11 Most Picturesque Towns to Visit in Texas
Texas is the largest American state in the contiguous United States. Within its immense borders, you will find a diverse array of landscapes, cities, and towns, both big and large, and a plethora of things to see and do. The sheer size of Texas makes it an excellent place to take a long road trip through. During your trip, you will probably need to stop once or twice, whether it is to stay the night or simply to find something to eat.
Today, we will cover 11 picturesque small towns that offer more than just roadside amenities. You will discover a number of must-visit destinations in or around these towns that are sure to make your travels in the Lone Star State unforgettable.
Marfa
In the high desert of West Texas, Marfa piques the interest of visitors with vibrant art scenes and mysterious phenomena to top it off. The town's reputation as an art hub is largely due to the influence of minimalist artist Donald Judd, whose large-scale installations can currently be viewed at the Chinati Foundation.
Nearby, the stunning landscapes of Big Bend National Park and the Davis Mountains State Park offer outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and camping. Just be sure to bring lots of water while traveling in these arid environments.
You may have more questions about the "mysterious phenomena," however. Just outside of town, you will find the Marfa Lights Viewing Area, where visitors gather to observe the unexplained lights that have been reported over the surrounding hills and desert plains for over a century. Can you solve this mystery? Only with a visit to Marfa can you see if your detective skills are up to snuff.
Wimberley
Wimberley, nestled between Austin and San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country, is a haven for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in this more verdant portion of the state. To start Jacob's Well Natural Area is a key stop, featuring a clear, deep artesian spring that attracts casual swimmers and divers alike. Another popular destination is the Blue Hole Regional Park, known for its pristine swimming holes and extensive hiking trails webbing throughout its grounds. For quality views of this area, you can climb the steps of Old Baldy, just north of town, for a 360-degree view of the surrounding Hill Country, especially beautiful at sunset.
In town, Wimberley's unique culture can be explored at the Wimberley Valley Art League Gallery and the Wimberley Glassworks. To buy some locally made artwork and crafts for yourself, definitely check out the Wimberley Market Days, one of the largest outdoor markets in the region located in the town square in the heart of Wimberley. here, you will find a vast selection of local crafts, food, and entertainment.
Jefferson
Jefferson, often referred to as the "Bed and Breakfast Capital of Texas," is a small town of around 2,000 residents with a history dating back to the mid-1800s. Located in East Texas, Jefferson contains a wealth of historical attractions, including the Jefferson Historical Museum, which showcases exhibits and an artifact collection dating back to Jefferson's founding in 1841. Another must-see is the Excelsior House, Texas’s oldest continuously operating hotel, which has hosted numerous famous guests, from Ulysses S. Grant to Oscar Wilde and even Steven Spielberg!
Embark on a fun and relaxing boat ride on Caddo Lake, the only natural lake in Texas, known for its mysterious bayous and unique cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. It is a short drive east of Jefferson and well worth the visit, as the state park surrounding this lake is also full of opportunities for activities such as hiking and camping.
Salado
Sitting along the Interstate 35 corridor between Austin and Waco, Salado is a village that is worth a stop for its charm and plethora of notable landmarks.
The nearby Salado Creek, a historic site itself, flows through the heart of the town and provides you with picturesque spots for both picnicking and fishing. Learn more about Salado at the Salado Museum and College Park, Inc. First opened in 1959, this museum has been built into the ruins of the former Salado College.
One of the main attractions downtown is the Salado Sculpture Garden, where you can see an outdoor exhibit of works by local and regional artists. The historic Stagecoach Inn, located just down the street from the garden, is another old hotel in Texas that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Stay the night here and be a part of history!
Rockport
Seated on the idyllic shores of the Texas Gulf Coast, Rockport is a perfect town for a beachside vacation. Rockport Beach, Texas’s first Blue Wave Beach (a beach that is closely managed, with a focus on providing a healthy and clean environment for both humans and wildlife) is perfect for swimming and lounging on its pristine sands.
Back in town, a visit to the Rockport Center for the Arts will not only give you some respite from the sun but also showcase some amazing art produced by local and visiting artists. Another top destination in town is the Texas Maritime Museum, which offers insights into the state's seafaring history. Also be sure to visit the nearby Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, a well-preserved Victorian mansion and curated museum.
For more to do in the great outdoors, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge will allow you to see up close the diverse wildlife that call this region home, including the endangered whooping crane.
Boerne
Another delightful town in the Texas Hill Country, Boerne is surrounded by places like the Cibolo Nature Center, a beautiful and educational retreat that contains miles of trails through diverse habitats, including marshes, prairies, and woodlands. Truly a destination for nature lovers and landscape photographers alike.
The town’s historic Main Street is lined with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. While in town, also pay a visit to the Agricultural Heritage Museum to learn about this region's rich farming history. The annual Boerne Market Days and Hill Country Mile add to the town’s vibrant community atmosphere. Boerne City Lake Park, which is conveniently located at the northern edge of town, has docks for boating and fishing, and beaches for swimming, making downtown Boerne a delightful destination for anyone itching to spend time outdoors.
For a unique underground adventure, Cave Without a Name, an easy drive northeast of Boerne, features guided tours through fantastic limestone formations.
Lockhart
Widely called the "Barbecue Capital of Texas," Lockhart is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. The town is home to iconic barbecue joints such as Black's Barbecue, Kreuz Market, and Smitty's Market, each offering a unique take on Texas-style smoked meats.
Beyond its culinary draws, Lockhart's history is evident in its beautifully preserved Victorian courthouse and photogenic historic downtown district. Here, the Gaslight-Baker Theatre provides a venue for live performances, with bands from around the country regularly playing here. Visit their website for a list of upcoming acts. The Southwest Museum of Clocks & Watches, with its extensive collection of time-keeping devices of all sorts.
For more outdoor-oriented activities, Lockhart State Park offers hiking, fishing, and even golfing amid its rolling hills and forests.
Alpine
Alpine serves as another gateway to Big Bend National Park. Learn more about this famous national park at places like the Museum of the Big Bend, situated on the Sul Ross State University campus. This high-quality museum shines a light on the cultural, historical, and natural history of this region.
Alpine also provides great access to Davis Mountains State Park, which as mentioned before, provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing in one of the darkest night skies in the country.
Staying the night? The historic Holland Hotel, built in the early 20th century, is both a charming place to stay and has a restaurant serving up classic American dishes. For some authentic Tex-Mex eats in this area near the Texas-Mexico border, go to Santana's Mexican Restaurant or any of the other similar eateries nearby.
Granbury
Southwest of Fort Worth, Granbury is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it the perfect excursion stop for history buffs. Start your visit at the Granbury Opera House, a beautifully restored 1886 venue, which still hosts a variety of theatrical performances and concerts. Next over, the Hood County Courthouse, another historic landmark, dominates the town square and simply yearns to have its photo taken, with its gothic architecture that is hard to miss. The Granbury Historic Railroad Depot and the Hood County Jail Museum provide yet more fascinating insights into the area's past.
Lake Granbury, a widened part of the Brazos River just north of town, is ideal for a day out on the water, whether you are looking to cool off with a swim or boat along its shores.
Nacogdoches
Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas, having been originally founded in 1837. Also home to Stephen F. Austin State University, this unique town of the SFA Mast Arboretum, is a beautiful 10-acre garden with diverse plant collections. Historians can also explore the Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Library, which dates back to the early 19th century, and the Old Stone Fort Museum, located on the university campus. The Nacogdoches Historic Downtown District is worth a day of exploration too, with many of the above-mentioned landmarks being within walking distance, along with a selection of great restaurants and shops nearby.
Spend some time hiking the Lanana Creek Trail in the downtown core, a scenic pathway that is also an excellent bike route. Nacogdoches also hosts various annual festivals, such as the Texas Blueberry Festival, a celebration of the local blueberry harvest, for which this region is well-known.
Brenham
Sitting halfway between Houston and Austin, Brenham is possibly best known for its vibrant bluebonnet fields, a brilliant purple flower that grows well in the temperate climate of this area, and as the home of Blue Bell Creameries.
Take a mouth-watering tour of the Blue Bell Creameries factory to learn about ice cream production and enjoy a scoop of their famous ice cream. Other attractions in Brenham, such as the Brenham Heritage Museum and the historic Simon Theatre, are also great ways to fill out a day. For a taste of local agriculture, the nearby Chappell Hill Lavender Farm is a picture-perfect setting for picking lavender and shopping for lavender-based products.
Take some time to drive out to the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, where Texas declared its independence from Mexico. This iconic landmark has a visitor center, and many paths weaving throughout, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Take a Delightful Roadtrip Through Texas Today
Texas is packed with fun activities around every corner. Whether you want to explore the deserts to the southwest, the lush hills to the east, or the sun-soaked Gulf of Mexico to the south, there is no shortage of things to see and do here in the Lone Star State. Hopefully, these 11 towns will provide a strong foundation as you plan your trip here. Visit one town or see them all! We guarantee a memorable experience, whatever you decide to do.
