9 Spontaneous Getaways in Texas
The best vacations are often impromptu ones, the adventures inspired by a sudden itch to split town. No matter where you are in Texas, there’s a low-effort vacation with high reward not far from you.
Here are nine of the best spontaneous getaways — from islands to canyons — for the next time you wake up with the travel bug.
Gulf Coast Islands
South Padre Island
A short drive from many cities in South Texas, South Padre Island might be the most iconic beach destination in Texas. And yet this little island just south of Corpus Christi hardly feels like Texas: There are 34 miles of clean white sand perfect for camping (we recommend Isla Blanca Park), swimming in the ocean, and watching all kinds of exotic wildlife. The cool tropical breeze is nearly constant, so you can enjoy daily-sourced seafood on the beach (try Ceviche Ceviche) without sweating over it.
Galveston Island
Galveston Island is approximately an hour drive southeast of Houston and is home to some of the most historic attractions and sites on the Gulf. Block off the morning for roller coasters and midway games at the waterfront Pleasure Pier, spend the afternoon basking anywhere on the 32 miles of shoreline or wandering the Victorian-era Strand, and finish off with a fresh seafood dinner at Gaido’s, one of the longest-running businesses in Texas.
Matagorda Island
Anyone looking for an island getaway with fewer tourists and less ado should look no further than Matagorda. The sleepy barrier island is only accessible by boat, so the only Texans who live here year-round are sea birds, feral hogs, and alligators — but don’t let that deter you from setting up camp along the beach. (Don’t worry. There are also bungalows at the Matagorda Bay Nature Park.) Matagorda Island is a favorite destination among kayakers, seashell hunters, and anyone else who values the natural peace and quiet of island life.
Rural Resorts
Hill Country Hideaways
Split town and head for the rolling Hill Country this weekend for a spontaneous and low-effort escape to the most genuinely Texan landscape in Central Texas. All of the state parks in the Hill Country are rich with wildflower trails and backcountry campsites, but you could give your getaway some “Southern comfort” at a cabin or resort. And with a vibrant, local German culture in the area, there’s plenty of good food and history to discover while you’re there.
Palo Duro Canyon
Panhandle natives don’t have to travel far for a spontaneous and rugged escape: Just hike out to Palo Duro Canyon. There are plenty of campsites and cabins around the state park, right in the “Grand Canyon of Texas” itself. Take a weekend to unplug from screens and take in the glory of the colorful 800-foot-deep canyon, featuring trails (either on foot or horseback) through the gulches by day and some of the best stargazing in Texas by night.
Dude Ranches
There are dozens of working ranches that double as resorts with guest houses (known around here as “dude ranches”) all around Texas. Bandera (aka “The Cowboy Capital of the World”) alone is home to several ranches where tourists don’t just play cowboy but get an actual taste of the cattle rancher life far from city lights. With plenty of horseback trails, creek fishing, and sometimes even hands-on experience in daily ranch operations, a getaway like this is like spending a weekend living in “Yellowstone.” Find a dude ranch near you.
Local Lakes
Possum Kingdom Lake
Just a couple of hours west of Dallas-Fort Worth is Possum Kingdom Lake, one of the best-kept secrets among North Texans for weekend getaways. Dramatic cliffs for diving, crystal clear waters for swimming, lakeside campsites and cabins, and the iconic Hell’s Gate cove make for an easy weekend escape.
Inks Lake
Inks Lake State Park isn’t the Hill Country’s most famous water, but that just means it’s a perfect excursion for anyone looking for a secluded lake weekend. The 1,200-acre park is great for swimming, kayaking, and hiking, but the Devil’s Waterhole is the main draw — it’s a natural pool fed directly by the Colorado River and created by beautiful granite outcrops.
Lady Bird Lake
Austin is smack dab in the middle of Texas, making it an easy, spontaneous trip for many Texans. And right in the heart of Austin is Lady Bird Lake, an awesome spot for lake life plus city thrills. After a morning of kayaking or paddleboarding below the Austin skyline, spend the afternoon on the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, a boardwalk along the lake. There’s still plenty of time for Franklin Barbecue in the city before calling it a weekend.
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