As a travel blogger, I have the privilege of experiencing the very best of Texas and during my travels, I have come across a few hidden gems that are listed right here for your enjoyment. Small towns can be just as much fun as bigger cities, and the bonus is that you don’t have to worry about crowds.
Texas is home to a bunch of entertaining and enjoyable activities for both tourists and locals alike, but if you prefer to venture far from the beaten track, check out these 10 hidden getaways in Texas you might not have known existed.
The best part about these unexpected travel destinations is that they are more private and offer a more exclusive travel experience. From our Ice Cream House in Waco, to concerts in a cave in Boerne, there are so many unique experiences to enjoy in the Lone Star State. Wander outside the big city limits, and there is something special about visiting a smaller town, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. And if you appreciate natural wonders, you’re sure to enjoy most of the places on this list of best Texas getaways.
1) Wimberley
With a population of around 3000, this fairytale town is a perfect delight and is especially attractive if you love spending time in nature. From the crystal-clear waters of the Blanco River to the scenic trails of Jacob’s Well Natural Area, and the amazing beauty of Blue Hole Regional Park, this place is great for picnics and hiking – making it one of the more affordable trips you can take for a weekend getaway in the summer.
When we visited, we stayed at Yurtopian in a Mongolian Yurt with an outdoor hot tub. Wimberly is also known for its bustling art scene and you can enjoy exploring the eclectic shops and art galleries in the historic downtown district.
If you want to see some funky art, I recommend visiting Pioneer Town for a taste of the wild west, and be sure to check out the signs at Wimberly Crossroad as well. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and not break the budget, Wimberly is an excellent choice for its wide open spaces and funky art.
Best Places To Stay Near Wimberley, Texas
- Yurtopian – A yurt campsite with an outdoor hot tub in Mongolia. Wimberly has a vibrant art scene, and you can explore the historic downtown district’s eclectic shops and art galleries.
- Creekhaven Inn & Spa – Located in Wimberley, this hotel has a free buffet breakfast, a garden and a golf course. The hotel rooms are unique and individually decorated with a mixture of layouts and bed numbers.
- Wimberley Inn – This hotel is situated in Wimberley, a short distance from the Wimberley Zipline Adventures and Wimberley Valley Winery.
- Hotel Flora and Fauna – Located in Wimberley, this hotel is in the entertainment district and on the riverwalk. It features a free continental breakfast, a garden and a full-service spa.
- The Bygone – The hotel is conveniently located near the Central Texas Bonsai Exhibit at Jade Gardens and Blue Hole Regional Park and features a terrace and garden.
- The Cedars Ranch – This hotel is situated in a rural setting and offers unique lodging options such as eco-yurts, cabins and geodomes.
2) Dublin
Dublin, a charming small town two hours from Dallas, known for its Irish heritage and as the “Irish Capital of Texas,” is both steeped in history and also offers beautiful natural scenes for exploration as well as some pretty unique things to do. While you’re there, you need to check out Dublin Bottling Works, a century-old soda factory celebrated for its drinks.
History buffs can take a guided tour of the plant to learn all about the company’s rich heritage and also enjoy exploring the onsite museum. Even if you aren’t that into history, you can still have fun sampling a variety of handcrafted sodas, including the iconic Dublin Dr Pepper.
Dublin is truly gorgeous and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy scenic walks along the picturesque banks of the nearby Bosque River or go fishing at Lake Proctor. All Things Celtic is a cute little boutique where you can browse a selection of Celtic jewelry, perfect for finding a memento to remember your trip.
Best Places To Stay Near Dublin, Texas
- Best Western Plus Stephenville Inn – This hotel is located in Stephenville close to Stephenville City Park and Dinosaur Valley State Park.
3) Tyler
When it comes to East Texas, Tyler stands out as a radiant gem. Begin your adventure with the Tyler Rose Museum, a tribute to the area’s love for the rose. For nature enthusiasts, Tyler offers the serene waters and wooded trails of Tyler State Park. And if you’re looking for a change of pace, Lake Tyler beckons with its glistening waters. But perhaps the highlight of Tyler’s charm is the Texas Rose Festival, a dazzling event set in the Tyler Rose Garden.
Here, the city truly blossoms with a parade, adorned floats, and Southern hospitality at its finest. As well as being the Rose Capital of America, Tyler boasts a lot of attractions including the Tyler Museum of Art, Caldwell Zoo, Historic Aviation Memorial Museum, and Discovery Science Place so there is truly something for everyone to enjoy!
Best Places To Stay Near Tyler, Texas
- The Thomas Hotel – Located in Tyler, The Thomas Hotel is within the city center, close to the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden Center and Museum and Rose Rudman Park.
- Hampton Inn and Suites Tyler South – Located near Faulkner Park, this hotel offers guests a complimentary continental breakfast and access to a fitness center.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lindale – This hotel features a mix of king-bed suites and two queen suites.
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations Villages Resort at Lake Palestine – This comfortable lakefront aparthotel is within walking distance of Waterpark at the Villages. The hotel has four outdoor swimming pools and a mix of standard rooms and villas.
4) Caddo Lake
Caddo Lake is the perfect mix of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and explorers alike. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful nature spots in Texas that I have ever seen.
Take a scenic boat tour through the tranquil waters of the lake, where you can gawk at the towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss and spot a variety of wildlife like bald eagles, herons, and alligators.
Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the abundance of bass, crappie, and catfish that live in the lake. There are also hiking trails that wind through lush forests and marshlands, with breathtaking views of the lake. We enjoyed a short hike followed by a picnic and boat tour.
Best Places To Stay Near Caddo Lake, Texas
- 2-story Waterfront Home – Located in Karnack, this vacation home is on the waterfront and can sleep up to 12 people in three bedrooms.
- Breathtaking Lakefront Lodges – This waterfront lodge can sleep up to ten people in three bedrooms. The lodge also has a deck area and living room area.
- Shipwreck – This unique building has one bedroom, a living area, an outdoor dining area and a kitchen area.
5) Concan
Concan is a Texas paradise where you can find crystal clear waters of the Frio River and scenic hikes! A lot of people go to Concan just to float down the river on a tube, and I really loved the experience when I did it. But floating down the river aside, there are a lot of other fun things to do in Concan. For starters there are so many great swimming holes to explore so this city is perfect to visit in the summer months.
One of the best things about Concan is that there are tons of unique experiences to enjoy whether you go there on a solo trip, as a couple or as a family with kids. If you’re into hiking, you will love Garner State Park with its caves, swimming holes and miles of trails.
One of the more unique experiences to do in Concan is to watch the Frio bat flight. Here you can see the second largest known colony of bats in the world. There are a lot of different places you can stay in this city, but we really enjoyed the Inn Between because of how cozy and colorful their cabins were.
Best Places To Stay Near Concan, Texas
- Rustic Lodge Retreat – This vacation home is located in Concan, close to the Garner State Park and Frio River.
- Cabana Luna – This unique cottage offers guests a great place to stay to explore the local area. The cottage has an open-plan feel with an outdoor deck area and can sleep up to six people.
6) Weatherford
Just 45 minutes from Fort Worth, Weatherford is the cutest little town to visit for a weekend. Weatherford is a small town, a popular spot for its Annual Parker County Peach Festival, where you can find everything peach flavored, held every year in July. But aside from the Peach Festival, there are a lot of other cool things to do in Weatherford.
The beautiful town is home to Chandor Gardens, where you can find a mix of English and Chinese Architecture, showcasing archways, stone dragons, a pirate ship, and water features.
Be sure to check out The Boardwalk at Lake Weatherford with its picturesque wooden pathways over the tranquil waters. The Boardwalk is home to the country’s longest floating boardwalk and it is super fun to experience.
Best Places To Stay Near Weatherford, Texas
- Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection – This hotel has 200 individually furnished rooms, an outdoor swimming pool with cabanas and two bars.
- Holiday Inn Express Weatherford – Located in Weatherford, this hotel has an indoor swimming pool, a free buffet breakfast and is located in a shopping district.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott – This hotel is located in Weatherford close to Squaw Creek Golf Course and Dove Ridge Winery.
- Best Western Plus Cutting Horse Inn – Located in the city center, this hotel has an indoor swimming pool, free self-parking and is close to nearby local attractions.
- TownPlace Suites Weatherford – Situated in the business district, this 80-room hotel has an indoor swimming pool and free self-parking.
7) Boerne
Boerne is the hallmark town of Texas for its iconic small-town charm and gorgeous natural surroundings. From a concert in a cave to chilling at the lake, and sunset sailing in the great outdoors, Boerne has something for everyone and is the ideal place to unwind in style. The Cave Without a Name is a unique experience made sweeter by the amazing acoustics which heighten the live performance.
Cibolo Nature Center – Cibolo Creek spans over 100 acres of wilderness. This natural oasis is the perfect spot to relax in nature and maybe even enjoy some fishing. There are plenty of trails there to hike if you feel like being a bit more active.
Visit Lake Boerne to see the sunset and take a cruise with Hill Country Paddle Sports. You won’t be disappointed with the views over the water which are truly breathtaking.
Best Places To Stay Near Boerne, Texas
- Hampton Inn and Suites Boerne – Located in Boerne, close to the Tapatio Springs Golf Club and Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area.
- Best Western Boerne Inn and Suites – This hotel is close to the Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area and has an outdoor swimming pool.
- The Bevy Hotel Boerne – Located close to Cibolo Nature Center and Cascade Caverns, this hotel has an onsite art gallery, a firepit and an onsite restaurant.
- The Kendall – All guest rooms at The Kendall feature unique designs and thoughtful amenities such as premium bedding and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a complimentary airport shuttle service, a terrace and a cozy fire pit.
8) Laredo
Laredo stands as a crossroads between Texas and Mexico, straddling the boundary with cultural richness. In this great place, you can visit museums and historic buildings, enjoy local restaurants for a romantic dinner, lunch or breakfast and take in the beauty of nature.
Spend some time at the TAMIU Planetarium where you can take in the wonders of the universe. A few of the must-visit museums if you’re a history buff include The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Museum, The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, The Cathedral of San Agustin, La Posada Hotel, The Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum, The Laredo Center for the Arts, The Laredo Selfie Museum, The Laredo Water Museum and Casa Ortiz.
For the foodies, you can delight in indulging your sweet tooth at Cori’s Sweet Pastries and enjoy tasting authentic Mexican dishes at the many tasty restaurants in Laredo. Nature lovers can hike the Las Palmas Nature Trail or Walk From Azteca Park to Zapata Creek. If you want to camp, try Casa Blanca State Park & Lake which has hiking trails and a lovely beach to relax on.
Best Places To Stay Near Laredo, Texas
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Laredo – Located in the entertainment district of Laredo, this hotel is within walking distance of the Sames Auto Arena and the Uni-Trade Stadium.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Laredo – This hotel is located close to the historic center of Laredo close to Lake Casa Blanca State Park and Rio Grande.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Laredo Airport – This hotel is an excellent base for exploring the local area and beyond, located near Texas A&M International University and Laredo Little Theatre.
- Best Western Plus Laredo – Located in the Western Division of Laredo, this hotel is close to Lake Casa Blanca State Park and Rio Grande.
9) Waco
Waco, Texas, can be found along the banks of the scenic Brazos River and is a city brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty. In Waco, you can stay in our gorgeous and colorful Ice Cream House, bathe in beer, play at the beach and browse the cute antique shops.
The Ice Cream House is a vibrant 3-bedroom house with a loft and can accommodate 8+ guests. Indulge in a unique beer spa experience at Pivovar where you’ll relax in a luxurious copper bathtub filled with nourishing beer yeast and hops, all while enjoying a refreshing beer of your choice.
While Waco may not have oceanfront views, beach enthusiasts can still enjoy a day of sandy beaches and water activities at Twin Bridges Park. This charming swimming area offers a beach-like atmosphere with real beach sand, perfect for picnics and sunbathing.
Other interesting things to see in Waco include the Mammoth National Monument, Dr Pepper Museum, Magnolia Market & Silos, Hawaiian Falls Waterpark, Surf Waco Water Park and Balcones Distillery, the Birthplace of Texas’ First Whiskey.
Best Places To Stay Near Waco, Texas
- Residence Inn Waco – Within just a short walk of this hotel, you will find the Magnolia Market at the Silos and central Waco. The hotel has 78 rooms, including one-bedroom suites, two-bedroom suites and king studios. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a gym and free breakfast.
- The Ice Cream House – A vibrant three-bedroom house with a loft that can accommodate 8+ guests.
- EVEN Hotel Waco – When planning a trip to Waco, this hotel is conveniently located near the Waco Convention Center and offers a great stay for exploring the area’s unique attractions.
- Comfort Suites Waco – Located in the University Area of Waco, this hotel has 74 rooms, including suites with multiple beds and suites with king beds.
- AC Hotel By Marriott Waco – This luxury hotel is located in Brazos, a neighborhood in Waco, close to the Fort House Museum and Waco Mammoth National Monument.
- Cambria Hotel Waco – This hotel is located in East Riverside, Waco and offers guests the use of an outdoor swimming pool. It also has a restaurant and two bars.
10) Sonora
When visiting Sonora, you can enjoy the splendor of nature at the Sonora Caverns and Eaton Hill Nature Center and Preserve. The caverns are definitely a must-see, with their amazing formations and multiple tours. Eaton Hill Nature Center and Preserve offers a serene retreat into the heart of the rugged West Texas landscape. Here, you can hike the many trails and maybe even get a glimpse of some wildlife or birdlife.
The Sutton County Courthouse, built in 1891, stands as a historic landmark in the heart of the town. Situated alongside the original well site and the first jail, which remained operational until 1980, the courthouse serves as an iconic link to the town’s rich heritage.
The Old Sonora Ice House Ranch Museum is famous for its exhibit covering the captivating tale of Will Carver, his tumultuous life and tragic death in a shootout in Sonora in 1901. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Sonora, I recommend JL Bar Ranch which offers hunting – from whitetail deer to wild turkey and exotic game. You can opt for guided hunts or exclusive hunting packages tailored to your preferences.
Best Places To Stay Near Sonora, Texas
- SureStay Hotel by Best Western Sonora – This hotel offers 54 uniquely decorated guest rooms and features a seasonal outdoor pool, complimentary self-parking, and a fitness center.
- Republic Hotel of Ozona – Located in Ozona, close to Sonora, this hotel has an indoor swimming pool and is close to the Caverns of Sonora and Great Egg Harbor Bay.
- Hotel Inn Express Hotel and Suites Ozona – This hotel offers 70 rooms, including standard two-queen rooms, king rooms, and accessible rooms.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Texas
Texas is a great place to visit year-round and is ideal for a girl’s getaway, bachelorette weekend, romantic retreat or family getaway. There isn’t a wrong time to visit anywhere in Texas, but if you don’t like hot and humid weather, avoid visiting between May and August.
The best time to visit Texas is either in spring or fall when the temperatures are cooler than in the summer.
Underrated Texas Getaways Wrap Up
So there you have it, ten of the best Texas getaways you might not have known existed, perfect for a weekend trip, holiday or as one of the best romantic getaways. The cool thing about Texas is that it’s so big there are constantly more things to be discovered.
The state is steeped in history and the beauty of nature, ideal for hiking and swimming in the extended summertime of Texas. If you’re looking to spend quality time with your loved ones, there are so many cute places to enjoy delicious food and an abundance of wineries for some fun tastings! You can even bathe in beer for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will make for a good story in the years to come.
Because Texas is so naturally beautiful, there are a lot of affordable trips that you can take to smaller towns where you can camp as a family or couple. Sometimes, you need to just get away from it all and bask in the splendor of nature.
Why not take a scenic drive for your next trip and bask in the amazing views? But no matter if you’re a nature enthusiast or not, there is something for everyone in Texas and so start planning your next trip to one (or all) of the places on this Texas getaway list.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Texas! If you have questions about Texas getaways or tips to share with our readers please leave these in the comments below.
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We Are Travel Girls Contributor Jessica Serna
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