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Texas is the largest state in the lower 48, and with its size comes numerous small communities that put on full display the comforting charm that many come to expect from it. Between its deserts to the west and its forest-covered hill country to the east, wherever you are in this diverse state, you will be able to find a huge array of small towns to complement your travels.

From historic downtown cores to wonderful nearby state and national parks, here are 11 of the most comforting towns in the Lone Star State that you should see in 2024.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is wonderful in the middle of Texas Hill Country and is perhaps best known for its attachment to its German heritage and scenic countryside landscapes. This community of around 11,000 residents provides a cozy atmosphere to residents and visitors alike, with its huge selection of wineries and other fun and interesting destinations.

Wine lovers will find dozens of wineries and tasting rooms in the area, making Fredericksburg a destination for both relaxation and wine tours throughout the year. East Main Street is where most of the tasting rooms can easily be found, Grape Creek being one of the most popular.

For outdoor enjoyment, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, just a short drive away, is full of trails and striking granite formations ideal for hiking during the day and stargazing at night with the amazingly clear skies in this region.

Castroville

Castroville, a town of roughly 3,200 residents located west of San Antonio, is known as the 鈥淟ittle Alsace of Texas鈥� due to its longstanding Alsatian heritage. Founded in 1844 by immigrants from the Alsace region of France, Castroville holds on to much of this history through its themed architecture, including the Steinbach House, an authentic 17th-century Alsatian home transported from France and reassembled in Castroville鈥檚 city park.

The town鈥檚 historic district includes more than 50 structures from the 1800s too, with several houses and churches further showcasing unique Alsatian designs. The St. Louis Catholic Church, built in 1870, is a prominent example of the town鈥檚 heritage and culture and remains an active place of worship. The Landmark Inn State Historic Site is another place to see, with its nicely preserved 19th-century inn, mill, and gardens along the Medina River.

Outdoor opportunities right in town include footpaths along the river and various points of public access for fishing and boating.

Wimberley

Situated at the meeting point of the Blanco River and Cypress Creek, Wimberley is a favored spot for visitors interested in natural swimming areas like Blue Hole Regional Park, where clear spring-fed waters and a shaded cypress forest create a peaceful setting.

Wimberley is also a popular spot for artists and art enjoyers alike, with art studios, local galleries, and craft shops abundant around the town square. The Wimberley Valley Art League operates several exhibits throughout the year, drawing artists from across Texas. Additionally, Wimberley hosts its own Market Days, one of the largest open-air markets in the area. Here, local arts and crafts sellers, antique shops, and food vendors are present on the first Saturday of each month from March through December.

Port Aransas

Port Aransas is an idyllic coastal town on Mustang Island just outside of Corpus Christi, a favored destination for Gulf Coast visitors interested in hitting the beach for a weekend. Port Aransas Beach stretches for miles and is popular for swimming, surfing, and fishing, with several piers and designated fishing spots along the way. Roberts Point Park is another gem on the water. Located on the harbor, this park includes observation towers for dolphin watching and access to various boat tours that are available to book around the bay.

For a more educational excursion, the University of Texas Marine Science Institute, located in Port Aransas, has a public Wetlands Education Center that focuses on local marine life and habitats, along with educational trails and exhibits that will give you a more hands-on lesson about coastal ecosystems. The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is also very popular among birdwatchers and contains a number of observation platforms and boardwalks through nearby wetlands that attract migratory and native bird species year-round.

Port Aransas is possibly best known for hosting the annual Texas SandFest, a sand sculpting competition that draws 海角社区-class artists to create massive and ornate works on the local beaches.

Nacogdoches

Nacogdoches is considered the oldest town in Texas, making it a must-visit for history buffs in Texas. Founded in 1779, it now preserves several important historic sites, including the Sterne-Hoya House Museum, an 1830s residence that displays artifacts from Texas鈥檚 early statehood. On the other hand, the Old Nacogdoches University Building, established in 1845, gives you a detailed look into early education in Texas and is open for tours year-round.

Nearby, Millard鈥檚 Crossing Historic Village is home to a collection of more structures dating back to the early 1800s, including early examples of homes, a chapel, and a general store, providing a hands-on look at what life was like in the earliest days of the Lone Star State.

Nacogdoches is also home to the SFA Mast Arboretum at Stephen F. Austin State University, where maintained trails wind through its gardens of native plants, trees, and other unique horticultural displays.

Salado

Salado, a village that is located between Austin and Waco, has a plethora of historic and cultural landmarks that are definitely worth checking out. The town also centers around Salado Creek, which offers a public trail for walking and fishing access.

Main Street includes several notable stops, such as the Salado Museum and College Park, which preserves the site of Salado College (1859-1885). The museum hosts exhibits focused on the early settlement of Central Texas and the college's impact on education in the region.

Salado is also home to the Stagecoach Inn, originally built in the 1860s along the Chisholm Trail, where it served travelers moving cattle to northern markets. Today, the inn remains in operation, providing both lodging and a delicious restaurant with Texas-inspired cuisine.

