2024's 12 Most Scenic Texas Towns
When people think of Texas, they often envision vast plains, wide-open spaces, and the rugged beauty of the Hill Country. However, nestled throughout the state are hidden gems that offer some of the most scenic views in the country. From charming riverside escapes to dramatic cliffside overlooks, these towns are gateways to some of the state's most stunning landscapes. Let this list of stunning towns guide you through twelve examples of big skies and bigger scenery in the Lone Star State.
Fredericksburg
Tucked in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is famous for its German heritage and scenic vineyards, but the town's surrounding landscape is just as captivating. A short drive from Fredericksburg brings visitors to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, whose centerpiece is a towering pink granite dome that rises out of the surrounding field. The climb to the top is a favorite for both hikers and rock climbers, rewarding them with an expansive panoramic view of the surrounding valleys, fields, and distant hills.
Another peaceful retreat is Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, a tranquil, 330 acre green space with serene walking trails that follow the winding paths of the local creek. For those seeking an even more picturesque experience, Fredericksburg is known for its wineries, many of which offer scenic views of the rolling hills. The vineyards, nestled among fields of wildflowers, provide stunning backdrops for visitors while they sip the finest Texan vintages.
Marfa
Marfa, located in the high desert of West Texas, is a town that is equal parts remote and surreal. Famous for its modern art scene, particularly the less-is-more style of minimalism, an aesthetic that mirrors the broad, clear desert expanses and simple shapes of small-town municipal planning. The town sits in the Chihuahuan Desert at the foot of the Chinati and Davis Mountains, whose rugged peaks create a dramatic contrast against the flat desert plains. The mountains furnish the area with breathtaking views, especially during the golden hour at sunrise and sunset when the landscape comes alive with shades of red, orange, and purple.
Though Marfa is small, its proximity to Big Bend National Park, one of the most renowned national parks in the U.S., makes it an excellent base for outdoor adventures. Big Bend's diverse ecosystems, from the desert to the Rio Grande River, offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, kayaking, and exploring dramatic canyons. Marfa itself is home to the mysterious Marfa Lights, an unexplained phenomenon that appears in the desert sky on clear nights. Visitors can view the lights from a dedicated viewpoint just outside of town, adding an otherworldly element to the area’s already surreal landscape.
Wimberley
Wimberley is a charismatic small town along the banks of the Blanco River. The town sits nestled like a gem in the undulating landscape of Hill Country, where towering cypress trees line the riverbanks, creating a picturesque setting for outdoor activities. One of the highlights of Wimberley is Blue Hole Regional Park, a swimming hole surrounded by natural limestone formations. The park's crystal-clear waters are a refreshing escape during the hot summer months, perfect for picnicking, hiking, or simply relaxing by the water.
The Jacob’s Well Natural Area is another must-visit spot in Wimberley, where a different spring-fed swimming hole has attracted visitors for generations. The deep blue waters of the well feed into the Blanco River, creating an otherworldly appearance, especially in the bright afternoon sun. Don't forget your swimsuits!
Jefferson
Situated in the Piney Woods of East Texas, Jefferson is surrounded by lush forests and tranquil waterways. This rural haven feels like a step back in time with its well-preserved antebellum architecture and scenic setting along the Big Cyprus Bayou. It's understandable: "bayou" may not be the first setting that comes to mind when travelers think of "Texas," but Jefferson will remind you that East Texas and Louisiana share a border. A boat ride through the cypress trees and Spanish moss that define this otherworldly wetland will delight anyone. Caddo Lake State Park, featuring Texas’s largest lake, is just a short drive away, offering hiking trails and kayaking through some of the most scenic and mysterious cypress swamps in Texas. Lake O’ the Pines is an open, forest-side lake, making it an ideal spot for fishing and catching a sunset.
Canyon
Just south of Amarillo on the Texas Plains, you can find the small town of Canyon, TX, which serves as a gateway to some of Texas’s most breathtaking landscapes. Known as “the Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon sits just outside of the aptly-named Canyon. Lighthouse Rock is the canyon’s most recognizable formation, a slender tower of red sandstone reaching skyward from the slopes of the vast canyon.
Visitors to Palo Duro Canyon have a startling breadth of activities available to them. Many visitors choose to experience the canyon on foot, hiking up and down the canyon’s sloping walls. A slow-paced visit invites time for bird and wildlife watching or simple contemplation. Palo Duro sports more than 30 miles of trails for exploring, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Connected by these trails is a network of campsites with accommodations for horses if needed.
