13 Small Towns In Texas To Visit For A Weekend Getaway
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and this might also be true for its small towns, which have a tendency to leave an impression on tourists in a big way! These hidden gems provide an excellent alternative for travelers who’ve grown impatient with the commotion in big cities. With their serene natural environment, easygoing way of life, and genuine Southern hospitality, they present a sweet spot to experience the charm of the Lone Star State without the crowds or chaos.
From the rolling Hill Country in Wimberley to the Gulf Coast in Port Aransas, each destination offers something uniquely Texan, whether historic main streets, vast state parks, live music, or wide-open skies. So, for a brief escape filled with relaxation, culture, and adventure, pack your boots and hit the road for a gratifying experience in these top 2025 towns in Texas to visit for a weekend getaway.
Johnson City
Rare presidential history, rich wine tasting, and outdoor adventure await visitors to this charming village in central Texas. Johnson City was famously the home of President Lyndon B. Johnson in his early childhood. Today, guests can tour the Boyhood Home of LBJ to experience how the former president used to live in the early 1900s. A longstanding wine-making culture guarantees newcomers tastings to get them in a happy mood. Tourists can tour Texas Hills Vineyards to sample award-winning local wines in a romantic Pedernales River Valley setting.
Also, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures across the 5,200-acre Pedernales Falls State Park. This year-round playground is always bustling with hikers, picnickers, birders, and geocachers with a love for the open spaces. Finally, the Crossroads Inn is an excellent lodging option, sitting a short walk from LBJ's boyhood home.
Granbury
This waterfront town in Hood County lures vacationers with fine local wines by the lake and a serene atmosphere guaranteeing privacy. Granbury sits on the banks of Lake Granbury and invites newcomers to indulge in diverse aquatic fun at Lake Granbury Marina. Several local outfitters allow you to hire boats, kayaks, canoes, and other vessels for a sail on the water.
Those who love wine can sample delicious reds and whites at Barking Rocks Vineyard & Winery to kick off a laid-back holiday. Meanwhile, Granbury entertains spectators of all ages with live performances at the Granbury Opera House, featuring appearances by the talented Granbury Theatre Company. When it's time to call it a night, the Hilton Garden Inn Granbury is an excellent option along East Pearl Street.
Lake Jackson
Lake Jackson offers a quiet escape from the flurry of downtown Houston, allowing travelers to commune and be one with nature. The town is surrounded by lush natural green spaces, led by the 40,000-acre wilderness of Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. This vast sanctuary has more than 300 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals, promising unrivaled wildlife viewing opportunities.
Historians can discover the community's chronology, including pre-Columbian history, by examining diverse artifacts inside the Lake Jackson Historical Museum. Meanwhile, shopaholics are in for a treat at Brazos Mall, which is the only enclosed shopping mall in the county. For accommodation, try Comfort Suites Lake Jackson Clute in the heart of the city.
Jefferson
Jefferson has a charming historic downtown district with rows of vintage landmarks offering a glimpse of the past. This includes the Jefferson Historical Museum, which exhibits archives and memorabilia about Jefferson's formative years inside an 1800s courthouse building. A vintage souvenir from the Jefferson Antique Mall is an excellent way to remember your time in the town, as you can comb through a selection of collectibles for a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Another intriguing experience awaits at the Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari, which lets you come close to native and exotic wildlife species during a laid-back drive through a delightful petting zoo. Finally, Jefferson spoils guests with accommodation options at every turn, but you can experience genuine Southern hospitality at the historic Excelsior House Hotel.
Rockport
Spend a calm weekend by the scenic shores of the Gulf of Mexico in this adorable coastal town. Rockport entices visitors with sandy Gulf Coast beaches and spectacular ocean views. You can find this lovely combination at Rockport Beach, which presents the ideal setting for sunbathing, swimming, and lounging.
The Texas Maritime Museum exposes history buffs to intriguing folklore about various expeditions at sea, with artifacts that highlight fishermen, oil drillers, and pirates along the Gulf Coast. Art enthusiasts can engage with the creative community at the Rockport Center for the Arts. The site hosts art exhibitions, live events, and educational workshops. For travelers on a budget, Motel 6 Rockport offers value for your money in a convenient location not far from downtown.
Marfa
This small desert municipality in West Texas offers a blend of rich cultural experiences and an otherworldly natural phenomenon. Marfa is famous for the Marfa Lights occurrence, which sees thrilled spectators gathering at the Marfa Lights Viewing Area to marvel at the mysterious orb of light on the town's horizon. It also houses the Chinati Foundation, a popular stop for artists and art lovers, featuring a collection of indoor and outdoor contemporary art installations on a large scale.
The Marfa and Presidio County Museum conserves and shares the region's history through a vast collection of interactive displays. These range from old photos and antiques to pioneer tools. Finally, those planning to spend the night can enjoy a luxurious experience at the Hotel Paisano, a historic destination that offers guests the chance to sleep in rooms once occupied by celebrities such as James Dean, Rock Hudson, Dennis Hopper, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Castroville
Castroville is a laid-back Hill Country town on the Medina River with alluring natural scenery and many historical landmarks. Tracing its founding to the mid-1800s, Castroville has a captivating backstory for history buffs, which is on display at the Landmark Inn State Historic Site. Constructed in the 19th century, this rustic inn shares stories about industrialization and immigration in the surrounding region.
