11 Coolest Towns in Texas for a Summer Vacation in 2024
The diverse landscapes of the state of Texas offer a collection of great summer vacation spots in 2024 and beyond. From its rolling hills and rugged mountains to beaches and deserts, each region of Texas presents something distinctly different.
So, you need to consider what an ideal vacation is. Craving a view that will knock your socks off or maybe a taste of the local cuisine you simply cannot get elsewhere?
Picking one spot from heaps of charming towns might seem like a wild rodeo, but hey, this is Texas we are talking about. It's got a little something for every wanderer out there. So start to plan your perfect 2024 escape by reading about 11 of the coolest towns in Texas for a summer vacation.
Port Isabel
In the sunny Gulf of Mexico, Port Isabel is a great spot for a summer trip. One key sight in town is the Port Isabel Lighthouse. Built in 1852, it is the only lighthouse on the Texas Gulf Coast the public can go inside and see.
In town, Pirate's Landing boasts one of Texas's longest-lighted fishing piers. The pier is a favorite for summer fishing, with unbeatable water views. You can find it close to the Port Isabel Lighthouse, within the big Pirate's Landing complex.
Also, check out the Laguna Madre. It is a hypersaline lagoon, a rare find as one of just six across the globe, and is a local favorite for watching birds, catching fish, and windsurfing.
In the summer of 2024, come see the International Fishing Tournament, the biggest saltwater fishing competition in Texas, held during the last weekend of July. Also, throughout the summer, the grounds of the Port Isabel Lighthouse host outdoor movie nights.
Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs is the "Gateway to the Hill Country" and has some of Texas’s best natural landmarks. It also has that snug, small-town vibe while being super close to Austin. So, if you come for summer vacation, you can check out both places.
The town is a special spot to pick because it is known as an International Dark Sky Community, so you will have gorgeous, starry summer nights. If you are in town, do not miss out on Hamilton Pool Preserve. Think swimming in a pristine natural pool with an actual waterfall as a backdrop.
And do not forget about Pedernales Falls State Park. There you can catch awesome waterfalls spilling over rocks or hit the trails for a hike.
If you want to get married this summer, book one here quickly. The town is famous for being the Wedding Capital of Texas and offers lots of venues to get married, including old-fashioned barns and fancy houses.
Salado
Salado is located in the rolling hills of Central Texas, with grassy plains and the Balcones Escarpment nearby. Salado Creek is a defining summer stop, cutting and coursing its way through the landscape, and is named a Texas Natural Landmark. This creek flows through the heart of the town, offering beautiful sights and a home for the animals living in the area.
The town has a real festive attitude and holds all sorts of art festivals year-round, like the Salado Art Fair, drawing in artists and visitors worldwide. Don’t miss out on watching the amazing glassblowing at Salado Glassworks. It is a fascinating process to witness.
For those who enjoy shopping, the Main Street in Salado is perfect for a slow summer day. It has unique shops and boutiques that you will not find anywhere else.
In the summer of 2024, come check out Salado Legends, an outdoor music drama that has been going on for over three decades. Performances are held throughout July and August.
Jefferson
There is no shortage of Texan history in Jefferson. The town is known all over the region for its wonderfully kept rustic buildings, with more than 100 of them listed as historic by the state.
Back in the 1800s, it was a busy riverport. Today, it still holds onto a lot of that old-time beauty in its architecture. The town sits by the Big Cypress Bayou, surrounded by thick, lush foliage and an abundance of wildlife, adding to the area's unique charm.
Right in town, for those who love history, visit the Jefferson Historical Museum. This grand brick courthouse structure, constructed in 1888, provides an in-depth view of the town's fascinating past.
Jefferson is full of festivals nearly all year, including events like the Jefferson Pilgrimage, held in May. This event honors the town's history through parades and reenactments of historical moments.
For something far out during summer, join the Texas UFO Convention on August 17. It explores UFO sightings in Texas, meeting with people who've had close encounters, and discussing UFO crash sites.
Canyon
As the name implies, the region near this town offers some of the best canyon views around. Near the town, the Palo Duro Canyon is called the "Grand Canyon of Texas" and is the second biggest canyon in the United States. If good summer fun for you includes hiking or camping beside unbeatable views, Canyon is a good place to start.
Feel like some history? If you are coming through, look for the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. It is the biggest history museum in the state and shares the key stories of the area. You will learn about cowboy boots, oil drills, and the Indigenous people who were here first.
Visit the heart of the city to explore Canyon's Main Street Program. This initiative seeks to bring fresh life into the downtown. It keeps the historic charm alive, while boosting the local economy.
You should also visit the Texas Outdoor Musical during the summer. It is a lively, fun show with songs and dances that share the stories and traditions of Texas, and it takes place with Palo Duro Canyon in the background.
Alpine
This town is around an hour drive north of the border with Mexico. It lies in the Chihuahuan Desert's dry, hot climate, with the beautiful Davis Mountains rising up around the town.
