Looking for weekend getaways in Texas?

Well, for a start, Texas is one of the best US states for vacations. It’s large, diverse, and culturally rich. Whether you’re a local or have never been in this US’ second biggest state, you can feel that it has a unique vibe, influenced by Mexican, Native American, and cowboy culture.

South Texas or The Rio Grande Valley is known for its tex-mex heritage. Bordering Mexico, it’s hot and arid. The adventurous landscape is made up of thorny shrubs and grasslands. 

Then you have the classic impression of Texas - the cowboys - in the Hill Country. 

But it’s not all dry. The Gulf of Texas has plenty of fun coastal towns and cool beaches.

Read on to find out where exactly to go for the weekend in Texas for your upcoming trip.

Weekend Getaways In Central Texas

You will hear this a lot: Central Texas is a mix of urban and rural vibe. And that’s probably true. You have eccentric, artsy metropolises on one side, then limestone rivers, vineyards, and rustic hills on the other.

1. Austin

Austin is nicknamed the Live Music Capital of the World. Photo by f11photo on Adobe Stock.

Austin is an everything-for-everyone kind of destination. It’s one of the most iconic Texan vacations for friends, couples and families.

Why is Austin so famous? It’s hard to pinpoint one thing that makes people flock to this place for a weekend trip in Texas. There are a lot of fun things awaiting in a place whose slogan is “Keep Austin Weird”. Another lesser-known fact is that Austin is among the LGBTQ+-friendliest cities in the world.

Austin is laid-back and full of personality. It's known for its live music scene. You can always expect there’s a show going on in Austin on the weekend. For example: South by Southwest is one of Austin’s most famous festivals, where you can enjoy live music, films and new technology in those fields. Do512 is also a great place to start.

Austin on the weekend is an outdoor adventure hub. With its great collections of lakes and parks, you can hike, swim, paddleboard, and zip-line. Make sure to book a stay near Zilker park if nature is your cup of tea.

2. Bastrop

A sleeper hit weekend vacation in Texas. Photo by Billy McDonald - stock.adobe.com

Right near the lively Austin, but Bastrop is probably one of the best hidden weekend getaways in Texas. It’s a small town with a tremendous history and amazing natural landscape, which makes it great for those who love quaint escapades.

Flanked by the Lost Pines and the Colorado River, people come to Bastrop to enjoy nature, and sometimes just that. You can try camping or renting an RV in Bastrop State Park. Geocaching is also one of the new activities you can try in the park. 

Another great place to take a stroll is the Colorado River Refuge. Besidnes the amazing trail (up there with the best in the US), there’s also the chance to swim and take a sunbath.

When you want a change of fresh air, stroll Bastrop’s Main Street features historical buildings, old-timey breweries, and antique shops.

3. San Antonio

San Antonio feels like a slice of Europe topped with the classic Texas spice. Photo by duydophotography on Adobe Stock.

The best - and the first - thing you need to do on the weekend in San Antonio is the River Walk. You will come across taco restaurants and street murals. Or, take a boat ride. 

No San Antonio trip is complete without a visit to the Alamo, an 18th century Spanish mission that witnessed the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. It’s one of most significant landmarks in the city, and more than anything, it’ll tell you a lot about why San Antonio feels like the way it is now.  

San Antonio also has its share of good entertainment, such as the Six Flags Fiesta amusement park and San Antonio Museum of Art.

4. Brady

Brady is the centre of central Texas, geographically speaking. Brady is full of quirky charms. But unlike Austin, it’s the kind of place you go on the weekend to enjoy the small fun things - preferably in a bar, with country music, and locally known as honky tonking.

Brady’s Country Music Museum houses a big collection of memorabilia of Texas legends, for example, Johnny Cash. The natural landscape of Brady is pretty impressive too. Brady Creek and Brady Lake are locals’ favourites for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. 

Brady is also a cool destination for weekend road trips. As in, it’s where you will end your road trip to relax after a long ride. Most popular routes are usually Austin-Brady or Dallas-Brady.

5. Dallas-Fort Worth

These north central Texas cities are also known as the DFW Metroplex. Photo by aphotostory on Adobe Stock.

