These 13 Towns In Texas Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2025
Texas is a vast state, among the largest in the nation, and is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from small towns to large cities. Most people are familiar with the major destinations in Texas, such as Houston and Dallas. However, there are plenty of smaller towns that are considered favorites in the state. Thanks to a blend of outdoor activities, historic sites, shopping, and lively events, these 13 towns are among the most popular to visit or call home.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg has a long history and dates back to before the founding of the state. Settled in 1846 by German immigrants, the city stands today as one of the top-ranked towns in Texas thanks to a combination of wineries, locally made goods, and entertainment. Residents and visitors alike find themselves amid over 100 wineries and vineyards, such as the Texas Heritage Vineyard. At these vineyards, it is possible to attend tastings while enjoying live musical performances. Shopping for locally made goods is easily done along Main Street and the Warehouse District, where the town's many artisans sell everything from antiques to jewelry and even art. Unique stops such as Allen's Boots add some Texas flair to each customer. Finally, the town comes alive in the evening. Craft cocktails are served up at the Velvet Lounge while live music plays, or guests let their inner singers loose over karaoke.
Salado
Salado's history dates back to just before the Civil War, when it was founded along Salado Creek. The village sprang up around Salado College and became a center of agriculture and industry. Today, it is a popular town in Texas thanks to its cozy size and many relaxing destinations. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy casual strolls through the Village Gardens, where they will find sculptures dotting fields of native plants. A peaceful day continues while shopping at the various stores throughout town, from jewelry at Christy's of Salado to finding a relaxing evening read at Fletcher's Books and Antiques. Visitors to the area will want to indulge at one of the unique places to stay overnight in the area, such as the Red Barn Hideaway. This unique rental is a real red barn with enough space for a group and sits just minutes away from museums and dining.
Castroville
Castroville is one of the most storied towns in Texas, dating back to one of the first settlers in the area, Henri Castro. Henry negotiated with the Republic of Texas to establish a settlement that grew into modern-day Castroville. It is a top-ranked destination in Texas because, despite its small size, it has plenty to do throughout the year. An annual parade is held in Houston Square every Fourth of July, where guests can enjoy fireworks and live entertainment. Houston Square is the city's town square and hosts plenty of events, such as concerts and wine tastings, almost every month. Nearby, visitors can take a peaceful walk through Castroville Regional Park, which is filled with hiking trails and plenty of photo opportunities among the oak trees or by the canal. History lovers, though, may find Castroville especially attractive. Given its lengthy past, there are plenty of long-standing structures to discover. The Landmark Inn State Historic Site is a particularly appealing destination and has existed since 1853. Visitors to town will be especially happy to find that they can not only tour the site but also stay at the Landmark Inn as part of its bed and breakfast offer.
Granbury
Granbury's history dates to before the foundation of the state. While it was formally founded in 1866, Granbury was actually built in an area with a history dating to 1854, and today it maintains some of the original founding structures dating to the 19th century. Today, it is a favorite thanks to its historic nature. One of the most visited destinations in town is the Granbury Opera House. The opera house was first built in 1886 and retains its limestone walls, elegant chandeliers, and other features from its original design. The exciting history of the city continues at the Granbury State Historical Cemetery, where the famed outlaw Jesse James is buried today. However, veterans from the region who served in wars as far back as 1812 also rest in the cemetery. True to its claim that it is the "Best Historic Town in America," the city also features the Historic Granbury Square. Visitors can see the first courthouse square in Texas to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places before visiting the surrounding restaurants, shops, and art stores that make the square such an exciting destination.
