Looking for a fun weekend escape in Texas? You’re in the right place. As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas. That also goes for the amount of fun you can have in the Lone Star State!
From swampy bayous to arid desert peaks, wine country to bustling cities, Texas has it all. And even though I have lived in Texas for over 20 years, I’m still finding new places to explore.
There’s a weekend getaway for everyone, so just pick a direction and set off in search of adventure. With so many choices for things to do in Texas, it’s tough to decide where to start, so this article will help you narrow down your decision when you want a two- or three-day vacation.
Here is my list of the 15 best weekend getaways in Texas.
1. Big Bend National Park
Getting out in nature is one of the coolest weekend getaways in Texas. Big Bend National Park is in the southwest of Texas and captures the very best of the state’s desert and mountain landscapes.
You will see the Chisos mountain range and a large part of the Chihuahuan Desert in the park. Learn more about the best hiking trails at Big Bend.
In the comfort of your car you can take the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive which is a 30-mile road that also leads to the canyon as well as the Castolon Historic District.
The Rio Grande cuts through the Santa Elena Canyon, and you can hike at the basin of the dramatic canyon walls.
At Big Bend park enjoy soothing hot springs, desert and mountain hikes, canoeing, wildlife watching, camping, and spectacular dark skies for viewing the Milky Way.
There’s so much to do at Big Bend you will want to make it a long weekend trip!
READ MORE: Solo Travel in Texas
A Big Bend weekend getaway is the ideal escape to the mountains and high desert of far West Texas
2. Port Aransas
This is an unspoiled seaside town and one of the best places for a relaxing weekend getaway in Texas. Port Aransas sits on Mustang Island in the Gulf of Mexico and this area is especially well known among sport fishermen.
In fact, Port A is known as the fishing capital of Texas. But there are lots of other fun things to do in Port Aransas too. In fact, this is my favorite seaside getaway because of the variety of activities around Port A.
Another big reason Port A is popular with outdoorsy folk is the amazing birdwatching opportunities. The roseate spoonbill, osprey, herons, egrets, and a few hundred other bird species pass through or live in Port Aransas.
The town is a short ferry ride (or drive) from Corpus Christi and one of the best things to do is to cast a line from the mammoth 1,200-foot fishing pier that stretches into the sea.
Horace Caldwell fishing pier reaches about 1,200 feet over the water for your perfect fishing spot in Port Aransas
3. Austin
Austin is one of the most beloved cities in Texas and undoubtedly one of the coolest places for a weekend getaway in the Lone Star State with an abundance of cool boutique hotels.
The capital of Texas has an awesome music scene, and your first order of business should be to seek out some live music performances at one of the city’s premier venues.
But even a dingy corner at an open-mic night will surprise you.
The city also has a thriving foodie scene with tons of unique eateries catering to Austin’s hip crowd. For the most popular joints you’ll want to make reservations well in advance.
Take a moment to stroll through Zilker Park and the Botanical Garden or take a dip in Barton Springs Pool, hovering around a cool 68 degrees year-round.
Walk or bike at beautiful Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake) before doing some sightseeing at the State Capitol and top it all off with a walk up to Mount Bonnell (spoiler alert: it’s not a mountain) or take to the best hiking trails around ATX.
READ MORE: 15 Fun FREE Things to Do in Austin
On your Austin weekend adventure be sure to visit Zilker Botanical Garden in downtown ATX
4. San Antonio
San Antonio is famous for the Alamo and the River Walk. You’ll also find gorgeous parks, amazing art museums, and the best Tex-Mex food.
The Alamo is part of the only UNESCO world heritage site in Texas that also includes fascinating locations like Mission San Jose and Mission Espada, and these are all part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. While it is free to visit the Alamo church in downtown San Antonio, there is also a museum with over 500 artifacts well worth visiting.
The city is also designated as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, so you’ll want to try the tacos and Tex-Mex, but there’s also Asian, French, Italian, and more!
