Are you looking to escape the nine-to-five grind and spend a weekend away in Texas? Texas is a state bursting with culture and there are many great ways to spend your time in the Lone Star state.
Whether you want to spend the weekend out in the wilderness or lapping up luxury by a pool in a big city, there is something for everyone on this list!
Check out the three best weekend getaways in Texas and begin to plan your weekend of fun now.
3 Best Weekend Getaways In Texas
Best Hiking Weekend Getaway: Big Bend National Park
Location: Southwest Texas
Two days is the perfect length of time to explore all that Big Bend National Park has to offer.
Pack your tent and spend 48 hours in the wilderness, sleeping under the stars, and taking a much-needed break from the 9-5 grind.
This weekend trip is best for spring or fall when the temperatures are more bearable than the soaring temperatures that are recorded in this National Park during the summertime.
There are many different hiking trails that you can follow and we recommend choosing one that will lead you through the Chisos Basin, along the meandering Rio Grande, and up along the highest peaks in this national park.
There are a range of activities that you can do if you would rather not spend the whole two days hiking, such as checking out the scenic views on a bike, taking the dirt road to visit scenic points, or getting around on horseback with a local guide.
During your time in this sprawling park, you can expect to see lots of local wildlife, a variety of different cacti species, and volcanic rock formations.
Travel
There are no public transport links to this hidden gem in the state of Texas and so having your own means of transportation is essential.
There are tour groups that travel if you would rather join a group of people.
If you do decide to drive there are a number of highways that lead directly to the Big Bend National Park.
These highways include Highway 385 to Marathon, Highway 90, Highway 170 leading from Presidio to Study Butte, or you can take Highway 118 going from Alpine to Study Butte.
Once you enter the grounds of the park you will still need to drive some more to reach the visitor center or campsite so you must bring spare fuel, the last thing you want is to run out of fuel with no one around you for miles.
Accommodation
Camping is the most popular accommodation type in the Big Bend National Park and there are RV campgrounds and drive-thru sites in many of the camping grounds.
Some of the most popular campgrounds are the Rio Grande Village Campground, Rio Grande Village RV Park, Cottonwood Campground, and the Chisos Basin Campground.
Reservations are essential to avoid disappointment but if you would rather rough it in the backcountry you will need to apply for a permit to camp in an off-road location.
If you want a bit more comfort then check out the Chisos Mountain Lodge, which is the only accommodation of its kind within the park grounds.
Visitors often choose to stay in neighboring towns and travel to the park each day. Terlingua is the closest town to the park and has a range of accommodations, from classic B&Bs to lodges and campgrounds.
It is also possible to take day trips to the park from the towns of Marfa, Marathon, and Alpine if you would prefer a weekend in a larger town.
There are several national parks across Texas that are worth visiting, it is important to check the standard of difficulty of the trails and accommodation in the area before heading off to ensure you are prepared for the weekend ahead.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Caddo Lake State Park are great places to spend 48 hours and offer a huge variety of views and activities.
Best City Weekend Getaway: Dallas
Location: Central North Texas
If you are traveling to Texas and want to spend the weekend immersed in the true, authentic Texan culture, you should head to Dallas.
Dallas is one of the most famous cities in Texas and with so much to do you will be able to jam-pack your weekend with as many activities as you want.
To get a full view of the sheer size of Dallas, take a trip to the observation deck at the top of the Reunion Tower.
If you love music you won’t regret going to hear the Dallas Symphony Orchestra or checking out what else is on at Meyerson Symphony Center.
If you want to check out the nature scene in this city then head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens or see the amazing species living at the Dallas World Aquarium.
For a leisurely stroll take time to soak up the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city for many.
Travel
Dallas is a well-connected city and getting there from across America is possible.
There are two airports serving this popular city, Dallas Love Field (DAL) and Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW.) DFW is the main airport in Dallas and it is also the biggest hub for American Airlines.
There are also great rail links, a reminder of the history of Dallas and the railroad industry.
If you are driving you don’t need to worry about winding roads as Dallas has some of the best highways in the state.
It is worth noting that the majority of the highways are named rather than numbered which can be confusing for some visitors to the city.
Accommodation
Like most cities, Dallas has a huge range of hotels available across the city. From independent boutique hotels to luxury 5-star chain hotels with a huge number of budget-friendly options also.
When choosing a place to stay, always check out the nearby transport links to make sure you can get there and get around the city at ease.
This will make your weekend of taking in the sights more straightforward.
Whether you are staying at a hotel, hostel, or AirBnB it is worth enquiring about any festivals taking place in the area.
Locals are also a great way of discovering local gems for food and drink as well as secret concerts going on.
Other cities that are worth spending a weekend would be the diverse city of San Antonio, Tyler for a romantic getaway, or Houston to see some Rodeo.
Best Seaside Weekend Getaway: Galveston
Location: South East Texas Coastline
Texas has a huge number of stretching beaches along the Gulf Coast of the state but there are also some freshwater beaches scattered throughout the state beside stunning lakes and meandering rivers (see also ‘10 Breathtaking Lake Beaches To Visit In Dallas‘).
Galveston Island is a gorgeous place to spend a weekend in Texas.
This island has some of the most beautiful beaches along the Gulf Coastline of Texas but also offers many historical attractions, a great atmosphere, and more.
If laying on the beach all day doesn’t appeal to you you will still find plenty to do.
If you love water parks, check out the insane waterslides at Schlitterbahn Galveston, or take a rollercoaster ride at Pleasure Pier.
Downtown Galveston is bursting with history and you will find the streets here lined with interesting museums where you can learn more about the island, or check out the trendy shops for some retail therapy.
There is usually great weather all year round on this Texan Island making this a great place to visit any time of the year.
Swim in the gulf and explore a new part of a beach each day before ending the evening in one of the many restaurants this place has to offer.
Travel
Traveling to Galveston Island is simple, especially for anyone traveling to this spot from Houston as it is less than a 50-mile drive taking approximately an hour, depending on traffic.
If you don’t have a car, you can take one of the buses from mainland Texas from Houston for less than $100.
Accommodation
Galveston has a variety of accommodation available, from chain hotels to historical hotels.
There are also many resorts and independently owned accommodations as well as hostels, and Air BnBs (see also ‘5 Incredible All-Inclusion Resorts In Texas‘).
If you want a cheaper way to stay on Galveston Island, check out one of the beach site campgrounds and wake up to the Gulf Coast water every morning during your stay.
If you want to stay in a piece of history, check out the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, which is the newly renovated Flagship Hotel.
Look for accommodation in Downtown, Beachtown, or the East End Historic District for access to the local island transportation.
Final Thoughts
Whatever way you want to spend your weekend getaway Texas has something that appeals to everyone.
Whether you spend it under the stars, surrounded by local wildlife, or in a luxurious hotel sipping cocktails poolside, you can easily take in a new city, town, and experience every weekend and never run out of things to do.
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