime-crete” (a mixture of gravel and lime) construction was popular at the time, but it is now a rare sight. Tour this rare structure to discover the lost art that perfectly blends chemistry and construction.

Then, families and solo travelers alike can ride into an adrenaline rush at ZDT’s Amusement Park. There is so much to experience at this park, including roller coasters, bungee jumping, and a water park. This action-packed park even has a flight simulator, allowing riders to fly through worlds or above battlefields. Before leaving the charming town of Seguin, make sure to check out its famous roadside attraction, the “World’s Largest Pecan”.

Navasota

To see the soul of Navasota, walk through the downtown district and see the many sculptures and murals that line the streets and color brick walls with local history and culture. From rattlesnakes to music legends, this walk is the perfect way to learn more about the town. Witness the local artistry that creates the legends by attending a live performance at Sunny E. Furman Theatre. Having proudly produced 160 plays in 32 years, this intimate theater shows musicals, mysteries, and everything in between. Before the show, have a picnic at Mance Lipscomb Park. This peaceful park is known for its serenity and is in close proximity to downtown shops and restaurants.

Clifton

Clifton was once home to the largest Norwegian colony in the Southwest. In the Norse Historic District, about 40 structures remain from this era, offering travelers a glimpse at this small town's earliest days. More beautiful sights await. Known as “one of the 100 best rural art communities in the nation,” Clifton houses its impressive collection of art in the Bosque Arts Center gallery. Here, visitors will not only find Western and contemporary art, but also live theater and photography exhibits. The true beauty of Clifton can be found in the preserved pieces of its history. Explore the Bosque Memorial Museum, where visitors can find artifacts from the town's original immigrants. Those exploring the grounds will even find a log cabin in which one of the town's original occupants lived.

Ennis

Ennis is full of rare experiences, such as the Galaxy Drive‑In Theatre. This retro theater offers a wide variety of blockbuster films on its seven screens. There is also a snack bar filled with funnel cakes, soft drinks, pizza, and of course, popcorn. After seeing a film, step back into the romantic past of railway travel at the Railroad & Cultural Heritage Museum inside the former Van Noy restaurant. The museum shows the evolution of the railway system in Ennis, featuring exhibits showcasing vintage locomotives and historic photographs. Finally, explore the natural beauty of Texas, which is so beloved at Kachina Prairie. This Blackland Prairie is a rare preserved piece of the long-lost landscape of the past.

Gonzales

Known as a botanical wonderland, the lush Palmetto State Park is the soul of this charming town. These grounds are alive with plants, wildlife, and rushing rivers and creeks. The San Marcos River cuts through the park, offering a place to swim or kayak. Get to know this beautiful small town through its gorgeous memorial museum, the Gonzales Memorial Museum. The stone structure not only exhibits halls and sculptures, but also an amphitheater, which hosts public gatherings and entertaining productions. For a darker peek into the past, tour the Gonzales County Jail Museum to see historic jail cells and replica gallows.

Waxahachie

Waxahachie has so much unique beauty to share. Take the Gingerbread House Tour, where Victorian, Gingerbread, Gothic Revival, and Queen Ann home styles line the streets. Architecture fans and history buffs will delight in this whimsical walk. After the stroll, cool off in Lake Waxahachie at Spring Park. Aside from being a great place to float and wade through the water, the lake is also locally known as a great fishing spot. Continue your journey downtown at ART on the Square, where locally crafted art is showcased. The murals, abstract paintings, and other crafts are for sale, making it a great opportunity for tourists to take home a piece of Waxahachie's spirit.

Jefferson

Start your voyage through the historic town of Jefferson on a swamp tour. Take a narrated riverboat tour through the magnificent Caddo Lake. This lake is known as one of the most beautiful in the south, being surrounded by cypress trees, Spanish moss, and other wild wonders waiting to be discovered. Get to know this small town more intimately at the Jefferson Historical Museum, which houses the important relics of Jefferson’s past. No tour of Northeast Texas is complete without visiting the Gone With the Wind Museum. This nostalgia-packed museum offers a glimpse into the cinematic landscape behind a romantic masterpiece.

Marfa

To understand the true creative spirit of Marfa, visit Ballroom Marfa, which showcases minimalist sculptures and art exhibits. The Ballroom also commissions artists around Texas, so you can find their work (such as the Prada Marfa) on random stretches of highway through Texas. Travelers will find more rare crafts in Raba Vintage, a vintage shop started by Texas locals. Wrap up the day by listening to live music at Marfa Spirit Co., and have a drink of their popular Desert Pechuga made from native ingredients. End the evening by heading just outside town to view the mysterious Marfa Lights, an unexplained natural phenomenon that has intrigued visitors for decades.

Finishing Thoughts

The small towns that comprise the vast state of Texas are full of unique character and rare beauty. At the same time, there is so much beauty to be found in the landscape of the Lone Star State; even more beauty lies within the art of its locals, sprinkled throughout small towns in the form of gallery exhibits, murals, and “gingerbread” houses. The towns on this list may take your breath away, but they will also fill you with the wildest kind of wonder that can only be found in Texas.