The Best Small Towns In Texas To Chill Out
In an overpopulated world, there are only two places one can go to appreciate and grow fonder of civilization and society, either in the middle of the desert or far into the waters till no land is visible. The absence of busy sidewalks, automated lifestyles, and smoothly paved roads compares to leaving the planet and inspires feelings that bring you closer to the essence of life.
While Texas is known for its hot, dry weather and wild-west history, it offers a harmonious balance of small towns, vast deserts, and deep blue waters. Home to many secluded towns to free your mind and live in your own little world until you’re ready to clock back into reality and punch the clock again.
Terlingua
One of the most isolated desert towns in the state, Terlingua was once a main destination for magnesium miners, with nothing remaining of it but a few small houses in its center named “Ghost Town.” The town is on the Mexican border, offering a panoramic mountain view of the Big Bend Ranch State Park. While there is not much to do in Terlingua, it’s a place for adventurists and desert enthusiasts seeking a historic escape from busy towns and big cities.
Wimberley
Wimberly is located between Austin and Edan, Texas, and is a breathtaking town with something for everyone. A nature lover’s paradise Wimberly has a scenic highway route, a charming small downtown area, and a natural water park to kick back and relax in. The Artesian spring, known as Jacob’s Well, is a natural local swimming pool to visit, but it relies on rainfall for its summer activities, so it may be dry depending on when you visit. The Blue Hole regional park is another destination for summer fun that offers a long snake-shaped swimming path and clear waters lined with the iconic Cypress Trees located deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
Marfa
Home of the mysterious Marfa lights, this small town is located in Remote desert areas of the state and is a tourist attraction to many. Marfa is an art-rich town that appeals to minimalist design lovers. It is known for its solo standing Prada Shop, Building 98, Mexican-style design, and many other artistic buildings, signs, and galleries. The place gained popularity through Donald Judd’s relocation and has become a touristy city ever since. With the same ghost town vibes offered in Terlingua, Marfa is the place to go in order to clear your mind and reset with slightly more man-made utopian buildings to embrace.
Bandera
Nicknamed the Cowboy Capital of the world, Bandera is the place to be for insights on Texian culture and the history of West Americans. Home to many ranches for tourists to learn horseback riding and go for a fossil hunting trip in its vast dry lands. History enthusiasts can check out the Frontier Times Museum or go on a horseback history tour if they can ride. Visit Bandera for an activity-intensive trip and immerse yourself in what it means to be Texian.
Llano
Known as the “Deer Capital of Texas,” Llano has a balance of both outdoor adventures and typical small-town vibes. One of the only cities on this list that live up to the typical small-town stereotype of a lively downtown and tight community found in any other state. Visit its local shopping hub downtown, or take a scenic hike along its popular trails along river state park. Enjoy Texas land majestically covered in the purple of the Bluebonnet and surrounding views.
Alpine
A Texan town with an authentic small-town feel, Alpine sits on a high plateau in the Chihuahua Desert, surrounded by Western architecture and old wild-west-themed wood-front local shops, from beautiful downtown murals that speak of the town’s history to long hiking trails and bike paths to explore natural picturesque sites. Enjoy a range of grilled cuisine, or visit the historical museum of the big bend whenever you go downtown.
Marble Falls
Marble Falls sits on the banks of Lake Marble Falls. The falls were formed by a limestone shelf running diagonally across the colorado river. This town escapes the typical dry stereotype of hot Texas cities and introduces some summer watersport fun. Head to Main Street in Marble Falls and explore the historic downtown area with local boutiques and their warm and welcoming old-school layout, or make your way down to nearby Jhonson Park for some kayaking and family activities,
Jefferson
Home to a large selection of Texas’s historical Landmarks, there is so much depth to Jefferson’s pre-civil War history. Stop by the Jefferson General Store, built in the 1860s for old-fashioned candy and root beer floats, or the Jefferson Historical Museum, housed in the former federal courthouse and post office. Additionally, whenever you’re in Jefferson, you must visit the Caddo Lake State Park, surrounded by Cypress trees floating upon clear waters.
Port Aransas
Port Aransas is located on Mustang Island, the perfect isolated vacation spot overseeing the Gulf of Mexico and backed by Corpus Christi Bay. With numerous art galleries in the area, Port Aransas is a peaceful haven for those looking to enjoy watersports without visiting the bustling beaches of California or flying over to Mexico. Thanks to the island’s location, it is home to thousands of wildlife species, mostly tropical birds, dolphins, and various fish species.
Canyon
Canyon is for those looking to experience Texas at its truest, most authentic desert form offering everything from green forests to desert lands crossed by water bodies. In its downtown, visitors can visit the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and antique book shops, while outdoor lovers can discover the Lighthouse trail and its breathtaking scenery. Finally, visitors can’t say they’ve been to the Canyon if they haven’t stopped to see the Palo Duro Canyon State Park and its hikeable mountains.
Dripping Springs
Dripping springs offer everything from waterfalls to a broad range of distilleries and wineries surrounding the area. Dripping Springs is home to some of the many breathtaking natural sceneries, such as the Hamilton Pool, found after a 200-acre hike of the Hamilton Pool preserve.
Adding to its beautiful nature sceneries is the Reimers Ranch park, home to outdoor activities of Mountain biking, swimming, and more. Dripping Springs and its parks is the perfect place to camp under the stars at night and enjoy bird walks and outdoor picnics throughout the day.
Ultimately don’t underestimate what you can find in the diverse state of Texas, as it is full of everything that gets your mind off of busy everyday life. From kayak and boating water trips to stargazing and outdoor hikes and picnics, Texas is for family road trips and experiences as well as solo weekend vacations and escapes.
