11 Coolest Small Towns in Texas for a Summer Vacation
Texas boasts several big towns that often attract thrill-seeking summer vacationers every year. But that does not mean that the Lone Star State, as Texas is known, is without its fair share of small towns that would be ideal for a summer trip. The second-largest state in the United States — by both land area and population — cannot fail to miss little gems here and there that would effortlessly cast their spell on first-time visitors. With a landscape that is as diverse as the state is vast, small towns in Texas travel the whole gamut: suburban feel, time-frozen, upscale—and everything in between. Yet the essentials are delightfully constant. The charm. The uncrowdedness. The slow pace. And in most cases, the pretty beaches. This article reveals some of the state's best towns for a cool summer getaway.
Wimberly
Wimberly is curled up 38.3 miles southwest of Austin via Interstate 35. That is about 45 minutes. Wimberly is undoubtedly among Texas's finest jewels, located at the confluence of Cypress Creek and the Blanco River and framed with rolling hills and peaceful valleys. Boasting a population of less than 3,000, Wimberly boasts several attractions at odds with its size. The town, for instance, hosts at least three swimming holes within convenient reach. There is Cypress Falls Swimming Hole, 2.5 miles away; Jacob's Well Natural Area, 4.3 miles away; and Blue Hole Regional Park, located right within the town. Concerning Jacob's Well, first-time visitors will not want to miss exploring the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas. But for those who love the look and scent of flowers, Rough Creek, located at 401 Burnett Ranch Road, is the oldest and largest lavender farm in the Wimberley Valley.
Marfa
Visiting what many regard as America's most remarkable art town looks like a perfect summer treat. And the journey is as much an adventure as the delights within the city. For perspective, the closest city to Marfa is El Paso. Yet, El Paso is a good three-hour drive away through the Big Bend Country, a region of the United States famous for its unbelievable remoteness. It will be as if one is traveling to the world's edge. Yet it is just this improbable remoteness that would attract Donald Judd — a celebrated artist and a dyed-in-the-wool minimalist — to Marfa in 1971. This relocation marked Marfa's turning point. Art lovers will savor every minute spent at Judd Foundation, which welcomes guided visits to what was once Judd's living and working spaces. Needless to say, Marfa boasts many other adventurous thrills.
Fredericksburg
Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, considered the border between the American Southeast and Southwest, Fredericksburg could just be the finest getaway in the whole of Texas. The town boasts a population of about 11,000 and is located between San Antonio and Austin. While Fredericksburg is conveniently close to some of the biggest cities in Texas, it exudes a far-away look that may make one imagine she is in some distant wonderland far from Big Sam. Set in the backdrop of the picturesque Hill Country, Fredericksburg boasts more than a hundred wineries. First-timers will enjoy taking an easy stroll through the town's Main Street while sampling the art galleries, the classy restaurants, and the town's gorgeous architecture. For the devotees of "Flora," the Roman goddess of flowers, Wildseed Farm allows visitors not only to see flowers, —but also to touch, feel, and even pluck. Yet no one goes to Fredericksburg and fails to make the short excursion to Enchanted Rock, a massive dome comprised of pink granite that rises to an impressive 425 feet above the ground.
Dripping Springs
Summer in Texas is known for its sweltering heat. What better place to go than a town called Dripping Springs? The town's modern history began with the desire of three Mississippi families to settle in Texas. Journeying on a road that at the time was used to carry supplies to Fort Martin Scott, they reached this scenic spot and decided to settle there. Today, Dripping Springs is known as the "Gateway to the Hill Country." Aside from its breathtaking frame, Dripping Springs, perhaps more than any other city in Texas, boasts the highest number of wineries and distilleries within a few miles of each other. For some outdoor adventure, Pedernales Falls State Park, located about 19 miles away, is a 5,212-acre outdoor paradise first-time visitors will want to explore. Summer vacationers will love that this park cuddles the Pedernales River.
Jefferson
With a population of less than 2,000, Jefferson cuts the image of a rustic village whose charm and allure are palpable. Nestled in East Texas, in the county named for South Carolina's Revolutionary War general Francis Marion, Jefferson is as rich in history as it is in other adventures. It boasts, for instance, almost 100 historical landmarks, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. All these gems are open to visitors, including the Jefferson Carnegie Library, funded by Andrew Carnegie, one of the most famous industrialists of his day. Besides, Jefferson General Store stocks unique artifacts from the past that will make visitors willingly lighten their wallets. Caddo Lake State Park has bayous for outdoor fun that visitors will relish paddling on.
