26 Fabulous Weekend Getaways in Texas

If you’re looking for fabulous weekend getaways in Texas, you are in the right place!

Texas has something for everyone, from the big cities to the charming small towns and little hidden gems.

That’s why Texas consistently makes the list of top travel destinations in the United States.

We were born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, and still call it home today, so we know a thing or two about the best weekend getaways in the Lone Star State!

We have used our personal experience planning getaways in Texas to make this list, so you can be assured that you are in good hands.

It doesn’t matter if you are visiting from out of state or if you are a Texas local; we have you covered.

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City Getaways in Texas

Austin

Austin is known for its live music scene, hipster vibe, and great food. A weekend in Austin is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Spend your days exploring the outdoor activities that Austin has to offer.

Some favorites include Zilker Park, one of the many lakes in Austin, like Lady Bird Johnson Lake or Lake Austin, or upping your golf game at one of Austin’s many public golf courses.

You can also head to the Congress Street bridge at dusk to see the bats take flight for their nightly feeding.

No matter how you spend your weekend, Austin will not disappoint!

Dallas

Dallas is known for big hair, big bling, great culture, and awesome food.

With loads of fun things to do in Dallas, you could easily spend every weekend in this north-central Texas town and never get bored!

History lovers can include trips to the JFK Memorial, the Sixth Floor Museum, and the Dallas Holocaust Museum in their weekend getaways.

Museum lovers will want to visit the city’s museums and art galleries, such as the Dallas Museum of Art, the Museum of Illusion, the Perot Nature and Science Museum, and the Meadows Museum.

Sports lovers will have a great time here, as Dallas is home to many professional sports teams.

This city has great nightlife, easy hiking trails, world-class golf courses, and a great art scene.

Houston

Houston has an incredible art and cultural scene, world-class museums, fun nightlife, golf courses, and an impeccable food scene.

Houston is also home to the NASA Johnson Space Center and is very near the Gulf Coast town of Galveston. There are even lakes in Houston!

That alone should add Houston to your list, but if you’re still not convinced, check out all the free things to do in Houston!

San Antonio

San Antonio is easily the most recognized “tourist town” in Texas and is one of our go-to weekend getaways, as well as a popular destination for Texas honeymoons.

A weekend in San Antonio is like stepping back in time when you explore San Antonio’s Mission Trail, including the Alamo, the only UNESCO site in Texas, all of which are also some of the top free things to do in San Antonio!

Explore the San Antonio River Walk to enjoy great cuisine and fabulous people-watching!

During your time in San Antonio, don’t miss out on some lesser-known attractions, like the Japanese Tea Garden, the Witte Museum, and the King Williams Historic District.

Fort Worth

There are so many great things to do in Fort Worth that it is worth spending time in!

If you want to experience cowboy culture, visit the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.

Visitors today can still live the cowboy lifestyle thanks to the daily cattle drive right through the heart of the Stockyards.

You should also check out the many bars, art galleries, restaurants, and shops in the area to find the perfect Texas souvenirs to take home!

Of course, that isn’t all there is to do in Fort Worth!

There is a great cocktail and food scene throughout the city. Some favorite areas include Sundance Square, West 7th Street, Magnolia Street, and the revitalized “Near Southside” neighborhood.

Texas Weekend Trips to the Beach

Let’s face it: a trip to the beach is always a good idea.

Lucky for you, Texas has 367 miles of coastline to choose from! Here are a few of our favorite weekend getaways to the beach.

Galveston Island

One of the easy day trips from Houston, Galveston Island is one of the best weekend getaways when you need a fun, vibey beach town or a nice, romantic getaway.

In the 1800s, Galveston was a thriving port community full of wealth! Evidence of this history still remains throughout Galveston Island, especially in the beautiful mansions that line Galveston’s historic district.

A visit to this coastal town will have you enjoying the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You can swim, fish, go horseback riding, or watch the tide roll in.

Numerous places to stay are available on the island, some of which are perfect for your list of romantic weekend getaways.

South Padre Island

You will find South Padre Island near the bottom tip of the great state of Texas.

This coastal town is best known for the fun spring break parties that happen here annually, but it also makes for a fabulous weekend getaway.

South Padre Island is a coastal community with long beaches, a great birding and nature center, a vibrant culture, and loads of fun beach activities to keep you busy on your weekend getaway.

One of the highlights of a trip to South Padre Island is a trip to Sea Turtle, Inc., a Texas organization that offers education, rehabilitation, and release of sea turtles!

If that isn’t your thing, don’t worry.

There is still plenty to do on South Padre Island. You can visit Schlitterbahn Water Park, the beach or ocean, or the Laguna Madre Nature Trail.

This is one of the getaways in Texas that everyone needs to experience at least once!

I mean, Padre is one of the best beaches in Texas!

Corpus Christi

Just north of South Padre Island is Corpus Christi, another town that should be on your list of weekend getaways.

There are so many things to do in Corpus Christi that you can stay busy for days!

This beach community is often associated with the famous singer Selena, as this was her childhood hometown.

You can take a Selena tour during your visit and see the statue honoring the singer if you would like.

Your weekend trip here can also include the Texas State Aquarium and a trip to the naval museum and the USS Lexington.

Port Aransas

This town on the Texas Gulf Coast is one of the laid-back getaways in Texas and is loaded with small-town charm!

Enjoy the warm Gulf waters while you play in the surf and sand on the Port Aransas beaches (especially Mustang Island State Park), or grab your fishing pole and go fishing!

You can also enjoy shopping at the many boutique shops and galleries in Port Aransas before checking out some great restaurants nearby.

There are so many things to do in Port Aransas that you can stay busy for weeks.

Best Weekend Getaways in Texas for Outdoor Lovers

There are so many great weekend getaways for outdoor lovers to enjoy!

In addition to our great weekend getaways to the beach, check out these other destinations!

Big Bend National Park

If you are looking for the ultimate weekend trip in Texas, head to the serenity of Big Bend National Park. Home to over 800,000 acres of land, this is one big National Park!

Your Texas weekend getaway to Big Bend National Park allows you to enjoy the region’s diverse topography, which includes mountains, deserts, and canyons.

Here, you can hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, and kayak in the river while enjoying the quiet, country atmosphere.

We loved exploring the many diverse hiking trails and the West Texas desert terrain found throughout the park, but you can easily book a tour if you would like, as this West Texas park can be a little overwhelming.

While visiting the Big Bend area, don’t forget to check out the small towns nearby.

These towns include Alpine, Terlingua, and Marfa!

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountain National Park is another national park in West Texas, just east of El Paso.

This park is home to a canyon, desert, and dunes, making this one of the best weekend getaways for outdoor lovers.

One unique aspect of this National Park is that it contains the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef! How cool is that?!

This Texas weekend trip will have you hiking, birding, picnicking, and camping while enjoying this fabulous Texas getaway!

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

It’s easy to include this state park on your list of weekend getaways, as it is home to 80 state parks!

These weekend trips are always relaxing, including a trip to Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Home to the second-largest canyon in the United States, Palo Duro Canyon is one of the best weekend getaways for hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing!

Caddo Lake State Park

Caddo Lake State Park is a Texas State Park with gorgeous bald cypress trees covered in Spanish moss and bayous, sloughs, and ponds!

Here, you can paddle through the serene waterways, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature before retiring to your cabin on the lake.

Caddo Lake State Park is a unique Texas destination and one of the best lakes in Texas, making it well worth a spot on your list of weekend getaways!

Float the River in the Texas Hill Country

This weekend getaway is guaranteed to help you beat the Texas heat!

One of the most popular places to float the river in Texas is New Braunfels. This small town is big on summer tourism thanks to the Comal River, which runs straight through it.

The spring-fed waters of the Comal River are brisk and cool year-round, making it a great place to escape the heat.

You can also head to Schlitterbahn Waterpark and explore the town center during your visit to New Braunfels.

Near New Braunfels, you will also find the Frio and Guadalupe rivers, known for their river trips.

Remember, these rivers get busy on the weekends, so plan your tour accordingly!

Pedernales Falls State Park

Another great place outdoor destination in Texas is Pedernales Falls State Park.

Pedernales Falls State Park is one of our favorite weekend getaways in Texas.

We love this Texas park!

Another Texas Hill Country gem, Pedernales Falls, has a beautiful river that runs over and around the huge limestone slabs.

This creates great falls when the river water is high and a tranquil setting when the water is low.

On this Texas trip, you can enjoy the river and falls, hike, camp, bike, and more.

This is also a great area to see the fabulous bluebonnets in Texas!

Enchanted Rock State Park

Known as the big pink granite boulder, Enchanted Rock is a great park to add to your list of weekend trips in Texas.

The Native Americans who once called this area home believed Enchanted Rock had magical powers and would often hold ceremonies atop the granite boulder.

Small-Town Weekend Getaways

Texas is full of great small towns to visit on a weekend trip. These towns show you what real Texas hospitality is all about.

