12 Best Downtowns In Texas
From the German-settler streets of the Hill Country to Gulf Coast bayfront parks, Texas downtowns still revolve around courthouse squares and century-old brick, with local businesses keeping Main Street busy. Across the state, several downtown districts still reflect the eras that shaped them, such as Fredericksburg’s German heritage, epitomized at the Marktplatz, or Marble Falls’ ranching roots, which are showcased at the Falls on the Colorado Museum. Other downtowns host annual festivals, such as the Texas Blueberry Festival in downtown Nacogdoches. Discover the best Texas downtowns that keep visitors coming back.
Fredericksburg
Downtown Fredericksburg is anchored around the Marktplatz, a social green space with pavilions, restrooms, and a playground, and hosts the annual Fredericksburg Oktoberfest, which takes place annually on the first weekend of October. The whole weekend at the Marktplatz is packed with artisan vendors, food and drinks, and live music. The Vereins Kirche Museum is Fredericksburg’s most iconic building. This octagonal structure stands in the center of the Marktplatz and is a replica of the old town meeting hall, church, and school. It details the first German settlers to arrive in Texas up until present-day Fredericksburg. For a taste of traditional German food, stop at the Old German Bakery and Restaurant on Main Street, serving everything from breakfast and lunch specials to authentic German breads and pastries.
Georgetown
Georgetown is regarded as having some of the finest Victorian-era architecture in Texas. Downtown, you will find the courthouse square, with Williamson County Courthouse taking center stage and standing out for its stone columns, pediment, and balustrade detailing. To gain access to the courthouse via a tour, cross the street to the Williamson Museum, which promotes the history of Georgetown through exhibits, educational programs, and monthly events. All around the courthouse square, historic buildings like the brick and limestone M. B. Lockett Building house Goodfolks, specializing in southern comfort food with a Cajun flair. Blue Hole Park is five blocks north of the courthouse square, equipped with picnic areas and restrooms. Additionally, visitors can wade into the blue waters of the lagoon, which are bordered by limestone bluffs on the San Gabriel River.
Granbury
Walk through history on the streets of Granbury, the first town in Texas to have its downtown square listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hood County Courthouse is downtown Granbury’s centerpiece, luring in visitors with its iconic three-story clock tower. The courthouse is open to the public for tours from Monday to Friday. One of the most notable landmarks on the historic downtown square is the Granbury Opera House, which puts on productions that have received high acclaim and recognition. Granbury City Beach Park is within walking distance of the downtown square. Not only does it grant access to Lake Granbury, but it is a great place to enjoy a picnic or stroll the boardwalk.
Jefferson
Jefferson honors its heritage in downtown destinations like the Jefferson Historical Museum, which spans four floors of exhibits on the Civil War and the importance of steamboats to the area. Venture up the brick-lined Austin Street to get to the Jefferson General Store, which remains much the same as it did in the early 1900s, complete with an ice cream soda fountain and every nostalgic candy you can think of. As the bed and breakfast capital of East Texas, no visit to downtown Jefferson would be complete without a tour of one of the over properties that offer accommodation. The House of the Seasons stands out for its frescoed dome and original period furnishings. Aside from operating as a bed and breakfast, it is also open daily for tours.
Brenham
Brenham is yet another Texas town with its downtown area listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and which has its most popular downtown attractions clustered close to its courthouse square, where the Washington County Courthouse stands. Learn all about the area at the Brenham Heritage Museum, which contains exhibits and collections narrating local history and culture, operating out of what was originally the United States Post Office. Toubin Park creates a shaded gathering place where visitors can learn of the large underground cisterns beneath the streets of Brenham that were built in the late 1800s to store rainwater for firefighting. Additionally, the Brenham Fire Museum showcases rare antique fire engines, fire artifacts, and a memorial to all the men and women who served in the fire department.
Bastrop
Ground yourself in downtown Bastrop at the Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center, which educates visitors on the historical and cultural events that have shaped the community over the years, including the coal mining industry and one of Texas’s most destructive wildfires. After establishing yourself in town, pick up a map from the visitor center and set off into downtown. Bastrop’s downtown borders the Colorado River, with Fisherman’s Park within walking distance of downtown. Fisherman’s Park is the largest park in town, complete with a fishing pier, playground, and picnic pavilions overlooking the river. Hop over to the R.A. Green Mercantile on Main Street, where you can view the works of local artists on display, appearing in different mediums like pottery, ceramics, painting, and sculpture.
