While many know Texas for some of the state’s larger cities like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, some of the cutest towns in Texas are some of the best places to visit in the United States. Whether planning a family reunion or an affordable spring break in Texas, these cute towns will not disappoint!
With a combination of southern charm and Texas rustic-chic, these cute towns in Texas encompass the ideal cozy town vibe. These hidden gems are located along the backroads connecting the major cities in the state.
So put on your cowboy boots and get comfy, you are not going to want to miss these top cute towns to visit in Texas next time you hit the Lonestar State!
Dripping Springs, TX
Located just 23 miles west of the bustling Texas city of Austin, Dripping Springs offers great outdoor activities with a fraction of the crowds. Whether you are looking for a cheap, warm winter vacation or just hoping to plan your weekend escape from the city, Dripping Springs is for you!
Here you can take a refreshing swim in the unique Hamilton Pool Preserve pictured above. This spot is a breathtaking swimming hole that formed thousands of years ago as a decaying underground river collapsed.
Later, head over to the Texas Hill Country Olive Company located slightly northwest of the center of Dripping Springs. This spot offers 15 acres of beautiful olive trees in the center of Hill Country. Tours are offered to visitors for $6 per person, where they learn about the history of olive oil, the extraction process, and explore the property’s tasting room.
The limestone cliffs around Dripping Springs’ Pedernales River are the perfect rock climbing attraction for anyone looking to spend time exploring the great outdoors. Reimers Ranch offers 3 continuous miles of pristine riverfront land to explore via hiking and biking. They also offer unique horseback riding experiences and optimal fishing conditions for catching an infamous large mouth bass.
Fredericksburg, TX
Our next favorite small town is home to some of the best wineries the great state of Texas has to offer. Fredericksburg is located in Texas Hill Country and is home to more than 45 vineyards.
This town is a perfect trip from Austin and San Antonio. However, while it is close to these busy cities, Fredericksburg is still one of the cutest towns in Texas you are looking for. With distinct German heritage, fun shopping opportunities, and thriving wineries, Fredericksburg is the perfect getaway to a Texas town.
A top attraction in Fredericksburg is Wildseed Farms. This spot is quite literally a playground for those who love the outdoors! If you are visiting in the spring, summer, or fall months, you will notice the area’s crazy amount of flowers boasted throughout the region. This wildflower farm offers walking trails, photo opportunities, and butterfly gardens for your visit.
History buffs will also love this cute Texas town as it is home to the National Museum of the Pacific War. Here, you will find elaborate exhibits illustrating the Pacific Theater with thousands of artifacts and historic machinery. This is one of the first things to do in Fredericksburg on your Texas vacation!
Marfa, TX
Marfa is the definition of a quirky small town. A brief drive through this cute town in Texas will immediately show you that Marfa is no ordinary town.
First, you need to know that Marfa is home to a famous Prada-themed art exhibit, attracting thousands of curious visitors every year. It is kind of crazy that a town with less than 2,000 citizens brings all these tourists in to explore this 2005 Prada Marfa exhibit. As a one-room, stucco replica of a real-life Prada store, this museum has become a culture landmark for this cute Texas town.
After checking out the Prada-themed museum, climb the beautiful stairs of the Presidio County Courthouse. Here you can discover panoramic views that will ultimately ground you and put life in perspective.
Stop into one of the cutest towns in Texas at Marfa to truly experience Texas’ southern charm!
Port Aransas, TX
As only established town found on Mustang Island, Port Aransas boasts countless family-oriented activities that people of all ages would enjoy.
Get the most out of the Texas coast at this original island life destination with 18 miles of shoreline featuring wide, sandy beaches. This breathtaking island offers fabulous outdoor activities from parasailing to bird watching to sport fishing, dolphin watching, and kayaking.
Another popular spot in Port Aransas is the only seaside links-style golf course in the entire state of Texas. Here you can rent a golf cart and hit the town, exploring the cute shops and restaurants along your journey.
As one of the cutest towns in Texas, you will find plenty of year-round festivals and activities including the famous BeachtoberFest, Texas SandFest, and the Whooping Crane Festival. If you are looking for a place to stay during your visit, there are plenty of cute coastal homes and hotels perfect for a large family vacation or a last-minute getaway.
Laredo, TX
Home to one of the most historic border crossing points on the north bank of the Rio Grande River, the border town Laredo is one of the top cutest towns in Texas.
In the center of the town’s downtown historic district you will find the famous Cathedral of San Augustin. Dating back to 1872, you are not going to want to miss this beautiful attraction during your visit to Laredo.
As you explore Laredo’s community along the border of Mexico, you will find how culturally significant it truly is! With influences that date all the way back to 1755, Laredo was originally founded by Dom Tomas Sanchez, a Spanish army captain.