Alpine
The town of Alpine has its humble beginnings as a home for railroad workers and cattlemen who worked in the area. It experienced a population boom with the construction of what is today known as Sul Ross State University. Today, Alpine is ranked among Texas's best cities because it is an excellent destination for outdoor lovers and serves as the gateway to Big Bend National Park. Big Bend was developed as the first national park in the state and covers 1,250 square miles along the Rio Grande River. Visitors come to Alpine before moving on to Big Bend, where hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, kayaking, and more are all available. If you want to learn more about Big Bend while beating the heat, you can visit the Museum of the Big Bend. Visitors can learn about the park and the wider Chihuahua Desert, the largest desert in all of North America. One final destination for outdoor lovers is the McDonald Observatory, which sits north of the city. Open to the public from Tuesday through Saturday, the observatory provides daytime admission to see the facilities and live views of the sun, as well as nighttime views of the vast Texas skies.
Bandera
Do you like Cowboys and Rodeos? When you think of Texas, do you say "yee-haw?" If so, then you cannot skip a visit to Bandera. This top-ranked Texas town is famously known as the Cowboy Capital of the World. At less than a thousand residents, Bandera may be one of the smallest destinations on this list, but it is a must-visit. First established in 1856, this town went through a population boom as cattle were driven up the Western Trail. Bandera became known for cattle and other livestock, and this history is honored at the Frontier Times Museum. The museum features a quirky collection of artifacts from throughout the town's history, from the cowboy hats and saddles that were popular during the cattle drives to memorabilia from the World Wars, donated by residents. Every year, residents and visitors flock to the Bandera Rodeo Memorial Weekend Stampede, hosted at the Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena. Here, the best professional riders in the world mount bucking broncos while guests enjoy a drink or some of the locally made food. Trail rides are available at local destinations such as Dixie Dude Ranch or the Rancho Cortez.
Boerne
The city of Boerne is conveniently just outside of San Antonio, where it has existed in one form or another since the 1840s. First populated by Native Americans and formally settled in 1852, Boerne today is a renowned destination for anyone visiting the area who wants to go shopping. The city boasts a number of local artisans who feature their work at places such as the Hill Country Pottery, where visitors can find handmade pottery, wood carvings, and more. If you are trying to live the true Western lifestyle, you may want to drop into Billy's Western Wear and gear up with some quality boots before you head outside. Furthermore, one can get a real taste of Boerne by stopping at the Cibolo during the weekly Farmer's Market. Freshly baked bread, tasty fudge, and locally farmed honey are only some of the items you might find during your stay.
Rockport
Rockport was first established later in Texas' history. Incorporated in 1870, it is a famous destination due to its location, which is a favorite among visitors, thanks to its position between Copano Bay and Aransas Bay. Fulton Fishing Pier is inside Fulton Harbor Park. Guests can either enjoy time walking the trails or head out onto the pier. For a small fee, fishing enthusiasts can spend their day casting their lines for that evening's meal. To complement your time along the shore, a stay at The Lighthouse Inn is a fantastic way to spend your night. This well-appointed inn is designed in the Victorian style and is close not only to the bay but also to the historic Fulton Mansion. Here, guests can enjoy a beautifully landscaped garden and tour the former home of George Fulton, a prominent resident who helped attract residents to Rockport during its formative years.
Nacogdoches
Nacogdoches' claim to fame is that it is the oldest town in Texas, with a history dating back to 1779 when Spanish colonists settled it. Today, it offers cultural and historic destinations that make this one of the best destinations in Texas. It is particularly popular for its Downtown Wine Swirl. Visitors come from all over the region to walk through downtown, enjoying tastes of different wines and sampling local food while shopping from regional artisans. Nacogdoches also claims to be the Garden Capital of Texas and is widely known for the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Gardens. These unique gardens were the creation of Ruby Mize and the endowment established by her daughter. Visitors will find magnolias, Japanese maples, hydrangeas, and more as they walk the lanes of the garden. However, consistent with Nacogdoches' historic past, there is also plenty to see for history lovers. Destinations such as the Nacogdoches Railroad Depot document critical junctures of the city's history, why residents moved into the area, and how it flourished into what it is today.
