14 Best Small Towns To Visit In Texas
While the saying is "everything is bigger in Texas," Texas has many small towns that beg to differ. Known for its cowboy culture, diverse landscapes, delicious BBQ, and its large cities, Texas has many picture-perfect small towns. Whether you love history, country music, or adventure, Texas has many small towns that ooze Southern hospitality and small-town, Texan charm. So, grab your cowboy hats and your blue jeans, and come hungry and ready to experience some of the best BBQ meals in the world. These small Texas towns are worth the journey.
Dripping Springs
As the “gateway to the Hill Country,” known to have some of the most beautiful state parks and natural attractions, Dripping Springs is a haven for nature lovers. Hill Country is known for its limestone bluffs, deep canyons with cool springs lined with lush greenery and towering cypress trees, and Dripping Springs is no expectation. Created over thousands of years of water erosion, the Hamilton Pool Preserve is a beautiful spot with canyons, a collapsed grotto, and a 50-foot waterfall. Before you go, make sure to reserve your spot, as Hamilton Pool is only open by reservation in order to preserve the natural landscape. The surrounding woodland is perfect for bird-watching native species like golden-cheeked warblers.
Fredericksburg
Located 80 miles away from the Greater Austin area, Fredericksburg is full of historic sites. The birthplace of Texas German, a dialect spoken by the first generations of German settlers who immigrated to the town, many long-time German residents referred to the town as Fritztown, a nickname that many businesses still use. With popular attractions such as the National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg is a popular destination for weekend getaways for anyone looking for small-town culture, delectable food, and boutique shopping. The over 150 locally-owned stores, boutiques, and art galleries make Fredericksburg a great place for a shopping trip. Franchises and chain stores are not allowed within the National Historic District of the town, so every shop on Main Street is one of a kind. Get a new pair of boots at Allens Boots, or go antiquing at the Antiques Mall of Fredericksburg, and end your shopping trip with a glass of local wine at the Andreucci WineRoom. With a vibrant music and nightlife community and wineries, maximize your time by exploring pre-built itineraries on the town’s website.
Luckenbach
Established in 1849 by German farmers, the town of Luckenbach may be small, but it has a big personality. The town's popular dancehall has hosted some of the biggest names in Country music, including Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Lyle Lovett. The town’s dance hall still hosts live music events, including Pickers Circle and Song Swap Sunday. Relax under a 500-year-old oak tree, listen to live music, poke around the General Store for unique souvenirs and immerse yourself in small-town living at its finest. A short drive from Fredericksburg, Luckenbach is a great spot to see live music and explore small-town charm.
Bandera
Known as the Cowboy Capital of the World, Bandera is a haven for anyone wanting to experience ranch life, learn horseback riding, or attend a rodeo. Take a trail ride on horseback, toast marshmallows over a campfire, and catch a Saturday afternoon “gunfight”. With beautiful rolling skies, nightly music events, and 5000 acres of plateaus and canyons to explore, Bandera is steeped in history and adventure. If you're wanting to see more of Texas' natural beauty, kayak along the Medina River. To learn about the past, check out the Frontier Times Museum to learn about Texas’ rich history. End your day at Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar-the oldest continuously operating honkytonk in Texas.
Marfa
Founded in the early 1880s as a water stop, Marfa is one of Texas's most unique small towns. With its unique blend of arts, culture, and natural beauty, its stark landscapes have inspired artists and creatives for decades, giving rise to its renowned art scene. With modern art installments, art galleries, and filming locations, Marfa’s tranquil, dreamy downtown looks like something out of a Wes Anderson set. Home to several works by Andry Warhol, Marfa is a major center for minimalist art and has some iconic art installations, such as the Prada Marfa Installation. At night, experience the mysteries of the Marfa lights, strange dancing orbs that appear in the night sky have intrigued scientists and visitors alike for decades.
Shiner
The town of Shiner radiates warmth and small-town charm. Spoetzl Brewery, the oldest independent brewery in Texas and creator of Shiner Beer Shiner, celebrates its German heritage yearly with its Oktoberfest celebration. Home to Kaspar Companies, one of the oldest continuously operating companies in America. Theatre lovers can catch an amateur production at The Gaslight Theatre, which originally opened in the late 1800s, and was revived in 1975 by a local nun and her drama class. The city has several notable and historic buildings and shopping attractions, including the Cigar Factory, which first opened in 1895, and Antiques, Art & Beer, a one-of-a-kind establishment with a very literal name. Swing by Howard's Convenience Store for Shiner memorabilia, 9 kinds of beer on tap, video rentals, snacks, and a covered beer garden out back. With one foot solidly in the past and another in the present, Shiner blends its rich history, and vibrant present, creating its own unique Texan tapestry.
