12 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Texas
From the phenomenal Big Bend to the Blue Hole to the dramatic Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas will easily surprise a first-time visitor with its offbeat appeal and range of outdoor attractions. There's also the Alamo, Space Center Houston, and the incredibly scenic Rio Grande. Remember that Mexico is a whisper away, meaning you only need a few hours to pick up some souvenirs from across the border. We have not even touched on the scintillating beauty that defines the whole of the Texas Hill Country. But which Texas towns steal the show and are worth a once-in-a-lifetime visit? The following are the 12 perfect destinations for a long weekend in Texas.
Dripping Springs
If you find yourself in the Austin area, it will be in your best interest to drive down to Dripping Springs, a small but stunning, visit-worthy town, located just 40 minutes southwest of the capital. Start with a kickass breakfast at Mazama Coffee, a neat and quaint space with a serene outdoor patio with umbrellas and comfy chairs. The pastries here are to die for, and their taste will linger in your mind. Amble through the town’s old-fashioned storefronts, especially on Mercer Street, before visiting what many consider the town's defining attraction: Hamilton Pool Preserve. The 230-acre preserve has a waterfall, stunning scenery everywhere you turn, and a natural swimming pool to cool off from the summer heat. As the day wears off, head to Texas Hill Country Olive Co., whose oils and vinegars are superb — thick, rich, and bursting with remarkable flavor. If spending the night, the Outpost Motel is close to town and quite pocket-friendly.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg does not need to be introduced to the seasoned American tourist. You are in the Texas Hill Country, known for its bluebonnet fields, verdant vineyards, and rolling landscape. But Fredericksburg stands out for a slightly different reason. It was founded by German immigrants in the years before the Civil War and is still steeped in Bavarian-style architecture and culture. For instance, Old German Bakery and Restaurant is a phenomenal place that serves delicious German pancakes. Think of the right amount of sweetness and crunchiness. Explore the eclectic art galleries on Marktplatz, then work your way to the world-famous National Museum of the Pacific War, which keeps interesting submarine exhibits and fascinating facts about the Pacific Battlefield during World War II. Just steps away, the Japanese Garden of Peace offers beautiful blooms and a tranquil stream. As for staying, The Resort at Fredericksburg is right on US 290, giving easy access to Fredericksburg and the various wineries around.
Nacogdoches
Western Texas has most of the limelight, but that does not mean the eastern side has nothing to offer. This may come as a revelation, but Nacogdoches (pronounced "NAK-uh-DOH-chis") is one of the most photo-worthy places in the Lone Star State. "The Oldest Town in Texas" was founded in the 1770s, and the breeze here flows with centuries of history and carries whispers of frontier legends and Spanish explorers. You will find Victorian-era mansions and centuries-old red brick streets, features that tell you that “Nac” has seen it all. The Fortney House is a cute little secret known for its eclectic collection of home decor items, and the building itself is an architectural masterpiece of the finest quality. Fredonia Brewery has live music, beer, and patio seating if you want a chill spot to hang out with a pal. You can then turn back the wheels of time at the Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Library, and mill around the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, before spending a quiet night at Red Roof Inn Nacogdoches, a close to the highway with clean, comfy, and pocket-friendly rooms.
Surfside Beach
The peace in Surfside Beach is only occasionally interrupted by the melodic roar of the ocean, meaning it is a perfect escape for those who crave a serene, laid-back setting. Surfside Beach is less famous than South Padre, Galveston, or Port Aransas. However, therein lies its appeal. You will find rows of modest but colorful beach houses, a handful of casual dining options, like Jetty Shack, and, as you would expect, a gorgeous public-access beach. You can spend time flying kites, fishing in the surf, or boogie boarding. Fort Velasco has interesting exhibits related to the historic Battle of Velasco and a nice little nature trail to explore. The grounds are also beautifully maintained, making it a lovely place to relax and enjoy delicious waterfront views. Surfside Jetty County Park, where you can catch dolphins playing in the water, remains one of the town's top draws. For spending the night, the five-star-rated Generations Retreat Beach House Vacation Rental is conveniently located within a short walk to the beach.
Gonzales
Gonzalez is unlike any other town in Texas. It is the first town in Texas to have a formally designated Texas History Museum District, and surprisingly, still the only one. You will find a collection of up to five museums between the historic roads of Saint Lawrence Street and Saint Louis Street, including the Gonzales County Jail Museum, where you can learn about the convicts incarcerated there and their jailors. For example, when Albert Howard was hanged there in 1921, he reportedly maintained his innocence and, in revenge, swore that the courthouse clock would never be consistent. Interestingly, locals say the clock remains unreliable to this day.
In the 1830s, the first shots of the Texas Revolution were fired in Gonzales, effectively making Gonzales "the birthplace of Texas freedom." Today, the Gonzales Memorial Museum keeps the cannon that sparked the revolution. Explore the splendor of Lake Wood Recreation Area, then hopefully catch a matinee at the historic Crystal Theatre. Meanwhile, Belle Oaks Inn is a cozy B&B with an outdoor pool.
