Everything is bigger in Texas — right?! And, that includes the sheer amount of the Lone Star State’s small-town charm.
It’s high time to escape the city and trade in the bright lights for the stars at night. So, hit the road and head to these 18 petite pit stops.
What these small towns lack in size, they make up for in spirit. From adorable to artsy, cute to cool, and historic to hipster, these places are a kind of a big deal.
Content disclaimer: We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit a potentially hazardous location, you check for the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. The locations listed below may or may not have changed their regulations in regards to what you can or cannot do on site since the article was last updated. Always consult with local authorities. If you do plan to visit a location, know the risks beforehand and respect the environment.
Luckenbach
Austin: 1 hr 15 min drive; Dallas: 4 hr drive; Houston: 3 hr 45 min drive; San Antonio: 1 hr 15 min drive
@ardenjenkins“Out in Luckenbach, Texas, ain't nobody feelin' no pain,” crooned Willie Nelson in his famous song. The town is a blip on the map, and hardly anyone lives there,. But, it still has deep western roots with singers flocking there for live music events. With a bit of a ghost-town vibe and a fully functioning saloon, dance hall, and general store, this place will immediately transport you to another era.
What To Do: Saddle up to a concert at the dance hall; hit up the Luckenbach Feed Lot for frito pie and fried cheesecake.
@txrja
@ricostudiosDripping Springs
Austin: 30 min drive; Dallas: 3 hr 15 min drive; Houston: 3 hr drive; San Antonio: 1 hr 30 min drive
@olivesimonsNothing short of an adult playground, Dripping Springs combines the best of both worlds: sightseeing and sustenance. That means, outdoor activities are big here with lush landscapes. Plus, the food and craft beverage scene is booming for a town so tiny.
What To Do: Chill out at the lush grotto of Hamilton Pool; have a drink at Deep Eddy or San Luis Spirits distillery after you learn how vodka is made; pretend you’re in Tuscany and get your olive oil fix at the Texas Hill Country Olive Company; hit up Jester King Brewery for craft beer, lawn games, and Stanley’s Farmhouse pizza; take a 15-minute drive to The Salt Lick, famous for the best barbecue around.
@gal_with_a_pal
@txhillcountryoliveoil
@michellebee7
@craft_beer_bonFredericksburg
Austin: 1 hr 30 min. drive; Dallas: 4 hr drive; Houston: 3 hr 45 min drive; San Antonio: 1 hr 15 min drive
@ducksnpearlsPerhaps one of the most popular small towns, this cute place is a heavily German-influenced town that is considered the epicenter of the Texas Wine Country. In addition to all the vino, the rich history of the town is only rivaled by its vibrant landscapes, wildflower farms, and robust peach-picking season.
What To Do: Sip ‘til you drop at more than two dozen local wineries; spa it up at the Fredericksburg Herb Farm; hike the nearby Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for winning views from the namesake pink granite rock.
@fredericksburgtexasembedded via
West
Austin: 2 hr drive; Dallas: 1 hr 15 min drive; Houston: 3 hr drive; San Antonio: 3 hr 15 min drive
@imacarbygirlOne word: kolaches. The pillow-like pastries, filled with fruit, meat, or veggies, are the calling card of this tiny town that’s best recognized as the “Czech Heritage Capital of Texas." Browse the local shops and bakeries for a taste of authentic Czech culture that is so inherent to the community.
What To Do: Eat kolaches; copy, paste, repeat. The Czech Stop is the most widely recognized place for pastry perfection, but the Village Bakery is worth the trip (and the calories), too.
@eric_da_brewer
@emmy__bailey
@stiletto_feelsWillow City
Austin: 1 hr 30 min. drive; Dallas: 4 hr drive; Houston: 3 hr 30 min drive; San Antonio: 1 hr 30 min drive
@xoblondiechicxoPicturesque hills and valleys are one of the defining qualities of Willow City in the Texas Hill Country, where driving the scenic, 13-mile Willow City Loop is one of the best ways to see the rolling landscapes dotted with blossoming meadows, colorful flowers, and charming creeks. It’s also just a short jaunt to see the stunning views of the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, if you want to further commune with nature through hiking, camping, and stargazing.
What To Do: Savor award-winning barbecue at Harry’s BBQ and Beer Joint; have a drink at the Knot in the Loop Saloon; drive the Willow City Loop.
@pollywanders
@joesnow12Jefferson
Austin: 5 hr drive; Dallas: 2 hr 30 min drive; Houston: 3 hr 45 min drive; San Antonio: 6 hr 30 min drive
@heymermerSmall-town spirit; big-time history at this East Texas destination that features more than 70 historic landmarks along with well-preserved homes and churches, and fascinating museums — all of which can be seen on a carriage ride, naturally. It’s pretty famous for its quaint bed and breakfast accommodations, too.
