We might be biased, but when it comes to interesting sites and amazing cities all packed into one state, we think Texas takes the cake. With summer quickly approaching, we decided to make a list of top Texas destinations. Yes, it will be hot, but we love a good ole fashioned road trip, and Texas’s scenery and legendary pit stops (Buc-ee’s!) make for an enjoyable car ride. If you live in the Lone Star State, or if you have a Texas trip in the works, be sure to check out our recommendations below!
New Braunfels & Gruene
Cool off from the Texas heat with a dip in the Comal River in the New Braunfels / Gruene area. These small neighboring towns are home to a slew of cute restaurants (The Gristmill, Huisache Grill, and Buttermilk Cafe are local favorites), concerts at the iconic Gruene Hall, and beautiful Texas Hill Country scenery. Whether you want to spend the day tubing or tasting local wines at The Grapevine, these quaint Texas towns have a little something for everyone.
Photo courtesy of Texas Outside
Hamilton Pool Preserve (Outside of Austin)
Every time I see pictures of this scenic spot I can’t believe it is just outside of Austin! This one has been on my bucket list for a while so I think it’s high time we pack and picnic and take the whole family to Hamilton Pool Preserve, a scenic natural swimming hole just 30 miles outside of Austin. There is a 45 foot waterfall which is a beautiful backdrop for a day of swimming and hiking. It’s by reservation only so make one in advance!
Photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy
San Antonio
If you haven’t been to San Antonio in the last 5 years, put it at the top of your list! There are so many new hotels and restaurants (Hotel Emma is a dream), and the B Cycle bike share system makes it super easy to cruise around downtown and the beautiful King William Historic District. Cruise by the Alamo and then wind through the neighborhood streets of King William to admire beautiful historic mansions. End your bike tour with a refreshing beverage at Blue Star Brewing Company or The Friendly Spot. The bright pink Liberty Bar and authentic Tito’s Mexican Restaurant are two foodie favorites in the area.
Photo courtesy of Menil.org
Houston
Our hometown gets better every year (minus the traffic!). It seems like new restaurants and bars open every week, and we finally have a couple of new swanky hotels like Hotel Alessandra downtown and The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston. Summers here are brutally hot, but our AC is serious business! Enjoy the indoors at The Menil Collection, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, and The Heights Theater. Take a cooking class at Central Market with our friend Marcia Smart or join a wine tasting at Vinology. Plus, all of the delicious international cuisine Houston has to offer will keep you distracted from the heat for days. Check out our Houston City Guide for our full list of recommendations!
Photo courtesy of The Houston Chronicle
Galveston
A quick 50 miles away from Houston is Galveston Island. While the beaches may not be as beautiful as Seaside, Florida, it’s a great ocean escape for Texas natives in the summer. With delicious seafood restaurants, nice hotels, public beaches, and the Moody Gardens amusement park, aquarium and golf course, there are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy!
Marfa, Alpine, and Marathon (West Texas)
A West Texas excursion is at the top of our bucket list. Summers are mild in these desert towns (it even gets chilly at night) making them a great escape from Houston. We’re dying to check out the art community in Marfa and sleep under the desert stars in a yurt at the boho-chic El Cosmico. After visiting the Judd Foundation, drive over to the Big Bend Brewing Company in Alpine and then make your way to the Gage Hotel in Marathon. Spend a day hiking at Big Bend and soaking up the magical West Texas scenery.
Photo by Van Chaplin courtesy of Southern Living
The Hill Country (Fredericksburg, Kerrville, Hunt)
One of our favorite places on earth is The Hill Country. Caroline’s family grew up going here and now has a ranch nearby (and is currently building a new home on it)! You can’t go wrong with a few days spent in the area around Fredericksburg, Kerrville, and Hunt. Your best bet is to rent a home on the river and enjoy slow days by the water and lightning bug-filled evenings under the stars.
Are any of these places on your bucket list? We’d love to hear about where you want to travel to this summer!
San Marcos is missing from this list! (I work for Tour San Marcos, so I can’t help myself lol)
Let’s get to packing. I’m ready. And don’t forget Cibolo Creek Ranch in the Big Bend area. A fabulous retreat!
Love this list! I have a lot of these places on my summer plans as well. I also have a great (well I think so!) blog post on Marfa and roadtripping southwest Texas on my blog 🙂
Thank you for this post. Many couples will benefit if they read it.
I agree Sarah. San Marcos and San Marcos River for kayaking and fly fishing are the best.
Where exactly is the last Photo taken?
Which hill country river is this on?