Dripping Springs
The “Gateway to the Hill Country” Dripping Springs is surrounded by limestone hills, clear-running creeks, and abundant wildflowers, especially during the spring months when the area is alive with color. The town's most famous natural feature is Hamilton Pool Preserve, a stunning natural swimming hole carved out beneath a massive limestone overhang. The pool’s emerald waters are fed by a waterfall, creating a serene and beautiful escape and giving the town its name, Dripping Springs, as water slips off of the overhang and into the pool below, creating a soft shower of fresh water from above.
Another scenic destination in Dripping Springs is Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, which offers guided tours through a lush canyon filled with ferns, mosses, and towering trees. At the end of the trail, visitors are rewarded with a cacophonous 40-foot waterfall that cascades into a quiet, crystal-clear pool.
Nacogdoches
Nestled in the Piney Woods of East Texas, Nacogdoches, with a population of just under 33,000, is the oldest town in Texas, founded in 1779. For nature lovers, Stephen F Austin Experimental Forest is just a short drive from downtown and provides hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and peaceful walks. Banita Creek provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and other water activities. The towering pine trees and calm atmosphere of the park make it a perfect escape into nature for hikers and picnickers alike. Additionally, Lanana Creek winds through dense East Texas forest, featuring a scenic hiking route where visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife in their natural habitat. The Alazan Bayou Wildlife Management Area offers a diversity of wildlife, making for excellent birdwatching (bring binoculars!) and wildlife exploration.
Bandera
Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Bandera is a small town lying in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Along the banks of the Frio River, a crystal-clear waterway that winds through the rugged hills of the Hill Country, visitors can enjoy tubing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the river’s edge. Bandera is also home to the Hill Country State Natural Area, a sprawling park offering hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. The park’s rugged terrain and expansive views make it a perfect place to experience the raw beauty of the Hill Country. Don't miss the Bandera ProRodeo, either!
Bend
Surrounded by sprawling ranchland and scenic vistas in Central Texas, Bend offers visitors a peaceful retreat into nature. One of the standout features of Bend is the Lampasas River, which meanders through the town and is a haven for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the quiet, reflective waters. The river is especially picturesque during the spring and fall when wildflowers bloom along its banks, adding vibrant color to the natural palette.
A short drive from Bend takes visitors to Colorado Bend State Park, a nearly 5,500-acre park that showcases some of the most stunning natural features of Central Texas, including verdant forests and clear, winding river water. The park’s most impressive feature is Gorman Falls, a breathtaking 70-foot waterfall that splashes over travertine rock formations. The park also sports hiking, camping, and caving opportunities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Castroville
Along the Medina River in the Texas Hill Country, Castroville was founded by Alsatian immigrants, and its picturesque stone buildings and historic sites offer a glimpse into its rich European heritage. One such example is the Alsatian Steinbach Haus, a gem of Alsatian architecture that looks more at home in Europe than in the Lone Star State. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Medina River Walk, a peaceful pathway that follows the river through the town, providing serene views of the water and the surrounding hills. Nearby, one can fish, picnic, or hike at the Castroville Regional Park.
Crockett
Crockett is known as the "Gateway to the Pines" due to the lush forests that surround this small town. One of the highlights of visiting Crockett is exploring the expansive Davy Crockett National Forest, which spans more than 160,000 acres of rugged terrain. With miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, it is the perfect spot for those who enjoy outdoor adventures and the beauty of unspoiled nature. The forest is also home to several creeks and small lakes, making it ideal for fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing. For those looking to cool off in the summer, Lake Livingston State Park is nearby and offers boating, fishing, and swimming.
Rocksprings
With a rugged landscape and proximity to some of the most pristine natural environments in the state, Rocksprings is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is named for the natural springs that once flowed through the area, and while the springs are no longer active, the landscape is still marked by the distinctive limestone outcroppings, clear-flowing creeks, and expansive views of the surrounding hills.
One of the major attractions near Rocksprings is the Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area, a spectacular geological formation just a short drive from the town. The sinkhole, which is over 300 feet deep and over 300 feet in diameter, is home to one of the largest bat colonies in Texas. During the summer months, visitors can watch as up to 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at dusk in a dramatic swirl, creating one of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles in the state. Rocksprings is also close to Hill Country State Natural Area, which offers miles of scenic hiking trails, opportunities for horseback riding, and panoramic views of the rugged terrain. This 5,400-acre park is perfect for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors and encountering the diverse wildlife of the region, including deer, wild turkeys, and even the occasional bobcat.
Texas is home to a remarkable array of small towns that offer breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and a chance to experience the state's natural beauty up close. Whether exploring the rugged canyons (and mystery lights!) of West Texas in Marfa or taking in the surreal bayous of Jefferson, these towns provide something for every traveler. Whether you find yourself hiking along rivers, exploring ancient caves, or simply gazing at the stars in the quiet of the night, these towns will leave you with lasting memories of the state’s unmatched beauty.
