11 Romantic Getaways In Texas On A Budget

Love doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag—especially in a state as big and diverse as Texas. Whether you’re sipping wine under the stars in Fredericksburg or watching the sunset along the Gulf Coast, Texas serves up romantic escapes that are both memorable and budget-friendly.

I’ve wandered through wildflower-lined trails, found cozy B&Bs tucked into sleepy towns, and shared late-night tacos in Austin with someone special—all without overspending. Want a peaceful weekend in nature or a quirky small-town adventure? Texas has you covered.

So, which of these charming spots will be your next romantic getaway?

1. Fredericksburg’s Wine Country Charm

Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg combines German heritage with vineyard romance. My partner and I discovered we could sample award-winning wines at over 50 wineries without spending a fortune by sharing tastings and visiting during weekdays.

Many B&Bs offer midweek specials under $100 per night. We loved strolling hand-in-hand down the historic Main Street, browsing unique shops and enjoying free live music at local venues.

For a truly budget-friendly date, pack a picnic and head to Enchanted Rock for sunset views that will take your breath away. The entrance fee is just $8 per person!

2. Galveston’s Beachfront Hideaways

Who says beach getaways have to be expensive? Galveston Island offers affordable coastal romance just an hour from Houston. During off-season (fall and winter), oceanfront hotels slash their rates by up to 40%, making luxury accessible on a budget.

My favorite memory was walking along the historic Pleasure Pier at sunset, where admission is free if you’re just strolling. The 32-mile seawall provides endless opportunities for romantic walks with crashing waves as your soundtrack.

Save money by preparing simple meals in a kitchenette rental and splurging on just one special seafood dinner at a local spot away from the tourist areas.

3. New Braunfels River Retreat

Floating down the Comal River hand-in-hand creates memories that last far longer than expensive hotel stays. New Braunfels offers affordable cabins and riverside cottages starting around $80 per night during weekdays, especially in spring and fall.

If you’re feeling adventurous like we were, rent a double tube for about $25 and spend a lazy afternoon drifting together through the crystal-clear water. The historic Gruene district nearby features the oldest dance hall in Texas where you can two-step under twinkling lights for just the price of a beer.

Don’t miss the free natural areas where you can hike, picnic, and swim without spending a dime.

4. Marfa’s Artistic Desert Escape

Far from Texas’s cities lies Marfa, an artistic haven where minimalism meets romance. While some accommodations can be pricey, El Cosmico offers unique lodging in vintage trailers, teepees, and safari tents starting at just $85 per night.

The star-filled skies create the perfect backdrop for romance – completely free of charge! We brought a bottle of wine and blankets to watch the mysterious Marfa Lights, a natural phenomenon that’s puzzled visitors for generations.

Art galleries throughout town offer free admission, and the famous Prada Marfa installation costs nothing to visit. Pack a cooler with supplies from the local grocery to avoid restaurant prices while enjoying picnics under the vast Texas sky.

5. Jefferson’s Historic Bed & Breakfast Weekend

Time seems to slow down in Jefferson, a charming East Texas town filled with Victorian architecture and Southern hospitality. Unlike big cities, this hidden gem offers B&Bs starting around $85-110 per night, often including homemade breakfasts that’ll keep you full until dinner.

Horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic district cost about $25 per couple – far cheaper than dinner and a movie back home. We loved exploring antique shops together, hunting for treasures without pressure to buy.

Many historic homes offer free or under-$10 tours, giving budget-conscious couples plenty to explore. The brick streets and gas lamps create a naturally romantic atmosphere that doesn’t require spending much at all.

6. Port Aransas Beach Cottage Escape

Imagine falling asleep to ocean sounds without the premium price tag. Port Aransas offers beach cottage rentals starting around $100 per night during shoulder seasons (late September through February), when the weather remains pleasantly mild.

