Looking for ideas for weekend getaways in Texas? We have plenty of ideas for you and have researched the best places to see and stay. Now, if you happen to live in Texas, you probably already know that it is an incredibly beautiful and diverse state.
This also means that it has an abundance of amazing and unique places in Texas you can visit on a weekend trip. But how could you ever choose just one destination to see? Luckily, this list of the top weekend getaways in Texas will help you find the perfect spot to explore.
Best Weekend Getaways in Texas
Now it is time to discover some of Texas’ best and most exciting weekend destinations. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway from Dallas or another Texan town, you are in for a treat. Below, you will discover many towns that have so much to offer – from the great outdoors, food, arts, and culture, and these towns have it all.
Travelers Insiders Tip: Our families very favorite resort in Austin is in Barton Creek, which is an absolutely beautiful area. Austin downtown is a great place to stay with many great hotels to choose from. The downtown area is very clean with lots of attractions.
Weekend Getaways in Texas-Big Cities
Austin Texas
If you’re looking for a fun and quirky weekend getaway in Texas, look no further than Austin! This vibrant city is full of character and offers plenty of activities for visitors of all ages. From its world-famous music scene to its delicious foodie scene, there’s something for everyone in Austin. Here are some of the best things to do amazing city!
- Check out the city’s famous music scene. Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World” for good reason – there are over 250 live music venues and bars playing nightly. Our favorites include The Broken Spoke, The Continental Club, Antones, and newer venues, like Mohawk.
- Explore downtown Austin. This vibrant district is home to a variety of shops, museums, restaurants, the University of Texas, and art galleries. See the Texas State Capitol, and to do it all, we recommend the E-bike tour. This tour is tons of fun.
- Austin’s famous West Sixth District downtown is for shopping during the day, and parties at night. You can bar-hop, pub crawl, and just have a great time on this strip at night.
- Check out Congress Avenue Bridge, which is home to hundreds of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats. Late March to early fall, around sunset, the bats start to trickle out and before you know it, thousands of bats descend into the Austin night. They put on quite the show.
- Explore Lady Bird Lake on a Kayak. With year-round temperatures of 68 degrees, you will explore the Lake and Barton Springs.
- Outdoor activities in Austin are endless Explore the swimming holes and springs like Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Park, or Hamilton Pool Preserves
- Head to Lake Travis, Austin’s largest lake, rent a cabin, stay at a resort for some fun in the sun and water activities. This lake is a popular destination in Texas.
San Antonio
With its rich history, bustling cultural scene, and many contemporary attractions, San Antonio, Texas, the epitome of old-world, meets new. One of the best ways to learn about how San Antonio came to be, is to take a guided river tour.
One of the city’s top attractions by far is the Alamo. Once known as the Misión San Antonio de Valero, it’s an exquisite Spanish fortress built during the 18th century.
The city also boasts an impressive cave system. Discover this underground labyrinth at the Natural Bridges Caverns.
For those looking for a romantic weekend getaways in Texas, San Antonio is a great choice. You can spend an idyllic evening with your partner, strolling along the San Antonio Riverwalk. The river is lined with many restaurants and bars where you can share an intimate meal and cocktail.
Having said that, San Antonio is also a fantastic destination for families, too. With art museums, a botanical garden, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, you’re all bound to have a fantastic time.
With so much to do and see, you’re likely to find yourself coming back to visit San Antonio on more than one occasion.
Best Places to Stay in San Antonio:
Thompson San Antonio-Riverwalk. The Texas Riverwalk is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Thompson San Antonio offers the chance to experience this iconic destination in a whole new way. The hotel’s location on the Riverwalk puts you right in the heart of it all, with easy access to one of San Antonio’s most famed attractions.
Hotel Contessa Riverwalk. The Hotel Contessa is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown San Antonio. The property features a modern design with a historical twist, making it the perfect home away from home for travelers who want to experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Downtown. This pet-friendly hotel offers modern amenities like free parking and WIFI. You’ll love the central location near attractions such as Riverwalk, The Alamo, and Market Square.