San Antonio’s riverwalk is one of the most popular things to do in the city. Walk along the tranquil banks of the San Antonio River and visit the vibrant restaurants and cafes, or hop on a river taxi for a tour of the highlights on the river walk.
Not far from downtown you’ll find world-class exhibits at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Highly recommended and always a great option when the weather is not so perfect.
Consider staying at one of the fabulous boutique hotels on the river or close to the Alamo so you can easily walk to many of the attractions in downtown San Antonio.
Read my full list of best things to do in San Antonio
A weekend in San Antonio wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Alamo historic site
5. Fredericksburg
Wine lovers, pay attention! Fredericksburg is home to several fabulous wineries—basically, everything you need for the perfect weekend getaway in Texas.
The town has a strong German heritage, and you can also sink your teeth into mouth-watering German dishes all around town.
Visitors also love strolling down the main street and popping into the charming boutiques and shops, but you can also visit the National Museum of the Pacific War if you are a history lover.
In the mood for a unique hike? Check out Enchanted Rock (best in cooler months) for great hiking trails near Fredericksburg.
You won’t want to miss hiking at Enchanted Rock on your Fredericksburg Texas weekend getaway
6. New Braunfels
This is a charming town, halfway between San Antonio and Austin. I liked it so much I moved here in 2022.
Most people know New Braunfels as a tubing hotspot where people flock to hop into an inner tube and float down the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers on hot summer days. The Guadalupe is also popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and boating.
You can also kick it old-school and head to the Stars and Stripes drive-in theater or head underground to experience the might of mother nature at the Natural Bridge Caverns.
In the mood for dancing? Then Gruene Hall awaits you; the oldest dance hall in Texas is the perfect place for cold beers (bring folding money; it’s cash only) and dancing the night away to live music.
And every year in early November the town celebrates with a German-Texan festival known as Wurstfest—a celebration of sausage, beer, music, and fun!
Read my full list of the best things to do in New Braunfels.
Natural Bridge Caverns is cool (literally!) and one of the best places to see when you spend a weekend in New Braunfels
7. Galveston
This is another super popular beach getaway destination in Texas and is only a short drive from Houston.
Galveston has several beaches and excellent fishing spots.
But you can also visit thrilling amusement parks, stroll through the charming Strand Historic District, and visit historical homes like Bishop’s Palace for a glimpse into Texan life from yesteryear.
Learn more about all the fun things to do in Galveston TX!
Moody Mansion is one of the interesting things to do in Galveston Texas
8. Marfa
Try something different for a change and book a weekend getaway in Texas in an unexpected location.
Marfa is in far West Texas, but this town has gained notoriety as an art oasis of note.
The most famous installation is probably the “Smallest Prada Store in the World” but the artist that put Marfa on the map is Donald Judd, who moved to the town in the 70’s and created minimalist art sculptures.
Now you can visit Judd’s Chinati Foundation to view the art collection.
This town has less than 2,000 permanent residents, but there are 19 art galleries, a fascinating ratio that seems very out of place for this remote town!
Learn about the mysterious Marfa Lights and other cool things to do in Marfa Texas
READ MORE: 15 Best Small Towns in TEXAS
Chinati Foundation Marfa features minimalist sculptures by Donald Judd
9. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
This park is famously known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas” and you don’t have to think very hard why.
Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful things you can see on a weekend getaway in Texas.
Try to reach the park from Amarillo to drive along Route 66. With a slight detour, you can see Cadillac Ranch, one of the most famous roadside attractions in the country.
LEARN MORE: 5 Day Road Trip: Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon, Caprock Canyons
That’s me at the base of the Lighthouse, I loved this hike!
10. Wimberley
This great town is a short drive from Austin and the perfect location for a weekend getaway in Texas.
Jacob’s Well is one of the must-do things in town, but make sure to book in advance (for swimming) as this is one incredibly popular activity on offer from May 1 – September 30 only.
