2024's 10 Most Adorable Small Towns in Texas
Texas, sometimes called the Lone Star State, certainly stands alone as one of America's most diverse and interesting places to travel within. From the arid deserts to its west to the hilly forests and Gulf coastline to its east, the lower 48's biggest state is full of things to do, landmarks to see, and numerous small towns to stop at along the way. Let's look at 10 of these towns that rank among the best in 2024. Here, you will get the inside scoop on what makes these places special, whether it is historic sites, natural beauty, or cultural attractions.
Gruene
Gruene (pronounced "green") is a town just outside of the larger city of New Braunfels in central Texas. Located along the Guadalupe River, Gruene is best known for its historic district, where the cotton industry in the town's earliest days built much of the infrastructure, a lot of which still stands today.
The centerpiece of this community is Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest continually operating dance hall, where live music and two-stepping, a dance that perfectly matches the western vibes of Gruene, have been a tradition since 1878. Come and see who is performing next in 2024!
A walk through the town’s streets will allow you to see the rest of the amenities it has to offer, including a selection of shops and delicious eateries like the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, a spot with great views of the nearby river.
Marble Falls
Set against the backdrop of Lake Marble Falls (a widened section of the Colorado River), this town, which shares its name with the sizable body of water, is an ideal getaway for vacationers looking for a dose of beautiful nature.
Marble Falls has easy access to the waters of Lake Marble Falls while hiking at the nearby Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is another popular activity for outdoor adventurers. Don't forget about the Bluebonnet Trail, a pathway that winds through meadows full of eye-catching Bluebonnet flowers. Come in the springs to see the bloom at its peak. Additionally, Marble Falls is home to the famous Sweet Berry Farm, where you can pick your own seasonal fruits, a perfect activity for the whole family. The season for picking in 2024 will range from September 20th to early November.
The nearby Marble Falls Walkway of Lights, which will be held during the 2024 holiday season, illuminates the lakefront with thousands of colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere that will give you a reason to visit this winter.
Wimberley
Wimberley is a gem in the Hill Country of East Texas, with many wonderful natural parks nearby and a cozy downtown area to match. Nestled at the junction of the Blanco River and Cypress Creek, Wimberley features natural attractions like the renowned Blue Hole Regional Park, a must-visit on a hot summer day. Here, crystal-clear waters make for idyllic swimming holes beneath the ancient cypress trees that populate the area's woodlands. Hikers can get a panoramic view of the surrounding Hill Country at Old Baldy, a popular local landmark that requires you to climb a 218-step staircase to reach its top.
Wimberley’s rich artistic community can be explored by all at its monthly market days, where vendors gather int own to offer handcrafted goods and locally picked produce. This town also contains several great museums, including the Cowboy Museum (with the Pioneer Town, a fully constructed village resembling a town seemingly taken straight from the set of a Western movie, with tours and other activities available) and the Wimberly Valley Museum.
Comfort
A fitting name for such a place, this town is a charming little place where one can find peace in the middle of Texas's Hill Country near San Antonio. Yet another Texas town that was founded by German immigrants in the mid-1800s, Comfort has preserved its historic character, with more than 100 buildings dating back well over a century.
Start your trip here at the Comfort Heritage Foundation Museum, a place where you can learn more about the German population here, from past to present, and the pioneer lifestyle of the original settlers. Make a point of spending an afternoon at the nearby Guadalupe River too, where tubing is a particularly popular activity.
The lands around Comfort are also ideal for grape growing, making this region quite the spot for many of Texas's best vineyards. Visit some of the tasting rooms right in town, like Newsom Vineyards' location just off Front Street, or go to one or more of the vineyards for yourself, with Bending Branch Winery and Singing Water Vineyards just a short drive away.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg holds tightly onto its German heritage while maintaining the typical Texan hospitality. The town’s deep-rooted German culture is celebrated through its food, festivals, and architecture, with highlights including the Pioneer Museum and the Vereins Kirche, a replica of the town’s first public building. Be sure to indulge in authentic German fare at local eateries or sample wines at one of the many vineyards in the surrounding area, making Fredericksburg a prime destination for all you foodies out there.