Nacogdoches
As the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches has a very well-preserved historic downtown district. Red brick paved streets stem from the Charles Bright Visitor Center, which has exhibits inside and outside the building that interpret the story of the people and cultures that influenced the town. The center’s location is convenient for visiting other nearby locations like the Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Library, a dogtrot house built in 1830. The house is decorated with period antiques, family heirlooms belonging to the two families who once lived there, a library, and one of the earliest wine cellars in Texas. Festival Park connects green space to downtown Nacogdoches. The park is equipped with picnic areas, pavilions, and a playground, and hosts the Texas Blueberry Festival, which celebrates the region’s unique local festival through blueberry-themed activities.
Waxahachie
Waxahachie’s downtown district spans 20 blocks of historic buildings, which remain much in the same condition as they were in the 1880s. Downtown is centered around the Ellis County Courthouse square, which is within close proximity to many downtown attractions. Such attractions include the Ellis County Museum, which is housed inside one of the oldest buildings in downtown and includes exhibits and displays that trace back over 130 years in history. Sample elevated southern cuisine at the Doves Nest, housed behind a restored hardware storefront from 1913, and even has a gift shop selling cookbooks with their own recipes inside. Railyard Park is south of the historic district and is designed to bring people together through its trail access, shaded picnic areas, sensory music garden, and amphitheatre, which hosts live music and community performances.
Port Lavaca
Port Lavaca’s downtown overlooks Lavaca Bay, especially in places like Bayfront Peninsula Park, which is equipped with a lighted fishing pier, splashpad, pavilion, and picnic areas, so you do not have to stray far from downtown to soak up the sun. Learn of the lore surrounding shipwrecks and sunken treasure on the Texas Gulf coast at the Calhoun County Museum. Other exhibits contain artifacts relating to the maritime heritage of Calhoun County, Native American points and tools, and a diorama of the nearby town, Indianola, which was destroyed during an 1886 hurricane. Catch a live performance at the Port Lavaca Main Street Theatre, which thrived throughout the 1930s and 1940s and even survived multiple hurricanes. Today, visitors and locals alike enjoy several plays, concerts, and fashion shows.
Alpine
There are murals dotted throughout downtown Alpine that adorn the sides of buildings and depict different parts of Alpine’s history and culture. The Reata Restaurant operates from a 1890 adobe house serving American and Mexican cuisine. It is furnished with western décor, which carries on outside to their patio, where one of Alpine’s murals covers the wall. The Museum of the Big Bend is a repertoire of exhibits that highlight the prehistoric and historic history of the area, as well as different galleries display artworks that depict the landscapes, cultures, and history of West Texas. Baines Park is only a few blocks from downtown, with something for all ages to enjoy, including playground equipment, covered picnic tables, and basketball courts.
Gonzales
Gonzales pays homage to its role in the Civil War through monuments like the Confederate Monument, which stands at the center of the town’s main plaza, Independence Square. Independence Square is an accessible location to other sights in downtown Gonzales, like the Gonzales Memorial Museum. Exhibits include the “Come and Take It” cannon, which created tension between Texian Settlers and the Mexican government, thus aiding the Texas Revolution. Other collections in the museum span from period rifles and uniforms to vintage clothing and household goods, which reflect early life in Gonzales. Gonzales Bistro is a relaxed fine dining experience that blends luxurious accompaniments like truffles and foie gras with its house-made dishes.
Marble Falls
Marble Falls is a lakeside town with a superb downtown, punctuated by beloved local restaurants like the River City Grille. The River City Grille creates a casual environment for diners to enjoy rustic Texas décor indoors or views of Lake Marble Falls from their outdoor deck. Downtown tapers off into Lakeside Park, which is the perfect downtown stop for sitting in the shade under the trees, enjoying an afternoon picnic, or even getting out on the water. No trip down Marble Falls’ downtown would be complete without browsing the many shops on Main Street, like Birdie’s Market, selling everything from vintage and antique items to local handmade artisan crafts.
Visit These Texas Downtowns
These twelve Texas towns demonstrate how they preserve their architecture and history while supporting contemporary life in their downtown districts. Towns like Georgetown and Granbury revolve around their historic courthouse squares, while the surrounding preserved buildings now house museums and acclaimed restaurants. Whereas towns like Port Lavaca incorporate waterfront parks into their downtowns. For travelers seeking Texas beyond major metros, these districts reveal public squares and downtown districts that remain central gathering points.