There is a fun, youthful vibe in town, partly because the town is home to the Sul Ross State University. The school is important in the community, organizing plenty of events and activities.
Not far from town, you can find a special spot to watch the Marfa Lights. These strange lights can be seen on nights when the sky is clear. People have been amazed by them for over a century, and they are still a cool mystery to explore.
Also not far, is the Big Bend National Park, the magnificent national park, with its vast landscapes and dramatic canyon landscapes. It is a nice way to spend summer vacation outdoors.
Check out the Viva Big Bend Music Festival, which takes place every year around the end of July. You will get to enjoy live music, across multiple venues in Alpine and surrounding towns.
Bandera
Put on your cowboy hat and boots because we are off to Bandera, a great summer destination.
Bandera proudly celebrates its deep cowboy heritage, and the town keeps its Western ways and traditions alive. You can see this with all the ranches around, where folks get to live out the real cowboy lifestyle.
Interested in cowboy stories? The Frontier Times Museum, opened back in 1933, shares the adventures and life of cowboys in Bandera and the wide history of the American West.
There are some outdoor activities to be had too. The Medina River runs through the town, and its clear spring-fed waters are perfect for floating down on a tube or going fishing.
If you are into country music, you should check out places like the 11th Street Cowboy Bar, bringing the best in local music.
This summer, look for the Bandera Summer Series Rodeo, happening every Friday night until July 26, 2024. It takes place at the Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena and offers a variety of rodeo events to enjoy.
Terlingua
In West Texas's vast deserts, Terlingua is a former mercury mining town turned ghost town.
Near the town lies Big Bend National Park, known for being one of the most secluded and breathtaking parks in the U.S. It boasts striking summer desert views and the curvy Rio Grande River. Remember to bring a hat and some sunscreen.
The Starlight Theatre is a place everyone should experience. Back in the day, it played movies for miners, but now, it is a restaurant that plays live music. This place keeps its old-school look and gives a special vibe to dine at.
Terlingua is known region-wide for hosting the big International Chili Championship every year. People from different parts of the world who love chili come here to take part in a fun and competitive cooking contest. The event is in the fall, but you can find out all about local chili cuisine in the summer, too.
And there is no better and distinct way to celebrate the birth of the nation, than having a July of 4th parade in an old ghost town. Come stop in for your vacation and enjoy some hot dogs with fireworks.
Rockport
If you want to spend your 2024 summer with natural beauty and a markedly Texan culture, Rockport should be on your list.
First off, the beaches are fantastic for sitting and relaxing on a hot summer day. Rockport Beach is the state's first Blue Wave Beach, which are beaches aiming to maintain its cleanliness, putting a big emphasis on health and protecting the environment.
Once you are done swimming, make your way to the historic center of the town. There, you will find the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, an elegantly fixed-up Victorian-style house that gives you a peek into history. This spot shows off the deep cultural and architectural heritage of Rockport.
The town is known for its lively art scene, highlighted by the Rockport Center for the Arts.
Plus, the town hosts the Rockport Art Festival, a large, well-respected art event in Texas. The festival is held over the July 4th weekend, and this year will be its 54th anniversary.
Marble Falls
Not too far from the live music and bustling city vibes of Austin, there is a cool little town sitting among a chain of lakes. In Marble Falls, it is all about zipping over waves and splashing around in summer style.
Now, when that Texas sun heats things up, make sure to mosey through the downtown core. You can enjoy lots of tasty dishes at Blue Bonnet Cafe, known for its delicious pies.
Still hungry? Visiting Sweet Berry Farm is a fun family activity where everyone can gather strawberries and other fruits depending on the season.
During summer, Lakeside Park, next to Lake Marble Falls, offers a beautiful place to enjoy outdoor activities. It has a sandy beach and places to have a picnic.
This summer, Marble Falls will host the "LakeFest 2024" in June. This exhilarating event has fast, exciting dragboat races right on Lake Marble Falls.
Granbury
Welcome to the picturesque hills of North Central Texas, where Granbury sits, famous for its rustic, classic architecture.
Visit on a sizzling summer day and do not miss out on Historic Granbury Square - it is an absolute treasure trove of impeccably maintained buildings from the 19th century.
This spot made it onto the National Register of Historic Places, boasting landmarks like the celebrated Hood County Courthouse. There is also the Granbury Opera House. Built in the old days of 1886, it shines bright today just like it did back then.
When you are here in summer, embrace that warm sunshine. Go to Lake Granbury, a popular spot for recreation like boating, swimming, and lakeside picnics.
Get ready for a summer blast in Granbury because the Fourth of July party is one you cannot miss. Every year, this party makes waves with its parade, fireworks that light up the sky, and loads of unforgettable stuff to do with the whole family.
In Conclusion
As you plan your 2024 summer getaway, think about the Lone Star State.
Texas's family of towns await summer visitors with open arms. Looking for old-time charm, lively festivals, or just a quiet spot near the water?
In Texas, there is a guarantee you will find a place that feels right for you. So, get ready for a summer trip that you and your family will remember for a long time.
