By: Ann C.K. Nickell
Everything is bigger in Texas. A trip through the state will prove the saying is true, as travelers discover long and winding back roads, towering mountains, deep canyons, wide rivers, and big open skies. Even the small towns are big in fun, adventure, amenities, and big in heart. The following towns are some of the best in Texas, providing visitors with a big idea of all Texas has to offer.
Marfa is a beautiful city in West Texas with a fascinating history as the location for WWII military installations, James Dean’s final movie, Giant, and the minimalistic art installations of Donald Judd. But Marfa is most well-known for the Marfa Mystery Lights. The lights, first sighted in the 19^th^ century, dance on the horizon in blazing blue, red, or white in an area that is nearly uninhabited. They still mystify people today and attract visitors from around the world. The city now hosts the Marfa Lights Festival every year to celebrate the phenomenon with music, food, and a parade. The Marfa Lights may be the biggest attraction, but it’s not the only thing to see or do in this lovely city. Visitors can play a round of golf at the Marfa Municipal Golf Course, the highest golf course in Texas, learn how to make cheese at Marfa Maid Dairy, “the little dairy on the prairie”, study the Hispanic culture and history of Marfa at the Blackwell School, or fly high above the Marfa Plateau in a two-seat glider at Marfa Gliders. Visit Marfa and add some mystery to your life.
Bandera, named the Cowboy Capital of the World, is a proud town full of Texas history, with a blend of Indian, Mexican, and Polish culture. It earned its title when it became the staging area for the last cattle drives of the 1800s. It is home to the oldest honkytonk in Texas, the second oldest Polish church in Texas, and many National Rodeo champions. The Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena is one of the most loved spots in town, with rodeo events held throughout the summer months, including bull riding and barrel racing. Visitors are invited to join in on the cowboy fun by attending the rodeo, riding horses through town, witnessing afternoon gun fights, and taking a hayride under the clear Texas Hill Country sky. Bandera is also an interesting historical city to explore. The Frontier Times Museum, one of Texas’ oldest history museums, teaches guests about frontier history and some of the greatest cowboys and cowgirls in Texas. Bandera Cemetery was originally owned by Hendrick Arnold, a free African American who was a spy during the Texas Revolution. And the O.S.T. Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Bandera County, offers guests the opportunity to learn more about Texas cowboy history while dining in the John Wayne room. Visit Bandera to experience the nostalgia of the Old West.
Balmorhea, with its bountiful blue waters, is an oasis in the West Texas desert. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Balmorhea State Park and cooling off in the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. San Solomon Springs pushes more than 15 million gallons of water through the pool each day, keeping it a cool 72 degrees year-round. The springs and pool are also home to the endangered Comanche Springs Pupfish, so grab some snorkeling or scuba gear and dive in and swim with the fish. For those who’d rather fish than swim, Lake Balmorhea is abundant with largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and channel catfish. There are also some interesting spots for those who’d rather stay on dry land. Balmorhea is home of the famous Balmorhea Blue Agate, and visitors are invited to go rock hunting and gather some of the beautiful rocks that are scattered throughout the area. Phantom Lake Camp, west of town, is where Chicago gangster John Dillinger went to disappear after a string of robberies. Escape the Texas heat in the Balmorhea desert oasis.
Kingsland is a picturesque city in Texas Hill Country, where the rivers flow and the bluebonnets grow. It is situated on Lake Lyndon B Johnson and the Colorado River, so there are many fun water activities, including boating, skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Hill Country is home to some of the finest vineyards in Texas, including Perissos Vineyards. Guests are invited to take a tour of the vineyard, experience a wine tasting, and even stomp the grapes. One of the most interesting spots in town is the historic Antler’s Inn, a former railroad resort. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy a juicy steak dinner at the Grand Central Café, located in the house that was used in the classic movie, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and then stay the night in a fully updated train car. Kingsland is also one of the best places to enjoy one of Texas’ most beloved traditions, viewing beautiful fields of bluebonnets every Spring. Take the family or a group of friends and create some lifelong memories. Enjoy all of this and more in the city that is fit for a king.
Round Top, Texas’ biggest small town, is famous for the Round Top Antiques Show. The event, held three times a year, is much more than antiques. It’s a two-week festival that draws people from across the United States to hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures. That may be the town’s main draw, but there is so much more to discover in Roundtop. There are three squares in the big, small town – Town Square, Henkel Square, and Rummel Square – that feature historic buildings, unique shops, and inviting restaurants. The Round Top Festival Institute, home of the James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts, hosts musical performances year-round. Shakespeare at Winedale entertains visitors with performances of Shakespeare’s plays at the Winedale Theater barn. The Winedale Historical Complex, a division of The University of Texas Center for American History, is home to 10 nineteenth-century wooden structures, showcasing Texas’ architectural history. There are a variety of delicious dining options to provide fuel for a day of exploring and shopping, including Prost on Block 29 which is situated in Round Top’s oldest building, and Royers Round Top Café which has been a Round Top party scene for over 30 years. Discover a new and relaxing way of life in the biggest small town in Texas.
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the cowboys, rodeos, barbeque, oil, country music, and Texas pride. Even the small towns on this list are bigger than they look. Plan a trip to visit the best small towns in Texas and discover how they are big in history, culture, and ihospitality.
© 2025 Ann C.K. Nickell