Texas may be famous for cowboys and BBQ, but this huge state is also a cool destination for a romantic weekend trip.
You have adorable lake towns, tiny villages with beautiful historic squares, superb destinations for art-loving couples, and a few places with award-winning wineries.
This list focuses on romantic places to stay in Texas, which are also safe for travelers.
It comes with recommendations for popular tourist attractions worth visiting, as well as tips on unique things to do for couples.
Enjoy!
New Braunfels
New Braunfels is a city in south-central Texas, famed for its German heritage, water recreation, and Wurstfest (sausage festival), which is held annually in early November.
Fan of water activities? Couples can take a tubing ride down the Comal River/Guadalupe River.
If you prefer boating, Canyon Lake is the most obvious choice here.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort is perfect for heated pools, fun waterslides, and lazy rivers.
The downtown works great for couples who wish to take things more slowly.
To learn more about the rich German history of the city, make your way to the Sophienburg Museum and Archives.
There is also the Gruene Hall, which hosts nightly concerts and events.
Wine lovers can tour the facilities of the nearby Dry Comal Creek Vineyards and sample their award-winning Black Spanish Wine, as well as French Colombard and Comal Red.
Fredericksburg
Located 80 miles from New Braunfels, Fredericksburg is a perfect destination for a stress-free weekend getaway with your partner.
You don’t really need a car here, as the city is compact and most of the tourist sites are close to one another.
Fredericksburg has over 60 wineries, and a few of them have tasting rooms on Main Street.
William Chris Vineyards is a must-see.
The National Museum of the Pacific War and the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park are top choices for history lovers, while Cross Mountain Park is great for hiking.
For sunset views, go to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
Granbury
A beautiful historic square and easy access to a picturesque lake make Granbury a popular destination among couples visiting Texas.
Just about an hour southwest of Fort Worth, the town has a lovely Hood County Courthouse.
If you like opera, the nearby Granbury Opera House hosts weekly performances.
In the afternoon, you can go on a lake cruise for romantic sunset views.
There is also the option of renting a boat at the Lake Granbury Marina.
In the evening, catch a movie under the stars at the historic Brazos Drive-In Theater.
The downtown is actually packed with unique shops and bars.
Here is a list of my favorite ones:
- St. Helen’s – For gifts and home accessories
- The Pearl – Unique home décor and handmade jewelry
- Revolver Brewing – A stylish taproom with tasty craft beers
San Antonio River Walk
The safest part of San Antonio for couples is the city’s famous River Walk.
Think adorable stone bridges, sunset boat cruises, swanky rooftop bars with river views, and much more.
This area is actually very popular, so I always recommend booking your stay on weekdays.
Go for a walk along the riverside paths, look around superb museums like the San Antonio Museum of Art and The Briscoe Western Art Museum, and see a stand-up performance at the Don’t Tell Comedy club.
GO RIO is probably the best operator for private boat charters and organized evening boat cruises.
Outdoorsy travelers can visit the nearby San Antonio Botanical Garden and Japanese Tea Garden, which feature plants, flowers, trees, and waterfalls.
Marfa
For a less-touristy experience, I suggest driving to West Texas, where you will find an extraordinary town known for its modern art installations.
Welcome to Marfa, an ideal town for art lovers who wish to admire the beauty of desert landscapes and minimalist art pieces.
Some of the mandatory sites include the Chinati Foundation and Ballroom Marfa, which is a former dance hall transformed into a cultural arts space.
Once you get hungry, order a thin-crust pizza from Pizza Foundation, located inside a converted old gas station.
Don’t miss the famous “Prada” shop in Marfa.
In the evening, pay a visit to the McDonald Observatory, where you can see thousands of stars in the sky.
While you are in Marfa, drive to the famous Big Bend National Park.
It takes about 2 hours by car to get there from Marfa.