Salado
Salado is a town of about 2,000 that is located in Central Texas's Bell County. Charmingly serene and peaceful, Salado has long established a reputation as a haven for art lovers. The town boasts quite a number of eclectic art galleries, antique shops, and other markets. One of the town's highlights is the Salado Sculpture Garden, located on the north side of Salado at 113 Salado Plaza Drive. Draped in sylvan splendor, this park features rotating installations by different artists. Also within the park is Salado Creek and a must-see statue of a mermaid named Sirena. Outdoor lovers must fit Salado Creek Park — as well as Stillhouse Hollow Lake — in their plans. Whether one loves natural beauty, history, or art, Salado checks all three boxes.
Canyon
Canyon is a city of about 16,000 that is vibrant enough to ward off boredom while being slow-paced enough to suit a summer vacationer's idea of leisure. The name of the city: "Canyon," is a reference to the Palo Duro Canyon, located about 14 miles from the city. A visit to the city almost always includes a detour to Palo Duro Canyon, a canyon system of the Caprock Escarpment, the most spectacular and scenic landscape feature in the Texas Panhandle. From the ground surface to the canyon floor is an anxiety-causing descent of 800 feet. Reputed to be the second-largest canyon in the United States—after the Grand Canyon—this canyon boasts many miles of hiking trails. Besides, these trails are suitable for biking as well as horseback riding—perfect summer vacation activities.
Alpine
Alpine is the first of ten towns Southern Living identifies as the Under-the-Radar Mountain Getaways. This comes as no surprise to those who have been to Alpine. Boasting a population of less than 6,000, Alpine is located in a region reputed to be the largest international dark sky reserve in the world. There is one activity that such a place is naturally suited for—and that is star-gazing. Besides, one will not want to miss visiting the Museum of the Big Bend, which is housed at Sul Ross State University. At this famous museum, visitors will enjoy learning fascinating history concerning the Big Bend — some of which date back to prehistoric times. Known as "The Eden of the West," Alpine stages many tours, including Historic Walking, Hispanic Heritage, and Ghost Tours.
Bandera
Historically a stop on the Great Western Cattle Trail, a trail used during the late 19th century for the movement of cattle and horses to markets in the eastern and northern parts of the country, Bandera is today known as the Cowboy Capital of the World. If one desires to spend a summer vacation learning how to be the ideal cowboy, this town of about 800 fits the bill. The reason Bandera edges out other would-be alternatives is its sheer number of dude ranches. For clarity, dude ranches are vacation properties that host guests who wish to immerse themselves in cowboy culture. This experience often sees guests participating in Wild West activities such as horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and camping. As many might confess, there is no better season for many of these activities than summer.
Terlingua
Located in the sprawling West Texas Desert, Terlingua boasts an estimated 2023 population of 127. That is how tiny this cute town is. While Terlingua has many draws, its overarching appeal is its out-of-the-world setting. A summer vacation spent here is one spent off the grid—or temptingly close. Remote and isolated, Terlingua is environed by nature's quiet majesty and is ideal for those seeking a secluded experience. If tired of the noise of whirring cars, the glitz of glassy skyscrapers, or the inconvenience of shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, Terlingua is the perfect antidote. The exciting part is that Big Bend National Park, with all its miles of hiking trails and the chance to camp, will only be about 10 minutes away. As for the nearest large city, that will have to be Odessa, more than 250 miles away.
Rockport
Rockport boasts a population of about 11,000 and is the capital of Aransas County, one of the smallest counties in Texas. Located just about 30 miles from Corpus Christi, a world-famous wind-surfing destination that once hosted the Windsurfing World Championships, Rockport is not far from big-city conveniences. The town boasts several outdoor options that are located within easy reach. One of these is the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, known as the wintering home of the last wild flock of endangered whooping cranes. Besides, Rockport Art Festival often takes place each summer and is an event an art lover will want to keep a tab on. The town's downtown is also quaint and cute—and is lined with art galleries, several boutiques, and fine eateries.
The Takeaway
Texas is 268,597 square miles. For many, however, these numbers do not give an idea of how vast the Lone Star State is. To get an idea, one can squeeze France and Switzerland into the space that Texas occupies. That space is sprinkled with several big towns: Houston, San Antonio, Dallas—and many more. Yet Texas also hosts many cool, little towns a summer vacationer will enjoy exploring. From Salado to Jefferson, Terlingua to Wimberly, Texas's small towns travel the whole gamut.
