If you’re looking for fun in the sun with your besties, look no further than Texas. As Texans like to say, “Everything’s bigger in Texas.” That includes your vacation choices. From wineries to kayaking to strolling the San Antonio Riverwalk, there are endless options.
Here are some of our favorite spots for a girls’ weekend in Texas, and some that we cannot wait to try next.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg often tops girls’ trip lists in the Lone Star State and for good reason. Fredericksburg is centrally located in Texas Hill Country just 1.5 hours from Austin and a little over an hour from San Antonio. This makes it a perfect destination for both day trips and weekend getaways from both of those cities.
For a lot of the year you can plan a perfect girls’ weekend visit, even last minute. However, if you plan to visit between late April and mid-July, rentals and hotel rooms can be a bit harder to come by especially for a short weekend trip. Fredericksburg has become very popular for both bachelorette parties and weddings. Lodging supply hasn’t quite caught up with demand.
Things to See and Do (and Eat) in Fredericksburg Texas
- Shop! Stroll along Main Street to check out boutiques that carry everything from jewelry to art and funky home decor.
- Try German food and pastries. Fredericksburg celebrates its heritage and culture in many ways including picturesque buildings but my favorite way to celebrate is with food. The Auslander restaurant on East Main Street is a personal favorite — the schnitzel is everything! For a hearty breakfast, check out the Old German Bakery and Restaurant.
- Hit up a tasting room. Fredericksburg’s Texas Wine Country has a wide variety of options for winery visits. You can have a wine slushie on Main Street from Fiesta Winery, sit amongst acres of grapes at 4.0 Cellars or visit uber-popular Messina Hof.
- See the famous bluebonnets. Texas is famouse for its bluebonnet season, but you can stretch that wildflower love out over the whole year at picturesque Wildseed Farms. With more than 200 acres of blooming wildflowers, the pictures will be epic. But it doesn’t end there. Shop for seeds and more in Blossom Boutique, grab a beer at the biergarten, stroll walking trails with a glass of wine, pick up the perfect pot for your monstera plant back home and grab food at the deli. You can make a whole morning or afternoon out of it easily.
- Check out Hill Country Herb Garden. You can stay in one of 14 cottages, dine in the bistro or get a treatment in the spa. It’s a one-of-a-kind Fredericksburg experience.
Galveston
Don’t skip Galveston as a girls’ trip destination. While it’s usually considered a romantic getaway or family vacation spot, there are plenty of reasons it also works for a girls’ weekend.
You will, however, want to avoid weekends during the summer and all of spring break.
There are two different strategies for a girls’ weekend in Galveston:
- Use it as a kickoff for a fun cruise with your pals. There are SO many options for 3-5 day sailings out of Galveston, which is located on the Gulf of Mexico, just under an hour southeast of Houston.
- Treat it as a fun vacation or staycation focused on pampering.
Galveston Girls’ Weekend Itinerary
- Book rooms at The Hotel Galvez and Spa. This upscale resort is located across Seawall Boulevard from the Gulf of Mexico. Onsite amenities include complimentary bike rental to explore the island, a heated outdoor saline pool and an onsite day spa. Guests can also take complimentary yoga and HIIT (high intensity interval training) classes. Be sure to check out the Eucalyptus Steam Rooms!
- Hit up the Strand District for shopping at beachy boutiques. Don’t forget to take pictures while you’re strolling. There are tons of Art Deco details hiding in the buildings, just waiting for their Instagrammable moment.
- You’re never too old for a candy store. La King’s Confectionary has been around since the 1920s. If there’s an old-time treat you remember having as a little kid, this store probably sells it. I’m a sucker for chocolate covered anything and La King has options upon options. Plus, the ice cream counter dishes up everything from single scoops to banana splits and malts. Stop to watch the taffy pulling demonstration and grab some salt water taffy as a tasty souvenir.
- Tour Moody Mansion. This 31-room mansion completed in 1895 is full of architectural details, history and a variety of styles. When we visited, seeing the different styles from room to room kept things interesting. The self-guided audio tour is well done and historical facts helped bring the tour to life.
- Take an adults only walking tour. It will get your spidey senses tingling with all the spooky stories and stops.
- Take in the sounds of nature at Galveston Island State Park. Popular for bird watching and kayaking, this park has hiking trails and paddling trails. Be sure to arrange for kayak rentals in advance with a local outfitter if you won’t be bringing your own.
- Feast on the food. Check out The Gumbo Diner (Southern breakfast including beignets and Creole favorites), Queen’s Bar-B-Que (everything is amazing – make sure you get mac and cheese), and Mr. Taco and Limon Paradise (street tacos and agua frescas). Looking for a great cup of coffee? Head to MOD Coffeehouse on Postoffice Street. The El Diablo latte combines mocha and cayenne and is amazing.
