Explore Texas: Weekend Getaways
The largest state in the contiguous U.S. is packed with beautiful landscapes, a blend of cultures, and seemingly endless urban and rural areas to explore. Texas makes up almost 270,000 square miles, which includes coastal plains in the south, mountains out west, rolling hills throughout the center, prairie land up north, and dense forests to the east. Moreover, with plenty of lakes and rivers, beaches, wineries and breweries, shopping, and great hotels, it’s easy to plan a weekend getaway to different regions across the state.
Whether you’re looking for some outdoor exploration, retail therapy, or downtime at an incredible resort, there’s a place for it in Texas. Here are some of the best weekend getaways in this vast and diverse state.
San Antonio
In south-central Texas, San Antonio shines as a favorite destination for Texans and out-of-state visitors. It’s home to the historic Alamo, where Texans fought for their independence in 1836, plus four other UNESCO-designated missions along a designated missions trail.
San Antonio is also known for its excellent food scene. Tex-Mex and a margarita along the River Walk are essential, as is a visit to world-class museums such as the Witte and McNay.
Between explorations, rest your head at La Cantera Resort & Spa, home to a championship golf course, five pools, and nine restaurants. All rooms overlook the resort’s 550 acres of Texas Hill Country, and boutique-style villas offer more room for family gatherings. Don’t miss dinner at Signature, where chef John Carpenter offers seasonal menus featuring items such as Gulf redfish with Spanish chorizo and axis venison with potato pave.
For a bit of educational fun, time your visit with the monthly Women & Whiskey series, which focuses on the roles women play in the whiskey industry and includes information on distilling and more on the whiskey-making process.
Austin
No trip to Texas is complete without a stop in the capital, Austin, famed for its live music scene, vibrant nightlife, and numerous outdoor activities such as kayaking, cycling, and hiking. Grab a kayak or paddleboard and head down Lady Bird Lake, where lush greenery collides with skyscraper views as you row through downtown.
Be sure to visit a food truck, or better yet, one of the city’s food truck parks, where you’ll find an array of delicious food inspired by global flavors. Moreover, grab a drink at one of the fun bars, like The White Horse for two-stepping and local drinks or Small Victory for vintage-inspired cocktails.
Anchor yourself at Lake Austin Spa Resort, a secluded lakefront oasis where wellness is the top priority. The resort features yoga, cooking classes, and various water activities, offering a perfect environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Fort Worth
In northern Texas, a weekend in Fort Worth makes sense: It’s only 30 minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. If you have kids or love animals, the Fort Worth Zoo is a must, home to elephants, penguins, and local wildlife. Additionally, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art showcases works from thousands of artists, and admission is free.
For a night out, make your way to the Near Southside neighborhood for dinner at Lili’s Bistro, a local favorite. Head to the Stockyards for a taste of Western culture, where the Fort Worth Herd of Texas longhorns is driven by cowhands twice daily.
An alternative itinerary might include drinks at the Flying Saucer, where over 100 beers are on tap, followed by a meal at Grace, serving local meats and farm-fresh produce. Enjoy beautiful downtown views at The Sinclair, Autograph Collection, an art deco hotel with modern amenities.
Big Bend
In western Texas, the Big Bend region is a bit of a drive, but worth it for a weekend of solitude. Here, it’s easy to surround yourself with wide-open spaces, epic hiking, and endless stargazing. The Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve is the world’s largest International Dark-Sky Association-designated area, featuring organized star parties and stargazing opportunities.
At Big Bend National Park, you can spot canyons, buttes, and wildlife on organized canoe or kayaking excursions on the Rio Grande. Visitors can explore over 238 miles of multiuse trails at Big Bend Ranch State Park by foot, bike, or horseback.
Just outside of both parks is Terlingua, an old mining destination turned ghost town, now home to vibrant bars, restaurants, and the famous Starlight Theatre. Start with a cup of award-winning chili and move on to the brisket tacos for an authentic experience.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Founded by Germans in 1846, Fredericksburg is a popular Hill Country destination for a weekend getaway. Full of restaurants, bars, shops, and plenty of room to roam, it’s a great place to anchor yourself while exploring central Texas, especially if you’re planning on visiting the numerous wineries along Highway 290.
If you can snag a table, go to Fredericksburg’s sole “secret” watering hole, The Speakeasy at Salvation Spirits (reservations required Friday and Saturday). Otherwise, share a bottle of wine and a charcuterie board at Signor Vineyards’ estate.
For a special meal, try to catch a supper club session at Vaudeville, where seasonal dinners focus on cuisine from a select country. And for hiking enthusiasts, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a perfect spot to climb the Enchanted Rock, a giant granite dome.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Near the border of Texas and New Mexico lies Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which protects the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, the four highest peaks in Texas, and a diverse range of native plants and animals. Adventurers can tackle Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet above sea level.
For accommodations, the park offers three developed campgrounds: Pine Springs, Dog Canyon, and Frijole Horse Corral. Just an hour south is Van Horn, home to Hotel El Capitan, a historic property built in 1930, featuring 50 rooms and a delightful restaurant.
