Top Destinations for a Weekend Getaway in Texas

This quaint village is your doorway to the Texan Hill Country, where you can experience amazing, scenic landscapes. Nature parks, forests, and mountains offer numerous great hiking opportunities, and the charming galleries, shops, and restaurants of the village are waiting to welcome you when you need a quiet, cultural afternoon.

Founded by German settlers in the 19th c., Gruene offers a historic, rural backdrop for a weekend getaway. Located right on the banks of the Guadalupe Rivers, it's the perfect place for romantic strolls, or canoeing adventures.

This charming small town is the perfect spot for a quiet weekend or a romantic getaway. Visit the local wineries, check out the art galleries, and browse through charming shops such as Fletchers Books and Antiques Shop. The waterfalls in Chalkgridge Falls Park make for a great day excursion.

Head to this small town on the border of Texas and Louisiana to explore the Big Cypress National Wildlife Refuge and Caddo Lake. While you're there, pop into the Jefferson Historical Museum and learn about local history, such as the mail delivery system and the courts of law.

This atmospheric small town located by the Chihuhuan Desert is the place to explore desert landscapes and minimalist art. Head out at night with the locals to see if you catch sight of the mysterious “Marfa Lights”. These lights that appear in the desert landscapes outside of Marfa remain an unexplained phenomenon to this day.

One of Texas’ most iconic water holes, nestled deep in the hill country, this pool boasts an enormous waterfall. Stand under the thundering water to cool down completely from the hot Texan weather. Apart from swimming, there are also great nature trails to discover here.

Hike along the Window Trail to see the beautiful views over neighboring Mexico, as well as the panoramic views of the mountains surrounding the Chisos Basin. Canyons and desert plains make for excellent photo backdrops in this nature oasis.

Get in touch with Texan cowboy culture by saddling up a horse and going for a ride through the wilderness. If you’re a beginner, just make sure you have a good riding instructor by your side.

Join the locals in beating the Texas heat at Deep Eddy or Barton Springs, both ideal pools for tubing. Alternatively, head to Lake Travis near Austin for an extended waterfront getaway.

Have a nature guide and binoculars to hand when you head to the World Birding Center in Rio Grande Valley. This protected area offers shelter to more than 540 species of birds, including migratory and rare nesting species.

Texas can be both hot and humid in most seasons, so make sure to bring along light clothing. Cotton or linen are the best materials to keep your skin cool and fresh.

While you may prefer sandals to explore the town's and villages of Texas, you will be happy to have some sturdy hiking boots for your outdoor adventures. Water shoes can also come in handy for tubing and other water sports.

Sunglasses, a hat, and sun screen are essential to protect your skin. Also, make sure you always have a bottle of water in your bag, so you don't get dehydrated.

Arm yourself with a good camera to capture favorite moments and show them to your family and friends back home.

Though it is usually hot and sunny in Texas, there can be rainfall from April through to November. So bring along an umbrella or a raincoat just in case. If you're going to spend much time outdoors, you'll also be happy to have some mosquito repellent handy.