One of the best weekend trips in Texas is to a town you probably wouldn’t expect (and may have never even heard of.) Located between Austin and Waco in the eponymous Texas Hill Country, Salado is a charming small town with a population of around 2,400. Brimming with shops, restaurants, a historic inn, and plenty of Southern hospitality, we believe this hidden gem is the perfect place to escape to for a night or two. Here are some of the great things to do in Salado Texas that will make your weekend trip epic. 

Welcome to the charming town of Salado, a hidden gem in Texas and arguably our best-kept secret!
things to do in Salado Texas
Facebook/Village of Salado, Texas - City Government
Kick off your weekend with some retail therapy a la The Shoppes on Main. This 5,000-square-foot marketplace features over 25 specialty shops offering everything from clothing to artisan food products and more.
Shoppes on Main Boutique Marketplace & Cafe, 22 N Main St #B, Salado, TX 76571, USA
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Bibliophiles will want to plan a trip to Fletchers Books & Antiques. This magical little treasure trove has so many diamonds in the rough, and you'd be hard-pressed to leave empty-handed.
Fletcher's Books & Antiques, 945 N Main St, Salado, TX 76571, USA
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Nature lovers can enjoy several opportunities to get outside, including the Salado Sculpture Garden. The artwork is incredibly unique, and walking the trails offers such a peaceful experience.
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Learn all about the intricate art of glassblowing at Salado Glassworks. Watch the fascinating process from beginning to end, or perhaps even participate in a "Blow Your Own" event that invites you to test your newfound knowledge.
things to do in Salado Texas
Salado Glassworks, 2 Peddler's Alley, Salado, TX 76571, USA
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After a jam-packed day of fun, unwind with a few beers at Barrow Brewing Company.
things to do in Salado Texas
Barrow Brewing Company, 108 Royal St, Salado, TX 76571, USA
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A microbrewery in the heart of downtown, this local hotspot offers a taproom and beer garden with food trucks on-site.
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Settle in for a good night's rest at the Shady Villa Hotel, a 150-year-old Salado icon that embodies the essence of small-town charm.
Shady Villa Hotel, 416 S Main St, Salado, TX 76571, USA
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The rooms are spacious and well-appointed...
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...and the food at the on-site eatery, Stagecoach Restaurant, is to die for. Burger with BBQ fries, anyone?
Stagecoach Restaurant, 401 S Main St, Salado, TX 76571, USA
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Please note: Currently, the onsite restaurant is temporarily closed, but there are other great dining options in town. Perhaps grab some delicious BBQ from Johnny's Steaks & Bar-Be-Que.

Step inside the town with Secrets of Texas on a tour through one of Texas’ best-kept secrets.

Have you ever taken a weekend trip to Salado? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a nearby hike to a waterfall that makes for a lovely year-round adventure. Or if you’re looking for fun day trip ideas, here are some full-day tours in Texas featuring more of our hidden gems.  

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More to Explore

Best Small Towns In Texas

Melanie J. | December 12, 2023

Aside from Salado, what are some more small towns in Texas that are great for a weekend getaway?

There is no shortage of small towns in Texas and many of them are worthy of a visit. Here are 10 small towns in the Lone Star state that we like the best:

  • Johnson City, Blanco County
  • Terlingua, Brewster County
  • Alpine, Brewster County
  • Boerne, Kendall County
  • Marfa, Presidio County
  • Fredericksburg, Gillespie County
  • Lampasas, Lampasas County
  • Gruene, Comal County
  • Brenham, Washington County
  • Kemah, Galveston County

 

Be sure to visit our website to discover more small towns in Texas that are great for a day trip or a weekend getaway. 

What are some of the best hidden gems in Texas?

While Mineral Wells is one of the best hidden gems in Texas, we have so many more treasures that belong on your list. And these are a few of the ones that we recommend:

  • Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua
  • Blue Lagoon, Huntsville
  • San Felipe Springs, Del Rio
  • Willow City Loop, Fredericksburg
  • Chinati Hot Springs, Ruidosa
  • Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Alamo
  • Krause Springs, Spicewood
  • Bracken Bat Cave, San Antonio
  • Seminole Canyon State Park, Comstock
  • Caprock Canyons, Quitaque

 

Don’t forget to read our previous article which tells you more about these hidden gems in Texas. 

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Salado, TX 76571, USA