These 13 Towns In Texas Have The Best Main Streets
To really know a town is to explore its main street with eyes, ears, and heart wide open. Texas is home to an eclectic mix of communities, from coastal Port Isabel and bohemian Wimberley to the oldest town in the state and hidden gems in the heart of Hill Country. In Boerne’s Main Street, you can find bakeries, boutiques, and creekside trails sitting next to each other. Find the past woven into the modern, everyday life in the courthouse square of Granbury. Waxahachie’s downtown features gingerbread buildings and vibrant festivals year-round. No matter the itinerary, curiosity is rewarded with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like fishing off the longest pier in Texas and rocking the night away in its longest-running dance hall. These 13 main street districts are walkable, scenic, and worthy of a closer look.
Boerne
The Texas Hill Country is a draw for many, thanks to its stunning landscapes and vibrant history. In the heart of it all, Boerne sits pretty with a downtown ripe for exploration. Just a half hour from San Antonio, the town's Hill Country Mile deserves a visit.
Bear Moon Bakery and Cafe offers hand-crafted espresso and fresh pastries to fuel a day of touring around Boerne, and for something with a bit more of a kick, Roc-n-Rita's sells margaritas to go, as well as daiquiris, piña coladas, and other cheeky treats. The Dienger Trading Co. is a one-stop shop with a bakery, bistro, and boutique housed in a 19th-century landmark. To round out the scene and capitalize on the town's proximity to the scenic Cibolo Creek, there are walking trails, fishing piers, and picnic spots steps from the downtown core.
Granbury
Granbury's Historic Square is a logical starting point for any first-timer in this town on the banks of the Brazos. Surrounding the Hood County Courthouse are dozens of independent shops and eateries set in preserved buildings, such as 1890 Grille and Lounge, which serves upscale American fare and also has a marketplace with premium spices, oils, vinegars, and other gourmet gifts to take home.
Beyond the square, there are several tours available to get a true taste of Granbury. Topping the list is the Ghosts and Legends Tour, which includes local lore and even the rumored story of John Wilkes Booth escaping to Granbury after President Lincoln's assassination. The Granbury Opera House is another must. The beautifully renovated performing arts center, circa 1886, is a destination unto itself and presents a range of live musicals and comedies by the local theatre company.
Nacogdoches
As the oldest town in the state, it's no surprise that downtown Nacogdoches is an antique lover's and treasure hunter's dream. Perhaps one of the more unique spots to browse is the General Mercantile and Old Time String Shop. Apart from its ties to Bonnie Parker of the infamous duo Bonnie and Clyde, the old-timey general store specializes in acoustic musical instruments and accessories, and it also offers a range of home goods and necessities. It has been hosting a weekly jam session every Saturday afternoon since 1978.
The Charles Bright Visitors Center offers printed maps for self-guided tours highlighting colorful murals and historic landmarks. The Nacogdoches Statue Trail is a particularly interesting route, with thirteen stops scattered across town that tell the stories of men and women who shaped the town. For a bite and a break, Stone House Kitchen serves fresh, made-from-scratch food and also offers curated to-go and picnic boxes for diners on the move.
Waxahachie
Just 30 minutes south of Dallas, Waxahachie has personality to spare. Its most beautiful claim to fame is the annual Crape Myrtle Festival in July, when the town's preserved streets are in full bloom with delicate pink blossoms, and thousands flock for the parade that rolls through downtown.
Waxahachie boasts signature "gingerbread" architecture that sets the streetscape apart, and the Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes is another annual festival that draws a crowd each June. For a mix of cold beer, great food, and live music, Big Al’s Down The Hatch is a local favorite. And for those who prefer to DIY their Texas BBQ, Meat Church is the go-to for kitchen and cooking supplies, with a wide selection of rubs, sauces, seasonings, and brines.
Jefferson
North Polk Street is the cultural and commercial artery of this pre-Civil War town. The Howe Truss Train Trestle is an iconic landmark at the corner of Polk and Dallas Streets, with an LED light show that lights up the night every evening from dusk to dawn. From here, downtown unfolds in long-standing spots like the Jefferson General Store, which still sells pralines and old-fashioned sodas with a side of nostalgia.
The Museum of Measurement and Time offers another trip down memory lane, with hundreds of American clocks and early surveying equipment, as well as 1500 salt and pepper sets, for a quirky little added bonus. Getting around Jefferson is half the fun, with golf cart rentals available from Bulldog Rides, and Historic Tours of Jefferson offers narrated scenic tours of the district aboard an air-conditioned trolley.
Georgetown
The San Gabriel River runs through Georgetown, and Blue Hole Park sits at the edge of downtown with fishing access and a popular swimming hole a stone's throw from N. Austin Avenue. Georgetown is one of only a few dozen designated Cultural Districts in the state of Texas, and its main thoroughfare is home to dozens of local galleries, including the Georgetown Art Center, which serves as a gallery, school, gift shop, and general creative hub.
The Palace Theater is another cultural highlight and has been a prominent feature of the Square for 100 years. Originally built as a movie house, it was renovated extensively at the turn of the 21st century and now hosts Broadway musicals and other live productions in the heart of downtown. For a fantastic meal before or after the show, Wildfire Restaurant and Saloon is right next to the theater with a menu that includes oak-grilled meats, game, and seafood.
