Are you able to tick off an journey to the enduring Lone Star state? Texas is big in dimension and repute. If you wish to transcend the standard, weekend getaways in Texas are a unbelievable method to join with this stunning place on a deeper degree. Texas is thought for its meals scene, southern hospitality, and – after all – that love-it or -hate-it cowboy tradition.
Texas has some fabulous cities, together with Austin and Dallas, however the state is way from simply massive cities and desert landscapes. There are lots of weekend journeys up its sleeve, from nationwide parks with climbing trails for nature lovers to small cities with historic locations and rural hospitality. So are you able to discover Texas? Let’s go!
Finest Weekend Getaways in Texas
These high 26 weekend getaways in Texas will preserve you busy crisscrossing the Lone Star State. Texas is the proper place for planning a weekend journey. from romantic getaways to outside getaways. Whether or not you’re a native or visiting one of many cities in Texas, these getaways have sufficient oomph to encourage you. From its UNESCO World Heritage Websites to historic districts, this submit has all of it lined up for you – so buckle up, and let’s get going.
1. Large Bend Nationwide Park
In relation to weekend getaways in Texas, Large Bend Nationwide Park is a high contender. This nationwide park spans greater than 800,000 acres of canyons, deserts, and mountains, making it a haven for climbing and biking trails. It’s the place to go in Texas for a weekend journey full of out of doors journey and delightful views.
For nature lovers, and people fascinated about outside sports activities like horseback using, climbing, and mountain biking, Large Bend Nationwide Park is a dream come true. Additionally it is a high spot {for golfing}. Lajitas Golf Resort has a world-class golf course that pulls weekenders from around the globe.
Large Bend Nationwide Park is positioned in West Texas, proper subsequent to the Mexican border. The closest metropolis to Large Bend Nationwide Park is San Antonio, which is roughly a 6-hour drive.
There may be each tenting and lodging close by. The one lodging out there inside Large Bend is Chisos Mountain Lodge.
2. San Antonio
Now that we’ve talked about the attractive San Antonio, it is just becoming that we point out it subsequent. The town is likely one of the hottest getaways in Texas. Undoubtedly, its historic district and San Antonio River Stroll are main points of interest that impress even probably the most sully of weekend guests.
San Antonio makes for the proper cultural getaway with historic buildings and reside music venue decisions. When you’ve but to go to town, a Texas weekend journey right here needs to be up your sleeve. For us, its historic background earned it a spot on this information. It’s house to San Antonio Mission, in any case, a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
The town is a breeze to succeed in by air, with common flights scheduled there internationally and domestically. Additionally it is only a 4-hour drive from Dallas, which is a dream to arrange.
3. South Padre Island Nationwide Seashore
South Padre Island Nationwide Seashore is a dreamy Texas weekend getaway. This stunning barrier island has sand for days, sea turtles, and sunshine. You may go tenting on sandy seashores, and boating on serene lagoons. The island has 66 miles of protected shoreline, blessed with many climbing trails to admire the attractive fauna and luxuriate in actions equivalent to chook watching and horseback using. In order for you a seashore vacation spot with a wow issue, the Nationwide Seashore ticks that field.
The turtles are the first draw of the Nationwide Seashore. The barrier island is a vital nesting seashore for Kemp Ridley turtles, one of the endangered turtles on the earth. Whereas the plight of the Kemp Ridley turtles is heartbreaking, visiting the Nationwide Seashore and studying extra about their conservation is a worthy method to spend a weekend journey.
4. Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs won’t be the primary weekend getaway that pops into your thoughts. Nevertheless, this stunning small city makes the proper Texas weekend getaway for anybody desirous to expertise the agricultural fantastic thing about the Texas Hill Nation.
Dripping Springs is surrounded by verdant hills and greenery, chopping a stark distinction to the dusty roads out in West Texas. You’ll have the ability to spend hours paddling in creeks and visiting breweries and wineries galore. In actual fact, Dripping Springs is so stunning that it is named the Wedding ceremony Capital of Texas, with hundreds of {couples} heading to get pleasure from its small-town appeal city welcoming company to get pleasure from scenic outside ceremonies.
Wedding ceremony or not, attending to Dripping Springs is a brief 50-minute drive from Austin. It is likely one of the most accessible weekend getaways in Texas in order for you a brief drive, not a weekend getaway that calls for a flight or highway journey. Easy and fairly, it’s a nice contender and stands out as an emblem of the Texas Hill Nation.
