As a resident of Austin, I get to explore many awesome places just a short drive away. There’s something about a Texas weekend that makes the everyday feel far behind. Whether I'm floating in a spa pool or watching the stars from a cabin porch, these getaways are reminders that rest doesn’t require a plane ticket or a large expense. For couples, solo travelers, or families looking to slow down, I find that these destinations offer the perfect blend of charm, comfort, and something new.
Best Weekend Getaways in Texas:
Finding stillness and soul at Miraval Austin
Miraval Austin felt like a deep breath I didn’t know I needed. Set in the Hill Country above Lake Travis just a short drive from my house, it offered a retreat into stillness. I enjoyed the spa rituals, nature walks, and quiet moments that reminded me how good it feels to simply pause. I remember thinking, "Ahh... peace."
What I Loved Most: Floating in the infinity pool at sunrise with the hills glowing pink in the distance. It felt like the world had stopped just for me.
My highlights? Lunch at the Hilltop Crossings Kitchen. I had grilled salmon with avocado-lime crema, quinoa tabbouleh, and a refreshing herbal tea. Clean, nourishing, and full of flavor—just like the weekend itself.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Northwest Austin, overlooking Lake Travis
- Vibe: Wellness, luxury, peaceful
- Highlights: Spa, yoga, equine therapy, mindful dining
- Best Time to Visit: Fall or spring for outdoor serenity
- Cost: Premium (all-inclusive wellness resort)
- Address: 13500 FM2769, Austin, TX 78726
Sunshine and easy living at Margaritaville Lake Resort
Everything about Margaritaville Lake Resort was playful and lighthearted. From palm trees to lake views, it delivered a vacation vibe just an hour from Houston. We laughed more, moved slower, and felt like kids again. I remember thinking, "This isn’t just a getaway, it’s a permission slip to relax."
What I Loved Most: Floating down the lazy river while listening to Jimmy Buffett—it was pure bliss with zero agenda.
My highlights? Dinner at LandShark Bar & Grill. I had coconut shrimp with mango habanero sauce and a side of crispy fries, paired with a frozen margarita that somehow made everything taste like summer.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Lake Conroe, ~1 hour from Houston
- Vibe: Tropical, upbeat, family-friendly or couples’ retreat
- Highlights: Pools, lake activities, spa, on-site dining
- Best Time to Visit: Summer or spring break for full resort experience
- Cost: Mid-to-high resort rates
- Address: 600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery, TX 77356
Celebrate with a romantic getaway at The Tremont House - 1 hour from Houston
The Tremont House wrapped us in Galveston's grand history—high ceilings, tall windows, and polished charm. It was like stepping into a slower century, where people took their time and lingered a little longer over everything. I remember thinking, "This place doesn’t just preserve the past. It invites you to live inside it."
What I Loved Most: Rooftop cocktails at dusk with the salty breeze in our hair and church bells echoing down the Strand.
My highlights? Breakfast at Blum & Co. inside the hotel. I had the Gulf Coast Benedict—blue crab cakes topped with poached eggs and creole hollandaise. A local twist on a classic, and absolutely unforgettable.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Historic Strand District, Galveston
- Vibe: Historic, elegant, coastal
- Highlights: Rooftop bar, historic architecture, walkable downtown
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or early fall for mild beach weather
- Cost: Mid-to-high boutique hotel rates
- Address: 2300 Ship Mechanic Row St, Galveston, TX 77550
Explore Austin while staying at the Archer Hotel
Tucked into Austin’s Domain Northside, the Archer Hotel Austin gave us the best of both worlds: sleek city energy and serene comfort.
Between boutique shopping, rooftop lounging, and spontaneous detours for tacos, it was a weekend that reminded me how fun it is to wander without a plan. I remember thinking, "Sometimes the getaway you need is right in the heart of the city."
What I Loved Most: Taking in golden hour on the rooftop with craft cocktails and skyline views that made Austin feel intimate.
