Texas is a land of wonder. There are the shimmering skyscrapers of big cities like Dallas and Houston. There are historical landmarks like the Alamo in San Antonio. Texas even has its own beach culture in its Gulf Coast cities like Corpus Christi and South Padre. You can't overlook the small towns in Texas though.
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There are several places in Texas that are small enough that mostly only locals have heard of them, and yet, they have attractions that draw international visitors.
Read on to find out about the big attractions in some of Texas's small towns, and put a few on your road trip bucket list.
Glen Rose - Dinosaur World and Dinosaur Valley State Park
If you didn't know about the dinosaur bones in Texas, let me tell you. Glen Rose is not far outside of Granbury. The small town is home to a great number of important fossils, you can even see dinosaur footprints on the shores of the Paluxy River in the nearby Dinosaur Valley State Park. When you're done there, check out the life-sized dinosaur statues at Dinosaur World.
Dripping Springs - Hamilton Pool
The cavelike grotto created by a collapsed underwater spring that is now known as Hamilton Pool has been featured in National Geographic. Hamilton Pool attracts visitors from all over the world for its natural beauty.
Gruene - Gruene Hall
The oldest dance hall in the state of Texas was almost a forgotten ruin when it was rediscovered and saved from demolition by a few college students. Now you can hear some of the greatest names in country music play, in historic Gruene, just outside of New Braunfels.
Comstock - Lower Pecos Rock Art
The Lower Pecos Rock Art is a series of ancient cave drawings made by prehistoric Texans. Located in Seminole Canyon, you can visit these cave drawings to see what ancient people found important.
Toyahvale - Balmorhea Pool
The spring-fed swimming pool in Balmorhea State Park is the largest in the world. The crystal clear waters are renowned worldwide for being a cool oasis in the Texas desert.
Shiner - Spoetzl Brewery
What would Texas be without beer? Specifically, Shiner? It would be a lot sadder of a place, that's for sure. The Spoetzl Brewery in the historic town of Shiner, Texas is home to world-famous Shiner beer. There are currently 14 varieties both staple and seasonal, and the brewery even offers tours to beer lovers who come for a visit. The Spoetzl Brewery is the oldest brewery in the state of Texas, and the largest craft brewer in the country.
Luckenbach - Luckenbach Dance Hall
The sign pointing to the dance hall in Luckenbach, Texas
The little dance hall in the tiny town of Luckenbach has been graced with the presence of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and many many other country music legends over its storied past. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, Luckenbach is a land out of time, with little more than the storied dance hall and a post office.
Marfa - Chinati Foundation
Located in a dusty little village in West Texas is an art foundation that in internationally known. The Chinati Foundation has thought captivating art-installations on 340 acres all over the little town of Marfa. While you're there, be sure to check out the Marfa Lights, if you can spot them. About 30 minutes down the road you can check out the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine.
Fredericksburg - National Museum of the Pacific War
National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas
In the little central Texas town known for peaches, wine and B&Bs, you can also find some pretty significant history. The National Museum of the Pacific War explores the Pacific Theatre of World War II. From the attacks on Pearl Harbor to VJ Day, this museum has a wealth of knowledge.
Sonora - Caverns of Sonora
Just off I-10, West of San Antonio you'll find the small town of Sonora. The prehistoric limestone caverns in Sonora are considered some of the world's most beautiful natural cave formations.
