This is the ultimate guide to the best towns to visit on Texas road trips.
Texas is known for its delicious Texas barbecue, southern hospitality, homemade wine, and cowboy culture.
The Lone Star State has everything from big cities to small towns, state parks, mountains, lakes, canyons, and everything in between.
All you need is a full tank of gas and a set of wheels. There are plenty of charming, small towns within a few hour’s drive of Fort Worth that are perfect for a weekend getaway.
You don’t have to worry about driving far to get the vacation vibes. Visit one of these seven small towns for a weekend to unwind and relax.
Here is a list of must-take Texas road trips.
Texas Weekend Road Trips
Texas Hill Country Road Trip
The Texas Hill Country is my favorite area in Texas. The towns are adorable, the shopping is great and the beautiful state parks are amazing.
Towns you need to include on a Hill Country Road Trip:
- Austin
- Brownwood
- Fredericksburg
- San Antonio
- Wimberley
Austin
Begin your trip to Austin with a tour of the Texas State Capital. Entrance is free and a fun way to learn about the history of Texas.
After visiting the capital, enjoy great food and live music along 6th St.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy watching the bat colony fly out from under the Congress Street Bridge for their nightly feeding. As well as paddle along Lady Bird Johnson Lake, hike Mount Bonnell, or cool off at Barton Springs.
Brownwood
Located in the Texas Hill Country, this charming town is a perfect weekend getaway. There is plenty to do in this small town such as play a round of golf, hike the state park, visit a winery, visit a cute coffee shop, or eat gourmet food.
Fredericksburg
A German settlement that is now the premier wine region in Texas. Visitors can enjoy a wine tasting at one of the many wineries along the famous Texas 290 wine trail.
Shopping, dining, and museums located downtown are also a must-do while in Fredericksburg.
Be sure to spend a few hours hiking at Enchanted Rock. The views from the top are amazing! This is also an amazing place to stargaze in the evening.
San Antonio
The River Walk isn’t the only thing San Antonio is known for. The town also has amazing Mexican food, great shopping, museums, state parks, and Sea World.
Of course, no visit to San Antonio is complete until you visit the Alamo and the San Antonio Mission Trail.
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Wimberley
Located 45 minutes southwest of Austin, is this charming town. It’s home to the spring-fed Jacob’s Well and the Blue Hole Regional Park.
Texas also has several waterfalls that make for the perfect hiking destination.
This small town is home to many distilleries, wineries, and flea markets.
Route 66 Texas Road Trip
Texas has 179 miles of The Mother Road which takes travelers along the Texas panhandle.
Amarillo is the best stopping point to explore while driving along Route 66.
Hike your way through Palo Canyon State Park (the Lighthouse Trail is our favorite). But there are several shorter trails if crunched for time.
Another stop that everyone needs to take is Caddilac Ranch. This roadside attraction is quirky and a fun place to vandalize cars without getting in trouble.
Then stop by the Texas Steak Ranch and try the 72 oz steak challenge. If you can eat the steak and sides within the allotted time, your meal is free.
Texas Beach Road Trip
Galveston
Galveston is only about a 5-hour drive from Fort Worth, making it an easy and fun getaway.
A Galveston Beach Vacation is filled with beaches, gorgeous sunsets, and great food.
This beach town has everything from the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, a state park, museums, RV parks, and miles of sandy shoreline.
West Texas Road Trip
Alpine
This Texas desert town is an hour and half from Big Bend National Park
Visitors can take a historic walking tour, hike to a waterfall, see the stars up close at the McDonald Observatory, hike through Davis Mountains State Park, and more.
East Texas Road Trip
Palestine
Located in East Texas, Palestine has everything you need to enjoy a weekend getaway. This adorable town has everything from hiking, vintage train rides, museums, shopping, delicious restaurants, and more!
There are so many fun things to do in this East Texas town, making it the perfect weekend getaway.
Tyler
Known as the rose capital of America, this adorable, laid-back town in East Texas has a lot more to offer than stopping to smell the roses!
Visitors can hike through a state park, visit a zoo, enjoy u-pick farms, enjoy a museum, winery and so much more.