Austin
Chances are you’ve had a friend or two — or seven — visit Austin and rave about it. From live music to nightlife to food, Austin has it all.
Not only that but its central location with an airport makes it a great destination for people coming in from different cities. In a state as big as Texas, Austin manages to be under three hours from the state’s big cities — Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston.
Must Do Girlfriend Getaway Fun in Austin Texas
- Preserve the memories. Girlfriend getaways are a great time to get pictures, not only of you and your friends but of you! You can act as one another’s photographer or preserve your Austin memories by hiring someone from Flytographer. Prices are reasonable and it’ll feel like you have your own paparazzi following you around.
- Check out the murals. Austin has a ton of murals, including the You’re My Butter Half mural, Willie Nelson and the famous Greetings from Austin mural. One of the best ways to see all these photo-worthy spots is with a tour. Get Your Guide offers an Austin: For the Gram tour that hits some iconic and snap-worthy destinations.
- Take a kayaking tour. Spot the famous bats of Austin on this uniquely Texan night time activity.
- Don’t rule out the State Capital. The rotundas are stunning and it is super easy to stop in and take a few pictures.
Austin Live Music: Girlfriend Getaway Recommendations
Definitely take in some live music while you’re in Austin. Austin has a wealth of choices, so it’s usually easier to pick your desired atmosphere first. Do you want a large concert-type experience? Looking for honky-tonk fun? You’ll find live music at practically any bar or restaurant you stumble into. It’s everywhere in Austin.
For jazz in a basement and an intimate experience, look at Elephant Room. Located in downtown Austin, you won’t pay a cover here Sunday-Wednesday nights and even on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the cover is reasonable.
If you want a sit-down concert experience, head to ACL Live at the Moody Theater where Austin City Limits is filmed. Buy tickets in advance. Some great acts come through here.
Carousel Lounge
Looking for something unique and a little wild? Head to Carousel Lounge. This the place to find Austin Weird.
Located off of I-35 and just north of US 290, this out-of-the-way spot sells beer and wine and you can carry in your own bottled liquor/spirits (yes, seriously).
Every night here is different. You could watch amateurs who have been drinking squawk their way through a set on stage or you may listen to an up-and-coming band about to make it big. Or the entertainment might be belly-dancers.
Trigger Warning: If anyone in your party has a crippling fear of clowns, this might not be the spot for you.
Must Eats on Your Austin Texas Girls’ Weekend
- Sample food truck fare. Austin is bustling with food truck options. Part of the fun of going as a group is the ability to buy a whole bunch of dishes and share them. Food truck parks include The Picnic. Not only does it have actual parking and real restrooms but it’s also super close to Barton Springs Pool which is another must-see for me.
- Don’t skip brunch. Combine brunch and music at Stubb’s. This famous BBQ spot offers an all-you-can-eat Sunday morning Gospel Brunch. Plus, the pie should be mandatory for all brunches.
- Eat at Sway. This is one of my personal favorites. I discovered it by accident in 2014, the year after it was named a Best New Restaurant by Bon Apetit. It hasn’t disappointed since. With an amazing atmosphere, creative drinks and delicious Thai food, it’s a can’t miss. Definitely make reservations if you have a larger party.
Small Town Fun in Round Top
Looking for a unique trip idea? Round Top is a huge antique and shopping destination that’s really only “huge” a few weeks a year.
This town has less than 100 permanent residents. It can be pricey and busy during the scheduled antiques weeks but even during off times has charm, yummy food and picturesque lodging.
Add a quick drive to nearby Brenham and local wineries, breweries and meaderies and you’ve got a recipe for fun.
Round Top is the place to have real old fashioned girlfriend fun, with a reimagined sleepover at Lone Star Glamp Inn, a unique indoor glamping experience. You can rent out entire sections of the building with everyone getting their own camper or “tent.”
And there’s plenty of fun to be had in the area. We’ve got a whole itinerary for Round Top but let’s touch on some of our favorites.
Things to Do in Round Top
- Explore all of the wineries. Within the greater Round Top area there are tons to choose from. Blue Mule Winery and Rohan Meadery are two of my favorites. Rohan does pizzas and light bites. Be sure to check the website for hours and days. I highly recommend the $10 tasting. You’ll get to try 4 meads or wines. At Blue Mule you can pat llamas and play Name that Tune Bingo which is always a great time!
- Stroll around Henkel Square and shop. Even when Antiques Week isn’t happening, plenty of shops are open to browse. You might find a special treasure to take home with you.
- Eat pie. It’s no secret that I love pie and Royers Pie Haven is an adorable shop located right in the square. Grab a slice and eat outside before testing out the swing. Choosing a favorite would be like picking my favorite child. You can’t go wrong with Strawberry Rhubarb, Original Buttermilk Pie, Texas Trash Pie or Key Lime Chess Pie (if it’s in season).
