Weekend Getaways in Texas

I discovered this lush hidden waterfall while hiking in the Texas Hill Country
I discovered this lush hidden waterfall while hiking in the Texas Hill Country

Searching for the best weekend getaways in Texas? You've come to the right place! Living in The Lone Star State, we've spent countless weekends discovering how spend cozy 48 hours on a perfect weekend getaway. I hope you'll love it too.

Best Weekend Getaways in Central Texas / Hill Country

I live in Central Texas and absolutely love it here. I think that rolling hills, winding rivers, and charming small towns make Central Texas and the Hill Country an ideal escape for a weekend (or day trip!).

Enjoy a spa weekend at Miraval Austin
Miraval Austin Resort and Spa

Miraval Austin Resort and Spa

In the mood for luxury, relaxation and romance in the Texas Hill Country? Check out adults-only Miraval Austin (Google Maps Pin).

You'll find it just 30 minutes from downtown Austin. We love that it's set on 220 acres, complete with scenic trails and Hill Country views.

I have to warn you that nightly rates are steep. But you will get access to countless activities (yoga, equine therapy, challenge courses, and mindfulness workshops), luxury accommodations, and top service.

What I loved best:

Watching the sunset over the Texas hills from the infinity pool.

Local tip: If you live near Miraval Austin like we do, they also offer day passes.

Plan a romantic getaway to Sage Hill Inn Above Onion Creek
Sage Hill Inn Above Onion Creek

Sage Hill Inn Above Onion Creek

This is one of my favorite hidden gems in Texas Hill Country, and it’s easily one of the best places for a romantic weekend getaway with my husband.

I love that it sits on 88 acres of rolling countryside just 40 minutes outside Austin, so we don't have to drive far.

This 4-star inn in Kyle is a truly underrated local gem. My favorite part was the outdoor hot tub and pool, where I could soak in the beauty of the Texas landscape while fully unwinding.

Chris I found our room for two days very relaxing, with afireplace, soaking tub, and porch where we could de-compress from our stressful week.

For couples, this inn is one of the best choices—it’s quiet, intimate, and filled with spots to reconnect and relax together. Its wide-open grounds are perfect for exploring the outdoors.

The three-course dinner and hearty breakfast were some of my favorite highlights, as every dish was crafted with fresh, locally inspired ingredients.

I especially loved wandering the walking trails around the property and discovering peaceful spots to pause and take in the views.

For me, Sage Hill Inn Above Onion Creek is a weekend sanctuary that combines romance, comfort, and nature into one unforgettable getaway.

What I Loved Most:

My highlight was waking up early to walk the trails, dew still clinging to the wildflowers, and the hills rising in soft light.

Best Weekend Getaways in South Texas

I head to South Texas when I'm in the mood for rich culture, historic charm, and a warm-weather escape.

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk: Mediterranean Flair Anchored in River Walk Rhythm
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

This San Antonio hotel is one of my favorite boutique places to stay, and it’s easily one of the best choices for a weekend getaway in Texas.

I drove about 1.5 hours south from my home in Austin to San Antonio’s River Walk as a part of a longer road trip. I love that Hotel Valencia sits right on the famous Riverwalk, giving it a perfect location for both romantic strolls and fun family adventures.

The hotel feels like a hidden gem with its blend of modern luxury and old-world Spanish charm, which makes it feel both unique and underrated. It won Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice: In 2024, the property was the highest-ranking hotel in San Antonio, so you can trust that it's a quality place.

My favorite detail was the elegant courtyard with its flickering fire pits and fountain—it created such a romantic and cozy vibe at night.

I found my room for two days spacious and stylish, with plush bedding, warm colors, and a Juliet balcony overlooking the Riverwalk - made it my favorite feature of our stay.

The on-site restaurant and bar were highlights too, offering delicious dishes and handcrafted cocktails that made dining in just as fun as going out.

As a family, we appreciated the comfort, walkability, and easy access to San Antonio’s best attractions right outside the door.

I especially loved being able to walk everywhere while still having a peaceful retreat to return to at the end of the day.

While you’re in San Antonio, I highly recommend spending time along the River Walk. It’s one of the city’s most iconic features and a great place to wander, grab a drink, or sit down for a meal. From there, you can easily walk to the Alamo, which is smaller than many people expect but still incredibly powerful to visit in person. If you have extra time, heading to Market Square is a must—it’s full of local vendors, colorful shops, and some of the best Tex-Mex food in the city.

