13 Most Scenic Small Towns In Texas For Nature Lovers
Texas covers over 260,000 square miles, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico in the south to the Panhandle in the north. This vast territory harbors a diversity of natural landscapes, resulting in some of the best visual spectacles in the country. It also means plenty of room to get outside and partake in a variety of outdoor adventures, whether you want to hike through dense forests, swim in the toasty ocean waters, or scale mountains.
Beyond the urbanized sprawls of Dallas and Houston, the Lone Star State is an excellent destination for outdoorsy travelers. From the natural watering holes in Wimberley to the dramatic gorges in Canyon, here are the most scenic small towns in Texas for nature lovers.
Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs is a suburban community outside Austin recognized for its abundant natural wonders. Most people come to witness the beauty of Hamilton Pool Reserve, a natural bathing hole composed of a dramatic canyon with a gorgeous waterfall encircled by a grotto. Its isolated setting presents a nice spot to commune with nature. Visitors can soak in the Texas sun while climbing the rugged terrain of Milton Reimers Ranch Park.
The area provides access to the Pedernales River for those looking to try their hand at fishing. At the Sundance Hill Farm, animal lovers of all ages are invited to take a 45-minute tour of a lovely Alpaca sanctuary and enjoy petting or feeding the cute creatures.
Johnson City
This small town in the Texas Hill Country embodies the natural allure synonymous with this region of the state. It is home to Pedernales Falls State Park, which spans 5,200 acres along the Pedernales River bank and serves as a hub for all things outdoor adventure. You can camp, picnic, mountain bike, and birdwatch to enjoy the outdoors. Texas Hill is a known wine-making region, and oenophiles in Johnson City can visit Texas Hill Vineyard or Untamed Wine Estates to sip local wines in a gorgeous natural environment.
Elsewhere, the Exotic Zoo Resort welcomes families for fun moments with its furry residents. The sanctuary houses at least 700 animals representing more than 40 species from around the globe.
Terlingua
If you embrace the great outdoors, Terlingua is an enticing option for adventure, being a gateway to Big Bend National Park. It is about ten minutes from the park's entrance, which boasts picturesque natural landscapes, from canyons to deserts. Terlingua is surrounded by a vast desert landscape, with dry pathways like the Dorgan Sublett Trail leading adventurers into the heart of the wilderness.
But if the sun proves too much, you can discover the outdoors more comfortably when you book a tour with Lucky Sun Jeep Tours & Rentals. Meanwhile, guests can take the adventure to the waters of the Rio Grande with a rafting excursion courtesy of Big Bend River Tours.
Wimberley
Predominantly a ranching region, Wimberley is a nature lover's dream come true, punctuated by stunning landscapes, pristine swimming holes, and secluded hiking trails. It hosts multiple naturally occurring pools, highlighted by Jacob's Well. This incredible phenomenon has crystal-clear waters from an artesian spring with underwater caves. The scene is almost similar at Blue Hole Regional Park. Its cool waters are fed by Cypress Creek and stand out for their brilliant blue color.
Thrill seekers in the town take a trip with Wimberley Zipline Adventures to admire the landscapes from a bird's-eye perspective while zooming over the wilderness at heart-stopping speeds. However, there is more to do for ardent adventurers at Cypress Creek Nature Trail & Preserve.
Port Aransas
This secluded fishing village on Mustang Island boasts exquisite natural scenery, framed by idyllic Gulf of Mexico beaches, fish-filled waterways, and thriving wildlife habitats. Port Aransas encourages visitors to let loose and embrace raw nature along the peaceful trails of Port Aransas Nature Preserve. This 1,200-acre park features a mix of woodland, marshland, and flatland habitats with diverse flora and fauna. Those who visit with family can take the kids to Roberts Point Park and enjoy a fun waterfront setting.
Several miles of sandy shoreline draw visitors to Port Aransas Beach for a great swim or a picnic with friends and family. Lastly, the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center places you in the right vantage point to stake out numerous species of shorebirds domiciled on the island.
Glen Rose
Between its deserted hiking trails, preserved dinosaur fossils, and winding riverwalk, Glen Rose is one of the most scenic small towns in Texas for nature lovers. It has no shortage of options for the outdoor inclined, starting with Big Rocks Park. This delightful nature area stretches along the course of the Paluxy River and is known for its swimming areas and massive boulders. Dinosaur Valley State Park attracts archeological enthusiasts with its fossilized dinosaur tracks and serves as a recreational hub for hikers, picnickers, campers, and wildlife watchers.
Those who want to get up close with the wild animals will fancy a tour of Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, a sanctuary for at least 50 species that roam its 1,800-acre territory. Elsewhere, Squaw Valley Golf Course invites fans to enjoy the natural scenery while playing golf on its 36-hole championship course.
