10 Picturesque Towns in Texas for a Weekend Retreat in 2024

Texas may not have snow-capped mountains, but it has almost everything else. Think of white-sand beaches along the Gulf Coast, the rolling hills in the Texas Hill Country, the deserts to the west, the forests to the east — and the extraordinary night skies. Sometimes, it will feel big and empty, but that just adds a layer of austere beauty to the biggest state in the contiguous US. Looking for the most picturesque spots for a weekend retreat in 2024? Check out the following towns, starting with Port Aransas, where nautical charm finds perfect expression.

Port Aransas

Using unique whistling sounds, dolphins can call each other by name. They are the only animals on the planet, other than humans, who can call out the specific name of a friend. A weekend retreat spent mingling with dolphins at Port Aransas, especially at Roberts Point Park, is just what life should be about. Plus, one does not even have to fork out a dime. For avid birders, the Whooping Crane Festival, which takes place every February, provides a rare chance to lock eyes with North America’s tallest birds.

The Texas Coastal Bend is the only place on Earth where one can see the last naturally occurring population of Whooping Cranes in the world. Delicious shrimp and grits at Tortuga's Saltwater Grill should pave the way for an afternoon at the beach — or the nearby Mustang Island State Park — known for its beautiful dunes. This is also the perfect camping spot amid a moonlit sky and the melodious hum of the ocean.

South Padre

A tropical island with sun and sand — and beautiful views for miles — curates one of the most picturesque locations in the South. Mexico is just about 30 minutes down the road, meaning the culture here is a delightful blend of both worlds, whether Tex-Mex cuisine or Tejano music. Start at the South Padre Island Visitors Center, especially if you want to get the most out of your weekend getaway trip.

As you cruise to South Padre, do not ignore the many appetizers on the way, including the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site, which features the last open lighthouse in the Lone Star State. Climb 75 winding stairs, and inhale some of the most panoramic views of South Padre. Sit or swing at the beach, enjoy melt-in-the-mouth chilaquiles at Josephine’s Kitchen, brush shoulders with dolphins with Breakaway Cruises, and fire your imagination at the fantastic Art Lounge, if just to paint seashells and admire beautiful works of art. For staying, nothing really beats a beachfront property; the main reason to consider Wanna Wanna Inn Beach Bar & Grill features a little Tiki-style bar that serves delicious food.

Fredericksburg

Named for a Prussian prince, Fredericksburg is always among the most travel-worthy towns in the South. Quaint and charming to a fault, Fredericksburg is in the heart of the Texas Hill Country between San Antonio and Austin. Start with delectable German pancakes at the Old German Bakery & Restaurant, which has been around since 1975. To explore the Texas Wine Country, hop onto the 290 Wine Shuttle, and brace yourself for a spell-binding ride that transports taste buds to the many awesome wineries in the area. If the sight of flowers makes your heart purr with ecstasy, Wildseed Farms should be on your itinerary. It is the largest working wildflower farm in the United States.

The National Museum of the Pacific War provides America with the most comprehensive story regarding World War II, especially in the Asiatic-Pacific theater. Spending the night? The nicely appointed rooms at Peach Tree Inn & Suites are comfortable and homey.

Marfa

It is a back-breaking drive to Marfa, but the aesthetic rewards more than compensate for it. Marfa is a small, funky town big on art, big on the extraordinary. People come from across the country to rouse their senses at several spots, including the Judd Foundation, Chinati Foundation, and Ballroom Marfa. In addition, Marfa is known in the star-gazing world for its unique dancing lights. This mysterious spectacle, called “Marfa Lights,” can be observed from the Marfa Lights Viewing Area, about ten miles east of town on Highway 90.

If spending the night, head over to Hotel Paisano, a lovely hotel with an old-timey feel. You can even stay in James Dean's room, where the American celebrity ostensibly stayed while filming the American epic Western drama film Giant almost 70 years ago.

Fort Davis

Although criminally overlooked, Fort Davis provides a weekend getaway experience that is hard to beat. The drive to the town is insanely beautiful, and the Davis Mountains, which frame the town, make it look like a place plucked straight from a fairytale. There is so much to do here, so much to see. There is the Fort Davis National Historic Site, which was established almost 10 years before the Civil War. It is among the best remaining examples of a US Army fort.

A first-time visitor should head to the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve and the McDonald Observatory, one of the area's most sought-after attractions. Other Fort Davis attractions include the Davis Mountains State Park and Indian Lodge, as well as the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens. Stay at the Fort Davis Drug Store Hotel, whose history goes back more than a century.

Muenster

Wind turbines, most of them white, rise over the Red River Valley wine country, a landscape of rolling hills, beautiful vineyards, and bold flavors. Here, one will find a beautiful but off-beat town still celebrating the area's largely German heritage. There is Muenster Lake, a perfect spot for reeling in largemouth bass, Heritage Park, the site for the one-of-a-kind Oktoberfest, and German-themed eateries such as Rohmer's Restaurant, which serves yummy Sauerkrauts, a staple in the German diet since the 1600s.

Main Street features German-inspired architecture, and one can feel transported to downtown Bonn or Berlin. There is the Muenster Museum as well, perfect for learning about the history of the town. Center yourself at 4R Ranch Vineyards and Winery, whose campgrounds are clean, large, and well-separated. When the sun begins to bow out, grab a glass of Malbec or ranch red, then kick off your shoes and enjoy the beautiful scenery all around.

Wimberley

With the Blanco River meandering through the town and gifting it a noticeable layer of rustic charm, Wimberley’s setting positions it as an ideal getaway, especially for city escapees desiring to spend downtime in beautiful, laid-back locations. The sparkling Cypress Creek runs through the heart of the square, where towering cypress trees create a cool, oasis-like environment. Attractions here include the Wimberley Valley Museum, whose exhibits reveal tidbits of the area’s rich history, Cypress Creek Nature Preserve, with its awesome trails for walking under huge cypress trees, the Blue Hole Regional Park, a fantastic spot to beat the heat by floating down the river — and the Old Baldy — which rewards hikers with yummy views of the Texas Hill Country.

In addition, Wimberley Glassworks, which styles itself as Texas’ premier blown-glass studio, provides live demonstrations Thursdays through Sundays from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. Spending the night? Check out The Bygone, especially if looking for something quaint and quiet, with spectacular views and access to nature.

Johnson City

First-time visitors to Johnson City should expect sprawling naturescapes, a delicious array of tongue-tingling wineries, and an endearing small-town feel, in a town nestled in the scenic hills of the Pedernales River valley just about 40 miles west of Austin. There is a touch of history here as well since Johnson City is the hometown of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Lyndon Johnson served as the 36th president of the United States and assumed office in the wake of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in downtown Dallas. Spend the weekend exploring the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park, which features a frame house where Johnson spent his boyhood. Introduce little ones to the world of STEM at the Science Mill, housed in a renovated 1880′s grist mill at 101 South Lady Bird Lane.

Alternatively, have a realistic sneak-peak into life in mid-19th-century Texas at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, located inside the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site. A weekend retreat in the Texas Wine Country cannot be complete without sampling the reds and whites in the area. For this, Alex Anthony Vineyards is right in town, while Westcave Cellars Winery & Brewery, located a short drive away, also serves as a quiet and rustic accommodation opinion. Their Airbnb, called The Hye-Daway, features large outdoor patios and a kitchen with all the cooking essentials.

Goliad

Goliad is tucked away close to the San Antonio River, about 80 miles north of Corpus Christi. Though home to less than 2,000 residents, Goliad boasts a stunning downtown square, which features a title contender for the prettiest Texas historic courthouse. Presidio La Bahía, one of the most historic forts in the South, was established in the middle of the 18th century on the site of an Aranama Indian village. You can skip the Alamo Fort for this underrated slice of history, which also features a restored 18th-century mission worth checking out.

There is the San Antonio River, which runs along the town's southern edge; Goliad State Park & Historic Site, which often feels like a step back in time; and the small but cozy Angels In Goliad RV Park, where one can spend a quiet night under the sky. When hungry, Deborah’s Kitchen Table, right in the town square, serves outrageously delicious pelican pies.

Waxahachie

Waxahachie was founded in 1850 and soon established itself as a major cotton-growing hub. By the early 20th century, Ellis County, home to Waxahachie, was producing more cotton than any other county in the United States. As money started flowing, signs of gentrification soon followed, especially with the sprouting of handsome Victorian homes and large residential neighborhoods. While the gins have long stopped their humming, Waxahachie continues to be attractive, partly benefiting from its convenient location at the meeting points of I-35 and US 287. Called the “Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas,” Waxahachie’s charm-soaked streets are lined with hundreds of beautiful pink crape myrtles, which bloom in their season, making the town even more picturesque.

Come and experience the Crape Myrtle Festival in July or the Christmas Tour of Homes in December. On other days, one can come to marvel at the imposing Ellis County Courthouse and explore one of the most expansive collections of American currency in the United States at the CNB of Texas Money Museum, before crowning the day with a therapeutic glass of wine at Cork House Winery. Spending the night? Check out the well-decorated English Merchant’s Inn, conveniently close to all the attractions one will want to explore.

Most vacationers will tell you that Texas has its own swagger and boasts a yummy range of attractions, whether wine or water, that will leave a first-time visitor spoilt for choice. From verdant valleys to desiccated deserts, coast to canyons, the Lone Star State has something for everyone in 2024. If looking for the most picturesque spots for a weekend retreat, check out the towns highlighted here, including Fredericksburg, loved for its German heritage.