Summary

• Small towns in Texas may have low populations, but they offer genuine Southern hospitality, delicious food, and unique boutiques.
• Jefferson, Marfa, Fredericksburg, and Gruene are just a few examples of small Texas towns with rich history and attractions to visit.
• From art scenes to vineyards, charming downtown squares to outdoor recreation, these small towns offer a variety of experiences for visitors to enjoy.

They say everything is bigger in Texas, but there are actually a number of adorable small towns in Texas worth adding to the bucket list. Not just small as in 20,000 people; these are some truly tiny spots with populations as low as 10,000, 2,000, 300, and all the way down to 91!

Don’t let these small numbers deceive you. The Lone Star State is also known for its Southern hospitality, and these towns serve it up in an amazing way. From the friendly cafés that serve drool-worthy comfort food and cozy boutiques with stylish clothes that can’t be found anywhere else to the residents who smile, wave, ask how someone is doing, and actually care, these are small towns with some real charm. Here are some of the best small towns in Texas that are definitely worth a visit.

UPDATE: 2023/10/22 21:22 EST BY NICOLE HANSEN

More To Love In Tiny Texas Towns!

Ready to visit some of the smallest, most charming towns in Texas? This list has been updated with even more small towns to visit in the Lone Star State, as well as additional information about each small-town destination. Have fun exploring!

13 Jefferson

At less than 2,000 permanent residents, according to the 2020 US census, Jefferson is the definition of a small town. Jefferson may not be one of the tourist towns that generally make the list in Texas, but there is plenty to see and enjoy in this quirky rural area.

Jefferson is one of relatively few towns in Texas with pre-Civil War history. Despite the low population, there are nearly 100 historic landmarks in the small town of Jefferson, including churches, a Civil War meat packing plant, and several factories that are over 100 years old.

After exploring the rich history of the area, visitors can enjoy the cozy southern-style cooking from local restaurants and make the most of their time in one of the best small towns in Texas.

• Population of Jefferson: ~1,875 people

12 Marfa

Travelers looking for a vibrant art scene may not think of West Texas, but hiding in the tiny town of Marfa, a place that just over 1,800 people call home, is a unique display. Marfa has gained some fame in recent years for its unexpected variety of artwork, including several pieces by Andy Warhol, among others.

Some particularly unique permanent displays, like the "Prada Marfa," continue to draw visitors to this unusual stop. With the added benefit of the town's small size and friendly disposition, there is no reason not to visit this one-of-a-kind small Texas town.

• Population of Marfa: ~1,840 people

11 Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is slightly larger than some of the absolute smallest towns in Texas. With just over 11,000 people, Fredericksburg is hardly big city material, but attractions are sure to invite. Fredericksburg is known for having some of the best vineyards in Texas, many of which can be visited and toured by guests.

Fredericksburg also has a unique German theme throughout the town. The locally owned restaurants and shops are full not only of southern hospitality but German-themed food, sweets, and souvenirs. With such an exceptional vibe and a wide variety of things to do and see, Fredericksburg is absolutely one of the best small towns to visit in Texas.

• Population of Fredericksburg: ~11,072 people

10 Gruene

Gruene was a town known for its cotton, but now, it's a tourist destination full of unique finds. With just 20 permanent residents, the entire town has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. There is a historic Victorian mansion, the Gruene Family Home, which is an inn. There are antique stores and gift shops full of treasures.

There is the Gruene Hall, which is one of the oldest dance halls in the state. There is an old cotton gin that was turned into an amazing place to eat, the Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar. And there is the iconic water tower that stands above it all.

• Population of Gruene: ~20 people

9 Marble Falls

Marble Falls, one of the best small-town destinations in spring, is located near Austin, Texas, and has just over 6,000 people in it. Outdoor recreation is a big draw to the area, as Lake Marble Falls offers pretty views, hiking trails, and a large drag boat race each year.

The downtown square is full of adorable shops (including one that sells the best toffee in the world). One of the most notable spots in town is the Blue Bonnet Cafe. It opened up in 1929, and it is known for its Southern hospitality and food, such as delicious pies!

