There are several amazing weekend getaways in Texas that are perfect to visit year-round.
Whether you’re looking for an outdoor destination with lots of water activities and hikes or for some sun and sand on a beach getaway, spa relaxation, or nightlife and museums, you can find it in Texas!
From Galveston and Fredericksburg to San Antonio and Dallas, there’s something for everyone and every budget.
Best Weekend Getaways in Texas
Here are some of our favorite Texas weekend getaways to add to your bucket list.
Houston
Houston makes an excellent family weekend trip in Texas.
It is home to several kid friendly attractions such as the Houston Zoo, Downtown Aquarium, and the Kemah Boardwalk.
Make sure you bring your camera to capture some of the most iconic landmarks in Texas, like NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the San Jacinto Monument & Battleship.
And of course, a trip to the city isn’t complete without a stop at the world-famous Houston rodeo!
The city also has excellent world class restaurants and bars, making it a popular romantic weekend getaway for couples.
The Houston Arts District, packed with art galleries and theaters, is a favorite with couples.
You can also explore Houston’s Museum District, a great place to learn about American history, science and fine arts.
San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas is one of the most romantic getaways in America.
The San Antonio River Walk has stunning architecture and is very pretty.
Take a moonlit stroll along the Riverwalk with your loved one or enjoy a boat cruise on the river to appreciate its beauty.
Another must-see attraction is The Alamo, which is full of Texas history and Spanish colonial architecture.
This was the site of the famous Battle of Alamo, a pivotal point in the Texas Revolution.
Besides the Alamo, San Antonio is home to 4 other historical missions which together with the Alamo are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Texas City is also renowned for its museums, Historic Market Square, and beautiful parks.
For a fun day outdoors, take some time for hiking and biking one of the city’s many nature trails.
You can also kayak or paddle board on the river walk downtown.
San Antonio is also home to Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park and SeaWorld San Antonio.
Don’t forget to check out the famous Riverwalk restaurants to try some of the city’s fantastic Tex-Mex cuisine.
Galveston
The charming beach town of Galveston is one of the most popular weekend trips in Texas.
It’s an excellent destination for a relaxing getaway or to have fun at the beach.
Galveston is home to several family-friendly attractions, such as Moody Gardens with its aquarium and planetarium, Schlitterbahn Water Park & Resort, and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.
The Pleasure Pier has some of the best views of the Gulf of Mexico.
You can also visit several museums in the city or spend the afternoon shopping for antiques or browsing through art galleries in the Strand Historic District.
For a romantic getaway in Texas, you just have to visit Galveston at night!
Many restaurants along the beachfront offer live jazz music or enjoy a romantic dinner on your hotel’s balcony.
Fredericksburg
Located in beautiful Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is one of the most romantic weekend getaways in Texas.
Fredericksburg is known for its German heritage.
On Main Street, you can spot several historic buildings built by original settlers, museums dedicated to the German heritage, as well as restaurants serving German dishes including brats and sauerkraut.
The main attraction here is the surrounding wine country!
You will find several wineries near Fredericksburg which are perfect for wine tours and wine tasting.
Amarillo
Located in the Texas panhandle, Amarillo makes one of the most exciting weekend getaways in Texas for road trippers.
The city is located on Historic Route 66 and has plenty of historic buildings and vintage attractions.
The famous Cadillac Ranch, one of the best attractions on the Mother Road, is located here.
Amarillo is also famous for its museums including the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which has over 20 miles of well-marked hiking trails, is an easy day trip from the city.
The park is home to the rugged Palo Duro Canyon which is known as the Grand Canyon of Texas.
Austin
Austin is one of the best destinations for weekend getaways in Texas with an eclectic mix of music, cafes, parks, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities to choose from.
Spend your days listening to live music at local music venues and checking out the city’s hip and trendy restaurants.
At night, be sure to check out one of Austin’s most popular bars for a taste of some Texas-sized cocktails!
Enjoy the boardwalk trail at Lady Bird Lake and see the State Capitol building in downtown Austin.
Enjoy swimming at Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs or the bluebonnets at Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center.
Austin also offers plenty of outdoor activities including kayaking, biking, and hiking in the nearby Hill Country.
Couples can enjoy a relaxing spa massage at the Lake Austin Spa Resort or enjoy a sunset dinner on the shores of Lake Travis.
Padre Island National Seashore
Located on the Gulf Coast just north of South Padre Island, Padre Island National Seashore features beautiful white-sand Texas beaches with gorgeous turquoise waters.
This is one of the most underrated national parks in Texas.
The park is home to over 70 miles of coastal habitat featuring several different species of endangered sea turtles.
You can also spot dolphins swimming in the bay or pelicans diving into the water for a meal.
Birding is another popular activity here where you can see local bird species including American oystercatchers and snowy plovers.
Padre Island National Seashore also has several campsites where you can stay right on the beach and wake up to splendid views.
The sandy beaches and excellent birding here are a great break from busy city life.
Dallas
The sprawling major city of Dallas makes an excellent romantic getaway for those living in North Texas.
Dallas has countless Texas-sized attractions, museums and cultural destinations, food, and shopping.
Visit the Sixth Floor Museum in Dealey Plaza to learn about the assassination of JFK.
Enjoy the views from Reunion Tower observation deck. Admire the murals in Deep Ellum.