Everything is bigger in Texas, including their cities. Texas alone has 5 cities that are amongst the biggest in the US. So, what’s so special about Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) other than its size?

For a start, the two localities offer you the best of both worlds. Dallas is modern and hip. You can spend Saturday in Dallas seeing the most popular attractions like the Arts District. The Dallas afternoon is perfect for a stroll in Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Finish the day with a Skyline trail. You can get a sweat on and enjoy the panoramic view of downtown Dallas.

Fort Worth is 40 minutes away. It’s a bit slower compared to Dallas, and there are more chances to relax in nature. Fort Worth Stock Yards should be your first stop. There will be cattle drives and rodeos. Next up is the Water Gardens. It’s like a giant staircase with water cascading, which you can climb up and down. 

Weekend Getaways In Texas Hill Country

Hill Country is where the most classic weekend getaways in Texas are. It’s like the more rustic side of central Texas. It’s still pretty touristy, but not as much as Austin or San Antonio, and there are a lot of scenic routes for lovely weekend road trips. 

6. Fredericksburg

Enchanted Rock is just 30 minutes away from Fredericksburg. Photo by Gage - stock.adobe.com

Fredericksburg is San Antonio’s German cousin. It was founded by German immigrants in 1846. Today, many highlights of a typical Fredericksburg weekend trip revolve around this German root - beer garden, bakeries, and wineries.

The most interesting point of interest is definitely the WWII museum, which is world-class and takes as much as 2 days to tour it all. The sad thing is that many parts are temporarily closed for renovations until December 2025 (but the admission is lower, so it’s fair)..

Apart from that, Fredericksburg is also loved for its natural charms. Enchanted Rock is home to a 425-foot pink granite rock that you can hike to and climb up. Fredericksburg also boasts numerous natural parks that feature spring-fed creeks and dramatic hills.

Fredericksburg is great for couples due to its scenic and historic charm. If you’re in the city with kids, don’t miss the Old Tunnel Bat Cave, which is the home to nearly 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats.

7. Wimberley - Blanco (via The Devil’s Backbone)

Wimberley is a great and cute place. Photo by gbbrowning - stock.adobe.com

A road trip can be a nice weekend getaway idea. The Devil’s Backbone, which connects the two towns of Wimberley and Blanco, is amongst the best weekend road trips in Texas you can take.

Wimberley and Blanco are in-between Austin and San Antonio. Wimberley is famous for its natural swimming holes and hikes, and Blanco is a relaxing, lesser-travelled gem tucked right near Austin. 

After spending an active day in Wimberley, head for the Devil’s Backbone to get to Blanco. Along the way, stop for the scenery of the green valleys and hills, or a ghost story in The Devil’s Backbone Tavern.

Note: Swimming in Jacob’s Well swimming hole in Wimberley is not permitted at the moment.

8. Kerrville

Kerrville River Trail is a must-do for a weekend in the town. Photo by ineffablescapes on Adobe Stock.

Kerrville is one of many Texas towns through which the Guadalupe River runs. And probably because of this, the scenery is greener and mellow compared to that of the Hill Country.

Parks - you will find them all across Kerrville. The Kerrville-Schreiner Park is right by the river, and it’s Kerrville’s best spot to picnic, hike, fish, and see the oak trees. The Kerrville River Trail is stunning and so easy to hike or bike around. If you want a weekend getaway in Texas with dogs, then Kerrville is a great choice. 

Kerrville’s art scene is low-key yet feels very authentic, with hidden craft shops everywhere and cosy galleries and museums, like the Museum of Western Art. 

9. Bandera

Cowboy Capital of the World. If you want to experience Western movies coming to life, visit Bandera on the weekend. There will be rodeo nights, horse rides, dude ranches, and saloons.

Bandera is a pretty chill town, apart from all the cowboy-themed attractions. It sits along the Medina River, which you might not be able to swim in, but can float on a kayak and admire the cypresses.

It’s just a short drive away from Kerrville. If you are done with the parks and just want somewhere to slow the day down (but with cowboy culture!), then Bandera is your next stop.