5. Hamilton Pool Protect
In case you are heading to the Texas Hill Nation, Hamilton Pool Protect is likely one of the finest weekend getaways. The pure pool is sort of completely encircled by hanging cliffs. For individuals who head right down to the water’s edge, you’ll be able to entry a magical limestone grotto.
Whenever you go to Hamilton Pool Protect, ensure that to hike right down to the pool to take solace within the grotto’s shade to admire the water and picnic earlier than heading again up. Depart the swimsuit at house although, there isn’t any swimming.
For these questioning what makes Hamilton Pool a standalone vacation spot, there are many issues to do. You may cease by Hamilton Pool Vineyards for a wine-tasting expertise. There are additionally tons of locations to eat and simply take in the agricultural nature within the Texan Hills. Additionally it is only a 50-minute drive from Austin.
6. Guadalupe River State Park
You’ve simply bought to like Guadalupe River State Park. Whereas swimming at Hamilton Pool is a no-go, this state park is a free-for-all. The 4-mile stretch of river is a sizzling spot for swimmers, fishing, and canoeing. In order for you water actions, it is likely one of the finest Texas weekend journeys. And in order for you a weekend getaway to get pleasure from river views, it’s dreamy for horseback using, climbing, or mountain biking.
Whereas the river itself stretches for 4 miles, the climbing and biking community is 13 miles. Guadalupe River State Park is an absolute heaven on Earth. On a sizzling weekend, the shady riverside walks and swimming spots are a complete solace.
You may simply attain Guadalupe River State Park from San Antonio in lower than 50 minutes by automotive. Austin is equally good as a place to begin for touring to the state park.
7. Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park
On the opposite facet of the state in West Texas, Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park shares a part of a reputation however no different similarities. This nationwide park makes the proper weekend getaway for anybody wanting a mountainous setting for outside actions.
The park straddles the Texan and New Mexico border. It’s fairly the mission to succeed in – round 6 hours from San Antonio by automotive or 5 hours from Albuquerque when you fly and head over from the New Mexico facet. So, what precisely makes it worthwhile?
In a phrase, nature. The mountains have fossilized reef mountains, white sand dunes at Salt Basin, and delightful summit and canyon hikes. The entire park is breathtaking, and in order for you that wow issue, it’s positively value the additional effort to get there. In case you are visiting the Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park for a weekend, we’d counsel choosing one important hike to finish after which one or two different non-time-demanding points of interest.
8. El Paso
The historic city of El Paso is for anybody who desires to enterprise out of central Texas. El Paso is a border city, sitting proper on the US border with Mexico. It is likely one of the finest weekend getaways in Texas if you wish to embrace the state’s Mexican affect.
From delicacies to tradition, you’ll see proof of El Paso’s Mexican affect all around the city. El Paso has such a robust sense of tradition and identification that we simply had so as to add it to this checklist.
It’s truly simpler to succeed in El Paso from Albuquerque than from the primary cities in Texas. From San Antonio, El Paso is a 7.5-hour drive away. From Albuquerque, it’s slightly below 4 hours. For that reason, it’s simpler to fly to Albuquerque and lease a automotive to drive to El Paso if touring from East Texas.
9. Dallas
It’s time for Dallas to inevitably shine. This main Texan metropolis is undoubtedly among the finest locations to go to in all the state. Additionally it is among the finest contenders for weekend getaways in Texas.
A weekend is the proper time to expertise a bitesize of Dallas that packs a punch. With a weekend, you’ll be able to go to the main museums and artwork galleries, in addition to embrace the native eating scene and lingering cowboy heritage. The combo of artwork galleries and Texas historical past, just like the Sixth Ground Museum, make it superb for an action-packed, compact itinerary
Attending to Dallas is simple. There are direct flights from all around the world, together with the US and past. Moreover, you’ll be able to simply drive or catch a shuttle to Dallas from Texas’ main cities.
10. Fort Value
Fort Value is Cowboy nation. This central Texas metropolis has a wealth of Wild West heritage. In order for you a extra genuine expertise than the sprawling metropolis of Dallas, Fort Value is a superb possibility.
It is named the middle of the buying and selling of Texas Longhorn cattle, which has lengthy helped preserve its Western tradition and heritage. It’s much less touristy and extra laidback – principally simply an genuine Wild West getaway. And its Stockyards Nationwide Historic District nonetheless has a each day cattle drive. Hop between honky tonks and cattle exhibits, maybe pausing to purchase a cowboy hat or boots.