- Dine on the patio at The Garden Co. Feed & Firewater. This restaurant’s interior has that moody aesthetic that’s in right now. The patio is covered by the twisting branches of live oaks. One note, eat inside if you visit in the early spring. That’s caterpillar season and they will fall off the trees and into your hair while you’re eating. Food-wise everything is on point. Brunch is a favorite with a Chicken Fried Steak that is amazing and Eggs Benedict that were perfectly done. Splurge on a mixed drink. All the choices are good but my personal favorite is Life on the Farm. It combines tequila, charred bourbon pineapple sauce, pineapple juice and lime.
Big Bend and Marfa Texas: Ultimate Girls’ Road Trip
Are your friends always up for an adventure? Big Bend and Marfa is not for everyone, mainly because of how long it takes to get there. If you are planning to spend more than a weekend together, it’s worth considering.
Between the stunning beauty of Big Bend National Park, the hidden gem of Big Bend Ranch State Park and the quirky fun of Marfa and Alpine, the area is a great one for a longer trip.
Must-Sees in the Big Bend/Marfa Region
- Check out the Marfa lights. Many have tried to explain this phenomenon but it hasn’t been solved yet. There’s a whole viewing center devoted to it.
- Take in the Marfa art scene. The art scene in Marfa is well-known, so well-known that it inspired a risque Amazon series called “I Love Dick.” Check out the Chinati Foundation’s sculptures or the Judd Foundation.
- Visit Prada Marfa. This art installation of a fake Prada store is actually located 26 miles northwest of Marfa near Valentine Texas. If you want the photo head out there but just know you are only driving there for the photo. It’s a skip for me.
- Hike Santa Elena Canyon. Or just drive around Big Bend to take pictures. Make sure your gas tank is full before you leave!
- Take a dip in the Hot Springs at Big Bend National Park.
- If you pass through Lajitas go meet the town mayor. (Spoiler alert: he’s a goat). There are also stunning golf courses and upscale resort accommodations in Lajitas making it a good jumping off point for other adventures.
- Explore Closed Canyon at Big Bend Ranch State Park. You know those amazing pictures from Arizona and Utah of slot caverns? Did you know there was one in Texas? Parking is off of TX 170 (River Road). The hike itself is 1.4 miles round trip. Do not enter if rain is forecast, wear long pants and proper hiking boots and watch out for snakes!
Find more to do in the Big Bend Region here.
A Riverwalk Girls’ Weekend in San Antonio
It would be wrong of me to leave out San Antonio. A girls weekend on the Riverwalk is always a good time.
Be aware of San Antonio’s size though! If you book outside of the Riverwalk area you could be in for quite a drive. Not looking for that downtown experience? Check out the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa. It always makes our list of top Texas splurge hotels!
Girls’ Fun in San Antonio Texas
- Take the Riverwalk boat tour. This narrated river cruise may seem touristy but it’s always a good time. I learn something new every time.
- Visit the Alamo. Located smack dab in downtown San Antonio, the Alamo is a great historical site to check out. You’ll feel like you stepped back in time.
- Grab a drink at The Esquire Tavern. Boasting the longest wooden bar top in Texas, this tavern manages to feel both upscale and like a dive at the same time. I love it for that! Start with a French 75 or Hot Lips. Looking to kick off your night hard? Visit during happy hour for 20% off mezcal and get that party started.
- Take a Ghost Tour. San Antonio has some amazing (and terrifying) paranormal stories and the best way to hear them all is definitely on a tour. Kick it up a notch with a Haunted Pub Crawl.
- Check out the view from the Hemisfair Tower of the Americas. I’ll stay on the ground, but all of my friends have loved this 750-foot-tall tower. You can dine at Chart House’s revolving restaurant after your elevator ride up.
- Visit a park. At the base of the Tower, an entire system of parks exists. Yanaguana Gardens is a favorite. You can have a beer at San Antonio Brewing Company or grab a paleta from Paleteria San Antonio (the avocado ones are the best).
- Check out San Antonio Missions as you learn about Texas history.
- Eat tacos. There is an Austin vs. San Antonio taco feud. There is no question in my mind that San Antonio wins every time.
- Stay in a Riverwalk Hotel. Start off by looking for the best deal. You can never go wrong with the Emily Morgan Hotel. It’s the second most photographed building in San Antonio, after the Alamo. This property has views for days and is said to be haunted.
Girls’ Weekend in Texas: Where Will You Go?
Texas is huge, meaning there are tons of spots that couldn’t be included in one article.
Waco and Dallas are favorites from girls’ trips as well. I’ve eaten great food in Lubbock, drank amazing margaritas in Harlingen and eaten my way through various parts of Houston.
These destinations are all fairly easy to meet up in with airport access.