Be sure to try some Texas BBQ while you’re here.
There are lots of fantastic barbecue restaurants in Dallas serving up the city’s best smoked meats.
Dallas also has several attractions for outdoor lovers.
Enjoy hiking at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. Enjoy beautiful fall colors at Dallas Arboretum. Go kayaking at White Rock Lake.
Dallas is also home to several beautiful golf courses.
A Dallas weekend need not be lavish!
You will find multiple opportunities to plan romantic getaways in Dallas, Texas on a budget.
Waco
Waco is a charming Texas town located on the banks of the Brazos River in Central Texas.
In terms of attractions, Waco is home to the iconic Dr. Pepper Museum, Magnolia Market at the Silos, and the Waco Mammoth National Monument, just to name a few.
The city also has an excellent nightlife scene with live music venues, restaurants, bars, and lounges.
Waco is also well known for its beautiful parks which are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking or biking.
Beaumont
Located in East Texas, Beaumont is a budget-friendly Texas getaway.
The city has several attractions that are perfect for a weekend trip including the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum and the McFaddin-Ward House.
McFaddin-Ward House has a collection of Victorian furniture and hosts a variety of lectures about historical topics from the Civil War to modern times.
Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum is an authentic oil town from 1901 and tells the story of Beaumont’s oil industry.
The Beaumont Botanical Gardens is a hidden and serene oasis where you can admire nature’s beauty.
Also Read: Best Things to do in East Texas
Fort Worth
Fort Worth is a great Texas weekend getaway for culture lovers as well as Wild West enthusiasts.
The premier attraction here is the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.
The city has several fun kid-friendly attractions like the Fort Worth Zoo, National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
But if you’re looking for something romantic, then Fort Worth is also packed with attractions that will make your heart skip a beat.
Enjoy Western-inspired shopping and dining at the Western Wear shops in Fort Worth’s Sundance Square or browse art galleries and watch live music at the Kimball Art Museum.
Spend time exploring downtown Fort Worth and the Cultural District with is home to art galleries, theaters, and museums.
Big Bend National Park
Located in West Texas, Big Bend makes an excellent weekend getaway for outdoor lovers.
The region is perfect for exploring vast stretches of wilderness and little-visited towns such as Marfa and Marathon.
Big Bend National Park is known for its stunning views of the Chihuahua desert which includes over 300 miles of cliffs, canyons, and mountain ranges.
It’s also home to some of the most diverse wildlife in all of North America.
If you’re lucky, you can catch a glimpse of some larger animals including black bears, mountain lions, and javelinas.
Big Bend National Park is best explored by hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives.
Some of the most scenic hikes in Texas such as the Santa Elena Canyon Trail and Cattail Falls Trail are located in the park.
South Padre Island
Located in southeast Texas, South Padre Island has gorgeous Gulf Coast beaches and lively nightlife.
Spend your days soaking up the sun, build a sandcastle, or take a dolphin cruise from Port Isabel.
You can also try some deep-sea fishing in South Padre or go kayaking in the Laguna Madre.
During peak months, you can enjoy events and festivals on the tropical island featuring live music from local bands and food trucks.
For college students, spring break is another great time to visit the resort city.
The island also has a wide range of accommodations from luxury resorts located right on the beach to RV parks and tent campsites to enjoy your perfect beach vacation.
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake, located between the big cities of San Antonio and Austin, is the perfect place to visit for nature lovers.
The city of Canyon Lake is called “the crown jewel” of the Texas Hill Country and with good reason.
It’s surrounded by scenic vistas, rolling hills, and a gorgeous lake.
There are also several things to do near Canyon Lake.
Explore the charming town of New Braunfels. Enjoy hiking at Guadalupe River State Park.
Mustang Island State Park
Located on the Texas Gulf Coast, Mustang Island is home to incredible bird watching and picturesque beaches.
The sunsets are especially spectacular here.
While here, explore some of Mustang Island’s coastal habitats including dunes, beach plains, salt marshes, and wildlife.
Glen Rose
Glen Rose, the Dinosaur Capital of Texas, is one of the best weekend trips for budding paleontologists.
Dinosaur Valley State Park is home to the fossilized remains of hundreds of dinosaur tracks.
You can even see some footprints up-close in the river bed where they were made over 100 million years ago!
Dinosaur World is also located nearby, where you can see life-sized dinosaur models and animatronic dinosaurs.
Take an hour-long tour of the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center where you can get up close to dozens of exotic animals from all over the world like rhinos and giraffes.
The town has tons of other charming activities including nature trails, beautiful parks, and quaint shopping opportunities.
Franklin Mountains State Park
Another great place to visit in the Texas, Franklin Mountains State Park is home to some spectacular views as well as world-class outdoor recreation.
Located in El Paso, Franklin Mountains State Park offers miles of trails and grassland.
You’ll also find several scenic overlooks and nature preserves where you can see native plants and wildlife including rare birds and butterflies.
Some of their most popular activities include hiking, biking, camping, bird watching, and horseback riding.
With its beautiful scenery and abundance of outdoor activities, Texas is a perfect weekend getaway full of fun things to do.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend on the beach, an action-packed week seeing all there is to see in Austin or something in between, Texas has it all.
We hope you liked our list of best Texas weekend getaways.