Wimberley
Halfway between Austin and San Antonio, Wimberley is about as charming as a small town gets. While other spots on this list boast historic or cultural downtown districts, this one is all about nature and whimsy. The action centers on Wimberley Square, where shops like the Gypsy Market set the tone with an eclectic mix of jewelry, fashion, and home goods.
The Cypress Creek Nature Preserve is another defining element of downtown Wimberley, with more than 7 acres of walking trails and green space. There are a number of places to sit and grab a drink or a bite at the edge of the creek, including Creekhouse Kitchen and Bar, an airy bistro nestled under the cypress trees that serves creative cocktails and fresh, seasonal dishes.
Bastrop
Bastrop balances natural beauty with a timeless, Old West feel. The Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center is the perfect starting point downtown. Not only do they have a wealth of information to share about the region's past and present, but they also host a variety of engaging events throughout the year. Independent shops are the lifeblood of Main Street, with boutiques like The Painted Porch, a bookstore that personally reads and curates every title they carry.
602 Brewing Company is a veteran-owned pub with craft beer, quality comfort food, and live music on a popular outdoor patio. For some authentic Southern home cooking, Maxine's Cafe & Bakery serves up such classics as chicken-fried steak with gravy, catfish, and collard greens in a casual, welcoming space.
Lockhart
Lockhart's identity is rooted in tradition, especially when it comes to barbecue. Home to the legendary BBQ Row on Colorado Street, an estimated 5,000 people visit the town's BBQ restaurants each week. Iconic hot spots such as Smitty's, Blacks, and Kreuz have put Lockhart on the map and earned it the title of Barbecue Capital of Texas.
The historic heart of town runs along Main and Commerce Streets, where the Dr. Eugene Clark Library keeps tradition alive as the oldest continuously operating library in the state. Meanwhile, a mix of boutiques, galleries, bars, and cafes line the square around the commanding Caldwell County Courthouse. Old Pal Bar is one such spot, with what they claim to be the coldest beer in Texas and a menu that ranges from fried green tomatoes to beer-can roasted chicken.
Marshall
Downtown Marshall has it all, from one-of-a-kind restaurants and cafes housed in heritage buildings to world-class theaters and museums. The Harrison County Historical Museum defines Peter Whetstone Square and boasts three other locations within walking distance. Memorial City Hall Performance Center is one such satellite, with a military exhibit honoring servicemen and women from across the county. The state-of-the-art auditorium is a premier destination for live theater and music, as well as other community and cultural events.
Washington Avenue is Marshall's most photogenic main drag. Joe Pine Coffee Co. captures the town's essence with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating in a casual, welcoming setting. Meanwhile, Tavolo 13 takes things up a notch with an open kitchen cooking up steaks and seafood with passion and pizazz, and the largest wine selection in East Texas.
Fredericksburg
With a balance of German and American heritage, Fredericksburg offers a fresh alternative to typical Texas cowboy culture. At the center of it all is Marketplatz von Fredericksburg, which is also home to the Vereins Kirche Museum, a unique local landmark with photographs and cultural displays. The Pioneer Museum on Main Street provides more essential context through exhibits and artifacts that highlight the lives of early settlers across ten structures, while Altdorf Biergarten serves traditional German food and drink in a lively beer garden.
On the other hand, the National Museum of the Pacific War has just finished extensive renovations and is well worth the price of admission. With a focus on WWII, exhibits include the Memorial Courtyard, a gallery dedicated to Admiral Nimitz, the Japanese Garden of Peace, and a new immersive experience called The Rescue.
Gruene
On the banks of the Guadalupe River, Gruene is another Texas town with strong German influence. Contrary to its name, the Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar is actually housed in founder Henry Gruene's former cotton gin, built in 1878. It has since become a dynamic hub of hospitality with 10 distinct dining areas, a mercantile, and a patio overlooking the river. Gruene Hall was also built in 1878 and is the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. With an impressive roster of local and touring acts, they still host live music every day of the week.
Another surviving relic of Henry Gruene's legacy is the Gruene General Store. Naturally, it, too, was built in 1978 to supply the sharecroppers who worked in the cotton fields, and today its shelves are stocked with novelties and treats, such as souvenirs and Uncle Otto's homemade fudge.
Port Isabel
There aren't too many towns in Texas whose main street runs into the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America), and for that, Port Isabel deserves a spot on this list. While the Queen Isabella Causeway technically crosses Laguna Madre Bay and passes through South Padre Island en route to the Gulf, it gives the town a seaside vibe nonetheless. Highlights here rightfully include Port Isabel Lighthouse State Park, where visitors can check out the Keeper's Cottage and climb to the top for uninterrupted panoramic views.
Pirate's Landing Fishing Pier is the longest pier in Texas and has anything an angler could ever wish for, from bait and tackle to gear rentals and, of course, a snack bar and full-service restaurant. For those keen to taste the Gulf without fishing for it, Joe's Oyster Bar presents a couple of options. A dine-in menu has a wide range of seafood specialties, be it fried, boiled, or fresh off the boat, while their market stocks fresh and frozen fish and seafood to go.
These Small Texas Towns Go Big On Main
Each town on this list shows how a strong main street reflects a vibrant local culture and community pride. Whether that means barbecue traditions in Lockhart, riverfront dining in Gruene, German heritage in Fredericksburg, or coastal vibes in Port Isabel, these courthouse squares and riverside streets are the windows into the heart and soul of the towns they serve.
