The 8 Can't-Miss Towns In Texas
Texas is one of America's fastest-growing states, attracting homebuyers and vacationers alike to its highly varied landscapes, cities, and towns. Better yet, its massive borders are a perfect place to explore for days or even weeks on end without seeing the same thing twice. Whether you are looking for a beachside escape by the Gulf Coast, an outdoor adventure in its western deserts, or a historic journey throughout its long-standing communities to the east, here are eight Texan towns you simply can't miss, regardless of what your plans are.
Gonzales
Gonzales is where the Texas Revolution began, and that legacy shapes nearly every corner of town. It’s the home of the “Come and Take It” cannon, a part of the conflict's first battle and symbol of classic Texas defiance still on display.
Moreover, the town's historic district includes a walkable cluster of museums, restored old-timey homes, and a preserved 19th-century jail that gives you another direct line into frontier life. Notably, the downtown streets are gridded around seven original public squares, making Gonzales one of the only Texas towns to retain its early plan.
Besides the deep-seated history, the Guadalupe River skirts the edge of town, offering paddling routes and riverside trails for outdoor adventurers. Palmetto State Park is also just a short drive away and features idyllic fishing holes, other hiking paths, and boardwalks through dense dwarf palmetto tree groves.
Gladewater
Gladewater, located deep in East Texas, developed as a railroad town before transforming during the 1930s oil boom. Today, it is known for its walkable downtown filled with antique shops and vintage stores, earning it the title “Antique Capital of East Texas.” Many of these businesses are sought after by collectors and operate out of old-timey storefronts that are often historic pieces themselves.
Local entertainment remains active through the Gladewater Opry, which hosts live country and bluegrass music in a historic theater setting. Several annual festivals, including Gusher Days and the Gladewater Rodeo, can also be enjoyed throughout the year. But for a more educational outing, the Gladewater Museum documents the area’s oil, timber, and music history through rotating exhibits and some permanent displays.
Summer vacationers also flock to Lake Gladewater, which provides a low-key setting for fishing, paddling, and small-town summer events like boat parades and cookouts. In late winter, however, nearby daffodil gardens, like those at Mrs. Lee's Daffodil Garden, draw sightseers and green thumbs alike to acres of these blooming flowers that grow well in the environment here.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg sits in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and draws travelers with its distinct German heritage, plethora of wineries, and various historic landmarks. Fredericksburg is also a staging point for exploring Enchanted Rock, a massive pink granite dome that rises above the landscape with marked trails and 360-degree views from the top.
On the other hand, downtown's Main Street boasts several restored structures from past centuries, housing anything from tasting rooms to bakeries and boutiques. The Pioneer Museum and Vereins Kirche reach further into the region's past, while the nearby National Museum of the Pacific War is another favorite destination for history buffs.
Dozens of wineries and vineyards surround the area, too, many with views of rolling hills and tasting patios open year-round. Barons Creek Vineyards is a wildly popular locale, while smaller establishments like Augusta Vin, Safari Winery, and Invention Vineyards offer other excellent (and perhaps less busy) options.
Weatherford
Weatherford, a quick drive west of Dallas, is known as the “Peach Capital of Texas,” a fitting nickname thanks to the Parker County Peach Festival and the countless orchards nearby that peak in the summer.
If exploring the downtown core, be sure to pay a visit to the iconic Chandor Gardens, an elegant blend of English-style landscaping and local flora. Victorian homes are also abundant here along Waetherford's tree‑shaded avenues, while the Parker County Courthouse anchors the main square, all adding up to a beautiful walk around for architectural enthusiasts.
Outdoors, nearby Mineral Wells and Lake Weatherford deliver ways for you to go fishing and boating, and trails for hiking or cycling without straying far from town, a perfect spot to spend a hot summer day.
Glen Rose
Glen Rose is a favorite among dinosaur lovers across the country, and with good reason. The town is home to Dinosaur Valley State Park, where you can walk in real dinosaur tracks preserved in the Paluxy Riverbed dating back to an astounding 113 million years ago! The park also boasts a nice selection of trails, campgrounds, and scenic viewpoints along the river banks. To add to the theme, nearby Dinosaur World brings these prehistoric creatures to life, in a way, with over 150 life‑size dinosaur models, a fossil dig, and other hands-on exhibits.
