Texas is an enormous state with so much to offer in its big cities, tiny towns, and picturesque rural areas. It almost feels like you’re going into another country when you travel from one destination to another. Whether you live in Texas or a nearby state or if you just visiting from somewhere else, there are lots of areas that you can see and experience over a weekend. Here are a few of the most exciting weekend getaways in Texas give you a whole new perception of this great southern state.
Palo Duro Canyon and Amarillo
Amarillo may be way out in West Texas, but it’s certainly worth the drive if you enjoy nature, stunning scenery, and a quirky vibe. The hiking and biking trails and rock formations of Palo Duro Canyon make you rethink your stereotypes of Texas and provide excellent outdoor opportunities. The famous Route 66 roadside attraction, Cadillac Ranch, is also on the outskirts of town and a unique spectacle that’s worth a quick stop for the photo ops. One recommended place to stay here is the Starlight Canyon B&B between Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon. Other attractions to visit are the American Quarter Horse Museum & Hall of Fame and the Amarillo Zoo. Just make sure to work up an appetite before going to the Big Texan, which is a restaurant famous for its free 72-ounce steak if you can eat it all plus sides within an hour.
Texas Hill Country Wineries
An easy weekend trip from Austin is to the alluring Texas Hill Country. Considered to be the region from Austin to Fredericksburg and Lampasas to New Braunfels, you’ll find an array of charming wineries to explore. Visit over Memorial Day weekend to take part in the Austin Wine and Music Festival and sample the wines of several Hill Country vineyards. Wineries in the area include Flat Creek Estate, Dry Comal Creek, Driftwood Estates, Spicewood Vineyards, Pillar Bluff Vineyard, and nearly 50 more!
Big Adventure in Big Bend
Big Bend means big adventure in Texas, which is a great place for hiking, off-road tours, canoeing, and rafting. If the waters of the Rio Grande River are flowing, a rafting trip through Santa Elena Canyon and its 1500-foot walls is an unforgettable experience. If you dislike how crowded the national parks in the U.S have become lately, you’ll love Big Bend. This is one of the most remote and least-visited parks in America, which means that lots of people are truly missing out. Two of the best trails here are the Marufo Vega loop trail that passes through canyons and the Chimneys Trail that reaches an impressive desert rock formation. There are some good golf courses in this area, including the Big Bend Resort Golf Course in Study Butte and Black Jack’s Crossing in Lajitas, if you want to get in some playtime.
Beach Weekend at Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi along the Gulf Coast is an amazing place to spend a weekend in Texas. There is a lot of affordable lodging here, RV parks, fun bars, and delicious restaurants. This is a popular place to camp, so bring your RV for the weekend if you have one. Enjoy miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico for sunbathing and swimming, golf courses like the Palmilla Beach Golf Club and the Lozano Golf Center, and go fishing either with your own gear or a local fishing guide. Simply walking, jogging, or biking along Shoreline Drive and Ocean Drive makes for a lovely day on your getaway. You can find great seafood at the Water Street Café and Oyster Bar, live music at Brewster Street Ice House, and a fun outdoor patio at Pier 99.
Music & Culture in Austin
Austin is one of the most truly unique places in all of Texas, with a vibrant culture, a busy entertainment district and famous music scene. Austin is often touted as the live music capital of the world, and with many things to do and festivals scheduled throughout the year, there really is no bad time to visit the city. Experience the best of this city for yourself, dine at any number of Austin’s most unique restaurants, marry the experience with the perfect place to stay and you’ll have a weekend getaway to last you until your next vacation.
Enchanted Rock and Llano
Enchanted Rock is a beautiful natural area near Llano, Texas. This is a large formation that you can hike to the top of or around the perimeter for lovely views. Its massive granite dome has been drawing people to Central Texas for thousands of years, and there are about 11 miles of hiking trails here to explore. Llano is known as the deer capital of Texas and has some museums to explore. Fredericksburg is also nearby and known for its German culture, live music venues, and local wineries. Both camping and hotels are available for accommodations in this area.
Nature at Colorado Bend State Park
Not to be confused with Big Bend National Park, the Texas town of Bend is the gateway to Colorado Bend State Park. This is a fairly rustic and primitive park that really gets you into nature and experiencing all that the wild has to offer. Popular activities here include hiking, mountain biking, caving, kayaking, and visiting the 60-foot Gorman Falls. You can reach the falls if you hike a three-mile round-trip trail on your own or take a shorter guided hike with a local ranger. The state park allows camping if you want to “rough it” for the weekend.
Romantic B&B at Cat Springs
Head just an hour west of Houston to reach BlissWood and Breakfast Ranch at Lehmann Ranch in Cat Spring. This is a romantic getaway with 500 acres of beauty that welcomes guests for a day, a week, or even longer. You can stay at the bed and breakfast cabins or guesthouses with antiques, kitchens, and plenty of privacy. Enjoy the simple pleasures of farm animals and wildlife, or kick back and relax with local beer supplied by Huff Brewing Company. This is also a popular spot for weddings, family reunions, and company picnics. Packages are available for equestrian vacations, outdoor adventures, and honeymoons. Other areas to visit near this small town include Stephen F. Austin Park, Bellville City Park, and the Lonestar Motorsports Park.
Shopping & Serenity in San Marcos
San Marcos is a great place for a girls’ weekend getaway because this is where the San Marcos Premium Outlets and the Tanger Outlet San Marcos are located. Groups of friends who love to shop will have a blast in this area for the weekend. There are affordable and convenient motels along the interstate and also lovely bed and breakfasts nearby. For a shopping break, get in touch with nature at Crook Park, the San Marcos Iris Garden, or the San Marcos Discovery Center.
Rustic Beauty of Bastrop
Bastrop is a Texas city that is located along the Colorado River within the Lost Pines. You can explore the El Camino Real Paddling Trail down the Colorado River, which is a six-mile trail that winds around the city. Bastrop State Park is also a great place to visit to see the pine trees. Head downtown to check out the antique shops and maybe even visit the old-fashioned barbershop and pharmacy. Other recommended places to visit here are the Museum and Visitor Center of the Bastrop County Historical Society, Colorado River Winery, and the Texas Reptile Zoo.
Picturesque Town of Granbury
Granbury is a quaint and picturesque town that’s family-friendly and only about 90 minutes southwest of Dallas. Come here to stay in a historic B&B, such as Inn on Lake Granbury, and plan your trip for March to attend the General Granbury Birthday Party Festival. Here you can check out a parade, arts and craft fair, and cookoff. Another festival in March is the Brazos River Music Fest, which is a fun place to listen to country music. Other things to do here for the weekend include taking a boat cruise on the Granbury Riverboat, renting out jet skis, and watching a performance at the Granbury Opera House.
Inner Space Caverns of Georgetown
If you drive about 175 miles from Houston, you’ll reach Inner Space Caverns and feel like you’re a world away. Inside the caves, you’ll find stunning rock formations that were discovered by highway crews in the 1960s when they were building I-35! After touring the caves, you can shop for crafts, antiques, and chocolates in Georgetown Square in the Old Town area.
Upscale Seaside at Rockport
While some Gulf Coast towns are a bit cheesy and budget-friendly, Rockport is a more upscale seaside location that offers excellent cuisine and lots of art. One recommended restaurant here is called Glow, which is famous for Sunday brunch. The Lighthouse Inn is a great place to stay for lovely views of the Gulf.