Nearby, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers some more outdoor-oriented activities, with hiking trails along its unique rocky features and a picnicking area spread throughout. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, located just south of Fredericksburg, is another option close by and contains trails straddling the Live Oak Creek.
Salado
Salado is conveniently located along the I-35 corridor between Austin and Waco, making it s popular escape for residents of the two larger cities. Many who come here opt to stay at the iconic Stagecoach Inn. Open since 1852, it is Texas’ oldest continuously operating hotel.
The town’s history dates back to the mid-1800s, officially having been incorporated in 1867, and its heritage is preserved in landmarks like the ruins of Salado College and the historic Baines House.
Beyond its historic offerings, Salado is also known for its scenic beauty, with Salado Creek giving visitors a tranquil spot for picnicking, going for a walk, and fishing. Stillhouse Hollow Lake is also located a short drive north of town, providing you with several spots along its shores to swim, fish, and launch a boat. Chalk Ridge Falls Park is a must-visit attraction on the eastern edge of the lake, known for its waterfalls and boardwalks.
Jefferson
Jefferson is located in the densely forested Piney Woods region near the border of Louisiana. Once an important and wealthy riverport, this town is now a treasure trove of antebellum homes, quaint bed-and-breakfasts, and other charming amenities housed in original buildings.
A good place to start is at the Jefferson Historical Museum to learn more about this region. You can also take a unique tour and soak in the sights by taking a ride on the Jefferson Railway, a narrow gauge railway that now offers guided tours. Jefferson is also known for its ghost tours, as it is often called the “Most Haunted Small Town in Texas.”
Caddo Lake is another major draw to the area. Just a short drive east of town, this lake is considered the biggest naturally formed lake in the entire state and lies within Caddo Lake State Park.
Llano
Llano captures the beauty and frontier spirit of Texas This town is also famous for its annual Llano Earth Art Fest, where visitors can marvel at intricately balanced stone sculptures along the riverbank of the Llano River, which flows right through the center of town.
Llano’s rich history is showcased at the Llano County Historical Museum, where exhibits on the town’s past as a cattle-driving and mining hub can be viewed. The iconic Llano County Courthouse, built in 1893, is another landmark that offers a window into the earliest days of this area when cowboys roamed and the Wild West was still alive and well.
Llano is also not too far from Inks Lake State Park, a beautiful nature preserve with rental cabins as camping is available as an option to stay the night. Enjoy the trails, beaches, and fishing spots you can find along the shore here.
Smithville
Smithville is another Texas town with an attachment to its history as a railroad hub. Explore its past for yourself at the James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum. Another fun and informative museum experience can be had at the Smithville Heritage House & Museum, which is more focused on other subjects in regard to Smithville's history, such as its founding and the preservation of its original buildings.
Smithville's other claim to fame has been earned as the filming location for the movie Hope Floats, and fans of the film regularly visit the several local spots featured in the movie. The town is also home to an active arts community, with local events like the Smithville Music and Film Festival drawing visitors from across the region.
Given its proximity to the Colorado River, fishing and boating opportunities are close at hand. The nearby Vernon L Richards Nature Preserve is a green space that can be accessed on foot across the river and contains untouched green space with a number of maintained walkways along the edges of the scenic river.
Alpine
Alpine is the quintessential small West Texas town in its high desert. Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Davis Mountains, one can easily find the charms of this place in either its natural beauty or its cozy dowtown area.
Known as one of the major gateways to Big Bend National Park, Alpine is often used as a place for those visiting the park to spend the night in the comfort of one of its hotels or inns. However, there is much to do in the town itself, with places spots like the Museum of the Big Bend, located on the Sul Ross State University campus. This museum provides a fascinating look at the region’s history, culture, and natural environment.
Another option for adventure outdoors is the nearby Davis Mountains State Park. Campgrounds and several hiking trails, along with the Hobby Eberly Telescope at the McDonald Observatory, can be enjoyed at this fantastic natural wonder of Texas.
Experience Texas in 2024
If you find yourself bored in Texas in 2024, then you're simply looking in the wrong places. These ten small towns are just a sample of what this amazing state has to offer. From the beautiful nature of places like Wimberly and Alpine to the historic appeal of Salado and Gruene, and everything in between, there is certainly lots to do and see this year in the Lone Star State. Use this list to start planning your next road trip today!
