34 of the Best Small Towns in Texas That You Don't Hear About Enough
There's a world of hidden gems beyond the bustling metropolises of Dallas, Houston, and Austin.
Welcome to the Lone Star State, where the possibilities for an epic road trip are as vast as the Texan landscape itself. Texas, known for its sprawling highways that seem to stretch on forever, offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking adventure on the open road—and as you hit that road, you'll discover that beyond the towering skyscrapers and bustling metropolises of Dallas and Houston, there are plenty of hidden gems tucked away along Texas's charming backroads.
From Amarillo to Terlingua, these treasures beckon with their authentic charm, warm hospitality, and a glimpse into the heart and soul of Texas. Whether it's a town known for its world-class barbecue, a haven for artists and craftsmen, or a place steeped in historical significance, each stop on this list offers something truly special, but most importantly: the chance to slow down, take in the sights, and experience the true essence of Texas.
From the friendly locals who greet you with a warm "howdy, y'all" to quaint main streets lined with boutique shops and local eateries, every small town (or, yes, a city or two that we find equally charming) in Texas has unique character waiting to be explored.
Gruene
When visiting Gruene, a town established by German farmers in the 1840s, the no. 1 thing on your to-do list should be seeing a show at the famous Gruene Hall, Texas's oldest operating dance hall, built in 1878. And just a few steps away, you'll find this sweet bed and breakfast: Gruene Mansion Inn.
Fredericksburg
If you're looking for the perfect spot for a girls' getaway, Fredericksburg is a great home base for visiting some of Texas's best wineries. The Texas Hill Country region is home to more than 45 vineyards, including favorites like Barons Creek Vineyards and 16 others that are all a part of the local winery association, Fredericksburg Wine Road 290.
Luckenbach
Only 13 miles from Fredericksburg, Luckenbach is another must-see Hill Country town. You can still visit its oldest building today—it's a combination of a general store, post office, and a saloon, which opened in 1886, a few decades after the town was established as a trading post in 1849.
Marfa
It might seem unlikely that a Prada-themed art exhibit would exist in the middle of nowhere, a.k.a. Marfa, Texas, a city with less than 2,000 people—but that's precisely what has made this little town so famous. The 2005 Prada Marfa exhibit is a one-room, stucco replica of an actual Prada store, designed by artists Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset. It's become a cultural landmark for the tiny town, with visitors, including celebs like Beyoncé, passing through to see it.
Brownsville
Saying you've visited Brownsville, located at the southernmost tip of Texas, is an accomplishment in and of itself, since the state is so large! While you're there, don't forget to visit the beautiful historic downtown on Elizabeth Street.
Amarillo
If you're driving along Route 66, make a pit stop in Amarillo, where you'll find The Big Texan Steak Ranch, home of a 72-ounce steak. And if you're in the mood for something quirky, check out the roadside art attraction Cadillac Ranch, featuring 10 graffiti-covered Cadillacs.
Granbury
Known for its historic courthouse square and namesake lake, Granbury has plenty to offer visitors. After a walk around the square, check out the Granbury Opera House for a live performance. When you’re ready to hit the lake for fishing and water sports, Granbury has its own sandy beach, City Beach Park, perfect for families looking for a fun day out.
Waco
If there’s one town on this list you’ve heard of, Waco is probably it. Home to HGTV's "Fixer Upper" stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, Waco has significantly transformed since the pair first appeared on your TV set. Head downtown to the Silos and Magnolia Market to shop and grab a bite to eat at the Magnolia Table—and then see a Broadway-style show at the Waco Hippodrome Theatre. Not far away, the Dr. Pepper Museum showcases the history of the beloved Texas soft drink invented in the town. Baylor University also has several museums that are open to the public, including the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the Mayborn Museum Complex.
Port Lavaca
Port Lavaca is a coastal Texas town that offers a serene escape with its beautiful beaches and scenic waterfront. The town is especially popular for fishing and water sports, but visitors can also relax on the sandy shores of Magnolia Beach or explore the nearby Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area.
Port Isabel
Located on the southern tip of Texas, Port Isabel is a small coastal town that boasts a rich history. Climb to the top of the Port Isabel Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and explore the nearby Port Isabel Historical Museum to learn more about the area's past.
Cooper
This small north Texas town features a charming town square with many unique boutiques and antique shops. The square is the heart of the town’s many festivities, like the Cooper Crawfish Bash and the Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally. You can also find plenty of outdoor recreational activities at Cooper Lake State Park nearby, like camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking.
Dripping Springs
About 23 miles west of Austin, you'll find the town of Dripping Springs, where you can take a refreshing dip in the Hamilton Pool Preserve, a picturesque swimming hole created thousands of years ago after an eroded underground river collapsed.
Galveston
This vibrant coastal city is located on Galveston Island in the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its historic architecture, stunning beaches, and lively entertainment, Galveston offers plenty of things to do: Visitors can explore the Strand Historic District, filled with Victorian-era buildings; relax on beautiful beaches; and enjoy attractions, such as the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and Moody Gardens.
Dublin
Ask any Texan, and they'll tell you: The Dr. Pepper you can get in Dublin, where the drink originated, is the best of its kind. For more than 120 years, Dublin Bottling Works has been bottling sodas, and the company's Texas-made Imperial Pure Cane Sugar makes their Dr. Pepper so unique and sweet. While the company no longer bottles Dr. Pepper, you can still taste the soda at Old Doc's Soda Shop.
Port Aransas
As the only established town on Mustang Island, Port Aransas offers plenty of family-oriented activities, including visiting several local beaches, fishing on the Horace Caldwell Pier, and visiting the Lydia Ann Lighthouse.
Lockhart
This small town in Caldwell County holds a big claim to fame: It's renowned as the "Barbecue Capital of Texas." Famous for its mouthwatering barbecue, with several legendary barbecue joints serving up delicious smoked meats, Lockhart also boasts a charming downtown area with historic buildings, boutique shops, and local restaurants. The nearby Lockhart State Park also offers camping, hiking, and swimming.
Shiner
It might be home to a little more than 2,000 people, but Shiner is also home to the famous Texas brewery, Shiner Beer, which started brewing in 1909. You can take a tour of the Spoetzl Brewery, where they still produce every single drop of Shiner Bock.
New Braunfels
If you've never been floatin', grab your inner tube, because New Braunfels is a good place to start. Relax while floating down the Guadalupe River, or you can visit the famed Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort if nature's not your thing.
Comanche
The Comanche Museum and Cultural Center features exhibits on the town's interesting history, including the Comanche Indian tribe, pioneer life, and the Chisholm Trail. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike or trail ride through beautiful terrain at nearby Comanche Trail Park and end the day by checking out one of the town's many wineries.
Laura Ratliff is a New York City-based writer, editor, and runner. Laura's writing expertise spans numerous topics, ranging from travel and food and drink to reported pieces covering political and human rights issues. She has previously worked at Architectural Digest, Bloomberg News, and Condé Nast Traveler and was most recently the senior editorial director at TripSavvy. Like many of us, Laura was bitten by the running bug later in life, after years of claiming to "hate running." Her favorite marathon is Big Sur.
Madison Alcedo was the Assistant Editor at WomansDay.com and Redbookmag.com.
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