Normally the sentiment of “bigger is better” is the rule of thumb in the great state of Texas. But sometimes, it really pays off to go small. And when it comes to small towns in Texas, smaller is definitely better.
The Lone Star State is known for major cities like Dallas and Houston, but Texas charm really shines in small towns like Wimberley.
This list has 15 of the best small towns in Texas to help bring them to light. There’s everything from towns on the beach, to ones celebrating German heritage, and even a ghost town. Sounds interesting, right? Okay, let’s dive into the list.
15 Best Small Towns in Texas
1. Marfa
For a small town, Marfa is a big name in the art scene. Since New York artist, Donald Judd, arrived in the town back in the 80s Marfa has grown to become a major player in the art world.
Definitely check out Chinati Foundation and Marfa Ballroom among tons of other galleries in Marfa displaying works from local, national and international artists.
And don’t miss Prada Marfa.
Read our list of all the best things to do in Marfa!
Marfa is definitely one of the best small towns for art lovers.
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Settle down to happy hour in Marfa for libations and Texas style snacks
2. Gruene
This small town is one of the great German towns of Texas and although it’s now considered part of New Braunfels it still maintains that small town vibe.
Gruene (pronounced green) is home to the famous Gruene Hall (the oldest dance hall in Texas) where you’ll find live music happenings pretty much every day.
Definitely make some time to check out the rest of Gruene historic district too where you can peruse Gruene General Store for some of the best souvenir finds in town then shop the cute boutique stores too.
When you get hungry there’s some great restaurants like The Gristmill, Gruene River Grill, or relax outdoors at Gruene Grove for music, bratwurst, and homemade ice cream.
Gruene makes for a pretty cool day trip from Austin or San Antonio.
Gruene Texas is a fun town for a day trip
3. Port Aransas
Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico is Port Aransas. If you’re looking for an amazing beach vacation in a quaint small town, look no further than Port Aransas.
You’ll love the shops and restaurants downtown. But the 18 miles of beaches are what make it one of the best beach towns in Texas.
Known as the Fishing Capital of Texas, anglers can throw a line just about anywhere including the bays, channels, from the piers and on offshore excursions.
If you have the slightest interest in birdwatching then you’ll love Port Aransas, especially during the spring and fall migration times.
Bring your binoculars and check out the Roseate Spoonbills, Whooping Cranes, Egrets, and an assortment of shorebirds.
Port Aransas is the ideal small town for people who love outdoor activities and nature.
Besides great fishing, Port Aransas is perfect for beach walks, biking, beachcombing, and just relaxing
4. Alpine
A stone’s throw from Big Bend National Park, Alpine gets a lot of visitors who are headed that way. But in reality, Alpine is a great destination on its own.
A historic walking tour of downtown is the perfect way to see the sites of Alpine and check out the boutiques and eateries along the way.
Make sure to do the hike up to the top of Hancock Hill and leave a message in one of the notebooks in the desk. Desk?! Yes, that’s right! There is a desk and chair waiting for you at the top.
Alpine is the perfect home-base in West Texas close to Big Bend.
Take a hike up to Hancock Hill and you’ll find the desk at the top, along with some notebooks and pens
5. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a small town with a lot of pride for its German roots. Founded in 1846, it has been a favorite destination for Texans and visitors ever since.
One of the best historical sites in Texas is located in Fredericksburg. The National Museum of the Pacific War began as a tribute to Admiral Chester Nimitz in his hometown.
Main Street Fredericksburg has it all from traditional architecture to boutiques and art galleries, and the Pioneer Museum.
True to their heritage, of course there are great places to enjoy delicious German cuisine.
With over 100 vineyards nearby, Fredericksburg is one of the best places in Texas for wine tasting.
Read our article about fun things to do in Fredericksburg.
Visit the Pioneer Museum in downtown Fredericksburg
6. Rockport
If you’re looking for a small town in Texas that’s a great place to relax, consider Rockport. Located right on the Gulf of Mexico it’s got everything you’d want in a laid-back beach town.
The beaches in Rockport provide everything from a great day soaking up the sun, to fishing and birding. To spot more wildlife like whooping cranes, armadillos, and alligators head to nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
Make sure not to miss The Big Tree that’s over 1,000 years old at Goose Island.
Check out our full list for other fun stuff to do in Rockport.
7. Boerne
Boerne Texas has everything to love in a small town. It’s got everything from historical sites to adventure into nature. Its cute Main Street is part of the reason it’s one of the best small towns in Texas.
In Boerne you can walk the Old Number 9 Rail Trail, go for a hike in Cibolo Nature Center, learn about its past at the Herff Farm or the Kuhlmann-King Historical Complex.
The Cave Without a Name is one of the coolest things to do in Boerne.
You’ll find this fella on the Old Number 9 Rail Trail in Boerne Texas
8. Brenham
Brenham is one of the best Texas towns to visit in the springtime when Maifest takes place. As a celebration of the town’s German heritage, festivities like maypole dancing, parades, and delicious food fill the town.
The other great reason to visit Brenham in spring is the abundance of Texas bluebonnets which makes for the perfect Lone Star photo op.
Brenham is also the home to Blue Bell Creameries. This is one of the reasons I first visited Brenham!
That’s right, the ice cream enjoyed all over the country is produced in Brenham. Make a trip to Blue Bell to sample the desert and see how it’s all made.
Brenham is famous for Bluebonnets and Blue Bell Ice Cream
9. Terlingua
For the most unique experience head to Terlingua. Located near the Mexico border, it was once a booming mining town but was deserted in the 1940s. Today this not so abandoned ghost town is lots of fun to explore.
You can visit for the day or stay the night. That’s right, although essentially a ghost town, there are places to stay like the Perry Mansion.
And for fun in the evening hours be sure to head over to the Starlight Theatre Restaurant for good eats, live music, and tasty libations.
At sun-up drag yourself over to Espresso Y Poco Mas for coffee and breakfast. Then take a wander around the Terlingua Cemetery where you’ll also find some cool ruins nearby.
Terlingua is the ideal small town in Texas for ghost hunters.
In Terlingua the place to be for food and fun is the Starlight Theatre
10. Elgin
Elgin is a small town in Texas that is filled with charm. As the Sausage Capital of Texas you’ll easily fill your belly with delicious barbeque at Southside Market & BBQ or Meyer’s Elgin Smokehouse.
Historically, Elgin was established when the railroad was built.
So, it’s fitting to check out the Elgin Train Depot Museum. If you’re looking to buy a piece of history, Elgin has great antique shops like Elgin Antiques and Uniques.
11. Wimberley
Wimberly is a great place to go for a swim, enjoy beautiful views, and stroll through town. And Wimberley is known far and wide for having some of the best swimming holes in the Lone Star State. Both The Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well are fed by natural underground springs. Also the Blanco River offers an additional swimming spot for the hot Texas summers.
For gorgeous views of the Texas Hill Country you can climb Old Baldy or drive along the Devil’s Backbone in Wimberley.
You might notice a few giant cowboy boot sculptures around Wimberley – there’s over 50 of them now!
12. Bastrop
The heart of Bastrop, downtown, is situated along the Colorado River. You’ll love strolling in and out of the historic, quaint buildings. There’s everything from boutiques, shops, and art galleries to restaurants and museums.
Go on an outdoor adventure among the Lost Pines in Bastrop State Park.
Bastrop has tons of events happening all year long. There’s even a family movie night every Tuesday making it one of the best small towns for family fun in Texas.
13. Kemah
Kemah is a great place located on the Galveston Bay. This small town is a slight change of pace from its larger neighbor, Galveston. But here you’ll also find great beaches and fishing.
The Kemah Boardwalk is a huge attraction known for amusement rides, shops, and restaurants. From heart-pumping rollercoasters to graceful Ferris wheels that give you a bird’s eye view, there’s something for everyone.
Kemah is one of the best small towns in Texas for the whole family.
14. Lockhart
Lockhart is the town in Texas if you’re looking for the best barbeque. No joke. Lockhart may be small, but it’s got a big game when it comes to food.
For the best brisket choose from Chisholm Trail Barbecue, Kreuz Market, Black’s BBQ or Smitty’s Market. All serve up incredible delicious food in the name of Texas barbeque.
Beyond food, you’ll also enjoy exploring the Lockhart State Park and the Caldwell County Museum. Also, take a walk over to look at the architecture of the Lockhart County Courthouse, it’s a beautiful building.
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Texas has some beautiful stone courthouses like the one in Lockhart
15. Dripping Springs
To the southwest of Austin in Hill Country you’ll find one of the best small towns in Texas for outdoor fun, the lovely town of Dripping Springs.
It’s easy to fall in love with the outdoors in Dripping Springs.
Pedernales Falls State Park, Reimers Ranch Park, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center all provide great opportunities to explore the beautiful landscape.
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a major destination too. In fact it’s become so popular you need a reservation to visit the preserve.
Downtown Dripping Springs is a lovely place filled with boutiques, cafes, and pubs.
Near Dripping Springs you can chill out at Pedernales Falls State Park
Final Thoughts Best Texas Small Towns
And that completes our list of the best small towns in Texas. As you can see, the Lone Star State has so much to offer. From the high desert to hill country to the Gulf coast there’s something for everyone. From sportsman’s paradise to cute or quirky, you’ll find it in Texas.
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