Dublin
Lovingly known as the “Official Irish Capital of Texas,” Dublin’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration pays homage to its Irish roots. Known as the original bottlers of Dr. Pepper, Dublin Bottling Works (which, sadly, is no longer bottled here) continues to produce pure cane sugar sodas. Dublin has a nostalgic main street and downtown core lined with historic storefronts, welcoming cafes situated amid rolling hills, and several museums about its history and picturesque landscapes. Check out the Ben Hogan Museum, dedicated to the legendary golfer who lived in Dublin as a child, the Dublin Historical Museum, or the Rodeo Heritage Museum to learn more about Dublin's past before heading to a wine tasting at Lucky Vines Vineyard and Winery.
Wimberley
A nature lover’s paradise, Wimberley is an enchanting town with an artistic undercurrent and serene beauty. Swim or kayak on the Blanco River, or explore Jacob’s Well Natural Area, an artesian spring with an underground cave system. Enjoy the outdoors at Blue Hole Regional Park, which is full of trails, picnic spots, and an amphitheatre. If you enjoy long drives, explore the Devil’s Backbone-a scenic highway that runs through Wimberley and the surrounding towns. Climb up Old Baldy (Prayer Mountain) for an amazing Hill Country View, or visit during annual events such as the Wimberley Arts Fest.
Johnson City
Emanating a rich blend of history and natural beauty, Johnson City is a history lover’s dream. The hometown of President Lyndon B. Johnson, LBJ National Historical Park, is a must-see destination. Offering insights into the president’s life and legacy, the town’s Main Street features charming boutique shopping, eateries, and the Rustin Science Mill. Surrounded by rolling landscapes and Pedernales Falls State Park’s rugged trails and spectacular waterfalls. Johnson City has several renowned wineries and is part of the Texas Wine Trail. A winning combination of small-town charm, heritage, and natural beauty, Johnson City encompasses classic, small-town Texas charm.
Lockhart
Arrive hungry when visiting Lockhart! Known as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” Lockhart has plenty of breweries, smokehouses, and historic charm. Originally called Plum Creek and later changed to Lockhart, the town is full of heritage and history and has several historical attractions, such as the Dr. Eugene Clark Library and the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches. Adorned with vintage storefronts, and the picturesque Caldwell County Courthouse, Lockhart celebrates its Cowboy heritage annually with its Chisholm Trail roundup, with rodeos and parades.
Terlingua
Nestled near Big Bend National Park, this remote desert oasis in West Texas looks like it has come right from the pages of a Western novel. Once a booming mining town, Terlingua is now a ghost town filled with weathered ruins, creating a mysterious, enchanting atmosphere that attracts tourists. The annual Terlingua International Chili Cookoff brings life and flavors to the desert, while local art and music festivals allow Terlingua to continue to serve as a hub for eclectic adventurers, nature lovers, and free spirits.
Granbury
Starting off as a square and log cabin courthouse and now a beautiful, charming historical town, Granbury is the definition of a quaint, southern small town. Situated along the shores of Lake Granbury, water lovers will be attracted to the lake-side activities, from boating to fishing. The town’s historic downtown is home to ornate Victorian architecture, charming shops, and eateries. The Granbury Opera House is a cultural landmark and still boasts incredible productions that transport audiences back in time. With annual events like their Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration and the Granbury Wine Walk, visitors flock to Granbury for its combination of southern hospitality, history, recreation, and quintessential Texas charm.
Brenham
Known as the city with the original Blue Bell Creamery, where you can still get giant ice cream cones for $1 per scoop and enjoy factory tours, Brenham’s historic district is filled with antique shops, vintage storefronts, and the Brenham Heritage Museum. The Unity Theatre enriches the community with live performances, while the annual Maifest and Christmas Stroll festivals celebrate the local spirit. With a touch of nostalgia and Texan pride, Brenham’s downtown center is very walkable and is home to lots of beautiful murals.
Jefferson
Full of history and charm, Jefferson, a pre-civil war town in East Texas, has nearly 100 historical landmarks. Transport yourself to a bygone era with Jefferson’s well-preserved antebellum architecture. Nestled along the Big Cypress Bayou, see a different view of Jefferson on a steamboat ride, and see a glimpse into the town’s past. Home of the Jefferson Carnegie Library, which was funded by American industrialist and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, explores the town’s history with the Jefferson Historical Museum. Fans of Gone with the Wind won’t want to miss the Gone with the Wind Museum, which pays homage to the iconic novel and film. Unofficially known as "the most haunted town in Texas", the Historic Jefferson Ghost Walk is one of the most popular tours in town. A nighttime walk through Jefferson's Historic Haunts, the tours happen year-round every Friday and Saturday night at 8 pm.
With plenty to do, see, and eat, Texas has a rich history that encompasses Southern charm and American ingenuity. Go horseback riding through scenic trails, walk down historic main streets, and experience a unique combination of state pride, historic charm, and delicious food that makes Texas, Texas. Immersed in picture-perfect landscapes and timeless traditions, small towns in Texas reveal the true essence of the Lone Star State, which leaves a lasting impression and deep appreciation for its diverse and welcoming communities.
