The Best Small Towns in Texas to Chill Out In 2024
Looking for the perfect getaway where you can unwind and chill out in 2024? These hidden gems offer a delightful escape from the bustle of bigger Texan cities. Whether you want to explore nature or need a cozy spot to unwind, Texas's small towns invite you with open arms! From the tranquil beaches of Port Isabel to the country music scene of Luckenbach, your stress is sure to melt away in an instant. So, pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and dive into the best small towns in Texas.
Marfa
Marfa is a small town with a big personality. This quirky community is home to a thriving art scene. The historic downtown area hosts wonderful seasonal events, like the three-weekend Marfa Open Art Festival which celebrates local art, offers workshops and demonstrations, and has live music. It is a must-see for art lovers!
Head outside of the city limits to bask in the beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert and Davis Mountains. Hike trails, or just get your camera ready to take amazing photos. One of the most popular draws to the Marfa is the mysterious Marfa Lights that appear during sunset or sunrise in the southeast corner of town. These lights have appeared for over a century, and there is no real explanation for these beautiful glowing orbs. You will just have to see for yourself!
Port Aransas
Also known as Port A, Port Aransas is a laid-back coast town situated on the Gulf of Mexico. Aside from its amazing beaches and warm water, there is so much to discover! Head to the charming downtown area for great shopping and fresh seafood. It is home to the popular Texas SandFest which displays local sand art, live music, amazing food, and family-friendly events.
As a part of the Central Flyway, Port Aransas is the perfect spot for birdwatching. It’s in the path of many migratory birds so you can catch a glimpse of rare birds heading to South America! For the best views, head to the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center and bring your binoculars! For more heart-pumping adventures, check out Mustang Island State Park for paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing. Or, just set up camp or go for a hike.
Boerne
There is no better place to chill out and relax than Boerne! It offers visitors a blend of historical sites, natural wonders, and a delightful downtown to spend an entire afternoon. No matter what time of year you visit Boerne, there is bound to be a lively festival happening, like the popular holiday Dickens on Main in November, which transforms the town into a scene right out of a Charles Dickens novel!
If you love natural attractions, you have to stop by the Cave Without a Name. Take a self-guided tour of the natural limestone cave, or stick around for a live performance to appreciate the cave’s acoustics. In the 1940s, Boerne held a competition to name the cave. A young boy dubbed it the "Cave Without a Name" because it’s too beautiful to have a name.
Dripping Springs
Get your camera ready, because Dripping Springs is a town that demands photos! This picturesque community is home to some of the most stunning views Texas has to offer. One of the most popular spots in Dripping Springs is the Hamilton Pool Preserve. Visitors can swim in a limestone grotto with crystal clear waters and a waterfall. It is a great spot to recharge your batteries.
For more adventure, head to the nearby Pedernales Falls State Park for birdwatching, hiking, walking alongside the river, and taking in the view of the waterfalls. If you plan your visit just right, you may catch an event like the Founders Day Festival, the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, or the Christmas on Mercer Street Festival. No matter when you plan your visit, Dripping Springs is sure to impress!
Luckenbach
Gather round, music lovers! Luchenbach is a laid-back town in the Texas Hill Country known for its thriving music scene. The region’s music scene exploded in the 1970s after Waylon Jennings released his famous country song "Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)". Today, it is a hub for live music performances, rich history, and amazing Texas views.
Be sure to check out one of the oldest dance halls in Texas, the Luckenbach Dance Hall. As the heart of Luckenbach, it delivers nightly live music and dancing in an old-fashioned setting. The downtown area is home to famous festivals, like the Luckenbach Blues Festival which attracts tourists from all over the state. While there, stop by the Luckenbach General Store which serves as both a gift shop and a bar.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a charming Texas town with a rich German heritage, a thriving downtown district, and amazing scenery. When stopping by Fredericksburg, make sure it’s in the spring during the Wildflower Season! Hill Country, the area surrounding Fredericksburg, explodes in a colorful array of wildflowers that attracts naturalist photographers from all over the state. While you are there, visit the National Museum of the Pacific War which is a great historical and educational attraction for the whole family.
Outdoor enthusiasts have to stop by Enchanted Rock State Natural Area just north of Fredericksburg. The spectacular pink granite dome is a great spot for rock climbers, hikers, or those who just want a magnificent view of Hill Country. After a long day at Enchanted Rock, head to one of the many local wineries like the stunning Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten.
Gruene
Gruene is a small, adorable town with a Texas-sized heart. The historic downtown area feels like stepping into the late 1800s. The streets are peppered with historic buildings like the Gruene General Store and Gruene Mansion Inn. It is a great place to shop, and indulge in amazing Texan cuisine at one of the many locally-owned restaurants and cafes. Plan your stay to enjoy the seasonal Gruene Music & Wine Fest, and Gruene Market Days held right downtown!
Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Gruene delivers amazing views and natural attractions worth exploring. Spend a day on the water on the Guadalupe River, or head to Cypress Bend Park to hike, picnic, kayak, fish, or just sit back and enjoy the amazing river views.
Port Isabel
Longing for the beach? Then look no further than Port Isabel! This laid-back coastal town delivers all the beachy vibes sans the crowds. Spend the day soaking up the sun at the beach, and then head inland for a day of adventure. Explore the historic Port Isabel Lighthouse (built in 1852) and make your way to the top for a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico.
This sleepy beach community also offers a host of things to discover in the downtown district. Check out the Port Isabel Historical Museum to learn a little more about the area. For more family-friendly activities, hop aboard a real pirate ship at the Black Dragon Cruises. If you love seafood, you have to plan your visit in November during the Shrimp Cook-off & Seafood Festival.
Chill Out in these Small Texas Towns in 2024
These towns prove you don’t have to head to a big city to discover the heart of Texas. Cities like Austin and Dallas get all the attention, but there is so much to explore in the Lonestar State in 2024! With stunning coastal communities, sweeping hillsides, lakeside retreats, and quirky downtown districts, there is something here for everyone. Whether you want to chill out on the beach of Port Aransas, go for a swim in a crystal clear grotto in Dripping Springs, or sit back with a glass of wine in Fredericksburg, Texas has you covered.