Attending to Fort Value is a breeze from any of the foremost cities in Texas. From Dallas, it’s simply 40 minutes by automotive and likewise possible by public transport – a uncommon factor with regards to weekend getaways in Texas. You may catch public transport from Dallas to Fort Value in lower than 2 hours.
11. Rio Grande Metropolis
As a weekend getaway, how will you not be drawn to this little off-the-beaten-track city full of tradition and sat on the Mexican border? It is likely one of the oldest settlements within the southern area of Texas and is filled with historic buildings and tales.
Rio Grande Metropolis was additionally as soon as a big buying and selling submit between the US and Mexico. With BnBs and picturesque buildings, this small city makes for the proper romantic weekend getaway. This border city is blessed with conventional structure, although, plus climbing and biking trails.
To succeed in this too usually neglected city, it’s slightly below a 4-hour drive from San Antonio. You’ll be chopping via a few of Texas’ least touristy cities en route, so it is a wonderful drive for anybody wanting an genuine perception into Texas.
12. Austin
Austin is simply cool. The capital of Texas, it’s superb for anybody wanting an enormous metropolis environment and a contemporary weekend break in Texas. It’s extensively praised for its reside music scene, and it has a glitzy skyline of iconic high-rises that sit alongside the Woman Hen Lake waterfront. Downtown Austin is gorgeous, with Nineteenth-century structure that features the Texas State Capitol and lots of locations to drink and dine. Learn extra: 29 Finest Issues to Do in Austin, Texas
Austin can be easy to succeed in, with worldwide and home flights scheduled all 12 months spherical. It is likely one of the most easy Texan cities to succeed in and straightforward to mix with the close by San Antonio.
13. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is top-tier with regards to romantic getaways in Texas. Why? There are two important causes: wine and loads of tradition due to town’s German historical past.
Fredericksburg is the place to go for wine tasting, with tasting rooms for wine lovers galore. You can even add to the wine expertise with visits to locations just like the Nationwide Museum of the Pacific Conflict and the Pioneer Museum. Fredericksburg is a gateway to the Texas Hill Nation and wineries in Texas.
To get there, it’s a simple 1-hour drive from San Antonio. In case you are already visiting San Antonio, it’s simple so as to add to Fredericksburg.
14. Houston
Houston is likely one of the most fun weekend getaways in Texas and has tons of area points of interest. In order for you an enormous metropolis environment or to go to the Area Middle Houston, it is likely one of the finest weekend getaway decisions. You may find out about NASA’s astronaut coaching and the historical past of US area exploration. It’s simple to see why Houston tops the checklist of finest locations to go to in Texas. There’s simply a lot to do, and the area historical past makes it a high journey for anybody fascinated about area journey and exploration.
One other bonus of selecting Houston as your weekend journey is that it’s simple to succeed in. You may catch shuttle providers like FlixBus or Greyhound from main cities like San Antonio in beneath 3.5 hours.
15. Gruene
Gruene is likely one of the finest small-town weekend getaways in Texas and is good for music lovers. The city has Gruene Corridor – the oldest frequently working dance corridor in Texas, inbuilt 1878 and usually internet hosting reside music occasions.
Gruene is kind of a romantic getaway alternative as effectively, with a robust German affect that leaks into its structure and a picturesque location alongside the Guadalupe River. Music, structure, and hospitality are the three important points of interest of Gruene.
To succeed in this little city, it’s simply an hour’s drive from Austin or San Antonio. Gruene is tremendous conveniently positioned, and we love how simple it’s to succeed in and its daring character, to not point out all of the music.
16. Amarillo
Does anybody acknowledge the music “Is This The Technique to Amarillo”? Amarillo has earned itself an virtually legendary repute due to its distant location within the far West of Texas.
The desert metropolis is within the Texas Panhandle and alongside the world-famous Route 66. If you wish to get deep into Texas and its most distant areas, a go to to town of Amarillo needs to be in your playing cards. Whereas it’s best tackled by highway journey (it’s Route 66 in any case), you can too fly to Amarillo to chop the journey time in order for you weekend journeys in Texas.
Whereas there, you’ll be able to go to the Cadillac Ranch – colourful vehicles dumped higgledy-piggledy nostril down within the sand – the American Quarter Horse Corridor of Fame, and the Panhandle-Plains Historic Museum. Amarillo has various blocks to discover and a comparatively action-packed heart for such a distant metropolis. Amarillo isn’t the place to go for seashore city vibes, but it surely is likely one of the finest Texas weekend journeys to expertise Route 66 nation.
17. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a surprising 800-ft ravine with a wow consider bundles. The pink rock and shrubbery appeal to tens of millions of tourists annually, and Palo Duro Canyon is likely one of the high weekend getaways in Texas.
You may take in the views from the community of multi-use trails. Or, for one thing barely totally different, head out to observe a musical manufacturing in an enormous outside amphitheater. In order for you pink rock aesthetics and dramatic ravine surroundings, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is good.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is best to succeed in from Amarillo in only a 40-minute drive or by driving 5.5 hours from Fort Value. The state park is within the far West of Texas, close to the Route 66 and New Mexico border.
18. Large Spring State Park
Large Spring State Park is a 382-acre beast of a recreation park, looped by a 3-mile monitor that includes picnic tables and scenic overlooks. In order for you an easy-to-tackle hike, staying close to Large Spring State Park is a unbelievable concept. You may spot the cacti and luxuriate in stunning lookouts, all inside the confines of a single park.
Large Spring State Park is within the western Texas city of Large Spring, stuffed with facilities and issues to do. It is a wonderful compromise for an city base with entry to stunning areas of pure magnificence.
To get to Large Spring State Park, it’s a 4.5-hour drive from San Antonio. Due to this fact, it’s a nice weekend journey when you depart as early as attainable on Friday. It’s a scenic and adventurous drive, too, chopping via central Texas.
19. Aransas Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
Aransas Nationwide Wildlife Refuge covers a humongous space of over 70,000 acres. It’s primarily a wetland oasis – making it a sizzling spot for chook watching, particularly recognizing cranes. You may discover this wildlife refuge through a community of picket boardwalks, and you’ll peer right down to attempt to spot gators as you stroll. The Heron Flats Path is the most well-liked and needs to be on the high of your itinerary.
To get to Aransas Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, it’s best to succeed in Corpus Christi, taking simply an hour and 40 minutes by automotive. Drop into the Claude F. Lard Customer Middle in your method.
20. Galveston
Galveston is a gulf coast city by itself barrier island, proper subsequent to the beautiful Galveston Island State Park. It’s ideally positioned to get pleasure from a metropolis break with proximity to seashores and state park greenery with wetlands. Its vacationer part within the metropolis heart can be walkable – making it a dream for weekend getaways in Texas.
When you fancy a seashore break, Galveston has the seashores with all the thrill of a metropolis break. You may benefit from the cheesiness of the Pleasure Pier earlier than heading to benefit from the nightlife.
To succeed in Galveston, it’s a 50-minute drive from Houston, which is breezy to arrange over a weekend. It is likely one of the shortest driving distances if you’re already staying in Houston and on the lookout for a fast detour. From additional inland cities like Dallas, it’s a 4.5-hour drive however nonetheless completely possible for a coastal weekend break.
The place to Keep: Grand Galvez The place to Eat: Tito’s Chow Down
21. Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is likely one of the finest weekend getaways in Texas in order for you big-city vibes in a coastal setting. It’s the greatest metropolis in east Texas. It’s scenically set alongside the Corpus Christi Bay inlet, that means guests are handled to beautiful waterfront views.
From Corpus Christi, you can too spend a day at Padre Island, an incredible base to detour additional. You might spend someday within the metropolis heart and someday on the seashore on one of many barrier islands. Museums just like the Selena Museum and Artwork Middle are the perfect counterpart to a seashore day.
The town is only a 2-hour drive from San Antonio, so it’s easy to squeeze right into a weekend. You can even fly there immediately.
22. Glen Rose
Glen Rose is a city in central Texas that may have skipped your radar. If that’s the case, don’t fear, we’re right here to introduce it to you. The little city is superbly positioned in a inexperienced space and break up in half by a preferred river for native fishermen.
It’s primarily recognized for its parks and inexperienced area. Nevertheless, it was additionally a first-rate moonshine space in Prohibition, and it gained the nickname of the Texas ‘whiskey woods capital’.
Glen Rose can be positioned close to many dinosaur fossils, together with Dinosaur Valley State Pakr, which additionally earned a spot on this information. The 2 are shut sufficient to mix in a single journey, however they each justify a weekend’s go to in their very own proper. We’ll depart it as much as you to resolve whether or not you mix them or not.
To succeed in Glen Rose, it’s an hour’s drive from Fort Value. Think about detouring to Cleburne State Park alongside the best way.
23. Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park is likely one of the most beautiful weekend getaways in Texas. This 5,200-acre state park is so lush and inexperienced that it virtually feels sudden that you’d discover it in Texas.