10. Granbury

At first glance, it might just seem like your typical Hill Country city, but Granbury is actually Texas’s most haunted place. If you love hunting for paranormal activities, Granbury is full of them. A ghost tour might be an odd, once-in-a-while thing in other towns, but in Granbury, it’s a weekend staple.

Your next stop in Granbury on the weekend is the Hood County Jail Museum. It’s full of quirky, eerie, and historical stories. Both of these activities make for great spooky weekend getaways in Texas on Halloween.

If you plan to explore the town beyond that, head to the downtown square to see 19th-century buildings. The Granbury Opera House is beautiful. Lucky, you might see a matinee in production.

On Lake Granbury, you can kayak and paddleboard. You may even come across a live music performance.

Best Places To Visit In Texas Gulf Coast For A Weekend

Texas is not just a hot, dry place with cactus. Some places are, but not every place. Hill Country, for example, is green hills and spring-fed marshes. In the Gulf Coast, you will find sandy beaches and lovely coastal towns for your weekend trips.

11. Galveston

The Port of Galveston is one of the busiest in Texas. Photo cbruzos on Adobe Stock.

Galveston is your classic beach getaway. On the east side of the city, along the Seawall, you will find great beaches, like Steward Beach and family-friendly stays. The vibe is more touristy compared to the West End, where it’s more intimate and peaceful with nature parks, like Galveston Island State Park and San Luis Pass.

Downtown Galveston is famous for the Strand Historic District. There will be Victorian buildings and museums, like the Elissa, which is a 19th-century sailing ship. Many attractions, like the Moody Gardens theme park, are located on the south side.

12. Houston

Houston is the fourth largest city in the US. Photo by allan on Adobe Stock.

Houston is big, so if you pick Houston as a weekend getaway from Texas, you'd better have a plan of what you want to do.

One of the best things to do in Houston is probably visiting the museums. Start with the Menil, then the Museum of Natural Science.

Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo, or Buffalo Bayou Park are all amazing, but if you want to see something truly unique, head to The Cistern in Buffalo Bayou Park. It’ll feel like you’re in some sort of sci-fi movie. Take a walk around Montrose for some nice cafes and BBQ spots.

13. South Padre Island

No weekend getaway in Texas gets much more tropical than this. Photo by trongnguyen - stock.adobe.com

There’s nothing you can find in a beach paradise that you can’t find in South Padre Island. And probably more. SPI beaches are white sands and warm waters, often accessible and have plenty of beachfront activities. Boca Chica Beach is a popular choice, since it’s also near the SpaceX base (if that’s your cup of tea).

One of the best things to do in SPI has got to be visiting the Sea Turtle Inc., which is a sea turtle rescue centre located in the heart of the island. Followed by this is watching the bottlenose dolphins on Laguna Madre.

It’s pretty easy getting to and getting around SPI. From Brownsville, it takes about 60 minutes by car, and from Austin, it’s about 5 hours, which, to be honest, makes for a great road trip in Texas. Around the island, you can try the Island Metro, which is free.

14. McAllen

McAllen is another one of the best hidden weekend getaways in Texas. 

It’s not close to major tourist spots in the Rio Grande Valley region or the busy interstate. But by being near the Mexico border, it’s where you can experience real Tex-Mex cuisine and lifestyle without the crowd. 

On Saturday, head to Quinta Mazatlan, which is in the World Birding Center, to see the estate hiding in tropical gardens and to bird watch. Then visit the IMAS for some Latin American art collection.

On Sunday, you can either walk around the downtown area and grab a drink on 17th Street or take a 40-minute ride to Nuevo Progreso, a nearby town on the other side of the border.

15. Corpus Christi - Mustang Island

Corpus Christi means “Body of Christ” in Latin. Photo by Lance on Adobe Stock.

Mustang Island is not so heavy on the “what to do” part. But if you love a slow-paced, relaxing, simplistic beach getaway, then the island is made for you.

Because of that, it pairs perfectly with Corpus Christi to make a duo weekend trip. Corpus Christi has plenty of things to do. It’s home to dog-friendly beaches, Texas State Aquarium (one of the best aquariums in the world), and vibrant nightlife. 

