Texas's Best Small Towns for a Weekend Escape
Texas is the largest state in the contiguous United States by land size (and the second-biggest in the country, next to Alaska). Within its massive borders, you will find a wide variety of landscapes with an even wider variety of cities and towns dotting throughout them. Texas is widely known for its can-do and independent yet charming character, and what better way to experience this up close than an escape from this big city this weekend to one of the small towns that make the Lone Star State what it is? Learn more about these 9 destinations and see if you can add any of them to your next weekend road trip.
Granbury
Granbury, located an easy drive just southwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, is a small town with a population of approximately 10,000 and is often used as a weekend escape from the big city.
Granbury’s proximity to Lake Granbury provides opportunities for water-related activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake's beaches are perfect for relaxing, while the nearby parks have a nice collection of trails for hiking, with picnic areas strewn throughout.
The town's heritage is evident in the well-preserved 19th-century buildings dowtown, like the Granbury Opera House, which continues to host performances, and the picturesque Hood County Courthouse. For those interested in engaging in some of the local culture, the Granbury Wine Walk and the Harvest Moon Festival are annual events that showcase regional wine and crafts in this rich agricultural area (which is evidently ideal for grape growing).
Fredericksburg
Situated in the Hill Country of central Texas, the town of Fredericksburg draws eyes with its German heritage which can be seen in its architecture, businesses, and culture. Founded by German settlers in the mid-19th century, visitors can now explore its unique atmosphere through landmarks like the iconic Vereins Kirche (a replica of the original 1847 church that once stood on its foundations), and the Pioneer Museum, which offers in-depth insights into the area's early history.
Fredericksburg is also a hub for viticulture, with numerous wineries and vineyards in the surrounding area. The town is home to several wine-related events throughout the year, including tastings and tours. Main Street, the town's central thoroughfare, contains yet more tasting rooms, as well as locally-owned restaurants, giving you ample chance to try fresh and locally sourced cuisine. Hondo's On Main is a popular option, serving up some of the best Tex-Mex in an area where Tex-Mex is serious business.
For outdoor enthusiasts looking for a photo spot or an exciting activity, the nearby Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is well known for its hiking, rock climbing, and stunning vantage points, giving you a great view of the surrounding Hill Country.
Johnson City
Travel directly west of Austin and you will find yourself in the town of Johnson City. Named after James Polk Johnson, a nephew of President Lyndon B. Johnson, the town offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is a primary attraction, where you can the former president's boyhood home, known as the Texas White House, the area where the former president's ancestors settled all the way back in the 1860's.
Johnson City has more to offer in its cozy dowtown area. For one, the Science Mill, an interactive science museum housed in a renovated 1880s mill, provides engaging exhibits suitable for all ages. If you're here during the winter months, Johnson City's seasonal events, such as the Lights Spectacular, will dazzle with its ornate holiday displays.
Pedernales Falls State Park is nearby. With opportunities to go hiking, swimming, and picnicking along the scenic Pedernales River, this is a great spot to check out on a hot summer day.
Round Top
If you hate crowds and love antiques, Round might be just the place for you. This small town with a minuscule population of only about 90 residents is located halfway between Austin and Houston and is best known for its antique-related events and shops.
The Round Top Antiques Fair, held twice a year, attracts collectors and dealers from across the country, transforming the town into a bustling marketplace with a vast array of antiques and collectibles. Additionally, Henkel Square Market draws buyers from around the state who are looking for a quality shopping experience with its collection of boutiques, galleries, and even a cafe, all housed in restored historic buildings.
The town's cultural offerings include the Festival Hill Institute, a music institute and concert hall that is set in a beautifully ornate theater. Come to Festival Hill for live performances, from classical concerts to educational programs. For more to do, take a drive up to Lake Somerville State Park and Trailway for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating.
Wimberley
Wimberly is a unique destination for its nearby natural attractions, like the Blue Hole Regional Park, which is popular due to the crystal clear swimming holes, hiking trails, and picnic areas that are within it; a perfect place for a hot Texas afternoon. For a unique view of the area, definitely climb Mount Baldy (Old Baldy) via a trail starting at Old Baldy Park.
Wimberley’s downtown area is home to fun events like the Wimberley Market Days, which is held on the first Saturday of each month from March to December and is one of the largest outdoor markets in Texas. Here you will find a wide range of goods from antiques to handmade crafts.
Wimberly also boasts several vineyards and wineries nearby, allowing for a pleasant afternoon of wine tasting. Limestone Terrace Vineyard is a popular spot, either on the way to or from Austin.
Marfa
Marfa sits in the high desert of West Texas and is renowned for its thriving contemporary art scene. This is largely due to the influence of artist Donald Judd, who established permanent installations and the Chinati Foundation in the town. Visitors can explore various art galleries and installations here, which have made Marfa an international art destination of sorts. The Prada Marfa installation just west of town is another fun example of the sometimes whacky art that can be found in this remote region.
Marfa also instills its visitors with a sense of enigma with the mysterious Marfa Lights, an unexplained phenomenon in the deserts on the outskirts of town that attracts the curious. For a chance to see these seemingly phantom lights, pay a visit to the official viewing area just outside town at night.
For an outdoor activity that is a little less spooky, the nearby Big Bend National Park is well worth a stop. Here you can explore the rugged yet beautiful desert terrain of southwest Texas along the Rio Grande River.
Jefferson
Once a busy port on the Red River, Jefferson still retains its historical charm with museums and other landmarks such as historic homes. The Jefferson Historical Museum, for example, offers a comprehensive look at the town's past, while the Gone With the Wind Museum showcases memorabilia from the classic film (and doubles as a bed and breakfast).
The downtown core features spots like the Jefferson Railway, which can give you a scenic train ride through the Piney Woods nearby. Further explore the local wilderness at Lake O' the Pines, a popular place for boating, fishing, and hiking.
Jefferson also hosts the annual Jefferson Pilgrimage, celebrating its longstanding history with tours of some of the historic homes here and re-enactments.
Salado
Salado is a laid-back village in Central Texas that has a population of around 2,300. It offers a variety of attractions and a weekend escape near the cities of Waco and Austin.
Many who come here stay at the Stagecoach Inn, one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in Texas. The down area of Salado also includes the Salado Sculpture Garden and Salado Creek, which both provide scenic spots for leisurely walks at any time of the day without having to stray far from town. Salado Creek, a designated Texas natural landmark, is also a popular spot for fishing. For more natural sights, the nearby Chalk Ridge Falls Park features trails and a suspension bridge.
Check your calendar before you arrive, as events like the Texas Wine and Rogue Art Fest and the annual Salado Christmas Stroll, are held yearly and should not be missed.
Alpine
This west Texas town is another ideal gateway to the Big Bend region and other natural attractions. The nearby Davis Mountains is a less traveled option that is popular for its hiking trails during the day and stargazing at night, with very little light pollution to be found in this remote area of the state.
The Museum of the Big Bend, situated on the Sul Ross State University campus, provides insight into the area's human and natural history, featuring exhibits on Native American artifacts, pioneer life, and local geology. Alpine also holds a fair amount of sports-related facilities, including the Alpine Country Club and Kokernot Field, a historic baseball park.
Find Your Escape in Texas This Weekend
Whether exploring historic monuments, enjoying local shops and restaurants, or taking part in outdoor activities, these small Texas towns are sure to give you enriching experiences that capture that Lone Star charm. From the scenic landscapes of Alpine to the historic community of Johnson City, there's a perfect getaway here for every interest. How many of these places will you visit for your next weekend escape this summer? Be sure to put lots of gas in your car, as you never know how far the road in this state will take you!
