Top Tranquil Weekend Escapes in Texas

Texas has numerous well-known tourist destinations filled with attractions, events, and more. However, sometimes a quiet weekend getaway is more appealing than an action-packed vacation, and Texas has plenty of destinations for that type of trip as well. A good many small Texas towns and quaint villages dot the landscape of the Lone Star State, from West Texas to the Piney Woods, the Gulf Coast to the Hill Country; there are plenty of great locations for a quiet weekend getaway in Texas.

Wimberley

A visit to the quaint Texas Hill Country village of Wimberley provides a relaxing getaway any time of the year. Wimberley is located about an hour outside of Austin and is within close proximity to a variety of attractions in San Marcos and New Braunfels. Two of the more popular are Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Wonder World. However, as attractive as Wimberley’s centralized location to other attractions is, the village itself is the main reason tourists flock here. Consequently, Wimberley is one of the most scenic communities in all of Texas, which makes for plenty of sightseeing opportunities for visitors. Additionally, despite its “village” status, Wimberley offers a variety of shops which would be hard to match anywhere.

Gruene

Gruene’s official slogan, “Gently resisting change since 1872,” gives visitors a sense of its history from the outset. What started out as a small German settlement in the 1840s has blossomed into a mecca for antique hunters, diners, river sport enthusiasts, and music lovers. Located right on the banks of the Guadalupe River, Gruene offers plenty of recreational and sightseeing opportunities. Chief among Gruene’s attractions is the Gruene Dance Hall, which is the oldest in Texas.

Salado

Whether you want a romantic getaway or a quiet weekend alone, Salado is the perfect spot. Offering fine bed and breakfast inns, as well as quaint shops, dynamic water gardens, and carriage tours, Salado is sure to put your mind at ease. Founded in 1859 at the old Military Crossing of Salado Creek, Salado College was established that same year, transforming Salado into a viable community. With the Chisholm Trail running right through downtown, a responsive college, dozens of stores, and artisans, Salado was a thriving community throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. However, when the railroads bypassed Salado, the town began to decline. Therefore, in the 1940s, the village began a revitalization effort, transforming itself into a tourist-driven community.

Jefferson

Home to Caddo Lake and nearby Lake O’ the Pines, Jefferson is located near the Texas/Louisiana border and is widely known as the “Bed and Breakfast Capital of East Texas.” Caddo Lake and Big Cypress National Wildlife Refuge are among the most popular natural attractions in Texas. The Jefferson Historical Museum and several historical homes also draw plenty of visitors. Annual events such as the barbecue cookoff, Mardi Gras, and holiday light trail are popular among visitors as well.

Marfa

Home to the mysterious “Marfa Lights,” the tiny West Texas town of Marfa plays host to thousands of visitors annually, who come to watch this unexplained nightly light show. Although the lights have been viewed practically every night since 1883, no one has yet been able to explain why they occur. Today, there is actually a ‘Marfa Lights Viewing Area’ as well as a Marfa Lights Festival. In addition to the lights, Marfa boasts a good complement of museums, art galleries, a winery, and the Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Rockport

Rockport is known more for its “charm” than any other town along the Texas coast. Nestled in the heart of the Texas Coastal Bend region, Rockport has become a mecca for artists. This burgeoning art scene has spawned a unique tourist stream. Many of these same visitors also partake in Rockport’s natural attractions and outdoor activities such as boating, birding, and fishing. Moreover, Rockport is also home to a number of festivals and celebrations such as the HummerBird Celebration, Rockport Seafair, and Rockport Film Festival. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of cozy restaurants and accommodations.