9 Little-Known Towns In Texas
Texas is a large state, the biggest state in terms of landmass in the contiguous United States as a matter of fact. Highly populated too, the Lone Star State contains many well-known cities, including Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and several other notables. But, with its vast size, filled with expansive plains, forests, deserts, and coastline environments, Texas is home to numerous smaller, lesser-known communities as well.
Let us take a deeper look at some of the best of these underrated towns and see what they have to offer their residents and visitors alike.
Mason
Located smack dab in the center of Texas, Mason is a quiet gem known for its longstanding history and abundance of wonderful outdoor attractions.
The town’s Fort Mason Historic Site, a pre-Civil War military outpost, is a local landmark that will give you insight into Texas' early frontier life and the career of General Robert E. Lee, who once served there. For something a little more recent, Mason Square, the town’s main central hub, features the iconic Odeon Theater, Texas’s oldest continuously operating movie theater.
Nature enthusiasts ought to explore the nearby Llano River, where kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching are popular pastimes. Mason is also famed for its topaz hunting, with public lands offering visitors a chance to find the state's official gem (Texas blue topaz, to be exact).
Marfa
Marfa, a remote town in West Texas of less than 2,000 residents, is a hub for modern art fans and mysterious desert phenomena. Known internationally for the Chinati Foundation, an art museum founded by minimalist artist Donald Judd, Marfa is a truly unique destination with its mix of contemporary installations and rugged landscapes.
Visitors also often come for the enigmatic Marfa Lights, unexplained orbs of light that appear on the horizon. A viewing platform just outside town provides an ideal spot to witness this natural mystery. Even if you do miss the lights, the night sky here is one of the clearest you will find in the country with its sheer lack of light pollution that you would get in bigger cities.
Nearby, the Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park offer opportunities for you to go hiking in this arid desert environment, and more spots to go star-seeking at night.
Jefferson
Tucked away in East Texas near the Louisiana border, Jefferson is known as the “Bed and Breakfast Capital of Texas,” as the small town offers a huge selection of restored antebellum-era homes, many of which welcome visitors for overnight stays. The town’s Jefferson Historical Museum provides a further dive into its past as a major port city during the steamboat era. The Excelsior House Hotel, Texas’s oldest continuously operating hotel is another excellent accommodation that can be found here.
Ghost tours are another popular draw, with many local legends tied to the town’s past, making it a fun outing during the Halloween season. Jefferson Ghost Walk is the most popular service in town if this interests you.
For something to do outdoors while you're in Jefferson, nearby Caddo Lake State Park offers boating and fishing amid its bayou-like body of water (the largest natural lake in Texas, by the way) surrounded by picturesque moss-draped cypress trees.
Terlingua
Another community situated near Big Bend National Park, Terlingua is a ghost town that has since evolved into a vibrant community blending history, art, and wonderful desert landscapes. Once a bustling mercury mining town, Terlingua now draws visitors with its historic ruins, quirky charm, and proximity to the Chihuahuan Desert.
The Terlingua Cemetery, dating back to the 1800s, is a morbid yet popular stop for those interested in who the area's earliest residents were, while the Starlight Theatre, seemingly pulled right out of a cowboy movie, serves as a restaurant and live music venue.
Each November, the community hosts the Terlingua Chili Cook-Off, an event that attracts foodies from across the state. Come in for a bowl and stay for everything else that makes this former town a top-tier destination in Texas!
Alpine
Seated in the Trans-Pecos region, Alpine serves as a convenient gateway to the rugged beauty of West Texas. Home to Sul Ross State University, Alpine also has a bustling academic scene complemented by an eye-opening desert mountain backdrop.
Start your visit at the Museum of the Big Bend. Located on campus, this attraction features exhibits about the region’s natural and human history, from prehuman times to the modern day.
Downtown Alpine is well known for its colorful murals and the historic Holland Hotel, which has had its doors open since 1928. For sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts, Kokernot Field—a vintage-style baseball stadium—is a must-see, while nearby hiking trails in the Davis Mountains offer panoramic views over the Apline's dowtown and the southwestern deserts beyond.
Alpine also hosts annual events like the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, celebrating the area’s ranching heritage.
Llano
Located along the banks of the Llano River in central Texas, Llano is sometimes called the “Deer Capital of Texas,” as it’s a popular destination for hunters due to its large local population of the ruminants.
Non-hunters can enjoy the outdoor delights of Llano too. Nearby, the Llano River provides opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing, with scenic riverfront spots like Badu Park coming in highly recommended.
Explore this town's history too at landmarks like the Llano County Courthouse. Built in 1893, it is a striking example of Romanesque Revival architecture that was more common at the time and serves as a beautiful centerpiece of the town square.
Llano’s barbecue scene, particularly at the iconic Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, is another draw for food enthusiasts. The town also hosts events such as the Llano Earth Art Fest, celebrating natural art and stone balancing, making Llano a classic Hill Country destination for anyone in the area.
Goliad
Steeped in Texas' fascinating history, Goliad is a place that played a pivotal role in the state’s fight for independence. The Presidio La Bahía, an 18th-century Spanish fort, stands as a well-preserved reminder of this history, serving as both a museum and a memorial for the Goliad Massacre. Adjacent to the fort is the striking Our Lady of Loreto Chapel, a beautiful and spiritual landmark that is still in use today.
You should also try to visit the nearby Goliad State Park and Historic Site, which provides campsites, maintained hiking trails, and access to the San Antonio River.
This town in the deep south of Texas is located a short drive from San Antonio and is a worthwhile stop for anyone making their way down to the idyllic shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
Blanco
Sitting between San Antonio and Austin, Blanco is a charming and easy escape from big city life. At the heart of the town is Blanco State Park, a favorite destination for swimming, fishing, and picnicking along the clear waters of the Blanco River. The park’s accessible trails and scenic views attract nature lovers year-round.
Blanco’s historic downtown includes the Old Blanco County Courthouse, a restored structure from 1886 that now serves as a visitor center and event venue. Surrounding the square, you’ll find local shops and eateries showcasing Hill Country flavors, including a few spots where you can try some top-notch Texas BBQ. Try out Old 300 BBQ, one of the region's most visited joints serving up delicious smoked meats of all kinds.
Blanco is also recognized as the “Lavender Capital of Texas,” with several nearby farms offering seasonal tours and products made from the fragrant herb.
Granbury
Granbury, located southwest of Fort Worth, is one of the few lakefront towns you can find in Texas. The town square, centered around the iconic Hood County Courthouse built in 1890, is a Texas Main Street District renowned for its intricately preserved original buildings. The Granbury Opera House, another picturesque historic landmark, hosts live performances year-round and provides further activity for you to engage in in this district.
Check out the Granbury Doll House Museum too, or the purported resting place of outlaw Jesse James at Granbury Cemetery. The amount of notable landmarks in Grandbury is incredible!
Granbury Lake is obviously the key attraction for many, offering places to launch your boat, go fishing, and or simply relax by the water. The sandy City Beach is a favorite spot for families, while guided tours on the lake can provide insight into local history and wildlife.
See Another Side of Texas
Texas is home to a wealth of lesser-known towns that offer some of the state's most unique and intriguing attractions. From the remote desert landscapes of Terlingua to the charming historic districts of Goliad and Granbury, these towns provide a quieter, more authentic glimpse into the Lone Star State outside of its bigger cities. How many of these places did you know existed?
