13 Prettiest Downtown Strips In Texas

Before it became home to some of the largest metropolises in the country, framed by towering skyscrapers and bright neon lights, Texas was once a vast barren land with pockets of sleepy little towns. While some of these grew to be famous cities and cultural hubs, others maintained their small-town feel and the true spirit of the Lone Star State. These old-fashioned municipalities present a glimpse of old-fashioned Texas that mixes with the new in a bustling downtown district.

Between the Panhandle and the Rio Grande Valley, dozens of small towns invite tourists to experience their character and exciting attractions. However, the following stand out for having the most interesting downtown strips in Texas, promising architectural treasures, historical journeys, cultural immersions, and social interactions.

Fredericksburg

German flair and historical heritage collide in this adorable community in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Fredericksburg’s vibrant downtown strip harbors an eclectic blend of galleries, boutiques, museums, and restaurants, showcasing unique culture and character. The town's German identity is put into perspective at Pioneer Museum, which uses multiple historic structures and 19th-century artifacts to highlight German origins. A lively downtown arts community entertains audiences with compelling live performances at Rockbox Theater, featuring rock, blues, and country music tribute acts.

Meanwhile, an authentic culinary experience awaits at the Auslander, which is known for serving delicious German cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. The menu features trademarks like Rinderbraten and a selection of craft beers.

Gruene

A snapshot of raw Texas history and culture draws tourists to this unassuming small town of Comal County. Gruene is rooted in German heritage and boasts a walkable historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The neighborhood is jam-packed with historical markers, highlighted by the Gruene Hall. Constructed in 1878, this is the state’s oldest continually operating dance hall. The Gruene General Store is another standout, boasting an enduring legacy from the early 1900s and selling cute merchandise like cowboy hats and keychains.

With so much history in the air, guests are compelled to hunt for a vintage souvenir at the Gruene Antique Company. This 6,500-square-foot facility displays a vast collection of collectibles and primitives that present an idea of the town’s past.

Bandera

Designated "Cowboy Capital of the World," Bandera has a pedestrian-friendly historic strip that exposes its rich heritage and Western culture. The corridor is dotted with notable historical landmarks, with the Bandera County Courthouse standing out for its rustic Italian Renaissance Revival facade. Built in the Victorian era, the structure dominates the skyline with its architectural allure. Meanwhile, Frontier Times Museum transports guests back to the formative years using quirky exhibits focusing on the community's cowboy heritage and Texan culture.

Beyond the history, downtown Bandera houses a pleasant urban oasis for vacationers to chill out and breathe fresh air. The Bandera City Park offers a serene riverfront atmosphere with picnic spaces, fishing spots, and swimming areas, perfect for unwinding.

Nacogdoches

Popularly recognized as the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches takes vacationers on an enthralling journey through time, exploring the state’s early years. Unsurprisingly, its downtown is a treasure trove of sites and markers, including Millard’s Crossing Historic Village. This 14-structure complex provides a perspective of 19th-century life in the city. You can get an alternative perspective of the bygone eras in the 1830s Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Library, which exhibits loads of period antiques and furnishings.

History aside, Nacogdoches welcomes first-timers to sample its art scene inside the Old Opera House. The renovated Victorian structure houses a modern art gallery where you can peruse lovely pieces in an intimate atmosphere.

Granbury

Downtown Granbury charms tourists with a little bit of everything, from history and the arts to shopping and cuisine. Historic Granbury Square is a vibrant hub of attractions, housing over forty shopping, dining, and entertainment outlets. One of the prominent spots in the district is Granbury Opera House, which captivates audiences with a string of concerts, musicals, and plays performed by the Granbury Theatre Company. Historians can get a unique perspective of the town’s past at the Hood County Jail Museum. This 1880s jailhouse offers rare tours of the sheriff’s quarters and exposes numerous related artifacts.

The region also boasts a picturesque waterfront, which you can take advantage of by heading to the Lake Granbury Marina. This a nice spot to relax and take in the soothing breeze while admiring passing vessels on the water.

Bastrop

Bastrop houses one of the most historic downtown strips in Texas, adorned with dozens of structures listed on the National Register. These primarily feature two-story brick buildings dating back to the 19th century. The Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center is responsible for preserving and interpreting regional history, showcasing diverse archives chronicling almost two centuries of heritage. The revitalized downtown hosts a lovely mix of attractions, inviting art lovers to enjoy entertaining live performances at the Bastrop Opera House.

Given the district’s lively restaurant scene, foodies can look forward to a delectable dining experience. You can pop into Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard for delicious pizza and great-tasting craft beer while soaking up scenic river vistas.

Waxahachie

Waxahachie's beautiful downtown area impresses newcomers with its architectural prowess, artsy feel, historical heritage, and exciting festivals. The opulent facade of the Ellis County Courthouse highlights its skyline. This nine-story structure presents the perfect example of Romanesque Revival architecture. Those who want a piece of the arts can join locals at the Texas Theater to catch live music shows inside a vintage venue with finely tuned acoustics.

