Every state has its secret spots for the weekend, and due to its size and density, Texas has so much to offer. From relaxing in parks and forests to wandering around lovely villages, to discovering exciting activities and attractions that many tourists don’t know even exist, here are the hidden gems. Below are the 10 best hidden weekend getaways in Texas which are uniquely different and special.
Best Hidden Weekend Getaways in Texas
1. Marfa
Marfa is a very tiny town in the barren region of West Texas. In its relatively small size, however, there is a steady supply of contemporary art and otherworldly phenomena. However, the town’s most popular legend is the Marfa Lights – balls of light that appear on the horizon and nowhere else.
Besides this mystery, Marfa has many artistic works that include installations, galleries, and exhibitions that are appealing to several people. The combination of a backward and a progressive atmosphere gives this town a rather peculiar character and is rather perspective for tourists who want to have a rest in a calm environment but with an experimental twist.
2. Wimberley
Wimberley is a beautiful town situated in the southern part of Texas in the Texas Hill Country and the aesthetic setting of the town makes it a perfect weekend getaway for residents of nearby urban areas as it boasts to be a small town. The area is famous for stunning coves with swimming pools, such as the Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well, pleasant and cool in the hot Texas summer.
Even more appealing than its scenery, Wimberley has much in the way of cultural offerings with art galleries and stores selling homemade quality products. Still, the town can be attributed to the list of the best places in Texas where tourists can check out and enjoy how slow and peaceful life can be.
3. Terlingua
Terlingua is a derelict town located in the vicinity of Big Bend National Park in the southwestern part of Texas. Modern Terlingua is a small picturesque town which was originally a mining community. A large number of buildings and mining equipment that were left in the town provide the place with an atmosphere of desolation.
Though Terlingua is no more than a mere skeleton of a town, there is something quite spirited about this place, most notably, during the chili cook-off festival which is a major tourist attraction. Big Bend National Park with spectacular desert scenery is located close to Terlingua and the area Is best explored from this unusual and off-the-put paved town.
4. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a historically small town that has a strong German heritage, the town is situated in the hill country region of the state of Texas. The town is famous for its wine producers and the region where the town resides is among the largest wine producers in Texas. Tourism in this region can include wine tasting in the many wine-producing firms or sightseeing, especially in the historic center of town where there are so many shops, eateries, and landmarks.
One of the most interesting sites in Fredericksburg is the nearby Enchanted Rock, a large pink granite formation that provides fine hiking opportunities and beautiful views of the Hill Country. The city of Fredericksburg is crammed with culture, history, and stunning geographical features that turn any vacation into a pleasure.
read also: Weekend Getaways From Dallas
5. Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lost Maples State Natural Area is a very beautiful place in Texas, particularly during the autumn and it is situated in the Sabinal River Valley. The park has several bigtooth maple trees, and in the fall the area shines red, orange, and yellow.
Lost Maples has spectacular views of canyons, streams, plants, and wildlife, even when the fall foliage is not at its peak or even in summer. Trails weaving in various parts of the park are as extensive as giving ample chances to enjoy the paper’s natural scenery and serenity brought about by geographical isolation.
6. Jefferson
Jefferson is a historical city located in east Texas with many attractions that provide a real feel of the colonial period. Known as the ‘Bed and Breakfast Capital of Texas’, Jefferson offers visitors an attractive historic district combined with attractively restored Victorian architecture. The town has many well-preserved buildings and homes as it was a riverport during the 1800s due to trading by steamboats.
It is possible to hire local guides to explain the significance of built and preserved heritage and take guided rides through the beautiful town. Jefferson maintains antique shops, museums, and bayou tours which could be of interest to historical and slow-life enthusiasts.
7. Caddo Lake
Covering parts of both Texas and Louisiana, Caddo Lake is one of the most highland features in the region. The lake is famous for its extended cypress swamps, the views of which make one feel like in the enchanting and calm realm. The remains of cypress trees hang low with the sense of Spanish moss situating the lake in a surreal atmosphere.
The region supports a diverse population of birds, alligators, and fish including Bass, Crappie, Bream, Catfish, and Sunfish. Kayaking is one of the activities done in the area, visitors can take a canoe or kayak through the waters around the lake and have a look at the serenity that is associated with the place. The quietude of Caddo Lake allows people who wish to enjoy some time alone and contact with nature to do so.
8. Rockport
The setting of Rockport is in the Gulf Coast region of the state of Texas and is famous for its natural looks and slow pace of life. Unlike some of the larger coastal towns, the beaches of the town are not very crowded and can be a great place for an isolated and quiet vacation by the sea.
Apart from the beaches, Rockport has something for history lovers; the Texas Maritime Museum which tells more of the maritime history of the state. Another activity of interest in Rockport is bird watching since Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a worthy ground for starting with whooping cranes and other bird species.
Consequently, Rockport presents a range of fun in the sun and beach together with artsy and cultural activities, which provides a good weekend getaway.
9. Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs is a rather compact town that boasts attractions related to nature and local traditions – it is known as the ‘Gateway to the Hill Country’. There are several distillation plants for alcoholic or grain-based spirits, winemakers, and breweries in the town, and therefore tourists visiting the town love to taste wines and spirits produced in the town.
Hamilton Pool is considered one of the most magnificent natural landmarks of the territory; it is a natural pool into which a waterfall falls. There is also the Hill Country which boasts of several hiking and biking trails and other forms of outdoor activities.
The landscape of Dripping Springs offers stunning views, the environment is quite picturesque and the element of local heritage gives the place a nice feeling.
Book Hotels in Dripping Springs
read also: Romantic Getaways in Texas
10. Llano
Llano is a small town situated in the geographical center of the Texas Hill Country and is a picturesque town with much historical background. The town is located near the Llano River, and thus one can swim, fish, or even kayak in the river. The environment contains many large rounded granite outcrops covered with wildflower fields and snaking rural roads, which makes it perfect for a scenic drive.
One will mainly find several traditional sets of buildings for business, eateries, and shops in the downtown Llano region. No matter, if you are keen on watching the river and its flora and fauna or if you value the tranquillity of the town, Llano is perfect for a peaceful and calm weekend.
Summary
These under-the-radar weekend destinations in the Lone Star state are a mix of history and culture with quaint towns and picturesque beaches, and nature with a flare-up of hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. All these locations give people the opportunity to have fun, unwind, and enjoy themselves without the stresses of the everyday world. Find the best-kept secrets of Texas and have the perfect weekend getaways that you have always dreamed of.
