Texas's Best Small Towns for a Weekend Escape
Texas spans five climate regions and dramatic elevation shifts, from Gulf Coast sea level to 8,751-foot Guadalupe Peak, giving weekend travelers strikingly different landscapes and outdoor experiences. Located in the Hill Country, Fredericksburg stands out for Main Street wine tasting and iconic German frontier architecture, while Wimberley brings a lot of whimsical independent shops and access to Blue Hole Regional Park and Jacob's Well. And Marfa, in far West Texas, gives the list its quirkiest edge, pairing a serious contemporary art scene with the famously mysterious Marfa Lights just outside town. The nine Texas towns below are best suited for fun weekend trips.
Granbury
Granbury, located an easy drive just southwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, is a small town with a population of approximately 10,000 and is often used as a weekend escape from the big city.
Granbury’s proximity to Lake Granbury provides opportunities for water-related activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake's beaches are perfect for relaxing, while the nearby parks have a nice collection of trails for hiking, with picnic areas strewn throughout.
The town's heritage is evident in the well-preserved 19th-century buildings dowtown, like the Granbury Opera House, which continues to host performances, and the picturesque Hood County Courthouse. For those interested in engaging in some of the local culture, the Granbury Wine Walk and the Harvest Moon Festival are annual events that showcase regional wine and crafts in this rich agricultural area (which is evidently ideal for grape growing).
Fredericksburg
Situated in the Hill Country of central Texas, the town of Fredericksburg draws eyes with its German heritage which can be seen in its architecture, businesses, and culture. Founded by German settlers in the mid-19th century, visitors can now explore its unique atmosphere through landmarks like the iconic Vereins Kirche (a replica of the original 1847 church that once stood on its foundations), and the Pioneer Museum, which offers in-depth insights into the area's early history.
Fredericksburg is a wonderful place for wine lovers, with plenty of wineries and vineyards around. Throughout the year, the town hosts fun wine events like tastings and tours that you can enjoy. Main Street, the heart of the town, is lined with charming tasting rooms and cozy, locally-owned restaurants, making it easy to savor fresh, locally sourced dishes. One favorite spot is Hondo's On Main, where you can indulge in some of the best Tex-Mex around, reflecting how seriously the area takes its Tex-Mex cuisine.
For outdoor enthusiasts looking for a photo spot or an exciting activity, the nearby Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is well known for its hiking, rock climbing, and stunning vantage points, giving you a great view of the surrounding Hill Country.
Johnson City
Travel directly west of Austin and you will find yourself in the town of Johnson City. Named after James Polk Johnson, a nephew of President Lyndon B. Johnson, the town offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is a primary attraction, where you can the former president's boyhood home, known as the Texas White House, the area where the former president's ancestors settled all the way back in the 1860's.
Johnson City boasts a charming downtown area with plenty to explore. The Science Mill, an interactive science museum set in a renovated 1880s mill, offers captivating exhibits for visitors of all ages. During winter, the city's seasonal events, like the Lights Spectacular, create stunning holiday displays that are sure to impress.
Pedernales Falls State Park is nearby. With opportunities to go hiking, swimming, and picnicking along the scenic Pedernales River, this is a great spot to check out on a hot summer day.
Round Top
If you hate crowds and love antiques, Round might be just the place for you. This small town with a minuscule population of only about 90 residents is located halfway between Austin and Houston and is best known for its antique-related events and shops.
The Round Top Antiques Fair, which takes place twice annually, draws collectors and dealers nationwide, turning the town into a lively marketplace filled with antiques and collectibles. Similarly, Henkel Square Market attracts shoppers from across the state seeking a quality shopping experience, featuring a variety of boutiques, galleries, and a cafe—all situated in beautifully restored historic buildings.
The town's cultural offerings include the Festival Hill Institute, a music institute and concert hall that is set in a beautifully ornate theater. Come to Festival Hill for live performances, from classical concerts to educational programs. For more to do, take a drive up to Lake Somerville State Park and Trailway for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating.