My cultural highlight? Texas African American History Memorial on the Texas State Capitol grounds. The sculpture stood tall and layered, telling centuries of struggle and triumph. I observed the details: faces caught mid-expression, a cotton field on one side, freedom marchers on the other. The past and present stood shoulder to shoulder, refusing to be forgotten.
Hill Country peace and sunrise promise at Sage Hill Inn
At Sage Hill Inn Above Onion Creek, time felt suspended. Mornings started with birdsong, evenings ended with stargazing, and everything in between was quiet, golden, and deeply grounding. It felt like the kind of escape designed for reconnection—with nature, with each other, with yourself. I remember thinking, "This isn’t just a weekend away—it’s a return to calm."
What I Loved Most: Waking up early to walk the trails, dew still clinging to the wildflowers, and the hills rising in soft light.
My highlights? Dinner at the inn’s restaurant, where I had herb-roasted chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables—served warm, rustic, and full of flavor that tasted like home.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Kyle, TX – ~45 minutes from Austin
- Vibe: Secluded, peaceful, rejuvenating
- Highlights: Nature trails, spa, outdoor hot tub, scenic views
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers, fall for crisp evenings
- Cost: Mid-to-high, includes meals
- Address: 4444 W FM 150, Kyle, TX 78640
Wine country romance at Barons Creek Vineyards
Barons Creek Vineyards felt like a hidden corner of Tuscany planted right in the Texas Hill Country. Rows of vines, soft stone villas, and long afternoons sipping wine made the world fade away. I remember thinking, "You don’t have to fly across the ocean to feel like you're far from home."
What I Loved Most: Our private tasting on the patio. I enjoyed the sunlight, laughter, and bold reds swirling in the glass as the vineyard glowed behind us.
My highlights? Charcuterie and a flight of Italian varietals at the tasting room. Each bite and sip felt unhurried—exactly how a weekend should feel.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Fredericksburg, TX – ~1.5 hours from Austin or San Antonio
- Vibe: Romantic, Tuscan-inspired, laid-back luxury
- Highlights: Wine tastings, boutique villas, vineyard views
- Best Time to Visit: Fall harvest or spring wildflower season
- Cost: Mid-to-luxury, depending on suite
- Address: 5865 East US Hwy 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk: Mediterranean Flair Anchored in River Walk Rhythm
“I walked in and felt like the city exhaled.” Hotel Valencia brought a calm elegance to San Antonio’s River Walk. I liked the Spanish tiles, iron balconies, and a lobby that whispered cool air and quiet charm. Just steps from the river, it was both tucked away yet entirely central.
What I Loved Most: Sitting on the terrace as riverboats drifted by, the ivy walls glowing gold in late sun. The bustle below faded into soft conversation and clinking glasses.
My highlights? Lunch at Dorrego’s: a saffron-rich seafood paella layered with shrimp, mussels, and crisp-edged rice. The scent of spice and salt hung in the warm breeze as I lingered without hurry.
Plan your stay:
- Walk Time from The Alamo: ~8 minutes
- Vibe: Boutique, serene, riverfront
- Highlights: Rooftop terrace, Dorrego’s, direct River Walk access
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall
- Cost: ~$200–350/night; valet ~$50
- Amenities: Courtyards, spa services, Wi-Fi, fitness center
Creative cool at Flophouze Hotel - 1 hour and 20 minutes from Austin
Staying at Flophouze felt like sleeping inside a super comfy doll house. Each recycled shipping container had its own personality—reclaimed wood, quirky art, and vintage records spinning in the background. It wasn’t just different. It was unforgettable. I remember thinking, “This place dares you to dream differently.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the sun set from an Adirondack chair, sipping Topo Chico and looking out over the vast Texas sky from the middle of nowhere.
My highlights? Lunch at Royers Round Top Café: a juicy burger with house-made chips, followed by their famous junkberry pie. Comfort food with attitude.