Houston
Being one of the largest cities in America, Houston is abundant with attractions and things to do. There’s something for everyone in this bustling city, from stunning green spaces, football games, and inspiring museums to gastronomic delights and hip bars.
Those with an appreciation for arts and culture will be delighted when they discover the Museum District. With over 19 museums offering exhibitions ranging from fine arts to science, you could spend hours here.
On top of this, Houston also boasts a vibrant street art scene – be sure to head to Leeland and St. Emanuel Streets to check it out (make sure if you are out late to find the Waffle Bus, the best chicken and waffles:)
The Houston Space Center is another must-see attraction. Complete with a replica of the space shuttle, Independence, as well as real moon rocks, it’s a fascinating place to learn about astronauts and NASA space missions.
Best places to stay in Houston
Insiders Travel Tip: Out of all cities in Texas, I was impressed with how many awesome trendy lofts, apartments, condo and homes you can stay at, some more affordable than a hotel. You can find one to fit your needs, here.
Queen Montrose. This private condo is in a great location for anyone wanting to stay in the charming neighborhood of Montrose in Houston. This quintessential Texas getaway is in Houston’s “most walkable neighborhood.” Close to Galleria Mall, entertainment, and restaurants.
The Lancaster Hotel Downtown Houston. The Lancaster Hotel Downtown Houston is a new luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown. With its location near many of Houston’s attractions and with an on-site restaurant, this hotel is perfect for any traveler.
Club Quarters Hotel. Club Quarters Hotel provides comfortable rooms for an affordable price so travelers can enjoy their stay without breaking their budget. CQ has an excellent downtown location with easy access to many of the city’s attractions including restaurants and shopping malls. It is also very close to local businesses and government buildings.
Fort Worth
The city of Fort Worth is the perfect place for a Texas weekend getaway. There are so many incredible things to do in Fort Worth for all ages. Fort Worth is home to several districts that all have a different vibe and will keep you busy all weekend long.
The Historic Stockyards of Fort Worth will get you boot-scooting in no time and is a blast for all ages. The Fort Worth Stockyards is home to museums, unique western-themed shops, rodeos, cowboys, bulls, fantastic places to eat.
Check out the revamped Mule Alley that renovated mule barns turned into shopping, breweries, workspaces, and the newest addition, Hotel Drover. You will rub elbows with cowboys and bulls, eat great steak and wash it down with an ice-cold beer.
Hotel Drover: Cowboy Luxury and You Must Stay
Spend the Day in the Historic Stockyards
83 Flipping Fun Things To Do in Fort Worth
The Best Museums in Fort Worth
The Cultural District holds some of Texas’ best museums like the Kimbell Art Museum and The Amon Carter. The Fort Worth Cultural District is also home to the world-famous Fort Worth Stock Show, and Rodeo is held annually at the Dickies Arena.
The Southside District of Fort Worth is full of eateries, shops, and coffee shops on Magnolia Street, the Fort Worth Zoo, and Texas Christian University (TCU) campus.
The vibrant Sundance Square is a mix of commercial buildings, pubs, hotels, and nightlife. The Fort Worth Water Gardens are a must-see while in the area.
And get trendy in the West 7th District, which is home to Crockett Row filled with nightlife, unique bars and restaurants, shops, and movie theatres. It’s an excellent place for a night out with the guys or girls!
Best Hotels in Fort Worth:
Hotel Drover. This is our family’s favorite hotel in all of Texas. It is a stunning hotel located right in Mule Alley in the Stockyards of Fort Worth. Entertainment, breweries, shops, and fun are all within walking distance. Not only that, you do not even have to leave Hotel Drover for entertainment or restaurants. This hotel is not one to be missed and is worth the stay, we promise.
Springhill Suites Historic Stockyards. Whether you are staying in Fort Worth for a business trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway, the Springhill Suites Historic Stockyards Fort Worth has it all. This hotel is conveniently located just a few minutes from downtown and the historic stockyards district.
Omni Downtown Fort Worth The Omni Fort Worth Hotel is an upscale hotel in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. the location of the hotel is within walking distance or a short drive from several local attractions including the Fort Worth Water Gardens, Panther Island Pavilion, Bass Performance Hall, Sundance Square Plaza, and more.
Weekend Getaways in Texas- Small Town Charm
Waco-A Weekend Getaway in Texas For Families
Waco is one of our families favorite weekend getaways in Texas. Located in the heart of Texas, the town of Waco is a beautiful place to go for a weekend getaway. Waco, TX, has become a new hotspot to visit because of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Market at the Silos. However, Waco has so many fun and exciting things to do.
Insiders Travel Tip: Waco is FULL of farmhouse cottages. This is the best way to go when traveling to Waco. You get to stay in a cute home and fully experience Waco. If you like to stay in a hotel, Waco has awesome choices.
Outdoor Attractions Waco
First, if you are looking for outdoor exploration, head to Cameron Park for an adventurous hiking or mountain biking expedition. Cameron Park has many points of interest to spend the whole day. Grab a picnic and head to the Lovers Leap overlook and the many children’s playgrounds around the park. Then to the Cameron Park Zoo!
If you are interested in learning more about prehistoric life forms or want to explore some of Texas’ best scenery on your next trip, Waco Mammoth National Monument is a wonderful attraction in Waco.
Waco Mammoth National Monument is a nature preserve, and the museum is a must-see for anyone who’s interested in getting up close and personal with the prehistoric past. It boasts some of the most well preserved mammoth fossils ever discovered, including “Mammuthus columbi” or Columbian Mammoth.
The park also showcases other fossilized animals like mastodons and saber-tooth tigers. The park offers guided tours, picnic areas, and educational programs for a day of fun.
Magnolia Market Waco Texas
If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, The Magnolia Market at the Silos is a must. This Chip and Joanna Gaines epicenter have become a big attraction in Waco. With great reason. The Magnolia Silos has so much family fun and something for everyone. From food trucks, shopping to baseball with the kids, your day will be filled with excitement.
- The Magnolia Market at the Silos
- 14 Tips to the Magnolia Market Waco
- Where to Stay in Waco-This is where our family stays, tiny cabins and cottages
Tyler, Texas
Known as the Rose Capital of America, Tyler is home to an expansive rose garden, complete with fountains, reflection pools, walking paths, a museum, and a gift shop. This certainly makes Tyler one of the best romantic getaways in Texas.
Tyler is also home to several breweries, wineries, and distilleries where you can sample some of the most incredible, locally produced beverages.
Where to Stay in Tyler, Texas:
Families looking to go on a mini-vacation in Texas will love Tyler, too. The Discovery Science Park is jam-packed with educational exhibits, whilst the Waterpark at the Villages offers indoor water recreation facilities.
Of course, you can’t visit Tyler and not make a stop at the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum. Here, you’ll get the chance to view real-life military aircraft, like the F-104A Starfighter.
The Barn-Rustic Luxury. This adorable property overlooks the piney woods of Tyler, Texas. This is the perfect spot for you to reset and revitalize. Walk the grounds, have coffee or cocktails on the front porch or private pool while taking in views from across multiple acres of trees and wildlife.
Hallmark Home. Looking to entertain 20+ people? This home is complete with a massive outside play structure, a pool, hot tub, five acres for your kids and friends to run around on your weekend getaway in Texas.
Adorable Guest House in Tyler This clean and neat guesthouse includes a fully equipped kitchen, full bath, washer & dryer, a queen size bed & a queen size sleeper sofa. Perfect location to explore all of Tyler, Texas.