What To Do: Step back in history and stay at the oldest hotel in Texas, The Excelsior House; take a guided tour of Caddo Lake through the world’s largest Bald Cypress Forest; channel your inner Scarlett at the Gone With the Wind museum; be a night owl and visit the 1897 LED lighted train trestle.
@thekates
@trishakssearsShiner
Austin: 1 hr 45 min drive; Dallas: 4 hr 15 min drive; Houston: 2 hr drive; San Antonio: 1 hr 30 min drive
@shinerbeerBeer nerds will love this place. It’s home to the Spoetzel Brewery, founded in 1909, making it Texas’ oldest independent brewery. The brewery is also the official home of Shiner Beer, where they produce every drop of Shiner Bock. You know the one.
What To Do: Take a brewery tour; see the eye-catching historic gem that is the Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church; sidle up to the funky bar at the Antiques, Art & Beer shop with more than 250 beers and 190 wines — but, of course, you’re drinking Shiner.
Terlingua
Austin: 7 hr 30 min drive; Dallas: 8 hr 30 min drive; Houston: 9 hr 15 min drive; San Antonio: 6 hr 30 min drive
@keepsakeaugustIt’s a real-life ghost town, and proud of it. Often called “Ghost Town Texas,” Terlingua is deserted but spirited. It’s a former mining community with tons of abandoned buildings to explore — and lots of other funky things, from junk-shop sculptures, to a sand-locked pirate ship and Statue of Liberty. The town proper’s population only pushes a few dozen, so rush hour is generally considered a couple horses on the dirt roads. That is, until the first Saturday every November, when thousands of “chili heads” come to the famous championship chili cook-off that dates back to 1967.
What To Do: Get ghosted everywhere you go; have Sunday brunch with the locals at the Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Saloon; stay in a tipi at Basecamp Terlingua for the best views of the Chisos Mountains; head to nearby Big Bend since you drove so far already.
@not_so_wild_bill
@taraashes
@tiffcustodioWimberley
Austin: 45 min drive; Dallas: 3 hr 30 min drive; Houston: 3 hr drive; San Antonio: 1 hr 15 min drive
@visitwimberleyEasily one of the most scenic small-town locations in the Texas Hill Country, Wimberley is a hotbed for natural wonders as well as a haven for writers, artist, and musicians, which means art festivals, live performances, and artisan markets are a mainstay here.
What To Do: Dive into the Blue Hole and take a swim; see the underwater cave that is Jacob’s Well; climb Mount Baldy for panoramic views; shop more than 475 vendors at Market Days the first Saturday of every month; get your glamp on at Sinya on Lone Man Creek.
@sheaselfMarble Falls
Austin: 1 hr drive; Dallas: 3 hr 15 min drive; Houston: 3 hr 15 min drive; San Antonio: 1 hr 30 min drive
@davishillsWater and wine (and some pie) – it’s really all you need. And, in Marble Falls, it’s what you’ll get, as the town sits near five sparkling lakes and some of the best wineries in Texas. Oh, it’s also home to the Pie Happy Hour at the historic Blue Bonnet Café, which serves up sky-high meringue and fruit pies with fluffy mounds of whipped cream every day during the week.
What To Do: Swim through the clear waters of Krause Springs; splash around at the water park at Lake LBJ Marina; hike Pace Bend Park; fish at Lake Marble Falls; go horseback riding; day drink on a Texas Wine Tour including Marble Fall’s Flat Creek Estate; eat pie.
@go_dwells
@_alexhardgrave
@mitadiriCanyon
Austin: 7 hr 15 min drive; Dallas: 5 hr 30 min drive; Houston: 9 hr drive; San Antonio: 7 hr drive
@bearhikeSize isn’t everything. This town may be small, but it boasts some big stuff — like the “Grand Canyon” of Texas. It’s home to Palo Duro Canyon, where the State Park offers an array of outdoor adventuring.
What To Do: Go to Palo Duro Canyon (duh), where you can hike, bike, horseback ride, camp, or all of the above; visit the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in Texas; explore the specialty shops and quaint buildings of the historic downtown square; watch the internationally acclaimed outdoor music drama, TEXAS, in the canyon.
@hippsturdd
@aaronbatesAmarillo
Austin: 7 hr 30 min. drive; Dallas: 5 hr 30 min drive; Houston: 8 hr 45 min drive; San Antonio: 7 hr 30 min drive
@thebigtexanRoute 66 takes you right through this Texas Panhandle town — and it’s worth a pit stop. It’s close to Palo Duro Canyon, and offers lots of outdoor adventuring along with arts and culture attractions.
What To Do: Visit Cadillac Ranch, the quirky roadside art stop with 10 graffiti-painted Cadillacs; satisfy your hunger at The Big Texan Steak House, home of the 72-ounce steak; go zip lining; see a symphony or dance performance at the Globe-News Center Performance Hall.