Wimberley
Wimberly is a distinctive destination because of its nearby natural attractions, such as the Blue Hole Regional Park, which is popular for its crystal-clear swimming holes, hiking trails, and picnic areas within it; a perfect spot for a hot Texas afternoon. For a unique view of the area, definitely hike up Mount Baldy (Old Baldy) via a trail starting at Old Baldy Park.
Wimberley’s downtown area hosts fun events like the Wimberley Market Days, which takes place on the first Saturday of each month from March to December and is one of the largest outdoor markets in Texas. Here, you will find a wide variety of goods from antiques to handmade crafts.
Wimberly also boasts several vineyards and wineries nearby, allowing for a pleasant afternoon of wine tasting. Limestone Terrace Vineyard is a popular spot, either on the way to or from Austin.
Marfa
Marfa is located in the high desert of West Texas and is famous for its vibrant contemporary art scene. This reputation is largely thanks to artist Donald Judd, who installed permanent artworks and founded the Chinati Foundation in the town. Visitors can tour various galleries and installations, making Marfa a notable international art destination. The Prada Marfa installation just west of town is another fun example of the unique and quirky art found in this remote area.
Marfa also instills its visitors with a sense of enigma with the mysterious Marfa Lights, an unexplained phenomenon in the deserts on the outskirts of town that attracts the curious. For a chance to see these seemingly phantom lights, pay a visit to the official viewing area just outside town at night.
For an outdoor activity that is a little less spooky, the nearby Big Bend National Park is well worth a stop. Here you can explore the rugged yet beautiful desert terrain of southwest Texas along the Rio Grande River.
Jefferson
Once a bustling port on the Red River, Jefferson still preserves its historical charm through museums and notable landmarks like historic homes. The Jefferson Historical Museum provides an in-depth look at the town's history, while the Gone With the Wind Museum displays memorabilia from the classic film and also functions as a bed and breakfast.
The downtown core features spots like the Jefferson Railway, which can give you a scenic train ride through the Piney Woods nearby. Further explore the local wilderness at Lake O' the Pines, a popular place for boating, fishing, and hiking.
Jefferson also hosts the annual Jefferson Pilgrimage, celebrating its longstanding history with tours of some of the historic homes here and re-enactments.
Salado
Salado is a laid-back village in Central Texas that has a population of around 2,300. It offers a variety of attractions and a weekend escape near the cities of Waco and Austin.
Many visitors choose to stay at the historic Stagecoach Inn, one of Texas's oldest continuously operated hotels. The downtown Salado area also features the Salado Sculpture Garden and Salado Creek, both offering scenic locations for relaxing walks without leaving town. Salado Creek, a designated Texas natural landmark, is favored for fishing. Additionally, Chalk Ridge Falls Park nearby provides trails and a suspension bridge for outdoor exploration.
Check your calendar before you arrive, as events like the Texas Wine and Rogue Art Fest and the annual Salado Christmas Stroll, are held yearly and should not be missed.
Alpine
This west Texas town is another ideal gateway to the Big Bend region and other natural attractions. The nearby Davis Mountains is a less traveled option that is popular for its hiking trails during the day and stargazing at night, with very little light pollution to be found in this remote area of the state.
The Museum of the Big Bend, situated on the Sul Ross State University campus, provides insight into the area's human and natural history, featuring exhibits on Native American artifacts, pioneer life, and local geology. Alpine also holds a fair amount of sports-related facilities, including the Alpine Country Club and Kokernot Field, a historic baseball park.
Find Your Escape in Texas This Weekend
Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, browsing local shops and eateries, or enjoying outdoor pursuits, these small Texas towns offer enriching experiences full of Lone Star charm. From Alpine's scenic views to Johnson City's historic charm, there's a perfect destination for every interest. How many of these spots will you visit on your next summer weekend escape? Remember to fill up your gas tank well, as Texas roads can lead you far and wide!