Many contain great wineries, charming historic downtown areas, and romantic bed and breakfast rooms.

Wimberley

You will find the small town of Wimberley, Texas, located about an hour southwest of Austin.

Boasting a thriving art community, romantic cabins, and great wineries, this destination has something for everyone!

Outdoor lovers flock to Wimberley to visit the Blue Hole Regional Park and Jacob’s Well Natural area, especially in summer.

Those looking for a romantic escape will love the country setting that makes you feel like you have escaped the city.

During your visit to this small Texas town, you can enjoy wine tasting, great spa treatments, and a tour of some fabulous art studios!

Nacogdoches

Nacogdoches is a small town located in east Texas.

Visitors to Nacogdoches can enjoy exploring the history of the oldest town in Texas!

A great place to start is visiting Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, where you will see an East Texas Pioneer settlement.

You can also enjoy boutique shops and restaurants, antique shopping, and a historic downtown area on your visit.

In addition to all of the things to do, Nacogdoches has some of the best bed and breakfast accommodations in Texas!

Port Isabel

Don’t overlook Port Isabel when planning a weekend trip in Texas. One of the oldest coastal communities in Texas, Port Isabel is the perfect place to explore one weekend.

Visitors love seeing the 1800s Isabel lighthouse and enjoy the many water activities this Texas coast town is famous for.

When you visit Port Isabel, you can spend the day fishing, going on a dolphin cruise, or just hanging out in the cute town.

Fredericksburg

One of our favorite small towns in Texas is Fredericksburg!

Located about one hour outside San Antonio in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, this historic town is full of charm and wine!

During your weekend trip to Fredericksburg, you can visit the Pioneer Museum in the center of town to learn all about the historic destination. You can also tour Fort Martin Scott and the National Museum of the Pacific War.

Be sure to do a wine tasting at the best wineries in Fredericksburg to try some delicious Texas wine!

Fredericksburg’s Main Street is the center of town, lined with great art galleries, boutique shops, and fun restaurants.

Just west of town is Enchanted Rock. It is a great place to escape to the country and reconnect with nature.

Dripping Springs

Located about 35 minutes west of Austin, this small country town is known as the “Wedding Capital of Texas.”

If you aren’t in the market for a wedding, don’t worry—Dripping Springs still has plenty to offer.

You can visit Hamilton Pool Preserve, browse the shops, art galleries, and historic buildings in the town center on Mercer Street, and even visit the real dripping springs, the town’s namesake.

Of course, a visit to Dripping Springs would not be complete without taking a tour of some fabulous vineyards, distilleries, and olive orchards that call Dripping Springs home.

Terlingua

If you plan a trip to Big Bend National Park, you will likely stay in the town of Terlingua.

Located near the border of the great state of Texas, Terlingua is a tiny desert town in west Texas that makes you feel like you have been planted in the Wild West.

Most people visit Terlingua to explore the abandoned buildings and homes once occupied there.

For you see, at one time, Terlingua was considered a Texas ghost town.

It wasn’t until tourists “rediscovered” Big Bend that Terlingua started to experience a resurgence. Don’t get me wrong; there still isn’t much to this wild west-feeling small town.

Granbury

Granbury was a quiet lakeside community, but it has experienced much growth in the past few years.

The area around Granbury’s town square is perfect for a day of shopping and eating, thanks to the fabulous boutique shops, cute casual cafes, and wineries within a few blocks.

Granbury is also home to the historic Granbury Opera House and the live music venue, Granbury Live.

Of course, the biggest attraction in this town is Lake Granbury.

People from all over Texas come to Lake Granbury to enjoy recreation on the lake.

West

Known far and wide for the famous kolaches produced at the Czech Stop Bakery, many people stop in West while on their way to and from Austin to check out the local dining scene.

But don’t just visit the Czech Stop and leave; explore the town of West next time you are in the area.

They celebrate their Czech heritage every September with a huge festival called “Westfest.” Here, you can have fun dancing to polka music and trying all of the Czech food you can imagine!

During your time in West, you can also enjoy shopping at the town’s antique stores and exploring the cute boutique shops of the area!

Glen Rose

Not far from Granbury and about 1.5 hours from Dallas, Glen Rose is a great place to head for the weekend.

Visitors come from all over to visit Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose.

While in Glen Rose, you can also visit Big Rocks Park and Dinosaur World and shop until you drop around the town Courthouse.

There is also a great River Walk area with hike and bike trails on the Paluxy River that leads guests into Glen Rose’s Heritage Park.

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