Plan your stay:
- Vibe: Artsy, minimal, offbeat luxury
- Location: Round Top, TX
- Best For: Creative couples, road-trippers, design lovers
- Amenities: Kitchenettes, hammocks, fire pits, unique decor
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for antique fairs and cooler temps
- Cost: From $175 per night
- Address: 1132 W FM 1291, Round Top, TX 78954
Where the Weekend Feels Just Right
From vineyard tastings to hilltop hikes, each of these Texas retreats brings its own rhythm—a chance to reset without rushing. These are the places where time stretches, laughter lingers, and mornings start without alarms. However you like to unwind, there’s a weekend here waiting to welcome you back again and again.
Lakeside Stillness at the Inn on Lake Granbury
“This is the kind of calm we forget to ask for,” I said to my husband as we stepped into the gardens at the The Inn on Lake Granbury . The lake shimmered through the trees, and everything moved slow—porch chairs, the breeze, even our voices.
We spent most of the afternoon just walking the grounds. A saltwater pool, a tucked-away hot tub, rocking chairs overlooking the water. Inside, our room was warm and quiet—fireplace, hardwood floors, a little patio that felt like it belonged only to us.
Breakfast came with no fanfare—just a soft knock, and a tray with fresh fruit, pastries, and a warm quiche we ate by the window.
We wandered into Granbury’s downtown later that morning. I walked into bookshops and antique stores. It was the kind of place where nothing felt urgent which was just perfect for me.
Plan your weekend away:
- Drive Time from Fort Worth/Dallas: ~1.5 hours southwest
- Vibe: Quiet, elegant, lakeside calm
- Highlights: Inn on Lake Granbury, historic square, porches, wine tastings nearby
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall
- Cost: Rooms ~$195–$325/night; downtown browsing and wine ~$20–$30
- Hours: Inn check-in 3–9 pm; shops ~10am–6pm
The Summit at Big Bend: Desert Elegance & Infinite Skies
“The first stars arrived before I finished unpacking.” I lay back and watched the sky widen through the clear curve above me, the desert breathing quiet against the glass while the hills turned copper, then violet.
What I Loved Most about Summit Big Bend: Falling asleep to silence and starlight, waking to sun-warmed rock and a horizon that felt endless.
My highlights? I stayed in a stone-cool suite tucked into the hillside, a king bed and a double rain shower that echoed gently like a canyon after rain. At breakfast, a small cafe in Terlingua served tortillas still warm from the griddle, eggs soft and peppery, and salsa with a smoky edge that lingered. The room smelled faintly of cedar and dust after sunset, and the night air tasted clean and mineral.
A downside? The most coveted rooms book out fast. Wind can rise suddenly, and the long, dark drives between towns stretched farther than I expected after a full day outside.
Plan your Summit getaway:
- Location: Near Terlingua, just outside Big Bend National Park
- Vibe: Remote, star-soaked, quietly luxurious
- Stay Options: Cave-style suites, stargazing domes, standard domes
- Best Time to Visit: October–April for cooler nights; March–April for wildflowers
- Cost: Lodging varies by room type; park entry typically per vehicle for a 7-day pass
- Logistics: Fuel up before arriving, bring layers for big temperature swings, limited cell service
- Hours: Big Bend National Park is open daily; visitor centers generally daytime
Jump to a Spot...
- • Finding stillness and soul at Miraval Austin
- • Sunshine and easy living at Margaritaville Lake Resort
- • Celebrate with a romantic getaway at The Tremont House - 1 hour from Houston
- • Explore Austin while staying at the Archer Hotel
- • Hill Country peace and sunrise promise at Sage Hill Inn
- • Wine country romance at Barons Creek Vineyards
- • Hotel Valencia Riverwalk: Mediterranean Flair Anchored in River Walk Rhythm
- • Riverboat on the San Antonio River Walk
- • Creative cool at Flophouze Hotel - 1 hour and 20 minutes from Austin
- • My photo of Texas bluebonnets in the spring
- • I took this photo of a delicious plate of Nachos we ate on our TX weekend getaway
- • Lakeside Stillness at the Inn on Lake Granbury
- • Hood County Courthouse near Lake Granbury with unique boutique shops, restaurants
- • The Summit at Big Bend: Desert Elegance & Infinite Skies
- • Sunset View of Rio Grande and Chisos Mountains from Big Bend
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