Fredericksburg-A Romantic Getaway in Texas For Couples
Fredericksburg, Texas, is one of Texas’ more popular destinations in Hill Country. If you fancy the idea of sipping on a glass of vino while gazing out over the vineyards, be sure to add Fredericksburg to the top of your list of Texas weekend getaways. With over 50 wineries surrounding the town, adorable historic cottages to stay at, you will not run out of excellent options.
Fredericksburg is also known for its strong German heritage, which you can learn all about at the Pioneer Museum or Vereins Kirche Museum. You can also opt to spend an afternoon wandering along the town’s main street, checking out the stunning boutique stores, churches and galleries.
Where to Stay in Fredericksburg Texas:
Llano Street this new charming home is four blocks from Main Street in Fredericksburg. With modern and historic vibes complementing one another, you will come home from the wineries ready to relax.
German Chocolate Suite. These quaint cabins nestled just seven minutes and under three miles from historic downtown Fredericksburg, with easy access to all local attractions. Enjoy your day strolling Main Street, sipping wine at the local wineries, and heading to your private cabin to finish the day relaxing.
Paris, Texas
Did you know that there are 48 places across the world named Paris? Well, this one happens to be the second-largest! While visiting this fabulous weekend getaway gem, be sure to check out the town’s Eiffel Tower. In typical Texan fashion, this landmark is topped with a red cowboy hat, giving it that southern charm.
In downtown Paris, you’ll be able to shop antiques, view galleries, and enjoy theatre performances. Be sure to learn about the town’s recovery after the great fire of 1916 too.
Where to Stay in Paris, Texas:
The Emma Grace. With its intimate setting and personalized service, the Emma Grace Paris Texas is a one-of-kind hotel. The boutique property offers guests an exciting experience that can’t be found elsewhere around town. Whether you’re looking for shopping on Main Street or dining options around every corner, this boutique hotel is within steps.
Hampton Inn Paris. Hampton Inn Paris, Texas, is an excellent place for travelers to stay when in town, especially families. The hotel offers amenities such as complimentary continental breakfast, an indoor pool and whirlpool, and an exercise room to guests.
Amarillo-A Cowboy Weekend Getaway in Texas
Set in the middle of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo is a true “cowboy town.” It’s a fascinating place, with numerous sights on offer.
Cadillac Ranch is by far the most unique attraction here. It’s an art installation consisting of several spray-painted cars lined up, one behind the other, with their hoods embedded snuggly in the earth. It’s a tradition to grab a spray paint can and add your own artistic flair to the vehicles.
Just 30 minutes south of Amarillo, you’ll find the second largest canyon in America – Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It’s a beautiful spot to go out for a desert hike. If hiking isn’t your thing, then consider a leisurely walk around the Amarillo Botanical Gardens.
Amarillo is also located on Route 66, so you’ll find a whole area dedicated to this landmark in the Sixth Street Historic District. On top of this, Amarillo is home to an amusement park as well as several museums dedicated to art, history, and air and space travel.
One of the great things about Amarillo is that the majority of its attractions are freely available to the public, making this town one of the best places for a cheap weekend getaway in Texas.
Best Hotels in Amarillo Texas:
Courtyard by Marriott Amarillo Downtown. Courtyard Amarillo Downtown is definitely a great option for travelers looking to rest up before exploring what Amarillo has to offer. The rooms are spacious and modern with all the amenities necessary, including wifi.
The Barfield, Autograph Collection. The Barfield, Autograph Collection is the newest hotel in Amarillo. This property features an indoor pool and fitness center, and a hot tub on the rooftop with views of the panoramic Texas sky.
Best Western Plus Amarillo. Sometimes you just need a place to lay your head down at night after working all day or sightseeing all afternoon. If you are looking for an affordable hotel in Amarillo with great amenities and service, check out the Best Western Plus Medical Center Hotel!
Ready to embark on a Texas Weekend Trip?
When it comes to weekend vacation ideas in Texas, you have so many options! There are so many unique places for you to discover on this list of weekend vacation spots in Texas. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and load up the car because it’s time for a Texas road trip!
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