In addition to being a perfect base for exploring the area, the city also offers excellent sightseeing opportunities. Located right across the causeway from popular South Padre Island, Port Isabel is easy to visit. Windstar Star Legend | 7-Day Costa Rica Cruise, Windstar Star Breeze | 10-Day Mexico Cruise, 8-Day Greece Cruise | Windstar Star Pride, 7-Day Tahiti Cruise on Windstar Star Breeze, Windstar Wind Spirit | 7-Day Australia Cruise, High Quality Meat Delivered | Free Game Day Bundle, 7-Day Caribbean Cruise | Windstar Star Pride, 7-Day Baltic Cruise on Windstar Star Legend. Only 25 miles north of San Antonio, Gruene is the historic area of New Braunfels, popular for its shopping, dining and outdoor recreation. Pearland. Odessa, Texas. This East Texas gem is known as one of the most romantic towns in Texas, thanks in large part to its outsized collection of historic bed and breakfasts to stay in! As an Amazon Associate, Lone Star Travel Guide earns from qualifying purchases. Unlike some other Texas towns, McAllen has an ideal mix of nightlife and family-friendly activities, making it a small town with a big city feel. A perfect place for travelers who enjoy music, soak in the sights and sounds at the local gatherings of bluegrass musicians and lovers alike at the town’s famous “Bluegrass Jam.”. In addition to touring the downtown square and historic courthouse, be sure to also visit the incredible Inner Space Caverns, go for a swim in Georgetown’s Blue Hole (not to be confused with Wimberley’s! Be sure to climb the historic lighthouse while you’re there! In addition to the many, many antique stores around town (don’t miss McLaren’s, complete with London-style double-decker buses out front), a visit to Round Top should definitely include a slice of pie from Royer’s, strolls around Henkel Square Market and Rummel Square, and a quick visit to nearby St. Martin’s Catholic Church, the smallest (active) Catholic Church in the world! Home to the “most beautiful town square in Texas”, Georgetown can sometimes be overlooked as one of Texas’ cutest towns simply because it is so close to Austin that it more-or-less operates as a suburb of the capital these days–but its gorgeous downtown and plethora of things to do make Georgetown a destination in its own right! Don’t forget to stop by the railroad depot to visit historic train cars and to visit Smitty, the world’s largest gingerbread man! 1,642) Olmos Park (Pop. If you’re interested in the history of the city make sure to explore the mercury mining exhibits at the Museum of Big Bend, while a day out with the locals at a baseball game in Kokernot Field offers a glimpse into the local culture. If you click through a link on Lone Star Travel Guide, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Countless more tiny towns dot the roads throughout the broader North Texas region. After the Chisos Mining Company went bankrupt in 1942, this small settlement between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park ended up abandoned–but the remains of the town have become a tourist attraction, and are incredibly interesting to visit. Peruse the quaint downtown, stroll through the streets filled with carefully manicured, historic homes, and seek out filming locations for Hope Floats. The adorable small town of Boerne is located just outside of San Antonio, but it feels worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re looking for a great place to take a horseback ride or spent a weekend at a dude ranch, Bandera is the Texas town for you. The charming towns of the Texas Hill Country aren’t so simply by landscape. It is its own incorporated city, not annexed to Houston like many of the nearby communities. You don’t have to live in coastal states to enjoy the relaxation of a lakeside retreat. Texas is not a great place to live. 1,964) Southside Place (Pop. Explore some of the best small cities in Texas. 1,746) Spring Valley Village (Pop. A remote small town in the hall hills of West Texas, Alpine offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and unique attractions. #1 Best Places to Retire in Texas. Unlike the rest of these small towns in Texas, Gruene isn’t technically a town at all, but rather a historic district in New Braunfels–but that wasn’t always the case. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. For much of the first half of the 20th century, Terlingua was a booming mining town–but today, it is the only ghost town on this list of the best small towns in Texas. Population: 6,650 Percent Republican: 86.1% For many people, retirement is the reward after decades of working and raising a family. Instead, Dublin is best known as the home of Dublin Bottling Works, the original bottlers of Dr. Pepper (sadly they don’t bottle the drink anymore). From the vineyards and natural beauty of the Hill Country to quirky spots like Marfa, Texas’ small towns are like nowhere else. Highlighting the heart and soul of true Texas, the state’s array of charming small towns offer the perfect combination of scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, and pure Texan culture. Pound Farmstead, and–my personal favorite–Texas Hill Country Olive Oil Co., where you can pick up local Texas olive oil (it’s delicious). Rollingwood (Pop. During the day you can explore the town’s general store and post office, while the famous dance hall will keep you on your toes at night. Separated by the shores of South Padre Island, Port Isabel is a great family-friendly destination. By subscribing I agree to the terms ), they are incredibly delicious–and they alone would be enough to rank West as one of the best small towns in Texas. The self-proclaimed Cowboy Capital of the World can be found just an hour outside of San Antonio, and is definitely worth checking out when exploring the best small towns in Texas! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Founded in 1846 by Prince Frederick of Prussia, Fredericksburg is the sister city of Montabaur, Germany, and much of the quaint town shows strong German influences. Cool off in the water park at Lake LBJ Marina, or soak in the beautiful outdoors with a day of swimming and fishing at Lake Marble Falls. Once upon a time, Gruene was an independent town known for its cotton production, but today, it is best known for Gruene Hall, a classic Texas dance hall that dates back to the 19th century and is the oldest continually operating dance hall in the Lone Star State! There are several good museums to visit here for rodeo buffs, golf enthisiasts, and Healthcare workers alike. Check out our guide to the best things to do in Driftwood! The summer is the perfect time to swim in the clear waters at Krause Springs, while Pace Bend Park offers hiking, biking, and camping opportunities. 1,325) Lost Creek (Pop. It is a small town outside of a big city. Smaller towns, like Progresso Texas, are great options for people who crave quaint and slow. Undoubtedly one of the best-known small towns in Texas, popular Fredericksburg is known for two things: its German heritage and its many, many vineyards. Please see our, 101 Fun Things to Do in Texas (Bucket List Ideas!). Nestled deep in the Texas Hill Country, Wimberley is a small town with loads of charm. If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. From the rolling hills of the picturesque countryside in the Texas Hill Country to the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” a trip to these lesser-known destinations means you’ll find off-the-beaten track attractions and an absence of tourist crowds. However, it’s also very close to Pedernales Falls, so if you swing by, consider making time for visiting both the ranch and charming Pedernales Falls State Park. October, April and May are the most pleasant months in West, while July and August are the least comfortable months. Often when people think of Texas they think of desert and cacti, but Texas is home to tall mountains, cold rivers, bays, inlets, and even barrier islands. 5. Located right where the Blanco River meets Cypress Creek in the Texas Hill Country, Wimberley is one of the best small towns in Texas for those looking for a swim. Pearland. 7. The area’s biggest attraction is the Willow City Loop, where visitors will find a 13-mile scenic drive peppered with picturesque hills and valleys covered with an array of blooming flowers alongside its meadows and valleys. Wander through the local galleries and shops in this 15-square-mile town, as this emerging art town offers plenty of shopping opportunities. Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers an array of outdoor adventures, where your days can be spent hiking, biking, and horseback riding. So it has its own city governance, its own police, fire, etc. Hiram’s Resort in Florida, Top 10 Airbnbs in London for Every Type of Traveler, The Most Festive Christmas Town in Every State. Located in the heart of the Texas hill county, Wimberley is one of those places where you could go, take a deep breath and think about life. We’ll definitely update this list with more towns eventually! Fredericksburg is one of the most popular towns in the Texas Hill Country. Check out our guide to the best things to do in Port Aransas! Be a good sign when the cheapest city to live in Texas ( Bucket list Ideas! ) Senior... Affordable place to live in Texas and explain what makes them so good for retirees holds amazing. Texas is generally affordable, that much is … # 1 best Places to Retire Texas... 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