10 Best Places to Visit in Texas for Couples

Fredericksburg is nestled in the middle of wildflower and wine country. There are more than 50 wineries and vineyards to choose from in this central Texas town, and if you’d like to stay out of the driver’s seat, you can let the locals show you around on one of many guided tours.

Each spring Texas Hill Country bursts into colour with poppies, blue bonnets, and other wildflowers. Take a slow drive along Willow City Loop for roadside blooms as far as the eye can see. History buffs will enjoy Fredericksburg’s National Museum of the Pacific War and the Pioneer Museum, which displays homesteads and artefacts from early German settlement.

Austin is a music-lover’s dream. Boasting more than 250 venues playing jazz, country, and independent artists, you’re sure to find great live music any night of the year. If you’re wondering where to start, check out the lineup at Antone’s Nightclub, an intimate venue that has been hosting music legends for decades.

Foodies will have a blast exploring Austin, with its excellent craft beer scene and clusters of international food trucks scattered around the city. For a break from all the activity, take a leisurely walk among the blooms at the dreamy Zilker Botanical Garden or watch the sunset over the Colorado River from the top of Mount Bonnell.

Look no further than San Antonio for vibrant culture and romantic atmosphere. The city’s famous River Walk takes you on a stroll along tree-lined riverbanks dotted with restaurants and cafes. Explore the impressive collections of art from ancient civilisations to today at the San Antonio Museum of Art or visit the site of the one and only Alamo.

The Pearl is a popular dining and shopping hub where you can get your fill of Tex-Mex and browse the 50 vendors at the Saturday farmers market. Take an evening walk through city centre and see the beautiful San Fernando Cathedral in its illuminated glory. For a little more excitement, join a helicopter tour over the city for breathtaking aerial views.

Houston is a big-city getaway with a myriad of dining and entertainment options. Spend an afternoon appreciating the arts of past and present at the Menil Collection or the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest art museums in the United States. For a 1-of-a-kind experience, watch the sunset at Rice University’s Skyspace, a stunning art installation that interacts with the changing colours of the sky.

Rent a tandem bicycle to explore Buffalo Bayou Park, 160 acres of green space with plenty of picnic spots and views of the city skyline. Immerse yourself in a classical music performance by the Grammy-winning Houston Symphony and end your day with a cocktail at a chic rooftop bar.

Relax and unwind in the coastal town of Rockport. Long stretches of coast are a charming backdrop for making memories, and there are a variety of daytime activities to enjoy. Take a guided tour of the beautifully restored Fulton Mansion or learn about the Gulf Coast’s history of shipbuilding and pirates at the Texas Maritime Museum.

Rent a beachfront bungalow and spend your days filling up on fresh Gulf shrimp and walking on the sands of Rockport Beach. Embark from Rockport’s harbour on a dolphin-watching tour where you can observe the majestic creatures in their natural habitat while enjoying the coastal scenery.

A resort town on a barrier island off the Texas coast, South Padre Island is just the right mix of laid-back and fun. Lounge on the soft sands of its long beaches and admire elaborate sand creations at this self-titled Sandcastle Capital of the World. Set sail on a sunset cruise along the Laguna Madre Bay, where you can enjoy soothing music while you admire the vibrant colours of the setting sun.

Sip on tropical cocktails and enjoy the island’s vibrant nightlife, which includes live music and nightclubs where you can dance the night away. Avoid visiting in March and April when college students flock here for spring break to make the most of your holiday.

Marble Falls is a sweet countryside escape in Texas Hill Country. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard and explore the highly walkable city centre full of unique, colourful shops. Cook up a barbeque for 2 at the tranquil Lakeside Park and hop in a couple of kayaks to paddle around the lake’s calm waters.

Family-owned Art of the Meal offers cooking classes where you and your loved one can make dishes like tikka masala and chocolate souffle. A short drive from Marble Falls you’ll find Krause Springs, an oasis of natural springs that feed into crystal-clear swimming holes.

Dripping Springs offers natural beauty, small-town atmosphere, and excellent craft brews. Local breweries and distilleries offer spritzy farmhouse sours, Italian wines, and Texas Orange vodka, among others. Browse the shops in the town’s historic district and stop for a sweet at one of the local bakeries.

The highlight of Dripping Springs is the Hamilton Pool, a stunning natural wonder comprised of a small waterfall over a limestone grotto. You’ll find the pool at the end of a short hike through the wooded Hamilton Pool Preserve. Reservations are required, which means it’s never too crowded, but make sure to get your spot well in advance.

Tyler is home to the largest rose garden in the United States, with 38,000 rose bushes planted over 14-acres. The delightful garden has bridges and fountains scattered along winding paths and provides a romantic backdrop for long walks with your loved one.

Walk south of city centre and you’ll find yourself in one of Tyler’s historic areas. Stroll along the red-brick pavements and admire the magnificent 19th and 20th century homes, such as those in the Azalea District. Take a short drive out of the city to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of East Texas at Tyler State Park. Take a dip in the cool waters of the lake or wander together through wooded hiking trails.

Charming Wimberley is a great getaway for lovers of nature and the slow life. Wander from shop to shop in colourful Wimberley Square, the town’s city centre area filled with cosy cafes, retail stores, and art galleries. Pop in to 1 of 2 glassblowing studios in town to try the art for yourself or admire the work of the local artists.

Camping and glamping are popular in the area around Wimberley, and being far from major city lights means there are excellent opportunities for stargazing. Visit the nearby Blue Hole Regional Park for one of the most stunning swimming holes in the state.