Wimberley
This part of Texas, located in the Blanco River Valley, was settled for decades before being named after local mill owner Pleasant Wimberley in 1880. The local economy eventually came to emphasize tourism. Today, one of the reasons Wimberley stands as a famous Texas destination is thanks to the iconic Blue Hole, a pristine spring-fed swimming hole that is filled by the waters of Cypress Creek. Visitors to Blue Hole Regional Park can enjoy a swim after walking the surrounding trails and even enjoy occasional live music. Yet there are also plenty of ways for visitors to learn more about the area, such as stopping by one of the most unique museums in Texas, the Jack Glover Cowboy Museum. Displays include a replica of the mythical Jackalope sitting alongside collections of historic cowboy and Native American artifacts. These displays provide a unique window into the culture of Wimberley and its history. While in Wimberley, you can also shop at Market Days, hosted at Lion's Field. These Market Days are the Texas Hill Country's largest outdoor market and feature vendors selling handmade crafts, hand-fashioned jewelry, homemade foods, and more.
Canyon
First incorporated in 1906, Canyon began as a farming community that grew over the years and particularly saw a population boom following the Great Depression. Despite its size, Canyon is famous and has become a popular destination thanks to one of the most recognizable figures in all of Texas, the Tex Randall Statue. A 47-foot-tall statue dressed in yellow with traditional blue jeans, Tex regularly greets guests who are arriving in town. Once in town, there is something for everyone in Canyon. Visitors can easily learn more about the history of the region at the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum. The museum features everything from artifacts left behind by the Native Americans who called the area home to a notable collection of some of the classic vehicles that once drove the streets of Canyon. Visitors who prefer to spend their time outdoors may want to travel to nearby Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It is home to the second-largest canyon in the entire country and provides 16 miles of drivable road with scenic views of the Texas countryside.
Marfa
Marfa's history is not particularly notable, having been first established in the 1880s as a railroad water stop. Yet today, it is among the top-ranked towns in Texas because it is home to some of the most unique sights in the entire state. One of the most notable locations to visit in Texas, the town was memorialized in the movie Giant, featuring then-growing Hollywood star James Dean. Tragically, Dean died shortly after the film's making, but today visitors can see a tribute to the actor at Giant Marfa, an outdoor open-air mural featuring scenes from the film. The city is no stranger to unique things to see, however. One of the most iconic land art displays in the entire country is Prada Marfa, which is considered by many to be a must-see destination for visitors. Prada Marfa is a faux Prada store, complete with displays of shoes and handbags, which sits in the countryside and attracts visitors seeking photographs of this unique exhibit. However, the biggest attraction may be the Marfa Lights Viewing Site. Since the late 1800s, inexplicable mysterious orbs have lit up the night and amazed residents. The viewing site provides an ideal place to see these.
Port Isabel
Port Isabel's lengthy history dates back to 1788, when the first settlement in the area was established on Brazos Island. It came to be used as a resort, but it would not be until the 1830s that a real community developed in the area. The town was formally established as Port Isabel by 1850. Today, Port Isabel is among the most visited towns in Texas thanks to its position along the Gulf of Mexico and the nearby South Bay. It is a popular destination for anyone who wants to go fishing, with visitors flocking to places such as Pirate's Landing Fishing Pier. The longest pier in Texas, this destination offers gear rentals, such as poles and tackle, for anyone who wants to catch their meal for the evening. Anyone who prefers a sweeping view of the waters can tour the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site. A self-guided tour leads up to the 3rd Order Fresnel Lens that tops the lighthouse, where visitors can see for miles onto the bay. Visitors can also rent from South Padre Boat Rentals, which offers vessels such as pontoon boats for groups that want to spend a few hours out on the bay.
Towns That Top The List As Favorites
Texas is a diverse state, and its many towns reflect that. From the Tex Randall statue greeting road trippers as they zip along Route 60 to the majestic vistas of Big Bend National Park, there is something to see and do at every stop across Texas. If you are planning a trip through the state, think about some of these distinct towns that proudly showcase their historic nature, cultural heritage, and natural beauty.
