Are you able to tick off an journey to the long-lasting Lone Star state? Texas is large in measurement and status. If you wish to transcend the same old, weekend getaways in Texas are a unbelievable approach to join with this stunning place on a deeper stage. Texas is thought for its meals scene, southern hospitality, and – in fact – 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 many 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!
Best Weekend Getaways in Texas
These prime 26 weekend getaways in Texas will hold you busy crisscrossing the Lone Star State. Texas is the right place for planning a weekend journey. from romantic getaways to outside getaways. Whether 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 Sites to historic districts, this put up has all of it lined up for you – so buckle up, and let’s get going.
1. Big Bend National Park
When it involves weekend getaways in Texas, Big Bend National Park is a prime 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 is the place to go in Texas for a weekend journey full of out of doors journey and delightful views.
For nature lovers, and people in outside sports activities like horseback using, climbing, and mountain biking, Big Bend National Park is a dream come true. It can be a prime spot {for golfing}. Lajitas Golf Resort has a world-class golf course that pulls weekenders from world wide.
Big Bend National Park is situated in West Texas, proper subsequent to the Mexican border. The closest metropolis to Big Bend National Park is San Antonio, which is roughly a 6-hour drive.
There is each tenting and lodging close by. The solely lodging accessible inside Big Bend is Chisos Mountain Lodge.
2. San Antonio
Now that we’ve talked about the gorgeous San Antonio, it’s only becoming that we point out it subsequent. The metropolis is among the hottest getaways in Texas. Undoubtedly, its historic district and San Antonio River Walk are main sights that impress even probably the most sully of weekend guests.
San Antonio makes for the right cultural getaway with historic buildings and reside music venue selections. If you’ve but to go to the town, a Texas weekend journey right here ought to be up your sleeve. For us, its historic background earned it a spot in this information. It is house to San Antonio Mission, in spite of everything, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The metropolis is a breeze to achieve by air, with common flights scheduled there internationally and domestically. It can be only a 4-hour drive from Dallas, which is a dream to prepare.
3. South Padre Island National Seashore
South Padre Island National Seashore is a dreamy Texas weekend getaway. This stunning barrier island has sand for days, sea turtles, and sunshine. You can 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 gorgeous fauna and revel in actions akin to hen watching and horseback using. If you desire a seaside vacation spot with a wow issue, the National Seashore ticks that field.
The turtles are the first draw of the National Seashore. The barrier island is a crucial nesting seaside for Kemp Ridley turtles, one of the endangered turtles in the world. While the plight of the Kemp Ridley turtles is heartbreaking, visiting the National Seashore and studying extra about their conservation is a worthy approach to spend a weekend journey.
4. Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs may not be the primary weekend getaway that pops into your thoughts. However, this stunning small city makes the right Texas weekend getaway for anybody eager to expertise the agricultural fantastic thing about the Texas Hill Country.
Dripping Springs is surrounded by verdant hills and greenery, reducing 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 truth, Dripping Springs is so stunning that it is called the Wedding Capital of Texas, with 1000’s of {couples} heading to take pleasure in its small-town attraction city welcoming friends to take pleasure in scenic outside ceremonies.
Wedding or not, attending to Dripping Springs is a brief 50-minute drive from Austin. It is among the most accessible weekend getaways in Texas if you’d like a brief drive, not a weekend getaway that calls for a flight or highway journey. Simple and fairly, it’s a nice contender and stands out as a logo of the Texas Hill Country.
5. Hamilton Pool Preserve
If you’re heading to the Texas Hill Country, Hamilton Pool Preserve is among the finest weekend getaways. The pure pool is sort of totally encircled by putting cliffs. For those that head right down to the water’s edge, you’ll be able to entry a magical limestone grotto.
When you go to Hamilton Pool Preserve, be sure to hike right down to the pool to take solace in the grotto’s shade to admire the water and picnic earlier than heading again up. Leave the swimsuit at house although, there isn’t a swimming.
For these questioning what makes Hamilton Pool a standalone vacation spot, there are many issues to do. You can 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 in the Texan Hills. It can be only a 50-minute drive from Austin.
6. Guadalupe River State Park
You’ve simply bought to like Guadalupe River State Park. While 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. If you need water actions, it is among the finest Texas weekend journeys. And if you’d like a weekend getaway to take pleasure in river views, it’s dreamy for horseback using, climbing, or mountain biking.
While 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 can 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 National Park
On the opposite aspect of the state in West Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park shares a part of a reputation however no different similarities. This nationwide park makes the right weekend getaway for anybody wanting a mountainous setting for outside actions.