@torinoelledaniels
@bfrankmccarthyMarfa
Austin: 6 hr 30 min. drive; Dallas: 7 hr 30 min drive; Houston: 8 hr 15 min drive; San Antonio: 5 hr 30 min drive
@eliz_abeth4In-the-middle-of-nowhere Texas with a splash of hipster art, Big Bend nature, and the mysterious Marfa lights phenomenon, this trendy destination draws adventurers looking for tons of cool factor.
What To Do: Stay and play at El Cosmico (the Mongolian yurt will provide quite the authentic stargazing experience); pose at the Prada Marfa installation — for the ‘gram; visit the Chinati Foundation, founded by artist Donald Judd, for the huge indoor and outdoor art pieces.
@carlyelizabeth
@meaganleelancaster
@elcosmicomarfaGruene
Austin: 1 hr. drive; Dallas: 3 hr 30 min drive; Houston: 2 hr 30 min drive; San Antonio: 45 min drive
@gruenehallAs the thriving historic district of New Braunfels, Gruene has a rustic, old Texan vibe — which is all part of its charm. The town was established by German farmers in the 1840s and boasts the oldest operating dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall. Built in 1878, it has seen the likes of many stars including Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and George Strait. Oh, and by the way, it’s pronounced “Green.”
What To Do: Save the last dance at Gruene Hall; shop artisan, handcrafted products at Gruene Market Days; go antiquing at Gruene Antique Company; taste wine at The Grapevine; get the handmade fudge at the Gruene General Store, built in 1925; float the Guadalupe River; have dinner among the stars at The Gristmill on the Guadalupe River, where John Travolta, Robert Duvall, George Strait, The Smashing Pumpkins, Pat Green, and more have also dined.
@bree.limetree
@gristmillriverrestaurantPort Isabel
Austin: 5 hr 22 min drive; Dallas: 8 hr drive; Houston: 5 hr 30 min drive; San Antonio: 4 hr 15 min drive
@grellhausThe towering lighthouse will signal your arrival in this famous coastal town that’s considered one of the oldest cities in Texas. Located in extreme south Texas, the town dates back to 1519 when it was charted by Spanish explorer Alonzo de Pineda. In addition to museums that pay homage to the rich history of the place, the sand-and-sun scene is the main draw now, with easy access to nearby beaches and beautiful views.
What To Do: Get a history lesson at the Port Isabel Historic Museum and the Treasures of the Gulf Museum; climb the 75 steps to the top of Port Isabel Lighthouse for sweeping views of South Padre Island and the beaches; build a sandcastle at a nearby beach; go fishing, boating, and kayaking; try a dolphin watching tour.
@sk8rangerjim
@txparkscccBandera
Austin: 2 hr drive; Dallas: 4 hr 45 min drive; Houston: 3 hr 30 min drive; San Antonio: 1 hr drive
@vgv_kDust off your boots and dude ranch it up at this town that’s known as the Cowboy Capital of the World. The nickname originated when the town became a staging area for the last great cattle drives of the late 1800s, and it still keeps the American tradition of the Texas cowboy alive. A blending of Indian, Mexican, Polish, and Western cultures give Bandera a unique ambiance not found elsewhere.
What To Do: Commune with the real cowboys through horseback riding, chuck wagon meals, and trail rides at a dude ranch like Mayan Ranch; explore the great outdoors at one of the State Natural Areas and try to spot the area’s 200 bird species; learn the history of ranching at Frontier Times Museum; have a beer with a side of country music at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar.
@mattiecronan
@michaelselman
@maxinederderAlpine
Austin: 6 hr drive; Dallas: 7 hr drive; Houston: 7 hr 45 min drive; San Antonio: 5 hr 15 min drive
@visitalpinetxThe wild west never looked so cool. Considered the gateway to Big Bend National Park, Alpine is nothing short of a living oasis in the remote, far-reaching desert. Of course, there’s a lot of natural beauty around. But, the town itself is plenty fun, too, what with quirky shops, art galleries, bookstores and record shops, an authentic movie theater, guitar store, and more.
What to Do: View the many colorful murals around town that reveal glimpses of local history and folklore; tour the mercury mining exhibits at the Museum of Big Bend on the campus of Sul Ross State University; hike Hancock Hill for the best views and write in the notebook left at “The Desk” (yes, it’s a real classroom desk); hang with the locals at an Alpine Cowboys baseball game in Kokernot Field.
@the.traveling.instax
@ieat35bananasRockport
Austin: 3 hr 15 min drive; Dallas: 5 hr 45 min drive; Houston: 3 hr drive; San Antonio: 2 hr 15 min drive
@kelley.dennisBeach getaway: Found. This coastal enclave and emerging art town is flanked by the bays of Copano and Aransas. The town is also home to Rockport Beach; it’s a Blue Wave Beach, which means it’s one of the cleanest in Texas with a focus on human health and the environment.
What To Do: Wander Austin Street for the colorful shops and seafood restaurants; tour the many art galleries; grab a beach cabana and have a picnic; watch the sunset at the 1,500-foot lighted jetty pier at Rockport Harbor.