By Casey Carr
It’s the most romantic month of the year, and who can resist the allure of an intimate escape for two? Some of Texas’s most iconic spots lend themselves to romance, even if you’ve never considered them “romantic” before. So whether you’re planning a honeymoon, an anniversary or a weekend getaway just because, these are our top picks for the most romantic places in the Texas:
# 5: Jefferson
First on our list is charming Jefferson, Texas – the closest option for us – only 2 and a half hours from downtown Dallas, straight East on I-20. So it’s an easy drive, especially if you live on the east side of DFW. Jefferson is an historic old city and the perfect thing to do here is stay at one of the delightful old Bed & Breakfasts – some built as far back as the 1850’s – and go antiquing. Jefferson is arguably the best destination in Texas for antique shopping, and the walkable downtown area is so nostalgic. Visit the beautiful Excelsior House Hotel, visit the Historic Jefferson Railway, or take an historic home tour to round out a lovely weekend in Jefferson, Texas.
Credit: visitjeffersontexas.com
#4: South Padre Island
South Padre Island is not just for spring breakers – if you can believe it. Outside of mid-March spring break season, Padre is actually a lovely community that has everything for a romantic getaway, including hidden gem resorts such as the Pearl or Isla Grand. And don’t forget, the best seafood in Texas is on the coast of course! Plus there’s art and music, delicious pina coladas on the beach, and let’s not forget a gorgeous ocean sunset each day.
South Padre Island is almost 9 hours away from Dallas – it’s all the way at our Southern tip – so commit to a longer trip if driving or catch a flight for a quick trip.
Credit: Facebook
#3: Marfa (glamping)
Marfa is about an 8.5 hour drive from Dallas so you might think about taking longer than a weekend if you want to road trip. You’ve heard of keeping Austin weird, but Marfa is the funkiest little town in Texas, in our opinion. Marfa is, implausably, an international art hub filled with eclectic shops and art installations and elegant restaurants such as Cochineal. There are great hotels but also really unique places to stay, for example El Cosmico, which has vintage trailers, safari tents, and even luxury teepees for glamping – and the stargazing is incredible! When in Marfa, you’re just an hour and a half from Big Bend National Park! It’s good to plan at least a full day there, as the park is massive and there is no shortage of gorgeous scenery. What could be more romantic than a wide open desert sky full of a million stars?
Credit: elcosmico.com
#2: Fredericksburg & Wine Country
Did you know that here in Texas we have our own wine country? Conveniently for us, Fredericksburg sits right in the heart of it! This is one of our favorite towns in Texas – it’s a small German town with loads of character, and the gorgeous old Main Street that is perfect for strolling, with tons of shops, food, and live music. There are also numerous hotels and bed & breakfasts in the area and over the years so many unique and exciting wineries have opened up along the 290 corridor. Hop on a wine tour that will take you around to all the different local wineries for tastings, stock up on wines, and purchase gifts for your loved ones (or yourself). Fredericksburg can’t be missed – it’s a pretty little 4 hour drive south from Dallas without having to take I-35. What’s not to love?
Credit Jason Risner
#1: San Antonio
San Antonio is one of the greatest cities in Texas in our opinion and perfect for a romantic getaway! Such a vibrant city, with some of the best restaurants in a state known for its dining – and the best Tex Mex in the world. With world class museums, famed hotels, the celebrated San Antonio Riverwalk, the Alamo, and some of the best resorts in Texas, world-class San Antonio is hard to beat! About 5 hours south of Dallas by car, San Antonio would be a wonderful destination for a quick trip, or make it just one stop on a tour of Texas. Either way your visit to San Antonio will be unforgettable.
San Antonio River Walk
What a huge, diverse, and beautiful state: mountains, forest, Hill Country, Coastline… and you can experience the romance of all of them right here in Texas.