• Population of Marble Falls: ~7,227 people

8 Munday

Munday has around 1,300 residents, and it sits in between Abilene and Wichita Falls (two towns in Texas that are a little bit bigger!). This is a farming community with an emphasis on cotton, but there are many other perks, as well. There is a school that has earned several state titles in extracurricular activities such as football, track, cross-country, band, one-act play, and CX debate.

There is a downtown square with cute stores, such as a flower shop called Buds For You and a clothing store called Casa Blanca Boutique. There is also a public art project that has resulted in several murals and other pieces going up in town.

• Population of Munday: ~1,240 people

7 Wimberley

During its last census, Wimberley had 2,626 people living in it, and this is another charming town to see. First up, there is the Blue Hole Park, a lagoon in which people can swim, and the Blanco River. There is a downtown square that attracts numerous visitors with its shops and restaurants.

There are wineries and inns nestled in this pretty Hill Country area. And there are regular Market Days, too, which allow even more people to discover even more goodies in one of the best small towns in all of Texas!

• Population of Winberly: ~2,626 people

6 Graham

Graham is in north central Texas, it has been around since 1871, and it has around 8,900 residents. There are several churches, a hospital, a radio station, a couple of parks, and a drive-in movie theater.

There are a number of exceptional downtowns to explore in Texas, but they would be hard-pressed to compete with the small-town downtown scene in Graham. Graham's downtown square, which claims to be the biggest in the nation, also has a movie theater, as well as several shops and eating establishments. Up until just a couple of years ago, Graham was one of the few towns left in the state that was dry, meaning no one could sell wine or beer.

• Population of Graham: ~8,765 people

5 Bastrop

Bastrop is part of the Greater Austin area, and its population is 7,218. This charming place is full of historical homes, lovely shops, a state park, art galleries, annual community events, and The Bastrop Advertiser, which is the oldest continuously published weekly newspaper in the state.

Furthermore, several films have been filmed in this location over the years, such as The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Courage Under Fire, Michael, Hope Floats, Bernie and Boyhood, and director Richard Linklater is even from Bastrop.

• Population of Bastrop: ~7,218 people

4 Albany

Albany is an additional cute town in Texas, and it has just under 2,000 residents. Like the other spots that have been listed out here today, there is a great square full of boutiques, as well as a gorgeous courthouse.

One of the biggest draws in Albany is the Fort Griffin Fandangle, which happens each year in June in order to give the history of Fort Griffin, a military outpost in the area that now functions as a state park. As the oldest outdoor musical in the state, this show combines the American West, catchy songs, humor, and a true look back through time.

• Population of Albany: ~1,927 people

3 Dripping Springs

About 4,800 people live in Dripping Springs, near Austin, and it has become a real tourist destination. It is the state’s wedding capital. It is full of wineries, breweries, and distilleries. It is also the state’s first Dark Sky Community, which has a lighting ordinance that has reduced outdoor lighting to a minimum since 2011.

There are also several celebrities from this Central Texas town, such as Kyle Chandler, Jesse James, and Jensen and Danneel Ackles, who own the Family Business Beer Company in Dripping Springs.

• Population of Dripping Springs: ~4,787 people

2 Granbury

Near Fort Worth, people can find Granbury, which is another little spot that is full of charm and history. There are just over 11,400 people in this town, and a good amount of the buildings found on the downtown square are historical landmarks.

One of these is the iconic Granbury Opera House, which actually puts on productions. Additionally, Davy Crockett's wife, Elizabeth, lived here in the 1800s and is buried here at the Acton State Historic Site, Texas’ smallest state park.

• Population of Granbury: ~11,424 people

1 Round Top

One of the most unique places to visit in Texas, there is one small town that boasts tons of activity, despite housing less than 100 permanent residents. That small Texas town would be Round Top, with just 91 residents. This place is best known for pie at the Royers Round Top Café and for the Round Top Antiques Fair; this event happens every spring and fall, it draws in tons of people from around the country, and it features booth after booth of antiques.

Speaking of antiques, Round Top is also home to the Junk Gypsy Company, as these design stars have a store and an inn in this location. With such unusual activities to enjoy, it's no wonder Round Top is one of the best small towns in Texas.

• Population of Round Top: ~91 people