Start off strong and exciting in Corpus Christi on Saturday. Or, begin your weekend on a more laid-back note on Mustang Island and end it with a trip to the other. Both places are just a 30-45 minute drive away via TX-358. 

East Texas Weekend Holiday Ideas

East Texas is Piney Woods, slow bayous, and the deep south leaning vibe. You will find that it has more gothic charms than western. It’s mellow and romantic, which brings about some of the best weekend getaways in Texas for couples.

16. Jefferson

One thing Texans are good at is nick-naming their towns. Jefferson, once known as the bed and breakfast capital of Texas, embodies that. It’s deep in the Piney Woods region and has 19th-century buildings that are very well-preserved. They make the town feel uniquely cosy and sleepy.

Most people come to Jefferson on the weekend to eat comfort Southern dishes downtown, visit the Jefferson Historical Museum, stay in The House of the Seasons, and take a boat tour in the nearby Caddo Lake. Also, a ghost walk is a thrilling activity to do in Jefferson.

Spring-early Summer is the best time to visit Jefferson. The weather is nice in March, and in May, you can get tickets to see the Civil War reenactment. 

17. Nacogdoches

Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas. It’s home to Stephen F. Austin State University, so it’s like Cambridge or Oxford with the Southern twist. That being said, one of Nacogdoches’ most popular attractions - Stone Fort Museum - is on campus ground. 

Every corner in Nacogdoches can be a feast for history lovers. You will come across historical landmarks like the Sterne Hoya House Museum, Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, and oak trees aged more than 500 years.

It’d be a waste not to be in Piney Woods and not admire its beautiful foliage. Go zip-lining at Zip Nac, which is just 10 minutes away from downtown Nacogdoches.

Even More Weekend Getaways In Texas

Haven’t decided on one yet? Maybe these last two places can change your mind.

18. Big Bend National Park

The Rio Grande runs through Santa Elena Canyon. Photo by Marco on Adobe Stock.

Big Bend is located in Brewster County and sits in the Chihuahuan Desert. It’s vast, remote, and totally adventuristic.

The iconic landscape of Big Bend is made up of desert mountains, river canyons, and long stretches of desert trails. It’s divided into three regions: Chisos mountains, river district, and desert district.

It might not be possible to explore all three in one weekend (yay, more excuses for another weekend trip) but to explore the best of it, start with the Ross Maxwell scenic drive. Along the way, you will find viewpoints and short easy trails to kick off the rest of the weekend.

Save the Santa Elena Canyon for the afternoon after lunch or the morning after. This stop should be explored fresh and full because it truly is one of the most stunning places on earth.

19. Palo Duro Canyon

The Lighthouse trail in Palo Duro is challenging but totally worth it. Photo by Kip on Adobe Stock.

It’s the US’ second largest canyon. How many largest and biggest in the country have we had in Texas so far? Anyways, Palo Duro is fantastic. You can go horse riding on designated trails, which have amazing scenic spots like Capitol Peak. There are plenty of campsites in the canyon. You can find one that perches near a cliff or on the canyon floor.

One of the more memorable parts of a weekend trip in Palo Duro has to be the drive there. You can access the canyon from either Canyon or Amadrillo. Along the way, you can see how the flat Texas Panhandle turns rocky and eventually dips into the canyon.

It’s a road trip and scenic escape all rolled into one.

Hassle-free Weekend Getaways In Texas With CabinZero

Everything is big in Texas, including your travel spirit.

For weekend getaways in Texas, road tripping may be one of the best ways to do it. You get to explore the backroads connecting the cities with the stunning Texas natural landscape as background. But any other transportation is good, too as long as you know how to pack efficiently for a weekend getaway.

So, do you like the bustling central Texas or the classic Hill Country? Or, are coastal cities along the Texas Gulf Coast and mystic piney woods more to your taste? Whichever you pick, we are sure Texas can deliver the dream weekend trips you’re looking for.

For more destination suggestions and travel guides, don’t forget to explore our Blogs or follow us on social media. 

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh