Texas, the biggest state in the lower 48, is full of stunning scenery, diverse cultures, and lots of places to check out, both city and country. Covering nearly 270,000 square miles, Texas has everything – from southern coastal plains to western mountains, central hills, northern prairies, and eastern forests. There are also tons of lakes, rivers, beaches, wineries, breweries, shopping spots, and fantastic hotels, making it super easy to plan weekend trips all over the state.
If you're after outdoor fun, shopping, or just some chill time at a great resort, Texas has you covered. Here are some of the best weekend getaways to enjoy in this big and varied state.
Texas adventures: which city is calling your name?
San Antonio
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In south-central Texas, San Antonio stands out as a top spot for locals and visitors alike. It's home to the historic Alamo, where Texans fought for independence in 1836, plus 4 other UNESCO-designated missions along a designated missions trail.
San Antonio is famous for its amazing food scene. You can't miss Tex-Mex and a margarita along the River Walk, and you should definitely check out world-class museums like the Witte and McNay.
While exploring, rest at La Cantera Resort & Spa, which features a championship golf course, 5 pools, 9 restaurants, and even an adults-only floor. All rooms and suites lookout over the resort's 550 acres of Texas Hill Country. Boutique-style villas provide extra space for family gatherings or a longer stay. Don't skip dinner at Signature, where chef John Carpenter serves seasonal delights, including Gulf redfish with Spanish chorizo and red pepper broth, and axis venison with potato pave and cherry jus. The resort's SPA, Loma de Vida, sits on one of the highest points in San Antonio, offering amazing views that inspire relaxation. For a memorable time, book a couples massage in the Sky Loft, which includes a complimentary glass of prosecco.
For some fun learning, plan your visit around the monthly Women & Whiskey series. This event highlights women's roles in the whiskey industry and covers details on distilling and more about the whiskey-making process.
Austin
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No visit to Texas is really finished without stopping by Austin, the cool capital known for its lively music scene, buzzing nightlife, and loads of outdoor fun like kayaking, biking, and hiking. Grab a kayak or paddleboard and cruise on Lady Bird Lake, where beautiful parks meet city skyline views as you paddle through downtown.
Don't miss trying the local food trucks, or even better, check out one of the food truck parks featuring tasty eats from around the globe. Afterward, enjoy a drink at a lively bar – there are tons around, but The White Horse is perfect for 2-stepping and sipping on their signature drink, the Two-Step: a shot of well whiskey with a Lone Star beer. If you're into cocktails, Small Victory serves up vintage drinks in a chic atmosphere.
Settle in at Lake Austin Spa Resort, a peaceful lakeside retreat focusing on wellness. The LakeHouse Spa has a variety of treatments, and you can unwind with activities like yoga, cooking classes, waterskiing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and author chats. With only 40 rooms, it's an intimate escape, and your stay includes delicious meals made from fresh, local ingredients.
Fort Worth
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A weekend in Fort Worth, northern Texas, is a great idea. It's a quick 30-minute ride from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and near Dallas and cute nearby towns. If you're bringing kids – or just love animals – check out the Fort Worth Zoo. It's got elephants, penguins, rhinos, and other local animals. The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is also cool; it features works from tons of artists, and guess what? Admission is free!
For a fun night out, head to the Near Southside neighborhood and grab dinner at Lili's Bistro. This local spot serves everything from burgers to bacon-wrapped quail and duck gumbo. Next, visit the Stockyards for a taste of Western culture. There, the Fort Worth Herd – Texas longhorns driven by cowhands – parades down Exchange Avenue twice daily, giving visitors a glimpse of historic cattle drives. Then, stop for a drink at the White Elephant Saloon, a classic bar, and stay at the rustic-yet-modern Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection, which is just around the corner.
Staying downtown in Fort Worth is a smart choice too. You could also try drinks at the Flying Saucer, where you'll find over 100 beers on tap, and enjoy a fancy dinner at Grace, which specializes in local meats and fresh produce. For stunning views of downtown, consider The Sinclair, Autograph Collection – a chic art deco hotel complete with modern amenities, loft-style rooms, and a gorgeous rooftop bar. About a mile and a half from downtown, beer lovers will appreciate Martin House Brewing Company – think of it as the Willy Wonka of beer! They regularly release new brews like the Best Maid Sour Pickle Beer, plus a bunch of other pickle-themed options. You can't go wrong here; they whip up amazing flavors like raspberry cobbler beer, pumpkin stouts, cake ale, and loads of sour options, including strawberry kiwi, mango, and watermelon.
Big Bend
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In western Texas, the Big Bend area takes some driving to get to, but it's totally worth the weekend getaway. You'll find wide-open spaces, incredible hiking, and amazing stargazing here. The Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve is the largest spot designated by the International Dark-Sky Association, covering over 9 million acres. It's home to 2 International Dark Sky Parks, Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, both of which host organized star parties and stargazing events.
At Big Bend National Park, you can see canyons, buttes, mesas, mountains, and wildlife like beavers, turtles, and various birds on a fun canoe or kayak trip along the Rio Grande, right next to Mexico. Meanwhile, Big Bend Ranch State Park has 238 miles of trails that you can explore on foot, by bike, or even on horseback. The Puerta Chilicote Trailhead is a great starting point for exploring trails to the Bofecillos Highlands and Fresno Canyon. The park is also home to over 300 bird species, so bring binoculars and see how many you can identify.
Just outside both parks lies Terlingua, an old mining town that turned into a ghost town after the mines closed. Nowadays, Terlingua hosts 2 famous chili cook-offs and is home to the Terlingua Trading Company, art galleries, and some awesome bars and restaurants. The Starlight Theatre, once a miners' hangout, now operates as a saloon, restaurant, and live music venue, drawing visitors from everywhere. Kick things off with some award-winning chili, then enjoy brisket tacos or chicken-fried antelope topped with Lone Star beer gravy.
Between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, Lajitas Golf Resort is the perfect place to stay. This 27,000-acre property features a fantastic golf course, clay shooting, horseback riding, zip lining, and more. There are 3 restaurants on-site, including a saloon and a pizzeria. Be sure to stop by Candelilla Café to try the shrimp tacos served with charro beans and sofrito rice and don't forget to order the prickly pear cheesecake for dessert!
Fredericksburg, Texas
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Founded by Germans in 1846, Fredericksburg is a fun Hill Country spot for a weekend trip. With lots of restaurants, bars, and shops, it's perfect for settling in while you discover central Texas, especially all the wineries along Highway 290. Swing by Black Chalk Home & Laundry for cool home decor and gifts or find some vintage furniture and fabrics at Carol Hicks Bolton Antiqüités. For a Texas memento, check out San Saba Soap Company, where they make soap and other goodies from Texas pecan oil.
If you can get a spot, visit Fredericksburg's "secret" bar, The Speakeasy at Salvation Spirits (reservations needed on weekends). If not, enjoy a bottle of wine and charcuterie at Signor Vineyards' 200-acre estate or dive into a full experience at Barons CreekSide, which offers a vineyard, private cabins, and a bistro with a wine bar across 26 acres.
For a nice dinner, don't miss a supper club night at Vaudeville, where they showcase meals from different countries. And for some adventure, hike up to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to climb Enchanted Rock, a huge granite dome formed from ancient magma over a billion years ago.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
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Close to the Texas-New Mexico border, there's a huge area filled with deserts, mountains, and canyons. Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the largest Permian fossil reef in the world, Texas' 4 tallest peaks, and many local plants and animals. Adventurers can hike Guadalupe Peak, Texas' highest point at 8,751 feet. This round-trip hike is 8.4 miles and usually takes 6 to 8 hours. Hiking to McKittrick Canyon is another favorite, especially in fall for stunning colors, and the caves and picnic tables provide a perfect lunch spot.
The park offers 3 campgrounds for lodging: Pine Springs, Dog Canyon, and Frijole Horse Corral. Roughly an hour south, you'll find Van Horn, home to the historic Hotel El Capitan, built in 1930 and designed by architect Henry Trost. The hotel has 50 rooms and a restaurant serving dishes like pistachio fried steak and ribeye.
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