Granbury
Granbury is a charming lakefront community in Hood County with an easygoing character and lovely nature areas. It sits on the quiet shores of Lake Granbury, whose waters fuel a variety of recreational activities. At Lake Granbury Marina, tourists can charter a vessel to sail on the water and get an alternative perspective of the town. Granbury has no shortage of parks, and beach goers love to camp on the sandy shores of Granbury City Beach Park to wait for the perfect moment for a bath.
However, you can head to Shanley Park and enjoy the stunning fountains and bridges if you have no plans of getting wet. Finally, don't leave without tasting local wines at Barking Rocks Vineyard while relaxing in its laid-back natural atmosphere.
Rockport
Rockport's unmatched beauty allows visitors to enjoy year-round opportunities, especially for those who gravitate towards the open spaces. Its location on the Gulf Coast provides ready access to the waters, and swimmers will feel at home exploring Rockport Beach. This has clean white sands, perfect for sitting back and watching the sunset over the horizon. Further inland, Goose Island State Park presents a hub for all kinds of adventurers across its 300-acre expanse, from campers and birders to hikers.
Rockport is also home to the Tule Creek Hike and Bike Trail, which stretches about 2 miles into the deserted backcountry. Sightseers will fancy the unprecedented vistas of the Gulf of Mexico from the vantage point of the Fulton Fishing Pier.
Fredericksburg
Supreme natural scenery, marked by vast vineyards and lush wildernesses, dominates this adorable German town in the Texas Hill Country. Visitors expect endless wine-tasting opportunities, readily available at the multiple establishments across the city. You can visit Grape Creek Vineyards or Invention Vineyards to sample award-winning varieties crafted in the region while admiring sweeping views of the surrounding greenery. Those feeling adventurous can pack their backpack for a demanding trek on the rugged terrain of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
The area is a prime escape for stargazers, rock climbers, bikers, and campers. Also, they can enjoy a rare sight at the Old Tunnel State Park. Millions of bats take refuge in this abandoned railroad tunnel and often treat visitors to a terrific scene when they emerge from the cave.
Port Isabel
Port Isabel is a picturesque waterfront village in South Texas and offers guests a taste of quintessential coastal life. It boasts unparalleled ocean views at every turn, framed by glistening waters stretching as far as the eye can see. You can take in the scenes from Pirate's Landing Fishing Pier. But if you want to venture out at sea, Port Isabel offers multiple outfitters. Travelers can choose between Dolphin Docks and Black Dragon Cruises to discover the region from the water.
About 2,000 feet of shoreline at Arturo Galvan Coastal Park ensures enough room for everyone to enjoy the beach. The location harbors opportunities for picnickers, swimmers, and loungers throughout the year.
Canyon
Canyon is an isolated escape in the Texas Panhandle region with some of the best natural landscapes in the area. It is a famous gateway to the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which boasts the country's second-largest canyon system. It has numerous trails through valleys and cliffs with fantastic overlooks everywhere. One of the most comfortable ways to explore the wilderness is to ride on horseback during an easygoing tour offered by Palo Duro Riding Stables.
Furthermore, take advantage of rare bird watching opportunities at Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, whose sprawling habitat combines woodlands, canyon walls, marshes, and croplands, resulting in the ultimate outdoor playground.
Fort Davis
Fort Davis is a quiet community in Jeff Davis County, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Davis Mountains. Its wide open spaces make it a popular stop for adventurous hikers, promising opportunities throughout the year. The 2,700 acres of Davis Mountains State Park draw campers, hikers, and backpackers from across the region to get lost in the great outdoors. Bring your favorite hiking boots for demanding treks in the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute.
This also applies to the Madera Canyon Trail, which presents a moderate hike through the heart of the Davis Mountains. Lastly, those who want the ultimate experience outdoors can pitch their tents at Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch and sleep under the stars.
Cedar Creek
Cedar Creek is a low-key town in Bastrop County and a popular destination for family vacations. This is thanks to its family-centric attractions, most based in the great outdoors. McKinney Roughs Nature Park is an excellent example along the Colorado River and harbors over 17 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails. At Moby Dick's, guests can sit down for a remarkable fishing session, with a chance to catch perch, big bass, and catfish.
You can't miss exotic encounters with rare wild animals at the Capital of Texas Zoo. This privately run sanctuary provides a residence for over 500 species originating from across the globe, including guinea pigs, hippos, and lemurs.
If nature is what fuels your need to explore the Lone Star State, you can look forward to a mixed bag of surprises throughout the year. The most scenic small towns in Texas for nature lovers showcase a fraction of what to expect from the state. From swimming in the crystal-clear bathing holes in Dripping Springs to climbing rugged trails in Canyon, outdoorsy travelers have ample opportunity to experience the unmatched beauty of Mother Nature in Texas.
