Texas is a big state. It’s the home of barbecue, Beyoncé, rodeo, and the birthplace of Tex-Mex — a hybrid twist on traditional Mexican food that’s turned into a uniquely American cuisine. The state is so large that it can take around 11 hours to drive either east to west or north to south.
With so much land and countless cities, towns, and regions across the state, there are a lot of ways to spend time in Texas for a weekend getaway. Whether it’s a girl’s getaway, a romantic couple’s retreat, or an action-packed family affair, there are plenty of things to do in Texas when it’s the weekend. Here are 8 trips from big cities to quiet slow-paced towns that are perfect for every travel style.
Wine Tasting in Fredericksburg
Whether for a girl’s trip or a romantic getaway, there’s nothing like bonding over vino to make the entire experience better. When in Texas, head to Fredericksburg, which is home to the state’s wine country and is in the central region. There are countless vineyards to choose from as well as charming architecture. But don’t assume that the wine here flies under the radar: many wineries offer award-winning vintages and are family-owned. As an added bonus, this town is also known for authentic German cuisine.
Unwind on the Gulf in Port Aransas
Texas is one of the five states in the US that borders the Gulf of Mexico. With roughly 367 miles of coastline, there are plenty of beachy towns when travelers want to dip their toes in the sands and the warm Gulf waters almost year-round. Port Aransas is a great place to visit for tourists that want options. Whether this means simply lounging on the beach, enjoying outdoor sports, or even simply sightseeing, there’s plenty to do here. Also, wildlife fans will love that Port Aransas is home to nature trails where birding is a popular pastime.
Become One with Nature at Big Bend National Park
If spending time outdoors is critical, Texas is home to some beautiful national parks. Specifically, Big Bend National Park which is located in the southwest part of the state is ideal for nature seekers to recharge and take in the beauty around them. It contains over 150 miles of desert (including much of the Chihuahuan Desert) and mountain trails along the Chisos mountain range. If hikes aren’t enough to get the blood pumping, choose from whitewater rafting along the Rio Grande or mountain biking. And starwatchers will love that when the sun goes down, Big Bend is perfect for spotting constellations and planets.
Be Off Beat in Austin
Not only is Austin the capital of Texas, but it’s also known for its slightly off-beat vibes. Along with hosting SXSW annually, Austin is a vibrant city with a laid back nightlife scene and access to some of the best Texas barbecue people can eat. Technically, it’s part of the Hill Country region and a short drive outside of the city limits will send travelers to more pastoral parts of the state. And families with college-ready kids might find that they’ll need to travel here to preview nearby schools like The University of Texas – Austin, St. Edwards University, and Huston-Tillotson University to name a few.
Figure Out Who Shot JR at Southfork Ranch
Elder Millennials and earlier generations will get this reference as “who shot JR?” was a season finale cliffhanger episode from the iconic nighttime drama series “Dallas.” JR was a villain that everyone loved to hate and seeing him in a sticky situation made a lot of people happy.
Not only was Southfork the name of the family ranch in the show, it’s a real place in Parker, Texas where the series (including the original, spinoff and reboot series plus three reunion movies) was actually shot. These days, it’s an active ranch and event space. When not in use for weddings or special events, visitors can enjoy tours (including “Live Like an Ewing” “Dallas”-themed options), horseback riding, and half-day immersive excursions complete with horseback rides, tours and food.
Catch a Beyoncé Tour in Houston
Beyoncé has never been shy about repping her Houston roots. If Houston’s next on the itinerary, hardcore Beyhive members might want to catch a Beyoncé-themed tour. Visit her original family home, try out some of her favorite places to grab a bite, and even explore venues the wildly famous artist featured in her music videos. Either create a self-guided tour or book an excursion package with one of the local tour operators that offers half-day or full-day packages.
Indulge in Tex-Mex Cuisine in San Antonio
There are plenty of medium-sized cities sprinkled across Texas and San Antonio is one of them. For foodies that specifically love Tex-Mex, this city is considered the capital of that cuisine in the Lonestar state. If visiting in the spring, don’t forget to stop in at the Fiesta festival which usually takes place in April. Meanwhile, history buffs should visit The Alamo, a former Spanish mission-turned-garrison that was a pivotal site in Texas’ creation as an independent republic, is also located here.
A Cosmopolitan City Trip in Dallas
Dallas has a lot going for it, and is also the third-largest city in Texas. With a total population of just under 1.3 million people, it has a big city feel with southern charm. There’s world class shopping thanks to luxury-focused malls like Galleria Dallas and iconic department stores such as Neiman Marcus. Sports fans can choose between basketball, football, soccer, and baseball games.
The city has a solid nightlife and foodie scene that offers plenty for a quick 48-hour trip. And of course, with the American Airlines center, there’s always a game or a concert to catch. Plus according to Airports Council International’s 2024 list, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) airport is the third-busiest in the world—meaning it’s not hard to catch a flight here.
Is Texas Next on Your List?
With a state as large as Texas, this list barely scratches the surface for places to visit. With just a weekend to explore, focusing on one city versus trying to bounce across the state is the best way to get immersed in a place without getting overwhelmed. Thankfully, Texas is a diverse place culturally, as well as with food and excursions. From laid back time on the Gulf coast to exploring national parks or vibing in the city, there’s plenty to do in Texas.