The park straddles the Texan and New Mexico border. It is sort of the mission to achieve – round 6 hours from San Antonio by automotive or 5 hours from Albuquerque in the event you fly and head over from the New Mexico aspect. 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 complete park is breathtaking, and if you’d like that wow issue, it’s positively price the additional effort to get there. If you’re visiting the Guadalupe Mountains National Park for a weekend, we’d counsel choosing one fundamental hike to finish after which one or two different non-time-demanding sights.
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 among 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 id that we simply had so as to add it to this record.
It is definitely simpler to achieve El Paso from Albuquerque than from the principle cities in Texas. From San Antonio, El Paso is a 7.5-hour drive away. From Albuquerque, it’s slightly below 4 hours. For this motive, it’s simpler to fly to Albuquerque and lease a automotive to drive to El Paso if touring from East Texas.
9. Dallas
It is time for Dallas to inevitably shine. This main Texan metropolis is undoubtedly among the finest locations to go to in the whole state. It can be among the finest contenders for weekend getaways in Texas.
A weekend is the right 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 mixture of artwork galleries and Texas historical past, just like the Sixth Floor Museum, make it ideally suited for an action-packed, compact itinerary
Getting to Dallas is simple. There are direct flights from all around the world, together with the US and past. Furthermore, you’ll be able to simply drive or catch a shuttle to Dallas from Texas’ main cities.
10. Fort Worth
Fort Worth is Cowboy nation. This central Texas metropolis has a wealth of Wild West heritage. If you desire a extra genuine expertise than the sprawling metropolis of Dallas, Fort Worth is a superb possibility.
It is called the middle of the buying and selling of Texas Longhorn cattle, which has lengthy helped preserve its Western tradition and heritage. It is much less touristy and extra laidback – principally simply an genuine Wild West getaway. And its Stockyards National Historic District nonetheless has a day by day cattle drive. Hop between honky tonks and cattle exhibits, maybe pausing to purchase a cowboy hat or boots.
Getting to Fort Worth is a breeze from any of the main cities in Texas. From Dallas, it’s simply 40 minutes by automotive and likewise possible by public transport – a uncommon factor in the case of weekend getaways in Texas. You can catch public transport from Dallas to Fort Worth in lower than 2 hours.
11. Rio Grande City
As a weekend getaway, how are you going to not be drawn to this little off-the-beaten-track city filled with tradition and sat on the Mexican border? It is among the oldest settlements in the southern area of Texas and is filled with historic buildings and tales.
Rio Grande City was additionally as soon as a big buying and selling put up between the US and Mexico. With BnBs and picturesque buildings, this small city makes for the right romantic weekend getaway. This border city is blessed with conventional structure, although, plus climbing and biking trails.
To attain this too usually missed city, it’s slightly below a 4-hour drive from San Antonio. You’ll be reducing by means of a few of Texas’ least touristy cities en route, so it is a superb drive for anybody wanting an genuine perception into Texas.
12. Austin
Austin is simply cool. The capital of Texas, it’s ideally suited for anybody wanting an enormous metropolis ambiance and a contemporary weekend break in Texas. It is extensively praised for its reside music scene, and it has a glitzy skyline of iconic high-rises that sit alongside the Lady Bird Lake waterfront. Downtown Austin is gorgeous, with Nineteenth-century structure that features the Texas State Capitol and lots of locations to drink and dine. Read extra: 29 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas
Austin can be simple to achieve, with worldwide and home flights scheduled all yr spherical. It is among the most simple Texan cities to achieve and simple to mix with the close by San Antonio.
13. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is top-tier in the case of romantic getaways in Texas. Why? There are two fundamental causes: wine and loads of tradition because of the town’s German historical past.
Fredericksburg is the place to go for wine tasting, with tasting rooms for wine lovers galore. You may add to the wine expertise with visits to locations just like the National Museum of the Pacific War and the Pioneer Museum. Fredericksburg is a gateway to the Texas Hill Country and wineries in Texas.
To get there, it’s a straightforward 1-hour drive from San Antonio. If you’re already visiting San Antonio, it’s straightforward so as to add to Fredericksburg.
14. Houston
Houston is among the most enjoyable weekend getaways in Texas and has tons of house sights. If you desire a massive metropolis ambiance or to go to the Space Center Houston, it is among the finest weekend getaway selections. You can study NASA’s astronaut coaching and the historical past of US house exploration. It is simple to see why Houston tops the record of finest locations to go to in Texas. There’s simply a lot to do, and the house historical past makes it a prime journey for anybody in house journey and exploration.
Another bonus of selecting Houston as your weekend journey is that it’s straightforward to achieve. You can catch shuttle companies like FlixBus or Greyhound from main cities like San Antonio in underneath 3.5 hours.
15. Gruene
Gruene is among the finest small-town weekend getaways in Texas and is right for music lovers. The city has Gruene Hall – the oldest frequently working dance corridor in Texas, constructed in 1878 and commonly internet hosting reside music occasions.
Gruene is sort of a romantic getaway alternative as properly, 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 fundamental sights of Gruene.
To attain this little city, it’s simply an hour’s drive from Austin or San Antonio. Gruene is tremendous conveniently situated, and we love how straightforward it’s to achieve and its daring character, to not point out all of the music.
16. Amarillo
Does anybody acknowledge the music “Is This The Way to Amarillo”? Amarillo has earned itself an virtually legendary status because of its distant location in the far West of Texas.
The desert metropolis is in 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 the town of Amarillo ought to be in your playing cards. While it’s best tackled by highway journey (it’s Route 66 in spite of everything), you too can fly to Amarillo to chop the journey time if you’d like weekend journeys in Texas.
While there, you’ll be able to go to the Cadillac Ranch – colourful automobiles dumped higgledy-piggledy nostril down in the sand – the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Amarillo has quite a lot of blocks to discover and a comparatively action-packed heart for such a distant metropolis. Amarillo isn’t the place to go for seaside city vibes, however it is among the finest Texas weekend journeys to expertise Route 66 nation.
17. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a shocking 800-ft ravine with a wow issue in bundles. The purple rock and shrubbery entice thousands and thousands of tourists annually, and Palo Duro Canyon is among the prime weekend getaways in Texas.
You can take in the views from the community of multi-use trails. Or, for one thing barely completely different, head out to look at a musical manufacturing in an enormous outside amphitheater. If you need purple rock aesthetics and dramatic ravine surroundings, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is right.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is best to achieve from Amarillo in only a 40-minute drive or by driving 5.5 hours from Fort Worth. The state park is in the far West of Texas, close to the Route 66 and New Mexico border.
18. Big Spring State Park
Big Spring State Park is a 382-acre beast of a recreation park, looped by a 3-mile observe that includes picnic tables and scenic overlooks. If you need an easy-to-tackle hike, staying close to Big Spring State Park is a unbelievable thought. You can spot the cacti and revel in stunning lookouts, all throughout the confines of a single park.
Big Spring State Park is in the western Texas city of Big Spring, stuffed with facilities and issues to do. It is a superb compromise for an city base with entry to stunning areas of pure magnificence.
To get to Big Spring State Park, it’s a 4.5-hour drive from San Antonio. Therefore, it’s a nice weekend journey in the event you go away as early as doable on Friday. It is a scenic and adventurous drive, too, reducing by means of central Texas.
19. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge covers a humongous space of over 70,000 acres. It is basically a wetland oasis – making it a sizzling spot for hen watching, particularly recognizing cranes. You can discover this wildlife refuge by way of a community of picket boardwalks, and you’ll peer right down to attempt to spot gators as you stroll. The Heron Flats Trail is the most well-liked and ought to be on the prime of your itinerary.
To get to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, it’s best to achieve Corpus Christi, taking simply an hour and 40 minutes by automotive. Drop into the Claude F. Lard Visitor Center in your manner.
20. Galveston
Galveston is a gulf coast city by itself barrier island, proper subsequent to the beautiful Galveston Island State Park. It is ideally situated to take pleasure in a metropolis break with proximity to seashores and state park greenery with wetlands. Its vacationer part in the town heart can be walkable – making it a dream for weekend getaways in Texas.
If you fancy a seaside break, Galveston has the seashores with all the joy of a metropolis break. You can benefit from the cheesiness of the Pleasure Pier earlier than heading to benefit from the nightlife.
To attain Galveston, it’s a 50-minute drive from Houston, which is breezy to prepare over a weekend. It is among the shortest driving distances in case you are already staying in Houston and searching 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.
Where to Stay: Grand Galvez Where to Eat: Tito’s Chow Down
21. Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is among the finest weekend getaways in Texas if you’d like big-city vibes in a coastal setting. It is the most important metropolis in east Texas. It is scenically set alongside the Corpus Christi Bay inlet, that means guests are handled to attractive waterfront views.
From Corpus Christi, you too can spend a day at Padre Island, an ideal base to detour additional. You may spend at some point in the town heart and at some point on the seaside on one of many barrier islands. Museums just like the Selena Museum and Art Center are the best counterpart to a seaside day.
The metropolis is only a 2-hour drive from San Antonio, so it’s simple to squeeze right into a weekend. You may fly there immediately.
