While Texas is well-known for big cities and wide open spaces, it also boasts a treasure chest of quaint little towns that frequently go unnoticed. Here are 11 lovely Texas towns that are often overlooked by travelers:
1. Gruene
Where: Near New Braunfels
What: Famous for its historic district and Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall. A great place for music fans and history buffs.
Must-See: Gruene Hall and the Guadalupe River for kayaking and tubing.
2. Marfa
Location: West Texas
Features: Artistic and mysterious heaven, Marfa is renowned for its modern art installations and mystical Marfa Lights.
Must-See: Prada Marfa and the Chinati Foundation museum of art.
3. Fredericksburg
Location: Texas Hill Country
Features: Cozy German-inspired town amidst vineyards and fields of wildflowers.
Must-See: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and the National Museum of the Pacific War.
4. Wimberley
Location: Hill Country
Features: A peaceful retreat famous for its natural scenery, boutique shopping, and scenic swimming holes.
Must-Visit: Jacob’s Well Natural Area and Blue Hole Regional Park.
5. Jefferson
Location: East Texas
Features: An historic riverport town featuring antique stores, ghost walks, and Victorian homes.
Must-Visit: The Jefferson Historical Museum and a boat tour of Caddo Lake.
6. Salado
Location: Central Texas
Features: An artists’ retreat with galleries, a historic bed-and-breakfast inn, and offbeat shopping opportunities.
Must-See: The Salado Glassworks and the Stagecoach Inn.
7. Luckenbach
Location: Around Fredericksburg
Features: A mythic music town with a relaxed atmosphere and famous dancehall.
Must-See: Luckenbach Dance Hall and the general store.
8. Alpine
Location: West Texas
Features: Set in the hills, Alpine is a portal to Big Bend National Park with an active arts scene.
Must-See: Museum of the Big Bend and the nearby McDonald Observatory.
9. Granbury
Location: North Texas
Features: A quaint town with a historic square, lake activities, and live performances at the opera house.
Must-Visit: Granbury Opera House and the Granbury City Beach.
10. Port Aransas
Location: Gulf Coast
Features: A relaxed beach town famous for fishing, bird watching, and Gulf Coast character.
Must-Visit: Mustang Island State Park and the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center.
11. Boerne
Location: Texas Hill Country
Features: Picturesque town with boutique stores, art studios, and access to outdoor adventures.
Must-Visit: Cibolo Nature Center and Hill Country Mile.
Each of these Texas towns boasts a special mix of history, culture, and natural beauty and is ideal for a relaxing retreat off the road.
