13 Overlooked Towns In Texas Worth Visiting

In a state the size of Texas, there are bound to be some hidden gems tucked between the bigger cities and more common tourist attractions. Take a detour off the beaten path, and you will find arguably the best BBQ in the state, if not the country, in Luling. Essential historic sites, like the Presidio la Bahía in Goliad and Fort Mason, illustrate the triumphs and tragedies that made Texas who and what it is today. And then there's the unparalleled beauty of Hill Country and the Gulf Coast. Think you know Texas? Think again. Continue reading to discover 13 overlooked towns ready to spill their secrets and share their stories.

Cuero

With a nickname like "the Turkey Capital of the World," it should come as no surprise that many of Cuero's attractions feature the feisty fowl. Cuero Turkeyfest is a widely anticipated annual event, with its main event being a live turkey race that celebrates more than a century of Cuero's rich heritage. The one-of-a-kind Pharmacy and Medical Museum of Texas, an old, fascinating space whose history goes back to the 1880s, displays interesting prescriptions, some of which will shock you, as well as wall-to-wall medical displays, and even some bloodletting tools of the past. Be sure not to miss the Cuero Heritage Museum with its nostalgic collection of antique Coca-Cola memorabilia and other artifacts, and when hunger strikes, a signature sandwich and side of potato salad from Cuero Pecan House Cafe should give you the kick you need for the day.

Albany

Some years back, Albany was associated with cowboys and buffalo hunters with hides stacked as high as a two-story building. Although that heritage still endures, Albany today brims with unique attractions. The Fort Griffin Fandangle, which commemorates an 1867 military post sixteen miles north of Albany, hosts the oldest outdoor musical in the entire state. The organizers use horses and various horse-drawn wagons and carriages to tell the history of the Texas Plains.

There is also the Old Jail Art Center, originally the first permanent structure built in Shackelford County, which today features a high-quality collection of art, especially from local talent. The Aztec Theatre is an intimate live performance space with phenomenal acoustics, and for a good meal and an even better time, Goodnight Steakhouse and Saloon always aims to serve the finest mesquite-grilled steaks in Texas, in addition to weekly live music.

Port Isabel

A charming Gulf Coast town with nice, white-sand beaches, Port Isabel is a dreamy location tucked away at the southernmost tip of the state, almost within earshot of Mexico. The Port Isabel Lighthouse, which was built in 1852 and predates the Civil War by almost a decade, is the only remaining Texas coast lighthouse open to the public. After more than 100 years without a light, a 3rd Order Fresnel Lens was recently fitted in the lantern room, bringing the lighthouse back to its glory days.

Joe's Oyster Bar has a perfectly unpretentious interior, but it knows how to whip up delicious fried seafood and po’boy sandwiches, all made with fresh ingredients right off the boat. Be sure to browse the exhibits at Port Isabel Historical Museum, especially if you want to learn about the town's formative years and the enterprising people who laid its foundation, and don't skip the eye-catching mural on the outside.

Glen Rose

Scientists believe that a long time ago, present-day Glen Rose was on an ancient sea coastline, where dinosaurs roamed and left their imprints. These footprints, mostly on what is now called the Paluxy River, draw tourists from far and near and are the main reason Glen Rose is billed as the Official Dinosaur Capital of Texas. So, next time you have a chance, lace up and make sure you visit the nationally famous Dinosaur Valley State Park, which preserves the dinosaur track sites and allows people to learn from them.

Other attractions in the area include the Blue Hole, a deep sinkhole at a bend in the Paluxy River, where you can swim or explore the surrounding trails, and Barnard's Mill & Art Museum, an iconic landmark that has served as a dance hall, a meetinghouse, and a town hospital at various intervals. Today, it displays beautiful watercolors and sculptures, and some historic artifacts from the city. There's Wheeler Branch Park as well, a peaceful oasis with stunning water views.

Jefferson

An East Texas jewel set along the lazy waters of the Big Cypress Bayou, Jefferson is a pre-Civil War town with haunted houses and scenic streets. It is also home to the Museum of Measurement & Time, with truckloads of clocks, telephones, maps, and other minutiae, all of which are ideal for someone studying the progress of human civilization. The museum also features a collection of roughly 1,500 salt and pepper shakers. Taking the cue, Old Mill Antiques is an eye-catching red barn packed to the brim with unique vintage items. It doubles up as a location on The Historic Jefferson Texas Ghost Walk Tour, which takes place every Friday and Saturday night. For something completely different, Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari, just north of Jefferson, has herds of bison grazing alongside donkeys, camels, and wildebeests. The picturesque pines add a rustic touch and make for beautiful photographs.

Luling

Beyond even its famous watermelons, the undisputed star of the show in Luling is the City Market BBQ. In terms of Texas barbecue lore, the only other places that come close are Kreuz, Smitty’s, and Franklin. It has been serving mouthwatering barbecue since the 1950s and has been managed by the same pitmaster for decades. J&W Honeybuns is nearby and boasts donuts that are fresh and fluffy, and the catfish is out of this world. Other points of interest include Zedler Mill Museum and Park, a heart-warming space with unforgettable views on every side. It features a riverbank frontage, an outdoor amphitheater with a stage, a canoe dock, and an event pavilion. There's also the River Trail Park, peacefully set along the San Marcus River, where you can enjoy a nice picnic or connect to the Zedler Mill Paddling Trail for a float.

South Padre Island

If you have an affection for beautiful beaches and you have yet to discover South Padre, you are overdue for a visit. It's a tight competition, but South Padre is likely the best beach destination in the state. You can opt for Isla Blanca Park, with its spectacular fishing pier, or South Padre Island Beach, a clean beach with snow-white sand and soft, hazy views. If you don't enjoy the feel of sand between your toes, the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary features a half-mile boardwalk and a five-story viewing tower. There will be birds wheeling about in the air, and the chance to feed gators and tortoises. For ice cream sandwiches that pack a punch, or warm and soft cookies, you can't go wrong with a visit to the Baked Bear to cap off a perfect day at the beach.

Goliad

As the third-oldest municipality in the state, where the first Declaration of Texas Independence was signed on December 20, 1835, Goliad is a history buff's dream destination. The Goliad Massacre, the largest single loss of life during the Texas Revolution, is honored and remembered at the Presidio la Bahía. The National Historic Site is one of the world's finest examples of a Spanish frontier fort and offers public tours to inform and educate visitors about this essential chapter in the state and the country's history.

The Goliad County Courthouse is another notable building, regarded by many as one of the prettiest courthouses in Texas. It blends Classical Revival and Romanesque elements and is an incredible sight to admire, especially with its distinctive central dome, elegant corner towers, and famous Hanging Tree. For a true taste of Goliad, Deborah’s Kitchen Table serves fried catfish, pecan-crusted chicken, and other Southern specialties, and when you need to walk it off, Branch River Park has a long nature trail that meanders through nice, wooded areas.

Carthage

Carthage boasts great food, rich local history, and one of the most endearing slogans in Texas: “The Friendliest Spot in the World.” The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame is a beloved fixture of the town and celebrates the state's cultural icons. The impressive edifice encompasses 13,000 square feet and features awesome exhibits, a gift shop, and a large banquet room. Don't skip the Tex Ritter Museum, which honors the life and legacy of Woodward Maurice “Tex” Ritter, one of Hollywood’s singing cowboys of the mid-20th century, with exhibits about his accomplishments. As for food, check out Texas Tea Room, located on the square in an early 19th-century bank building. It serves some of the best chicken-fried steak in the area. Crown the day by taking a refreshing dip at the nearby Martin Lake.

Uncertain

With a name that can pique the curiosity of any vacationer, Uncertain is a wonderful spot with some interesting secrets to discover. For example, Johnson's Ranch Marina on Caddo Lake is the oldest inland marina still operating in the state of Texas. If that's not enough to push you behind the wheel, Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in Texas. More than that, it was the only lake in the entire state until the construction of reservoirs. Caddo Park adjoins the lake, where you can rent a waterfront cottage and enjoy a weekend filled with bliss and peace. When hunger sets in, Shady Glade Cafe serves up all the classics in a cozy atmosphere with beautiful lake views, not to mention a dessert menu that deserves a closer look.

Pittsburg

Hidden in the pine-speckled landscape of East Texas outside Mt Pleasant, and with a lively downtown area featuring antiques and family-owned restaurants, Pittsburgh is known to punch above its weight. Pittsburgh Hot Link Restaurant serves amazing sausages in a nostalgic space and should give you the kick you need for the day. More than that, Pittsburgh is home to the Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Museum and a full-scale replica of the Ezekiel Airship, which ostensibly predates the Wright Brothers' famous flight.

There's also the Witness Park and Prayer Tower, where you can see a bronze statue of Jesus washing Peter's feet, as well as a tower adorned with stunning stained-glass windows. For a special treat, be sure to stop for peaches at Efurd Orchards, typically in season from mid-May to September. Not to worry, though; they've got fresh produce and sweet homemade ice cream year-round in their market.

Mason

Imagine you are birdwatching or hiking in the heart of Texas Hill Country. The morning is crisp; the air is fresh and misty. You are surrounded by sprawling ranches and a raw, untamed landscape. That kind of adventure is only possible in Mason County. Start your visit by making your way to Fort Mason, a beautiful slice of history that offers panoramic views of the entire town and the surrounding scenery. This historic spot was Robert E. Lee's last command with the United States Army. There's also the family-owned Rico Cafe, which dishes up some of the best Mexican food around, and Mason Country Collectibles, which has everything from beautiful topaz jewelry to rare magazines and unique home decor for one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs.

Alpine

Big Bend constitutes the largest protected portion of the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States. On their way to this phenomenal outdoor wonder, perhaps to explore its springs and canyons or fascinating hieroglyphs from ancient Indigenous peoples, tourists often skip Alpine. Yet this small, artsy town is filled with color and charisma, along with attractions that rival Big Bend's beauty. You can start your adventure at the Museum of the Big Bend, whose vast exhibits focus on regional art and history, then check out Re-Reads Bookstore at the Alpine Public Library, where bibliophiles will want the clock to stop ticking as they explore amazing used book bargains covering almost any topic that piques their interest. If you want to sample the town's culinary scene, Line Thai Cafe is beloved for its authentic flavors and inviting atmosphere.

Texas hides a surprising collection of small, charming towns, many of which are frequently overlooked. When you take a step off the typical tourist trail, you will discover artsy desert outposts, soothing Gulf Coast hideaways, heart-stirring Hill Country landscapes, and several quirky museums with intriguing exhibits. If you take your time, you will be blown away by the beauty and adventures that await.