22. Glen Rose
Glen Rose is a city in central Texas that may have skipped your radar. If so, don’t fear, we’re right here to introduce it to you. The little city is superbly situated in a inexperienced space and cut up in half by a well-liked river for native fishermen.
It is especially identified for its parks and inexperienced house. However, it was additionally a major moonshine space in Prohibition, and it gained the nickname of the Texas ‘whiskey woods capital’.
Glen Rose can be situated close to many dinosaur fossils, together with Dinosaur Valley State Pakr, which additionally earned a spot in this information. The two 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 go away it as much as you to resolve whether or not you mix them or not.
To attain Glen Rose, it’s an hour’s drive from Fort Worth. Consider detouring to Cleburne State Park alongside the best way.
23. Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park is among the most beautiful weekend getaways in Texas. This 5,200-acre state park is so lush and inexperienced that it virtually feels surprising that you’d discover it in Texas.
The complete park is located across the river, with designated swimming areas and sections of white seaside. If you need greenery, Pedernales Falls State Park is your spot. You can take pleasure in every little thing from climbing to horseback using, however we’d positively carry cameras and bathing fits. You can 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 is a brilliant handy detour from Austin and a very good alternative for a weekend journey in case you are staying in the east of Texas.
24. Odessa
Odessa is an odd little city so as to add to your weekend getaways on a Texas bucket record. The city is situated in the far West of Texas and is especially identified for its oil rigs and cowboys. If you desire a head-dunk-under-the-water model of immersion in Texan tradition, Odessa is ideal.
It is off the usual vacationer path, however it has loads of sights, together with an extended record of galleries and music venues. It is a diamond in the tough and ideally suited for any seasoned Texas vacationers wanting so as to add a extra unconventional cease on their record.
The solely approach to attain Odessa is by automotive, and it’s roughly 5 hours by automotive from San Antonio. As far as Texan driving distances go, it’s a possible journey for a weekend. However, it’s best to arrange 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 an attractive state park that covers over 1,500 acres in a scenic riverside setting. You can take pleasure in miles of climbing trails, and spot two life-sized dinosaur fashions, plus the fossilized dinosaur footprints that give the park its title. Dinosaur Valley Park is right 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 straightforward detour in case you are staying in Dallas already. The park is tremendous central and very easy to entry from any of the main cities in the east of Texas.
26. Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park is a virtually 4,000-acre protect on a barrier island in the east of Texas. If you desire a coastal escape from Texas’ manic cities, the state park is among the main weekend getaways in Texas.
You can spot turtles, in case you are fortunate, which nest up on the sands. You may take pleasure in fishing, sunbathing, and scenic climbing trails. To actually immerse your self in 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 simple to achieve from Corpus Christi, taking simply half-hour by automotive. It is among the finest weekend getaways in case you are already on the Texan shoreline.
Weekend Getaways in Texas: FAQs
Feeling impressed and able to choose your ‘winner’ from these prime weekend getaways in Texas? Great stuff. Before you hurry up with a suitcase in hand, although, keep in mind to examine the fundamentals. These frequent FAQs might sound quick and snappy, however they’ll make or break your journey. Take 30 seconds to scan this part for the necessities.
Where is finest to go for a weekend break?
Texas has good metropolis break locations, together with Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. If you need artwork galleries, historical past, and rodeos galore, these cities are prime contenders for weekend breaks in Texas.
How do I plan a weekend journey on a funds?
Look at funds lodging like hostels and think about touring in the low season to lock in decrease room charges. Similarly, weigh up your transport choices. It could also be cheaper to get an in a single day Greyhound bus one-way. You also needs to take a look at free issues to do in the vacation spot of your alternative.
How do I plan a weekend getaway alone?
Weekend getaways in Texas alone are so enjoyable. You ought to plan to reach in new locations in sunlight hours and analysis the world of your lodging and its rankings beforehand. Consider guided excursions or hostel lodging so you’ll be able to meet new individuals.
What is near Texas?
There is a lot near Texas, together with throughout the state itself. You may head to the east of Texas for an attractive shoreline, or you might head West for Route 66 and cowboy tradition. You may 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 is a lot selection for weekend journeys throughout the state, and it’s best to not less than choose a couple of – if not, attempt to full this whole record. We love Texas’ robust sense of individuality, but additionally simply how a lot you’ll be able to expertise in completely different corners of the state. From West Texas to the east of Texas, you will have a whole lot of weekend journeys to think about; these are simply the highest 26.
With that in thoughts, keep in mind to take a look at these prime seashores in Texas. A Texas seaside day is at all times good. You’ll actually recognize that well-known Texan sunshine whereas absorbing vitamin D on white sands. Have an exquisite time in your Texas journey of alternative.