Culinary connoisseurs can taste delicious local flavors at Julianna's Restaurant. The diner serves reinvented American classics with a modern twist in a welcoming setting. Meanwhile, ardent adventurers can access hiking, birding, fishing, and picnicking opportunities at Castroville Regional Park, which presents a tranquil 126-acre natural playground. This is a short distance from Hillside Boutique Hotel, which rewards guests with breathtaking views of the Medina River.
Canyon
Canyon is a picturesque town in the Texas Panhandle with breathtaking natural landscapes encouraging outdoor immersion. It houses the iconic Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which fuels recreational activities throughout the year. Spread across 30,000 acres, the reserve attracts geocachers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, hikers, and birders.
The downtown area maintains a lively atmosphere with eclectic local restaurants and galleries. After a day spent exploring, you can pop into Taqueria El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant for authentic and delicious dishes. Meanwhile, art enthusiasts can visit Marsha Clements Arts to admire beautiful and original paintings by a talented local artist. At the conclusion of an adventurous day, the Best Western Palo Duro Canyon Inn & Suites is both comfortable and convenient.
Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs provides a relaxed, natural setting with stunning treasures that call for an easygoing weekend away from the chaotic scene in Austin. This Hill Country gem encourages visitors to discover its rich outdoor scenery at Milton Reimers Ranch Park. Covering more than 2,000 acres along the Pedernales River, the reserve is a worthy escape for campers, hikers, rock climbers, and anglers.
However, the town is well-known for housing the Hamilton Pool Preserve. This otherworldly natural swimming hole enchants newcomers with its limestone grotto and tranquil pool, amidst storybook surroundings. Nature aside, Dripping Springs promises remarkable craft beer and wine tastings at local establishments like Bell Springs Winery & Brewery. When it's all said and done, you can have a good night's sleep at Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
Port Aransas
Conveniently isolated on Mustang Island, with thin crowds and wide open spaces, Port Aransas is one of the best towns in Texas to visit for a weekend getaway. It allows vacationers to revel in the laid-back atmosphere of the Gulf Coast and dip in its warm waters at Port Aransas Beach. Boasting miles of coastline, the beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Guests can also take advantage of cruises on the water by Port Aransas Fisherman's Wharf to experience the town from a different perspective.
Elsewhere, more than 25,000 images and artifacts inside the Port Aransas Museum invite first-timers to explore the rich heritage of the local and surrounding communities. Lastly, guests can find reliable lodging at Seashell Village Resort, which offers easy beach access and a pool.
Fort Davis
This West Texas community provides a low-key retreat at the base of the Davis Mountains. Here, outdoor adventurers can explore the 2,700-acre wilderness of Davis Mountains State Park and take advantage of stargazing, camping, and hiking opportunities. Fort Davis excites history buffs with the Fort Davis National Historic Site. The location preserves an 1800s fortress dating back to the Indian Wars.
Meanwhile, the sleepy downtown region houses several local businesses where you can grab a bite or buy a souvenir while exploring. Mary Lou's Restaurant is a worthwhile stop for those with a taste for classic American comfort foods, while the Fort Davis Drug Store Hotel guarantees guests a rustic yet remarkable lodging experience.
Wimberley
Wimberley is known for its breathtaking swimming holes fed by the clear waters of a natural spring. Excited tourists flock to Jacob's Well to explore its vibrant and pristine waters, though swimming is prohibited. Signing up for a thrilling tour with Wimberley Zipline Adventures places you in a fantastic position to take in the town's beauty from above and get your adrenaline pumping with excitement.
Wimberley also houses a lively arts and culture scene, which newcomers can experience at the EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens. This magnificent venue stages professional productions in an indoor theater, an outdoor amphitheater, and a smaller stage for more intimate performances. When you need a place to sleep, look no further than Onera Wimberley, which boasts unique, luxury treehouse accommodations with private hot tubs.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a historic German settlement in the Texas Hill Country, renowned for its tasty wines and alluring outdoor scenery. Guests can expect to sample delicious craft wines at every turn, thanks to the town's large collection of wineries and vineyards. Grape Creek Vineyards is among the most notable with award-winning French and Italian wines. The town's beautiful surroundings allow for plenty of outdoor adventures. If you fancy a quiet stroll, Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park offers secluded nature trails surrounded by rolling landscapes.
Those curious about Fredericksburg's German roots can tour the Pioneer Museum and comb through piles of relics and photographs explaining the arrival of European immigrants in the 19th century and their settlement in the area. Lastly, accommodation is readily available at Fredericksburg Inn & Suites, just a block from Main Street.
While there is no shortage of fine destinations to add to your next itinerary in the Lone Star State, the above options present a compelling case for the best towns in Texas to visit for a weekend getaway in 2025. From the comfort of chilling on the sandy Gulf Coast beaches in Rockport to the thrill of discovering the untamed wilderness in Dripping Springs, tourists can look forward to letting loose and forgetting their daily worries as they embrace the rich charm, culture, and hospitality Texas proudly offers.