The entire park is located across the river, with designated swimming areas and sections of white seashore. In order for you greenery, Pedernales Falls State Park is your spot. You may get pleasure from every little thing from climbing to horseback using, however we’d positively carry cameras and bathing fits. You may keep close by for a weekend after which enterprise into the park each days.
To get to Pedernales Falls State Park, drive from Austin in simply an hour. It’s a tremendous handy detour from Austin and a very good alternative for a weekend journey if you’re staying within the east of Texas.
24. Odessa
Odessa is an odd little city so as to add to your weekend getaways on a Texas bucket checklist. The city is positioned within the far West of Texas and is especially recognized for its oil rigs and cowboys. In order for you a head-dunk-under-the-water type of immersion in Texan tradition, Odessa is ideal.
It’s off the usual vacationer path, but it surely has loads of points of interest, together with an extended checklist of galleries and music venues. It’s a diamond within the tough and superb for any seasoned Texas vacationers wanting so as to add a extra unconventional cease on their checklist.
The one method to attain Odessa is by automotive, and it’s roughly 5 hours by automotive from San Antonio. So far as Texan driving distances go, it’s a possible journey for a weekend. Nevertheless, it is best to set up an early departure on Friday and insure a few individuals on the automobile to separate driving time up.
25. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park is a lovely state park that covers over 1,500 acres in a scenic riverside setting. You may get pleasure from miles of climbing trails, and spot two life-sized dinosaur fashions, plus the fossilized dinosaur footprints that give the park its identify. Dinosaur Valley Park is good for households wanting a enjoyable weekend break in Texas. There are children’ play areas dotted across the park, too, which is an additional little bit of family-friendly enjoyable.
Dinosaur Valley State Park is simply 1.5 hours away from Dallas by automotive, making it a simple detour if you’re staying in Dallas already. The park is tremendous central and very easy to entry from any of the foremost cities within the east of Texas.
26. Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park is an almost 4,000-acre protect on a barrier island within the east of Texas. In order for you a coastal escape from Texas’ manic cities, the state park is likely one of the main weekend getaways in Texas.
You may spot turtles, if you’re fortunate, which nest up on the sands. You can even get pleasure from fishing, sunbathing, and scenic climbing trails. To essentially immerse your self within the distant fantastic thing about the state park, it’s finest to go for a tenting expertise. There are campsites all through the state park, so it is possible for you to to seek out stunning spots.
The state park is most easy to succeed in from Corpus Christi, taking simply half-hour by automotive. It is likely one of the finest weekend getaways if you’re already on the Texan shoreline.
Weekend Getaways in Texas: FAQs
Feeling impressed and able to choose your ‘winner’ from these high weekend getaways in Texas? Nice stuff. Earlier than you hurry up with a suitcase in hand, although, bear in mind to examine the fundamentals. These widespread FAQs might sound brief and snappy, however they’ll make or break your journey. Take 30 seconds to scan this part for the necessities.
The place is finest to go for a weekend break?
Texas has sensible metropolis break locations, together with Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. In order for you artwork galleries, historical past, and rodeos galore, these cities are high contenders for weekend breaks in Texas.
How do I plan a weekend journey on a price range?
Have a look at price range lodging like hostels and contemplate touring within the low season to lock in decrease room charges. Equally, weigh up your transport choices. It could be cheaper to get an in a single day Greyhound bus one-way. You must also try free issues to do within the vacation spot of your alternative.
How do I plan a weekend getaway alone?
Weekend getaways in Texas alone are so enjoyable. It’s best to plan to reach in new locations in daylight and analysis the realm of your lodging and its scores beforehand. Think about guided excursions or hostel lodging so you’ll be able to meet new individuals.
What’s near Texas?
There may be a lot near Texas, together with inside the state itself. You might head to the east of Texas for a lovely shoreline, or you may head West for Route 66 and cowboy tradition. You might additionally journey to the neighboring states of New Mexico, Louisiana, or Oklahoma
As you’ll be able to see, weekend getaways in Texas are fairly particular. There may be a lot selection for weekend journeys throughout the state, and it is best to no less than choose a number of – if not, attempt to full this complete checklist. We love Texas’ robust sense of individuality, but in addition simply how a lot you’ll be able to expertise in several corners of the state. From West Texas to the east of Texas, you will have a whole lot of weekend journeys to contemplate; these are simply the highest 26.
With that in thoughts, bear in mind to take a look at these high seashores in Texas. A Texas seashore day is all the time sensible. You’ll actually admire that well-known Texan sunshine whereas absorbing vitamin D on white sands. Have a beautiful time in your Texas journey of alternative.