Alpine
Many people driving to Big Bend view Alpine as a small, blink-and-miss-it town. But unknown to them, they are missing out on one of the most underrated towns in the South. Alpine does not boast a Paris-level shopping scene; it does not even have a Walmart. But let that not deceive you. The Museum of the Big Bend, located on the Sul Ross State University campus, keeps a collection that spans centuries of exploration, settlement, and artistic expression. Remember to pass by the museum’s gift shop for fantastic books, beautiful crafts, and stylish clothing. After this, check out the Used Books Store at the Alpine Public Library, a great place to spend time working or reading, before enjoying some tender meat at Line Thai Cafe. In the final minutes of daylight, a quiet room at La Loma Inn will be all you need.
Gruene
A small, white-clapboard venue in Gruene may pass as any other ordinary hall or event venue. But Gruene Hall, despite its unassuming exterior, is the oldest dance hall in Texas. Its stage is relatively small, with most shows having a standing room capacity of just 800, but folks fly from all over to see and experience it. Yet Gruene Hall is not just the oldest dance hall in Texas; it is also regularly voted the best. Before stepping inside Gruene Hall, visit Mozie's in the Gruene Historic District, just across from the dance hall. It is a rustic, casual spot that serves crispy onion rings, cocktails, and sliders. There is also the Guadalupe River. Spend the night at Gruene Mansion Inn, a one-minute walk from Gruene Hall.
Boerne
The Hill Country Mile in Boerne has a reputation beyond the state's borders. It boasts over 80 shops and restaurants and features colorful storefronts and several historic buildings. No wonder Country Living Magazine named it one of the “Top 25 Small Town Main Streets in America.” You will find jewelry, gifts, home goods, and mind-rousing art. Check out The Dienger Trading Co., a quirky bistro in an 1884 restored building. Their clothing boutique, which is right next door, is adorable. It carries a unique selection of stylish and high-quality pieces, making it a joy to browse through the racks. For fresh air, the Cibolo Center for Conservation is a lovely place to walk down the creek under beautiful cypress trees. Spend the night at The Kendall, an 1859 inn offering cozy cabins and cottages.
Llano
Llano is an unusual town because it has nature and outdoor attractions in the middle of its downtown area. You have the Llano River, the Llano River Lake, and the rustic Grenwelge Park, which offers excellent fishing and swimming opportunities. Although small, the park is on the river and speckled with interesting art sculptures and rock cairns. Grenwelge Park is typically the venue for the Llano Earth Arts Festival, which features the World Rock Stacking Championship, where participants attentively work to balance carefully selected rocks upon each other, creating impressive works of art. You can catch an interesting matinee at the old Lantex Theater, whose history predates the Great Depression. If spending the night, Mustard Seed Bed & Breakfast is a true old country home with amenities like swings, porches, and nighttime accent lights in the trees.
Granbury
If small, charming towns are what you are looking for, Texas has them in dozens, with the current one always seemingly better than the previous. What makes Granbury stand out is its historic look, Wild West feel, and how it is wonderfully stuck in time. Granbury Square, which anchors the downtown area, was the first town square in Texas to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You may have heard that John Wilkes Booth, who had the singular dishonor of assassinating Abraham Lincoln, spent some time in Granbury after his tragic act. However, many historians discredit this version.
You will want to catch a show at the handsomely restored Granbury Opera House, or turn back the wheels of time at the Hood County Jail Museum. There is also the shimmering beauty of Lake Granbury, where you can cool off after several rounds of adventure. The Inn on Lake Granbury is set on beautiful grounds with lake views and is a short walk to historic downtown Granbury.
Jefferson
Jefferson reclines along the Big Cypress Bayou in East Texas and is named for Thomas Jefferson, the philosopher president who had thought-provoking ideas on freedom, democracy, architecture, food, and just about every subject under the sun. Caddo Lake is a short drive east of town, about 20 minutes, and is a fantastic place to enjoy a whole day out on the water. You can work with Captain Ron's Swamp Tours to curate a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you will find both deeply educational and entertaining. Otherwise, check out the Port Jefferson History and Nature Center, which has a quiet and beautiful walking trail, and the well-curated Jefferson Historical Museum, which displays interesting Victorian mourning exhibits. Their model train exhibit is a significant highlight for children. As for spending the night, you can't go wrong with Benefield House Bed & Breakfast.
Lockhart
Lockhart is a charming, small town just south of Austin. The surrounding scenery is gorgeous, especially with all the rolling hills and pastoral landscapes. You will be distracted here by several eye-catching attractions; however, the nationally famous Black's Barbecue, known for its delicious, moist briskets, is usually the first port of call, sometimes the only reason to drive over. Also, even if you prefer movies to books, passing by the oldest operating public library in Texas, the Dr. Eugene Clark Library, is crucial. It was built in 1899 and dedicated in 1900. Speaking of old places, the Kreuz Market could be the oldest barbecue joint in the state. You can then go swimming or hiking at Lockhart State Park, which doubles as a cool place to spend the night in an RV. Alternatively, the five-star-rated Birdie House on San Antonio Street is cozy and beautiful.
Whether your idea of a blissful weekend is a kayak on a clear river, a stroll past antique treasures, or a finely cooked Texas-style Barbecue, the state is dotted with several small, charming towns that will transform any ordinary weekend into one that will linger in the mind for years. The Hill Country is loved for its wines and bluebonnets, the stretch along the Gulf of Mexico has many crowd-free beaches, while the Eastern part hides a decent number of historic gems, including Nacogdoches, the state's oldest town.
