The Lone Star State has many of the most remarkable natural landscapes in the country. From soaring peaks and winding rivers to lush forests and abundant lakes, there are so many incredible places and things to explore in Texas that it can be hard to narrow down.
Indeed Texas has lots to offer in the tiny towns, massive cities, and picturesque rural areas. The state orchestrates dramatic mountains, miles of beaches, and bustling cities where you can have a good time with your family during the weekend. This article looks at some of these fascinating places to visit on weekends in Texas.
1. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, Texas, is a popular place to spend a weekend with your family and friends. The city offers numerous tourist attractions, bringing visitors from all over the world.
San Antonio is also considered one of the best places in the United States to visit in the summertime. The city is known to have one of the highest concentrations of public art in America, with more than 350 murals on display throughout the city and millions more throughout Texas.
San Antonio also has a wide variety of restaurants worth checking out if you plan to visit during your weekend getaway. Stroll at the San Antonio River Walk or the Rivercenter Mall, and soak in the peacefulness of a beautiful city.
The city has stunning art galleries and antique shops that make for perfect weekend family activities. San Antonio offers glamorous camping and hiking spots, perfect for a quick weekend getaway from city life.
2. Wimberley
Wimberley, Texas, located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, is just a short drive from Austin and only an hour’s drive from San Antonio.
From 1701 to the modern-day artistic community, plenty of attractions, museums, and outdoor adventures await you in Wimberley.
The town offers more than just a visit to tourist destinations such as Gruene Hall, Gristmill Artisan Grille, or Blue Hole at Guadalupe River State Park. Wimberley also provides plenty of outdoor activities like hiking around the Blanco River or camping at Galveston Island State Park.
Soar above the Central Texas woodlands at the fascinating Wimberley Zipline Adventures. You could also plunge into the pristine natural springs at Jacob’s well.
3. Houston
The Houston area boasts myriad attractions, things to see, and things to do. Home to one of the country’s vibrant, cosmopolitan areas, with miles of vast tree-lined streets, canals, parks, shopping malls, and more.
Head up north to see some historical sites like Sam Houston’s home in Huntsville -the oldest house in Texas or visit the Museum of Funeral History.
Some other top attractions in Houston include the Downtown Aquarium, Houston Zoo, and Kemah Boardwalk. Make sure you capture some of the stunning landmarks in Texas, such as the San Jacinto Monument & Battleship. Make sure you also visit the Houston Museum of Fine Arts.
One of the spectacular places to visit in Houston is the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. It showcases a collection of George Bush’s campaign memorabilia, gifts, and artifacts from his time as US President. Soak up some culture at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston or attend a Wortham Center for the Performing Arts concert.
Houston is also home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The magnificent visitor attraction offers exciting space-related activities, including Space City Astronaut Training Experience, Flight Simulators, and Mars Mission Simulator.
4. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg lies in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. Mountains and valleys surround this phenomenal city, making it ideal for hiking. Fredericksburg has many natural attractions, including the Fort Griffin State Historic Site and buffalo ranch. Head up to the monument at Fredericksburg to view the historic battlefield from a different perspective.
Other activities in Fredericksburg include indoor rock climbing, camping at Austin’s Hill Country State Park, and fishing in Brazos Bend State Park. Fredericksburg also offers visitors lots of wineries and festivals.
The Hill Country has much more to offer than just camping and hiking. Visitors can explore the vineyards of the Texas Hill Country AVA, drive the scenic loop of Highway 290, or take in a performance at the historic Moody Theater.
5. Galveston
Galveston is another spectacular city in Texas where you can unwind on weekends. Galveston is famous for its beach, the second longest in Texas, and the Moody Gardens Aquarium. You can do many exciting activities at the beach as you enjoy striking views of the Gulf of Mexico’s beautiful, turquoise, blue waters. You can also ride some of the most famous roller coasters in Texas at Galveston’s Pleasure Pier.
If you love fishing, then Galveston is a top spot. The stellar and shallow reefs along Galveston’s shorelines are home to an abundance of fish species ranging from small bass to thousands of sharks and hammerheads. Take a step into this active fishing scene at one of the many nearby fishing excursions, such as Texas’ longest fishing pier or the picturesque Seawolf Park. The Frost Museum of Science and the Air Museum is the most famous museum to visit. Browse the numerous art galleries or shops in the Strand Historic District for remarkable antiques.
6. Jefferson
The other epicenter of fun and exciting things in Texas is Jefferson. You can’t go wrong in Jefferson, from the world-renowned Austin Zoo to the newly opened Hill Country Flower Farm. Take a trip to the central part of the city, where you will find such celebrated landmarks as the famous AT&T Center. It is home to both basketball teams from Texas and the NASCAR Cup Series.
Ride an alligator at nearby Zoo Vacation Rentals. Jefferson also has many fine restaurants and bars, offering excellent quality food and drinks at very reasonable prices. Enjoy a lovely walk along the Deep Eddy Pool Park with its numerous waterfalls, or get active outdoors at nearby Hill Country Campgrounds or Texas Water Safari. What makes this small town charming is its peaceful and pleasant atmosphere, which is a perfect place for family vacations, romantic weekends, and much more.
7. Fort Worth
To some people, Fort Worth may not seem to be the ideal weekend getaway, but you will be shocked at what the town offers. Fort Worth is a lively city filled with many breathtaking leisure activities. You could enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Trinity River in the evening light and even take a ride on the river’s cruise ships. Fort Worth also has one of the largest shopping centers in North America, which showcases anything you may want to buy.
Stop by the American Airlines Center to watch a hockey game or take in a concert at the renowned Cowtown Coliseum for unimaginable fun. Otherwise, visit some of its many fine restaurants and bars. You’ll be flooded with choices regarding shopping and dining options in Fort Worth. The city also boasts one of Texas’s most beautiful wedding chapels. For children’s entertainment in Fort Worth, visit the Children’s Museum or Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Water Park.
8. Amarillo
Let’s say you’re looking for an unforgettable weekend getaway; look no further than this Texas town. The city is also known for its cowboy culture, which makes it a fabulous leisure destination for a weekend getaway. There are lots of spectacular things you can do here. First, you can head out to the Panhandle Plains National Wildlife Refuge. Although this is a relatively new site, there are still a lot of attractions in it, such as the teeming bison and plenty of wildlife.
The West Texas Museum & Art Center presents a comprehensive collection of fine arts and cultural heritage items. There is also an art museum in the city where visitors can get their hands on some incredibly stunning exhibits. You could also stroll at the Palo Duro Canyon State Park and enjoy the park’s serenity. There are countless hiking trails to discover here as you enjoy phenomenal views of the surrounding environment.
9. Padre Island National Seashore
The Padre Island National Seashore is one place you should explore during your vacation to Texas. This national park is worth the visit as it presents a truly spectacular setting and astounding natural beauty. Besides the sensational views of the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf Ship Channel, and Corpus Christi Bay, you will see many birds and other animals in this park.
In addition, there are many recreational activities in this park that you can do. That may include bird watching, fishing, hiking, kayaking, sunbathing on the beach, or even visiting waterfalls. The national seashore also has quite a spectacular lighthouse that you may want to check out. From the lighthouse, you can witness the beautiful sunset in the rugged and barren nature of the coast.
10. Conroe
Conroe, also known as the Garden City of Texas, is one of the oldest towns in Montgomery County. This town is known for its beautiful neighborhoods and excellent schools. Conroe is also known for its beautiful parks and other green spaces that present a favorable environment for families with children.
The town also has many exciting places, such as the Magnolia Gardens, IH-45 Park, Kety Park, and the Montage Apartments for Rent. You could also marvel at the beauty of its historic downtown and the San Jacinto Monument. Conroe also has a variety of dining places where you can enjoy great Texas Barbeque and TexMex food. You could also visit W. G Jones State Forest to enjoy the shaded trails and tranquil miles of tracks. Here you can engage in many activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, biking, and bird watching.
11. Austin
Austin is another city known for its exciting history, architecture, and culture. This city has been praised by numerous tourists worldwide for its unique customs and fantastic food. You can also find various entertainment, such as concerts, festivals, sporting events, and architectural tours. Austin also has a variety of parks, such as Texas State Capitol Park, where you can have fun with your children during the weekend.
This town also has museums, such as The Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum and the University of Texas at Austin campus. This campus consists of many monuments, sculptures, and educational exhibits. You could also visit the World-Famous Austin City Limits Music Festival to see some great musical performances in front of a big audience. Also, try out the famous SXSW music festival held every spring in Austin, where thousands will gather to listen to talented musicians worldwide. read more
12. Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is a great park to visit if you want a quiet weekend retreat from the busy world. This park consists of 1,836 square miles. There are stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and beautiful, natural seacoast. You can also see many strange and fantastic wildlife, such as black bears, wild bighorn sheep, and bald eagles.
Big bend national park allows visitors to camp at any of its campsites. Whether it’s hiking or biking on the lush trails in this park, which are conveniently marked and easy to follow. You can choose to spend some days here and enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, and scuba diving.
13. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park is a park located in Glen Rose, Texas. This park has more than 300 acres, making it one of the biggest parks in the state. This park is also known as Dinosaur Valley because it lies alongside the Dinosaur Trail, hence the name. In this park, you can see petrified trees that are thousands of years old and other fossils from dinosaurs.
There is also an art gallery where you can witness unique sculptures created by famous artists such as Maynard Dixon and Frank Morrison III. This state park is also home to more than 800 different species of animals. This park has a petting zoo that allows visitors to play with and feed the animals.
This park is perfect for camping because you can enjoy swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing, and mountain biking. There are several caves accessible through hiking trails here. You can even rent a canoe and kayak or go hiking to explore the beautiful caves found in the area.
14. Dallas
Dallas is another city where you can enjoy various activities during the weekend with family and friends. You can also observe the beauty of nature by visiting the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, located in the beautiful downtown area of this city. This garden is perfect for all types of trees, flowers, plants, and even trees found in tropical forests.
There are also a lot of attractions here, like an ice skating rink which is among the most sizeable outdoor ice skating rinks in the United States. Another popular activity here is an elephant ride to enjoy at night with your family and friends. You can also visit a floating restaurant in Dallas where you can indulge in delicious seafood while watching the striking scenery underwater.
Dallas offers various activities and experiences within its city walls, such as shopping areas, culture centers, and malls. You can also marvel at museums like The Perot Museum or The George W Bush Presidential Library & Museum.
15. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Do you fancy nature-inspired itineraries and weekend getaways? The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a stunning place to enjoy all kinds of natural wonders, such as hiking trails and scenic views. The park is also home to a beautiful lake with deep blue waters. It is also known as the deepest lake in Texas.
The Guadalupe Mountains Park is famous for recreational purposes, such as camping and mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. You can also check out the Guadalupe Canyons Visitor Center, where you will find free brochures on the park that the National Park Service maintains. The park has a mild climate almost all year round, which makes it ideal for memorable weekend getaways.
16. Marfa
A sprawling desert and scenic National Park, the Marfa is a fascinating place to explore in Texas. The park covers a significant part of West Texas, with rolling plains and teeming wildlife. The Marfa orchestrates stunning mountain ranges at 7,200 feet above sea level. There are countless exciting things to see in this national park, from ancient Indian artifacts to rocks that have looked petrified over millions of years.
The Marfa offers excellent hiking opportunities with unrivaled panoramic views in Texas. It also boasts several historical sites within its borders, such as Fort Davis National Historic Site and Presidio La Bahía de Los Adaes. This region is a great place to discover genuinely rugged and wondrous views of the world’s most famous mountain ranges.
17. Port Aransas
Port Aransas is a delightful seaside town in Texas that has a whole host of things to do for all ages. The atmosphere in Port Aransas is serene thanks to its strategic location on the Gulf of Mexico. This port is home to some of the state’s best fishing and surf spots.
The city has thousands of acres of land dedicated for preservation, like Julia Ideson Beach Park and McFarland Beach Park. The park also boasts beautiful views from atop West Beach, where visitors can take a moment to appreciate nature’s beauty.
The small town holds an abundance of historical attractions as well. Within its borders, you have some exciting places like the Wheeler Opera House, which was rescued from certain ruin after being burned down by fire in 1927, and Port O’Connor National Wildlife Refuge. You can also enjoy dolphin sightings in this small town in Texas.
18. Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is another place you can enjoy various exciting activities on the weekend. You can visit the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington to participate in fun educational activities.
Corpus Christi has several incredible sights that are worth seeing. Stop by the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History or become immersed in nature at the Salinas Nature Center.
Corpus Christi also hosts a few extraordinary museums, like the USS Lexington Museum and the USS Lexington Museum. These two places explain traditional naval vessels’ role in history. Other things you can do or see here include taking a dolphin-watching cruise or going on the Ghost Walk.
Corpus Christi is also well-known for its marine life, so the best time to enjoy it is during Spring and Fall. On average, the area has one of the highest water temperatures in the state, meaning you will have ideal conditions for a vacation.
19. Dripping Springs
It is a small spot located just outside Corpus Christi in Texas. It is known for its natural springs and the activities you can undertake here. The town thrives during summer and has a lot of activities to offer during this season. Arguably one of the coolest and alluring places to visit in Texas, this area has many attractions, like Klondike Kate’s Crystal Beach Waterpark. Some activities you can do here include fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
Bottom Line
Texas is a stunning state with lots of activities to enjoy during the weekend. From impressive valleys, mountains, and astounding beaches, there is everything from everyone in the lone star state. Visit any of these places to experience unforgettable moments.
FAQs
Where should I take my girlfriend for a weekend in Texas?
Texas is a fascinating state, and you can take your girlfriend to many places. First, you need to determine what both of you love doing together. If you love water sports, head to dripping springs and some pristine white sandy beaches to enjoy various water sports. If you both love nature, you could head over to the alluring state and national parks in Houston, Conroe, or Wimberley.
Where can I go road trip to Texas?
The ideal road trips to try could be the Piney Woods Road Trip, El Paso Road Trip, Big Bend National Park, Dalla Loop Road Trip, and an incredible trip from Waco to Longview.
What is the prettiest city in Texas?
Fredericksburg is the prettiest city in Texas. It has fascinating flora and fauna, and the architectural design makes it stand out among the more than 3,300 towns and cities.