But you can still go hiking and see the spring year-round.
Blue Hole is another option for a refreshing swim in the Cypress Creek; this is my favorite swimming hole in Central Texas.
The spring-fed waters are lined with trees, so you’ll have some shade and be serenaded with birdsong.
See if you can find the 50 whimsically painted boots spread across town, or simply sit back and relax at a vineyard after doing some light antiquing.
You can see why Wimberley has always been one of my favorite day trips from Austin!
Explore Wimberley Texas where you can find 50 giant cowboy boots each painted with a unique design – Bootiful Wimberley!
11. Fort Worth
Skip the overwhelmingly big city of Dallas and head to its smaller neighbor instead.
Fort Worth has a distinct charm and the Fort Worth Stockyards is one of the most authentic places you can visit in Texas.
How does a show at the Cowtown Opry sound? Or even finding your way through the labyrinth of the Cowtown Maze?
But time your visit carefully, as every day at 11:30 am and 4 pm you can attend the Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive.
A herd of iconic Texas longhorns and cowboys on horseback make their way through the Stockyards, bringing the past to life before your eyes.
Chisholm Trail mural in downtown Fort Worth Texas
12. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
You might associate fall leaf peeping with New England, but this corner of the state is the best place to spend a fall weekend getaway in Texas.
The park has the four highest peaks in Texas, and the expanses of the Chihuahuan Desert are simply breathtaking.
For fall foliage in October and November, you can hike to McKittrick Canyon, Frijole Ranch, Dog Canyon, and Pine Springs to see the maple, ash, and oak trees change color.
Guadalupe National Park is the best place to go for mountains and fall colors in Texas
13. South Padre Island
This spring-breakers haven is one of the most popular beach destinations in Texas.
It has long blissful sandy stretches on the Gulf of Mexico, and you can learn more about marine life at Sea Turtle Inc.
Visit the South Padre Sand Dunes, go horseback riding at South Padre Island Adventure Park, or go bird watching at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center.
Maybe you need more than a weekend at this diverse destination after all!
South Padre Island Texas
14. Houston
If the only thing you know about the city comes from the overquoted “Apollo 13” movie, you certainly do have a problem.
As the fourth largest city in the United States, Houston has no shortage of things to do, with a bustling art scene, rad music and nightlife, an abundance of good eats, and plenty of places to go on day trips.
You obviously have to visit the Johnson Space Center, but you can also go on a Segway tour, stroll through the botanical gardens, or visit the 1940 Air Terminal Museum if you are an aviation fanatic.
For a unique experience in Houston, check out the Art Car Museum—make an appointment first.
Art lovers will adore the Museum of Fine Arts, and everyone can enjoy the Houston Museum of Natural Science—they have dinosaurs and other cool stuff!
For nighttime fun in H-Town hit the clubs. Austin may be the live music capital, but Houston is the hip-hop capital of Texas.
The art car exhibits change regularly at Houston Art Car Museum – a truly unique TX experience!
15. Caddo Lake State Park
On the border of Texas and Louisiana is a spectacular state park, perfect for a memorable family-friendly weekend getaway.
Paddle a canoe through the eerie bald cypress trees that form a maze of bayous, sloughs, and ponds in Caddo Lake.
There are over 50 miles of paddling trails in the park, and you can stay in an adorable historic cabin to give you the full experience.
Caddo Lake cypress trees
Final Thoughts
Texas is diverse and filled with opportunities for exploring interesting places to see and thrilling outdoor experiences. This list of fun weekend trips gives you the starting point to plan your next great adventure in the Lone Star State. Where will you go next?!
Save this to Pinterest for later!
More Things to Do in Texas
25 Best Things to Do in Galveston
18 Fun Things to Do in Port Aransas
20+ Best Things to Do in Rockport Texas
9 Texas Beach Towns You Will LOVE!
12 German Towns in Texas You Should Visit
15 Best Weekend Getaways from Austin