Downtown Waxahachie is an excellent location to hunt for souvenirs, a credit to its rich cluster of antique stores. You can pass by Waxahachie Architectural Salvage to check out 18th-century lumber, windows, furniture, and other collectibles worth buying. Finally, don't miss out on the Scarborough Renaissance Festival while visiting the community.

Boerne

Deep German heritage blends with authentic Texan hospitality in this down-to-earth gem of the Texas Hill Country. Boerne’s charm lies in the neighborly interactions it promises first-timers throughout its historic downtown district. One of the best places for this is the many antique stores in the area, including Flashback Funtiques. This welcoming establishment sells everything from jukeboxes and pinball machines to barber's chairs. Meanwhile, culinary enthusiasts will fancy stopping by Cypress Grille for mouth-watering American fare in a stylish venue.

There is no better follow-up than a pint of freshly crafted beer at Cibolo Creek Brewing Company. The neighborhood watering hole has shaded patio seating where you can catch up with friendly patrons.

Clifton

This tiny village in Bosque County, steeped in Norwegian roots, has a Nationally Registered downtown district where history, culture, and arts intertwine seamlessly. The lovely corridor houses a mix of attractions and welcomes vacationers to sample regional arts at the Bosque Arts Center. Meanwhile, historians will be at home examining artifacts and archives inside the Bosque Museum. These highlight the Norwegian experience in Clifton dating back to the earliest settlers in the 1800s.

Those with a soft spot for vintage automobiles can admire a colorful collection inside the Clifton Classic Chassis Auto Museum. The fleet features at least 30 antique cars from the 1940s to the 1980s, including brands like Corvettes and Thunderbirds.

Marshall

This eastern Texas community showcases its cultural diversity and historical riches throughout its walkable downtown strip. The neighborhood boasts a stunning skyline framed by old-world architectural marvels, starting with the Harrison County Historical Museum. Housed inside a Neoclassical Beaux-Arts-style courthouse, the venue stores a vast collection of photos, archives, and artifacts about local history. The Starr Family Home State Historic Site is another visual spectacle and notable landmark. It was constructed in the 19th century and maintains period furnishings and memorabilia as a window to the past.

Meanwhile, the local arts reside at the Michelson Museum of Art, where guests can browse intimate pieces by renowned Latvian-American artist Leo Michelson. Alternatively, catch a live stage show at the Memorial City Hall Performance Center.

Smithville

Most people remember Smithville as the filming location of the Sandra Bullock movie "Hope Floats." However, many who visited it point out its downtown as a charming neighborhood with thriving arts and culture. A stroll down Main Street leads you to Mosaic Art & Home, which displays a lovely selection of jewelry, furniture, and vintage art. The same applies to the Mary Nichols Art Center, a creator's haven where local artists showcase their works.

If you are sampling the arts, you can try downtown Smithville's wine and dine scene. The Front Room Wine Bar is known to serve sumptuous Tapas-style cuisine alongside artisanal cocktails and sweet-tasting wines.

Jefferson

Jefferson's downtown showcases a rich tapestry of local and state history, with a cluster of vintage sites and landmarks dating back to the pre-Civil War era. You can start exploring the Jefferson Historical Museum, housed in a Federal-style courthouse with artifacts about the town’s past. Movie enthusiasts will be intrigued by the Gone With the Wind Museum. This whimsical monument brings back nostalgic memories of the iconic movie using a collection of related memorabilia and merchandise.

Don't miss the opportunity to purchase a memento in one of the many antique souvenir stores in the town square. One such establishment is Old Mill Antiques, the oldest and largest in Jefferson, which is full of primitives and miscellaneous items.

Port Isabel

Port Isabel stands out for its waterfront downtown strip, where tourists can access a combination of historical, artistic, and shopping opportunities. The Port Isabel Historical Museum chronologically documents the community's dynamic history using diverse artifacts, some from the Mexican-American War. Meanwhile, art enthusiasts looking to improve their technique can attend a workshop at the Laguna Madre Art Gallery. Additionally, shoppers can sort through unique jewelry, art, and other gift items at Tesori.

Finally, don't wrap up the tour without sampling Port Isabel's seafood scene at Dirty Al's Pelican Station. This trendy diner with a Gulfside deck overlooking the water serves luscious Cajun-style cuisine with numerous seafood options.

While it is almost impossible to choose favorites, considering the endless list of lovely small towns across the Lone Star State, these destinations leave a lasting impression with some of the best downtown strips in Texas. These vibrant corridors combine curious history, colorful culture, culinary experiences, and shopping opportunities to grant visitors an unforgettable holiday. Whether sampling German culture in Boerne or savoring scrumptious seafood in Port Isabel, you can't go wrong with any of them.