San Augustin Plaza is a remarkable example illustrating why Laredo earned a spot as one of the cutest towns in Texas. With delicate architecture that originated from Mexican and European designs, you will discover some tasty restaurants featuring the cutest exteriors (and interiors!).
Dublin, TX
If you ask anyone local to Texas, they will tell you will have the best Dr Pepper ever in Dublin– where Dr Pepper actually originated!
Dublin Bottling Works has been in the business of bottling sodas for more than 120 years. This fact paired with the cozy, laidback vibe makes Dublin one of the cutest towns in Texas. The company’s Texas-made pure cane sugar makes the Dr Pepper brewed here extra sweet.
There are plenty of other things to do in Dublin like the the Dublin Historic Museum where you can discover and admire the city’s antiques and photographs. Dublin Historical Museum brings its guests back to the past and illustrates the region’s great Irish influence.
Spend some time in Dublin outdoors at Sowell Creek Park. Nestled on Proctor Lake, Sowell Creek Park is known as an outdoor sanctuary for campers and nature enthusiasts alike! Nearby Dublin Park is another great spot to spend an afternoon relaxing with family.
Amarillo, TX
If you are planning a road trip along route 66, you are definitely going to want to stop in Amarillo.
As one of the cutest towns in Texas, Amarillo is home to the famous Big Texan Steak House– home to the renowned 72-ounce steak. After finishing this legendary meal, head out on Historic Route 66 to the one and only Cadillac Ranch,
Explore Amarillo’s wide-open spaces found in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. Head into the great outdoors and discover breathtaking views at Palo Duro Canyon. As the second-largest canyon found in the United States, this must-see stop will not disappoint.
Later, enjoy some of Amarillo’s other popular outdoor activities like horseback riding Palo Duro Canyon, ziplining, hiking, and biking.
If you are looking to learn more about the history of Amarillo and Texas, head over to the American Quarter Horse Museum. Here you will discover the horse that eventually tamed the entire American West.
Gruene, TX
Gruene, established by eager German farmers in the 1840s, is by far one of the cutest towns in Texas for you to explore.
Gruene, Texas is technically a Historic District found within the Texan city of New Braunfels (around one hour from Austin). Despite the city’s population boom during the mid to late 1800s, Gruene started to become a ghost town after the historic boll weevil plague, hitting the small town in the 1920s.
Gruene Hall is by far the most important sight to see during your visit to this cute town in Texas. This hall is well-known as the oldest dance hall in all of Texas. With performances from Willie Nelson, Gregg Allman, and more, it is no wonder why Gruene Hall has hosted some of the best country musicians to ever live!
Later, try your cast at the Guadalupe River fly fishing. Due to warmer temperatures entering the region from spring to late fall, Texas Hill Country is known for some of the top fly fishing spots in the United States.
Port Isabel, TX
Known as the only spot in Texas home to its very own lighthouse, Port Isabel is by far one of the cutest towns in Texas.
If you are looking for a Texas vacation spot combining warm sea breezes and a cozy, laidback vibe, Port Isabel is your town! Port Isabel dates back to the 1700s, settled by Mexican ranchers which was then later abandoned and reclaimed by the United States.
Lighthouse Square offers a cute, quaint area of Port Isabel to explore. Filled with tons of quirky shops and local restaurants, it will be hard to leave your Port Isabel vacation without a sea-themed souvenir.
Later, explore Pirate’s Landing Restaurant to discover a real, pirate-like ship that offers scrumptious seafood. This top restaurant in Port Isabel perfectly encapsulates the draw to this cute Texan town.
Marble Falls, TX
Marble Falls is our last favorite cute town in Texas. Founded in the late 19th century, this central town in Texas provides the perfect escape for everyone!
Marble Falls is home to award-winning Hill Country wineries, beautiful recreational parks, and tranquil lakes– making this cute Texan town a delightful vacation spot for all travelers. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge offers more than seven miles of diverse wildlife and nature trails for you to explore.
For more outdoor time, head over to Hidden Falls Adventure Park. With miles of dirt scattered across 3,000 acres of remote Texas Hill Country terrain, this park is the destination for off-road enthusiasts.
Flat Creek Estate is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat while sipping on a delicious glass of wine. This award-winning winery is set on over 80 acres of gorgeous Hill Country land. Here you can sample plenty of Texas-made white and red wines in the tasting room or enjoy a tour explaining the winemaking process.
I love that these all seem to be surrounded by such pretty countryside, especially Dripping Springs and Amarillo! I love when you can see pretty spots, then go to town for some tasty texas food!
Oh all of these towns look adorable! Port Aransas sounds right up my street and I’d love to visit! Hopefully I’ll get there one day! Thanks for the great guide!
I’ve been to Texas many times when I was younger, but didnt hear much about these places so it’s great to know. The Dripping Springs look stunning!