Back in town, locations like the Somervell County Museum, the Barnard’s Mill Art Museum in a restored 1860s gristmill, and a few other historic landmarks can be appreciated, while the Captain Stephen L. Gibson Memorial Paluxy Heritage Park offers a more expansive space to learn about Glen Rose's storied past. The outdoor charm here continues at Big Rocks Park, where massive riverbed boulders invite climbers, swimmers, and picnickers along the water.
Port Lavaca
The oceanside town of Port Lavaca sits on none other than Lavaca Bay, providing direct access to quiet Gulf Coast beaches, inshore fishing spots, and excellent bird watching. Lighthouse Beach Park is probably the best place to get a feel for the land, as it includes a boardwalk, viewing tower, and lighted fishing pier, all within the town limits. Moreover, Magnolia Beach and Indianola are nearby as well and offer a wide, uncrowded shoreline with options for RV or tent camping.
The town also sits on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, with the Formosa Wetlands Walkway and Alcoa Bird Tower, making for ideal spots to witness migratory species throughout the year.
On the other hand, try delving into the area's human history at the Calhoun County Museum, which includes exhibits on Karankawa history, French colonial attempts in the region, and other bits of local maritime heritage. Furthermore, the restored Half Moon Reef Lighthouse, moved inland from Matagorda Bay, now functions as a small interpretive site.
Kemah
Kemah sits perched on Galveston Bay and is best known for its boardwalk, along with its very close proximity to Houston. The Kemah Boardwalk is, for most visitors, the town’s main draw, a waterfront entertainment district with amusement rides, a variety of restaurants, arcades, and a marina. The biggest attractions within the walkways include a high-speed wooden roller coaster, a Ferris wheel with unobstructed bay views, and live music on weekends. It is also one of the few places on the Texas coast where you can go from seafood dinner to thrill rides without having to get in your car.
Beyond the boardwalk, Kemah’s harbor is a hotspot for sailing charters, jet ski rentals, and speedboat cruises, while other public piers and surrounding marshes are known for their fishing spots, as well as offering access to the water for other sorts of craft.
The Lighthouse District, also located close to the waterfront, is more focused on shopping and hosts several renowned seafood spots, like Fish and Chips Houston, and around the corner, Crazy Alan's Swamp Shack.
Wimberley
Wimberley's two legendary spring-fed swimming spots, Blue Hole Regional Park and Jacob’s Well Natural Area, offer impossibly clear, pristine waters surrounded by cypress groves and limestone cliffs, plus numerous hiking and birdwatching trails. For the best views above the land, however, hike the 218 steps of Old Baldy in Old Baldy Park or fly across canyons on the Wimberley Zipline, the latter of which delivers valley vistas at speeds up to 30 mph!
At the heart of town, Wimberley Square houses rustic limestone-front storefronts (quarried from local stone) within steps of the scenic Cypress Creek flowing nearby, which then flows into the Blanco River. If you really love shopping or just want to pick up locally crafted goods, the first Saturday of each month (March-December) boasts Market Days, an event that draws hundreds of vendors and shoppers to a sprawling open‑air bazaar of art, antiques, crafts, food, and live entertainment.
Art lovers have options like Wimberley Glassworks, where daily glass-blowing demos run, and a trail of galleries downtown that are open late for wine and arts events. Local theaters such as EmilyAnn Theatre also host live outdoor performances and more seasonal festivals throughout the year, making this town quite the cultural center halfway between Austin and San Antonio.
Make The Most of Your Texas Trip
There are dozens of must-see towns throughout the state, but if you truly want to avoid feeling like you missed out on something during your next trip to Texas, these spots will not disappoint. Whether you love museums, embarking on trips in some of the nation's most scenic state and national parks, or simply want a mouthwatering meal at a regional eatery, be sure to add at least a couple of these destinations to your itinerary.