See some of the best locally produced art in Salado at the Salado Glassworks, which offers a hands-on experience for visitors interested in glassblowing. Seasonal events where you can commission, or create yourself, custom pieces, are also fairly common.

Gruene

Gruene, a historic district within the city of New Braunfels, rests along the Guadalupe River and has a strong aesthetic and cultural appeal with its abundant 19th-century architecture and notable live music venues. For one, Gruene Hall, established in 1878, is Texas鈥檚 oldest continually operating dance hall and a central attraction where you can experience live performances from local and visiting musicians. The hall maintains its original structure, including its wooden floors and large open-air windows, giving visitors a genuine Texas dance hall experience.

Near Gruene Hall, the General Store is the spot to pick up some classic Southern goods, including antiques and handmade candies. Gruene鈥檚 Historic District also includes several other shops featuring handcrafted items, along with the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, housed in a converted 1870s cotton gin overlooking the beautiful Guadalupe River.

For those looking to experience the river a little closer, nearby outfitters provide equipment rentals for tubing and kayaking during the warmer months, making Gurene a highly popular summer destination in Texas.

Jefferson

Jefferson was once a busy riverport in the 1800s, but the town of 2,000 residents is now recognized as one of Texas鈥檚 best-preserved historic landmarks. The Jefferson Historical Museum is a great place to start your visit here. Located in a former courthouse from 1888, it contains exhibits about the area鈥檚 steamboat era, Civil War history, and highlights of historic artifacts.

The nearby Jefferson Railway will give you a chance to take a scenic ride on a restored steam train that runs along the Big Cypress Bayou, with seasonal-themed trips and special events available too. Book your ride for a unique tour of town!

Also notable is the Excelsior House Hotel, built in 1858 and one of Texas鈥檚 oldest continuously operating hotels. The hotel retains much of its period furnishings, and notable past guests include Ulysses S. Grant and Oscar Wilde.

In addition to its historic sites, Jefferson is surrounded by many bayou areas and lakes, making it a popular location for fishing and boating.

Llano

Llano is another iconic small town in the Texas Hill Country and draws visitors year-round with its granite landmarks, historical sites, and outdoor recreation.

Llano sits along the banks of the Llano River, with nearby Badu Park giving easy public access for swimming, fishing, and riverside picnics. The Llano Earth Art Fest, held annually, celebrates stone-stacking and "natural art" along the riverbanks too. Another artistic attraction is the Llano Fine Arts Guild & Gallery, which showcases local artwork and helps support the town鈥檚 small but vibrant arts community.

A key historical site is the Llano County Courthouse, built in 1893 and known for its unique Romanesque Revival architecture. The Red Top Jail is another worthwhile historic stop that was built in 1895 and operated until 1982. It is now open for tours, providing a look at late 19th-century penal life in Texas.

Just outside Llano, you can access the scenic Llano Uplift region, known for its eye-catching granite outcrops, including the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

Alpine

This West Texas is more than just a gateway to Big Bend National Park. Sul Ross State University sits at the town鈥檚 center and includes the Museum of the Big Bend, which features exhibits on the area鈥檚 geology, Native American history, and ranching heritage. The museum is a key stop for understanding the cultural and natural landscape of the Big Bend region and a must-visit for new visitors.

Alpine鈥檚 downtown area also includes historic sites such as the Holland Hotel, built in 1928, which still serves guests and showcases its gorgeous Spanish Revival architecture. Local galleries and murals add to the beauty of Alpine too, including the Rangra Theater, which has screened films since 1927.

As mentioned, Alpine is a popular starting point for those heading into Big Bend National Park, where hiking, camping, stargazing, or simple scenic drives in the desert abound.

Marfa

Marfa is set upon a stark yet wonderful desert landscape in the far western side of Texas. It has become a hotspot for artists and nature lovers, and local institutions like the Chinati Foundation, established by artist Donald Judd, is a central attraction. The foundation often puts on large-scale installations and exhibits that reflect on the town's evolving history and its art scene.

In addition to the Chinati Foundation, Marfa has several other galleries, including the Marfa Contemporary and the Ballroom Marfa, which feature rotating exhibits and installations that are more centered on emerging and established artists.

Definitely make a point of checking out the surrounding desert, whether through hiking or going for a short road trip on the nearby highways. As far as parks go, Big Bend Ranch State Park is well known for its collection of trails and its access to the Rio Grande.

Marfa is also famous for the mysterious 鈥淢arfa Lights,鈥� an unexplained phenomenon visible from a viewing station just outside the town. Try to see them at night, and if you miss catching a glimpse of the lights, you will still be treated to a brilliant starry sky with little to no light pollution.

See These Comforting Towns in Texas in 2024

Texas is already well known for its laid-back and down-to-earth charm. These small towns exude this southern charm in a way that big cities simply can't. From the wide open plains of West Texas to the pine-covered hills to the east, it is clear that comforting communities can be found all across this massive and diverse state.

How many of these amazing small towns will you be able to visit before 2024 comes to an end?