8 of the Most Walkable Towns in Texas
When you think of walkable towns, historic downtowns filled with a mix of commercial and local shops, dense urban areas, and plenty of pretty park space most likely come to mind. Texas has many charming small towns that fit this bill, from mountainous villages to seaside enclaves. If you're planning a trip to the Lone Star State and want a pedestrian-friendly place, check out these quaint towns.
University Park
Voted by Redfin as the most walkable town in Texas due to its walkability score of 61, cute University Park is a tourist's dream. A suburb of bustling Dallas, University Park has many neighborhoods that are easy to get around by foot, including Caruth Park and Snider Plaza. They both are home to a variety of shops and eateries that are simple to walk to.
Start your visit with a walk through Goar Park, which has trails where you can observe local nature, picnic areas and enjoy plenty of open green space. If you're looking for fun place to spend a few hours on a rainy day, check out nearby Inwood Theatre, which features comfortable screening lounges with couches, love seats and ottomans, as well as an onsite bar.
Port Aransas
If you're craving an authentic island getaway, look no further than Port Aransas, which is situated on Texas' Gulf Coast. Along with adjacent Mustang Island, Port Aransas offers just under 20 miles of shoreline, including peaceful sandy beaches, that are ready to explore by foot. When you're ready to do something a bit more adventurous, hit the water on a surf or paddle board or go on a fishing boat excursion.
Mustang Island State Park has sandy trails for walking, as well as ample opportunities for birding, kayaking and canoeing, fishing, and even camping if you want to stay a night or two. If you want to walk around indoors, the Port Aransas Museum gives visitors insight into the town's boat-building past. The museum also offers tours of the nearby Chapel on the Dunes, the oldest consecrated church on the island.
South Padre Island
Another beach-lovers paradise, South Padre Island, is a resort town on a Gulf of Mexico barrier island. The island is revered for its calm waters and miles of soft, sandy coastline, which is ideal for long walks at any time of the year. When you want to get off your feet, you can take a horseback ride along the beach, rent a boat, go parasailing, or sign up for a fishing adventure.
Off the beach, you can check out South Padre Island's thriving arts and culture scene. The walkable downtown area is home to a number of art galleries and locally owned shops, such as the Laguna Madre Art Gallery, Quinn Gallery, and the Seaside Art Studio. The Port Isabel Lighthouse is the ideal stop for history lovers, as it was first lit in 1853 and offers panoramic view of the entire island from the top.
Boerne
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the scenic small town of Boerne encompasses all that makes the unique region special. Boerne has a rich Native American and German history and celebrates those roots today through a variety of landmarks, museums, and other local treasures. One of Boerne's greatest strengths is that it is home to thriving businesses yet still retains its small-town feel. This is very apparent downtown, which is highly walkable and features unique boutiques, antique shops, and eateries.
If you love history, spend some time at the Old Jail Museum, where you can get "locked up" in a historic jail cell and learn about Boerne's storied past, or the Herff Farm and Homestead, which offers 60 acres of historically significant farmland is the site of the local farmers market. Walk around Arrows Active Play Park, an indoor playground and cafe, if the weather is inclement during your visit.
Dripping Springs
Known as the "Gateway to the Texas Hill Country," draws in visitors with its stunning scenery, gently rolling hills, woodlands, lakes, creeks, and other natural wonders. Not only was the charming town of Dripping Springs blessed with an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, but it was also home to a historic, walkable downtown filled with eclectic shops, historic buildings, and delicious dining options.
The Texas Hill Country is loved for its tall limestone bluffs, deep, lush canyons, and vibrant flora and fauna, such as juniper and bald cypress trees. You can see all of this and more as you stroll down one of the area's many hiking trails, such as the ones at Pedernales Falls State Park, Dripping Springs Ranch Park, and Charro Ranch Park. Historic Mercer Street, with its unique storefronts and buildings dating back to the 1870s, is another fun, walkable area to explore.
Bandera
With its wide, open blue skies, exciting "gunfights," beautiful ranches, and authentic Wild West feel, Bandera is dubbed the "Cowboy Capital of the World." This is a big title to carry, and the eclectic town does it well while offering its visitors a lot to do, see, and experience. The center of this Texas Hill Country town, which is situated on the scenic Medina River, is its historic downtown, where you can watch a gunfight reenactment performed by the Bandera Cattle Company each Saturday.
Other must-see attractions include the Frontier Times Museum, which showcases the town's exciting past through a variety of exhibits and artifacts, the Bandera General Store, where you can buy a pair of cowboy boots, and the Lost Maples State Natural Area. The Hill Country State Natural Area is another interesting place to take a hike and get lost in nature for a few hours.
Port Isabel
Situated on the Laguna Madre Bay in south Texas, pretty Port Isabel is less than three miles away from exciting South Padre Island. Port Isabel offers a highly walkable town square along the scenic shoreline, where visitors can shop in one-of-a-kind boutiques, wander through art galleries, and sample some mouthwatering local fare, including Gulf Coast seafood.
Don't miss a trip to the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Park, which features a comprehensive visitors center and daily tours. The first Sunday of each month, the charming seaside town plays host to the expansive Port Isabel Antique and Flea Market in Beulah Lee Park.
No matter what region of Texas you're visiting, you'll find a walkable small town that is sure to delight your entire family. From historic downtowns to local and state parks teeming with wildlife and natural attractions, such as limestone cliffs and waterfalls, Texas' small towns are as exciting as they are welcoming. So throw a comfortable pair of shoes in your bag and hit the road to one of these pedestrian-friendly destinations.
