Posted in Texas Attractions April 15, 2021 by

Here Are The 10 Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns In Texas

If you just stick to the big cities in Texas, you will miss out on the true heart and soul of what our beautiful state is all about. Sure, places like Dallas and Houston are absolutely worth visiting, but it’s the small towns that have all the personality. The Lone Star State has literally hundreds of small towns scattered throughout the state, and here are some of the best small towns in Texas you’ll want to visit as soon as possible:

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1) Fredericksburg
Brandi Korte/Flickr
Our list of the best small towns in Texas begins in Fredericksburg. With a population of just under 11,000, Fredericksburg is one of the most historic German towns in the state. While here, enjoy shopping and dining in downtown Fredericksburg, pick your own peaches at Marburger Orchard, pick beautiful flowers at the country's largest wildflower farm, Wildseed Farms, or visit one of the historic museums in the area such as the National Museum of the Pacific War. There are also many gorgeous wonderful wineries in the Fredericksburg area that you definitely can't miss! It's no mystery why Fredericksburg is consistently voted one of the coolest small towns in Texas.
2) Marfa
Mathieu Lebreton/Flickr
Most well-known for the numerous sightings of mysterious lights reported in this small desert town of around 2,000 people, Marfa is also an off-the-beaten-path destination for Minimalist art attractions, and many artists have flocked here to enjoy the art culture. While here, enjoy the charming town square, check out the various art exhibits, and definitely don't miss the Marfa Lights! If you'd like to extend your trip, you can stay the night at this awesome glampground in Texas.
3) Luckenbach
Gino/Flickr
When talking about the best small towns in Texas, you can't possibly leave out Luckenbach. Listed with a population of only 25 back in 2010, I couldn't find a more recent population figure, though by visiting the town you can see for yourself how small it really is. There's a corner store, a post office, and a dance hall still standing, and you can buy plenty of souvenirs in the gift shop adorned with the town's motto "Everybody's somebody in Luckenbach." The town was memorialized by the song we all know and love, "Luckenbach, Texas" by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Today, you can enjoy live music events each weekend, including occasional performances by local and regional country singers. Most of the time, though, locals and visitors alike gather around for informal performances and sing-alongs (which can be just as entertaining.) And don't forget to check out the famous Luckenbach General Store!
4) Poteet
larkspurlazull/Flickr
With a population of 3,260 as of the 2010 census, this is the birthplace of the famous country singer George Strait. It's best known for its annual event that attracts thousands of Texans, the Poteet Strawberry Festival held one weekend each April.
5) Turkey
tom spinker/Flickr
This little gem of a small town is located northwest of Fort Worth in the Panhandle. The population was only 421 at the 2010 census, so it's a great place to escape the chaos of the city. Turkey is home to the famous swing musician Bob Wills, and hosts a celebration in his honor each spring that includes a parade, a cook-off, a fiddling competition, dancing, and more. While you're here, you won't want to miss the charming little general store Lacy Dry Goods, which has been open since 1927.
6) Gruene
David Hamill/Flickr
This quaint town right near New Braunfels is home to Texas' oldest dance hall, made famous by the movie "Michael." Definitely check out the antique shops in the town square, and if you're hungry, the Gristmill is a wonderful place to eat, both for the incredible food and the unbeatable views of the Guadalupe River. It's no secret why this place is considered one of the most charming towns in America.
7) Schulenburg
jonathan rotondo-mccord/Flickr
Best known for its German heritage, this small town of less than 3,000 is home to the Texas Polka Music Museum. When visiting, you can't miss Frank's for a heavenly slice of chocolate or cherry pie, and also the Potter Country Store for fresh-picked pecans! Or, for something truly impressive, be sure to experience the Schulenburg painted churches.
8) West
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
If you want to learn more about Czech heritage, this is a great place to do just that. You'll find this tiny town about 20 miles north of Waco, and while you're there, stop in at one of the Czech bakeries for some delicious treats. If you time it right, you can attend the annual WestFest, a festival celebrating Czech heritage and culture.
9) Terlingua
Jack Says Relax/Flickr
Arguably the most famous ghost town in Texas, it is home to a handful of residents looking for a quieter, slower-paced way of life. There's a few buildings standing in the town, including remnants of old dwellings, as well as several small souvenir shops and restaurants open for business. On the first Saturday of November, you can attend the annual chili cookoff, where thousands of Texans meet to prove their chili is indeed the best in the state. If you love ghost towns, be sure to read about the most iconic ghost towns in Texas.
10) Jefferson
Kevin Trotman/Flickr
This is a small town in East Texas of a couple thousand people, and is one of the most haunted towns in the state. The city has over 70 historic landmarks, including museums and well-preserved Greek-revival homes. Make sure to check out some of the antique and specialty shops, and stay in one of the haunted hotels (if you dare).

Do you agree that these are some of the best small towns in Texas? Which would you add to the list? We’d love to hear from you — be sure to leave us a comment below!

Address: Marfa, TX 79843, USA
Address: Luckenbach, TX 78624, USA
Address: Poteet, TX 78065, USA
Address: Turkey, TX 79261, USA
Address: Gruene, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA
Address: Schulenburg, TX 78956, USA
Address: West, TX 76691, USA
Address: Terlingua, TX 79852, USA
Address: Jefferson, TX 75657, USA
Address: Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

best small towns in Texas

April 30, 2021
Beth C.

What are some other charming towns in Texas?

As you might have guessed, our above list of the best small towns in Texas only scratched the surface. In truth, there are hundreds of small towns in Texas worth exploring. If you’re looking for charming towns in Texas that also have beautiful scenery, you’ll want to plan a trip to any of the following destinations: Canyon, Fort Davis, Vanderpool, Wimberley, Marble Falls, Dripping Springs, Daingerfield, South Padre Island, Presidio, and Salt Flat. Learn more about these beautiful Texas small towns.

What are the most underrated towns in Texas?

Being a positively massive state, Texas is filled to the brim with places that fly under the radar. Some of the most underrated towns in Texas you’ll want to explore include El Paso, Galveston, and Fort Worth. And speaking of underrated, there are lots of underrated attractions here in the Lone Star State. These include Big Thicket National Preserve, the Greenway Trails, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, Pedernales Falls State Park, Seminole Canyon State Park, Balmorhea State Park, the National Cowgirl Museum Hall of Fame, and Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. Learn more about these underrated Texas towns and destinations.

Where can I go in Texas that only the locals know about?

Curious to experience Texas like a local? You’ve come to the right place! There are plenty of destinations in Texas that the locals love, and these places include Stewart Mansion in Galveston, Devil’s River, Hueco Tanks State Park, the Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in El Paso, Lavender Ridge Farms in Gainesville, Stonehenge II in Ingram, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple in Stafford, and Cattail Falls in Big Bend. Learn more about these hidden places in Texas you’ll love exploring.

 

Address: Marfa, TX 79843, USA
Address: Luckenbach, TX 78624, USA
Address: Poteet, TX 78065, USA
Address: Turkey, TX 79261, USA
Address: Gruene, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA
Address: Schulenburg, TX 78956, USA
Address: West, TX 76691, USA
Address: Terlingua, TX 79852, USA
Address: Jefferson, TX 75657, USA
Address: Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA