Hello, my friends! While Texas just experienced an unprecedented cold-snap, the state typically begins to warm up in the springtime. So whether you’re stuck somewhere that’s still getting snow (looking at you, Canada and Iceland), or if you’re already shedding your sweaters in the Lone Star State, now’s a great time to check out some weekend getaways in Texas!

It doesn’t matter if you’re on the hunt for an urban experience or craving a Spring Break beach vacation,  my list will give you the top 8 Texan destinations made  for a short getaway. Let’s get into it!

1. Keep It Weird In Austin

If you’re looking for a big-city vibe and live music anywhere you turn, Austin is the city for you! In addition to the street performers you’ll stumble upon across the city, there are over 250 music venues for you to choose from. In the spring, consider timing your visit to hit the incredible South by Southwest music festival!

From Tex-Mex to barbecue, the food scene in Austin is delicious. Food trucks are parked all over the place and there are more craft breweries than you could ever need. Austin’s also home to plenty of outdoor adventures, including hiking trails, biking,  kayaking, and cruises.

2. Peek Around Fredericksburg

Just an hour and a half from Austin, little old Fredericksburg is nestled comfortably in Texas Hill Country, which is chock-full of wineries and historical attractions. This small town is especially suited for a romantic getaway, where you and your loved one can enjoy a wine tasting in the city or at a nearby Texas Wine Country vineyard.

History buffs will enjoy the Lyndon B Johnson state park and historic site, while outdoorsy types should absolutely check out the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (also a hidden gem for hiking enthusiasts). 

3. Houston, Texas, Baby!

Everything’s bigger in Texas and Houston isn’t exempt! Houston is the most-populated city in the state and the fourth biggest in the country. You’ll have plenty of attractions to fill up a weekend getaway here and may even want to hang around a little longer. It’s Beyonce’s hometown, need I say more? 

Now, if you’re looking for a diverse range of food, Houston’s got it for you. With a huge international population, you’ll be able to taste Ethiopian, Mexican, American barbecue, Vietnamese, and more, all within a short distance of each other! For all you aspiring cowboys, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has remained the world’s largest rodeo and livestock show for decades. Yeehaw!

4. A Beach Day in Galveston

About an hour out from Houston, you’ll find the island of Galveston. This gulf-coast beach town is perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway! Take a moment to relax on those warm, gulf-coast beaches.

Home to the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark and the Galveston Historic Pleasure Pier Amusement Park, this town is fun for the whole family. You’ll enjoy plenty of delicious seafood and bars with ocean views. Architecture fans should book a tour of the 1892 Bishop’s Palace Mansion, a National Historic Landmark, or the incredible Moody Mansion. Don’t forget to take lots of photos!

5. The Dallas-Fort Worth Duo

Though grouped in the same metro area, Dallas and Fort Worth are each their own cities, with plenty to explore! If you’re here for just a weekend trip, you may want to focus on one of these cities at a time, or risk getting caught in traffic trying to drive between them!

Visitors checking out Fort Worth should visit its incredible zoo or the Fort Worth Stockyards Historic District – with gunfight reenactments, a real-life cattle drive, live music, and more, so that you’ll get a taste of the real wild west. Visitors to Dallas might like the giant Dallas World Aquarium, or they can scour the nightlife scene and find the best bar to practice their Texas two-step. Both cities are full of great dining options and city tours!

6. San Antonio and the Alamo

Remember the Alamo! If you’re looking for a refresher on what exactly to remember, visit the Alamo Mission in downtown San Antonio. Historic figures like David Crockett held the fort against thousands of troops from Mexico in 1836. 

After the Alamo, take a stroll from the famous San Antonio River Walk down to the lovely Pearl neighborhood, home to unique breweries and lively restaurants. If you can’t get enough of those iconic San Antonio Spanish Missions, take some time to visit a few more, like Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada. This is the largest concentration of Spanish Missions in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot!

7. Rough It In Big Bend National Park

For those of you who’d like to escape the city altogether, plan a weekend camping trip in Big Bend National Park! Here you can find miles upon miles of trails, horseback rides, the Rio Grande, and even a couple golf courses just outside the park.

You can pitch your own tent, park in an RV Park, or splurge for one of these luxurious guest rooms for a true glamping experience. Out in the wild, nights are perfect for stargazing beside the fire pit, or reserve a soak at a full-service spa to enjoy the night sky from a hot tub.  To each their own!

8. Corpus Christi: Beaches Galore!

Calling all beach bums – Corpus Christi is the destination you’ve been looking for. Numerous beaches are within short driving distances, including South Padre Island and Mustang Island, meaning there are plenty of spots to sunbathe!

Wildlife lovers will enjoy the yearly sea turtle hatchling release at the Padre Island National Seashore. Even though the titular mustangs on Mustang Island disappeared decades ago, you can still do some horseback riding on the beach! Foodies will have plenty to choose from between food trucks, Tex Mex, and boatloads of barbecue. 

I hope this list gave you some inspiration to find your best weekend getaway in Texas! I know I’m getting hungry for some of that barbecue right about now. 

If you’re looking for a different kind of getaway, check out my tips on Idaho hot springs or things to do in California for more ideas!