My partner and I saved significantly by cooking fresh seafood purchased directly from local fishermen. The 18 miles of beaches are completely free to enjoy, perfect for long walks collecting shells or watching spectacular Gulf sunrises.

For entertainment, we went birding at the free Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center and spotted rare species together. Restaurants offer “sunset specials” before 6 PM with significantly reduced prices – perfect for budget-conscious couples who don’t mind eating early.

7. Wimberley’s Hidden Swimming Holes

Hidden in the Texas Hill Country, Wimberley offers natural romance that doesn’t require luxury accommodations. Small cabins nestled among cypress trees start around $90 per night if you book directly with owners and visit midweek.

Blue Hole Regional Park charges just $12 per person for access to one of Texas’s most beautiful swimming spots. We spent an entire afternoon floating in crystal-clear waters surrounded by ancient cypress trees without spending another dime.

Jacob’s Well, another natural wonder, costs only $9 for reserved swimming. Evening entertainment comes cheap too – the Corral Theatre shows movies under the stars for just $6 per person. Bring your own chairs and snacks for an unforgettable date night beneath the Hill Country sky.

8. Alpine’s Mountain Retreat

West Texas holds surprising mountain vistas that few tourists explore, making Alpine perfect for budget-conscious couples seeking solitude. Local motels offer clean, comfortable rooms starting at $70 per night – a fraction of what you’d pay in more famous destinations.

The surrounding Davis Mountains provide endless hiking opportunities completely free of charge. We packed picnic lunches and spent days exploring trails with spectacular views, often having entire mountainsides to ourselves.

Downtown Alpine features charming cafes where coffee and pastries cost half what you’d pay in Austin or Dallas. The true magic happens at night – with minimal light pollution, stargazing becomes an incredibly romantic activity that costs absolutely nothing. The McDonald Observatory nearby offers star parties for just $25 per person.

9. Granbury’s Lakeside Luxury for Less

Just 90 minutes from Dallas, Granbury feels worlds away with its charming town square and peaceful lake views. Lakeside cabins offer surprising affordability at $85-115 per night, especially if you visit Sunday through Thursday.

The historic downtown square surrounds a stunning courthouse where my partner and I spent hours exploring unique shops and enjoying free live music on weekends. Lake Granbury creates a beautiful backdrop for sunset strolls along the boardwalk without spending a penny.

For an affordable splurge, the historic Granbury Opera House presents professional productions with tickets starting at just $25 – half what you’d pay in larger cities. Many lakeside restaurants offer happy hour specials with stunning views, perfect for budget-conscious couples.

10. Terlingua Ghost Town Stargazing

For adventurous couples, Terlingua offers perhaps the most unique affordable getaway in Texas. This former mining town near Big Bend National Park features rustic accommodations starting around $75 per night, from desert casitas to renovated mining shacks.

The real magic happens after dark. With some of the darkest skies in North America, the stargazing is unparalleled and completely free. We spent hours identifying constellations and watching shooting stars while sipping wine we brought from home.

During daytime, explore the ghost town ruins at no cost or splurge on the $30 park entrance fee to access Big Bend’s incredible hiking trails. The local trading company porch becomes a gathering spot where travelers share stories and sometimes free live music – authentic Texas experiences that money can’t buy.

11. Brenham’s Bluebonnet Country Cabins

When bluebonnets blanket the countryside each spring, Brenham transforms into a naturally romantic destination. Farmhouse cabins and country cottages can be found for $90-120 per night, especially if you book directly with property owners.

The famous Blue Bell Creamery offers tours for just $5 per person, ending with generous ice cream samples – a sweet, affordable date! We spent one afternoon driving the Bluebonnet Trail, stopping for picnics and photos among wildflower fields without spending a dime.

Wineries in the area often offer free tastings with purchase, and antique shops provide hours of entertainment whether you buy anything or not. For a splurge that’s still budget-friendly, book a sunset horseback ride through flower-filled meadows for about $45 per person – half what you’d pay near larger cities.