That said, San Antonio is more spread out than it looks on a map, and it’s easy to lose time hopping between attractions without really understanding what you’re seeing. On our first visit, we found that taking a guided tour helped us get oriented and make the most of our day. The San Antonio Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour was my favorite because it gave us the flexibility we needed and was affordable.

What I Loved Most:

My highlight was sitting on the terrace as riverboats drifted by, the ivy walls glowing gold in late sun.

A downside? I would have liked a swimming pool during our hot Texas summer.

Best Weekend Getaways in Central–East Texas

This area offers a refreshing mix of small-town charm, open countryside, and creative spirit—perfect for an easy weekend escape.

Riverboat on the San Antonio River Walk
Creative cool at Flophouze Hotel - 1 hour and 20 minutes from Austin
Flophouze Hotel

Flophouze Hotel - 1 hour and 20 minutes from Austin

I loved that this hotel is built from repurposed shipping containers, making it one of the best and most creative 48-hour weekend stays I’ve experienced in Texas.

I drove about 1.5 hours east from Austin to Round Top. With a population of just 90 people, it’s the tiniest town I’ve (ever!) visited, but its history runs deep.

The design is modern, quirky, and eco-friendly, giving it an underrated charm that stands out from traditional hotels.

My favorite detail was how my “houze” was decorated with salvaged wood, vintage finds, and art pieces, creating a cozy space with plenty of character.

I found the setting to be incredibly peaceful, with wide-open skies, hammocks, and fire pits that made it perfect for stargazing at night.

The kitchens in each houze made it easy to cook meals, and I loved that every space had its own unique personality.

I especially enjoyed the communal areas, including the pool and lounge spots, which gave it a laid-back, friendly atmosphere.

What I Loved Most:

My favorite moment was waking up to a Texas sunrise with nothing but nature around me—it felt like the best kind of simple luxury.

For me, this hotel is an underrated and one-of-a-kind experience that makes a weekend getaway feel creative, relaxing, and truly memorable.

Best Romantic Escapes in North Texas

You'll find lots of small-town charm with scenic beauty and refined comfort in this Texas region.

My photo of Texas bluebonnets in the spring
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
I took this photo of a delicious plate of Nachos we ate on our TX weekend getaway
Wake up to spectacular lake views at the Inn on Lake Granbury
Inn on Lake Granbury

The Inn on Lake Granbury

This was hands down one of my favorite romantic weekend getaways in Texas. I love that it sits right on the water, where Chris and I have enjoyed stunning lake views, especially at sunrise and sunset which are magical.

My favorite part was the beautifully landscaped grounds with gardens, oak trees, and a saltwater pool that made me feel completely relaxed.

I found my room for two days elegant and inviting, with a fireplace, jetted tub, and balcony that created the perfect romantic retreat.

For couples, this inn is one of the best spots to reconnect—it has a serene setting, cozy corners, and private suites that feel tailor-made for romance.

Families and groups will also enjoy the spacious cottages, which offer comfort and privacy while keeping you close to the lake.

I especially loved the gourmet breakfasts each morning, with fresh and flavorful dishes that made waking up even more special.

What I loved best:

The location was a highlight, since we were just a short walk from Granbury’s historic square filled with shops, dining, and entertainment.

Hood County Courthouse near Lake Granbury with unique boutique shops, restaurants
My photo of full moon over Texas
My photo of full moon over Texas
My photo of butterfly in the Texas Hill Country in the spring
My photo of butterfly in the Texas Hill Country in the spring on a yellow flower
Ema Bio
Hi, We are Ema and Chris and we started this website in 1999. While our home is in Texas, we've lived in many different places months at a time reserching travel. While our website VacationIdea.com is small with under 200 pages and all the content written by just the two of us, you'll find a host of diverse and hidden vacation ideas for weekend getaways, day trips in the USA, and longer vacations, based on our personal travels. Keeping this website small allows us to keep it up to date with our latest discoveries and photos while we travel. We hope that reading this inspires you to travel to our favorite hidden gems. Why trust us? We founded this site decades ago and not only are we expert road trippers, but we also work with tourism agencies to stay pluggend into the latest openings and what's new and unique in travel. Chris is an award-winning photographer and designer, giving our contant a visual polish. We've received many awards and media mentions, including Forbes Best of the Web, abc6 Morning Show, UMich, 7News, WA State Department, and many others.