10 Prettiest Towns In Texas
Texas is a vast, wild, independent, and beautiful place. From the plains of the Panhandle region to the high desert of Big Bend Country, over to the rolling hills and bluebonnets of Hill County, to the paradisiacal shoreline of the Gulf Coast, and everything in between, the Lone Star State compliments itself through contrast. The only problem is dissecting this massive landmass into digestible chunks. While the cities have their draws, the most authentic magic happens in the small towns. With that in mind, these are ten of the prettiest communities to check out the next time you're in Texas.
Nacogdoches
"The Oldest Town in Texas" may actually be the third oldest (behind Presidio and Ysleta), and it is technically a small city, but nitpick fact-checking aside, Nacogdoches' aesthetic oozes antiquity combined with a healthy dose of crisp, modern renovation. This Deep East Texas, Nacogdoches County community has a historic old town lined with red brick buildings over top of red-brick streets, with Victorian mansions plopped in for good measure, and fluffy green trees all around the perimeter, split intermittently with gentle creeks and nature trails that once served as Native American trade routes. Nacogdoches is also known as the "Garden Capital of Texas" and for being the home of Stephen F. Austin State University.
Canyon
The charming city of Canyon is located in the Texas Panhandle, just minutes away from the second-largest canyon in the United States. This college town is home to West Texas A&M University, and features a downtown district well-stocked with friendly faces. This makes Canyon a great basecamp from which to explore the surrounding area, and enjoy the acclaimed entertainment. For starters, "the Grand Canyon of Texas," Palo Duro Canyon State Park will take your breath away. There are numerous hiking/horseback trails, a scenic campground, and an impressive outdoor amphitheater that puts on seasonal shows of the musical TEXAS. Another big local hit is the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum, which features captivating permanent displays (such as its massive allosaurus skeleton in the paleontology branch), as well as rotating themed exhibits.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, or "Fritztown" as it was nicknamed by its early German settlers, is a small city in the state's Central core. This seat of Gillespie County is not only the focal point of Texas' lovely Hill Country but also the 100+ wineries and vineyards (60 of which are in this very county) that make up the Texas Wine Country. Make the 20-minute drive North of town to visit Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and get a visual of the rolling, rocky landscape before jumping on Fredericksburg's Urban Wine Trail to get a taste of some of the region's award-winning wines. Cap it all off with a tour of the quaint Pioneer Museum to soak up the 175-year local German heritage and participate in some family-friendly activities, such as rope and soap-making, sheep shearing, storytime sessions, and more.
Rockport
Nestled between Copano Bay and Aransas Bay of the Gulf Coast, this beach town adds some welcomed variety to Texas' vast and often arid countryside. The state's first blue wave beach is the area's biggest draw. Rockport Beach is not only responsibly managed to protect the environment, but also immaculately groomed for the enjoyment of its enthusiastic sun-bathers. Just outside of town, divided by Saint Charles Bay and Carlos Bay, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge provides a place for the endangered whooping crane (i.e. North America's tallest bird) to thrive, and a wild and open area for hiking, fishing, and respectfully observing the multitude of wild animals (including the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle and the American Alligator. In between the outdoor explorations, take some time to stroll the colorful specialty shops of Rockport's Heritage District.
Jefferson
Built around the Big Cypress Bayou, filled with almost 100 Historical Landmarks (many of which are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places), and Civil War-era homes that are available for touring, Jefferson is a scenic spot with lots of character. One of the best ways to get a lay of the land is to take the Historic Jefferson Walking Tour, or take it in chunks, perhaps by visiting the Historic Jefferson Railway, or the Jefferson Historic Museum for an afternoon a piece. But don't skip over the colorful quirks of this place. The neon lit Bicycle Hill and the bizarrely-placed Lonesome Dove Exotic Drive Thru Safari are sure to leave an impression.
Wimberley
Another Texas Hill Country gem is plopped between San Antonio and Austin, atop Edwards Plateau. The village of Wimberley receives an average of 300 days of sun each year. This makes visiting the various swimming holes an attractive afternoon activity, especially during the intense summer heat. The Blue Hole Regional Park is the closest such spot. The forests of Cypress Creek provide the much-needed shade, plus they offer an anchor point for the various rope swings. On the North end of town, still connected to the same creek, Cypress Falls Swimming Hole delivers an open-air place to splash around, and food trucks (and a bar) to fuel the adventure. And at the base of the creek, Jacob's Well Natural Area is an idyllic place for a dip or a pleasant nature walk. Rent an electric bike and see them all in a day!
Salado
Just a pinch over 50 miles North of the state capital, Austin, the hip village of Salado awaits. Here, on the banks of Salado Creek, visitors can get in touch with their artistic side. Learn how to blow glass at Salado Glassworks, sculpt a personalized pottery creation at Mud Pies Pottery, stop to appreciate the Japanese-style stoneware works at the Ro Shaw Clay Studio, or visit the handful of local galleries to see what some of Texas' most visionary artists have cooked up. Salado is also filled with boutique and antique shops, community-centric breweries, and rockin' live music venues – many of which are located in the cherished Royal Street District.
Marfa
Marfa flies under the radar in the beautiful Big Bend Region of far-West Texas. Here, the Lone Star's mountains blend with the Chihuahuan Desert, creating a backdrop like few others. This makes Marfa an ideal home base from which to explore the 300,000-acre Big Bend Ranch State Park, and the adjacent 800,000-acre Big Bend National Park, both of which are a straight shot South, right on the Mexican border. But Marfa is also celebrated as an art lover's paradise. Back in 1971, Donald Judd moved here from New York, bringing his unique, minimalistic visions with him. His Chinati Foundation now displays large indoor and outdoor pieces throughout the site of a former military camp. The Ballroom Marfa also carries the torch – hosting regular exhibits, as well as the Marfa Myths independent music festival.
Bandera
The "Cowboy Capital of the World," is as pretty as it is quirky. This is yet another Hill Country entry, but only in Bandera is it common practice to park one's horse outside the saloon. The residents clearly take pride in their classic, Wild West identity, which helps keep the novelty going for intrigued tourists. While the quiet days are easy to appreciate, Bandera also puts on nightly live music, and Saturday afternoon "gun fights" to spice things up. Horseback riding is obviously a readily available activity, with lots of space to explore the old fashioned way – most notably, the Hill Country State Natural Area, on the Southwest outskirts of town. To get the full Bandera experience, book a stay in one of the local Dude or Guest Ranches, or opt for one of the secluded cabins in the area.
Port Isabel
Port Isabel was established in the 1770s (though under the name "El Fronton;" later changed to Port Isabel in 1928), putting it in the upper echelon of oldest towns in the state. This traditional fishing village was founded at the Southern tip of Texas, where it meets the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors soon took interest in Port Isabel as a place to escape the sweltering inland heat. Thus, the summer resort boom began. Nowadays, tourists can get the best of all worlds. Fishing is still a big pastime here, Port Isabel still wears its long history on its shoulder (particularly at the Port Isabel Historical Museum), and the historic Port Isabel Lighthouse (the only lighthouse on the Texas Gulf Coast), instantly connotes a classic summer vacation kind of town.
Everything is bigger in Texas, except the small towns. These little beauties have defied modern expansions, and have instead chosen to clutch to their pioneering roots. Few places can rival the renowned Southern hospitality found in such places. Pair this with the worn but spirited landscape across seven distinct regions and visitors should have lots to write home about. No matter where you go in Texas, it will be a standout trip, but stopping by these ten small towns will also make it a pretty one.
