A new artificial intelligence tool has named its top 10 summer vacation towns in Texas, and while some Hill Country favorites made the cut, other picks may surprise even seasoned travelers.
Grok 4, a conversational AI developed by xAI, recently ranked the state’s best warm-weather getaway spots based on climate, scenery, recreation, and cultural attractions. The list includes expected favorites like Fredericksburg and Granbury, but also features lesser-known locales like Salado and Canyon, highlighting a broader geographic spread and appealing to a variety of vacation styles.
Fredericksburg, long considered a Hill Country mainstay, topped the list. The AI cited its “picturesque Hill Country setting, which provides slightly cooler temperatures compared to much of Texas,” and its blend of German heritage, wineries, and outdoor attractions. Visitors are encouraged to hike Enchanted Rock, cool off at the town pool, and explore local history at the Pioneer Museum and the National Museum of the Pacific War.
Also in the Hill Country, Dripping Springs earned a spot for its “natural swimming holes, craft beverage scene, and laid-back vibe.” Grok 4 specifically pointed to Hamilton Pool Preserve as a natural highlight, in addition to Reimers Ranch Park and the area’s many distilleries and wineries.
Grok’s inclusion of Canyon, a town in the Texas Panhandle with a population under 15,000, may turn heads. The AI selected it due to its proximity to Palo Duro Canyon, “offering dramatic landscapes, outdoor theater, and cooler canyon breezes.” It recommended hiking in the canyon, attending the outdoor musical TEXAS, and visiting the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.
Jefferson, located in East Texas’s Piney Woods, also made the list, a notable inclusion given the region’s reputation for high summer humidity. But Grok praised its “shaded bayous, historic charm, and proximity to large lakes,” pointing to boating on Caddo Lake, birdwatching at Lake O’ The Pines, and the Jefferson Historical Museum.
In Central Texas, Salado emerged as another somewhat unexpected pick. Described as a “charming artistic haven,” the AI highlighted its proximity to Stillhouse Hollow Lake, public art installations, and pioneer-era attractions like the Barton House. Salado’s art and performance offerings, including the Tablerock Amphitheater, played a role in its selection.
Grok also emphasized cultural heritage and presidential history in Johnson City, the hometown of Lyndon B. Johnson. The town was recognized for its blend of educational sites, including the LBJ National Historic Park, and outdoor recreation at Pedernales Falls State Park.
Alpine, situated in the high desert of West Texas, earned a nod for its “cooler high-desert climate” and arts scene. Grok encouraged visitors to hike Hancock Hill, explore local galleries, and visit the Museum of the Big Bend.
Farther south, Port Isabel was included for its “bay views, historic lighthouse, and seafood scene.” The AI noted it offers a quieter coastal experience compared to nearby South Padre Island, recommending lighthouse climbs, dolphin-watching in Laguna Madre Bay, and local maritime museums.
Rounding out the list were Granbury, praised for its historic downtown and water activities on Lake Granbury, and Bandera, which Grok dubbed the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” suggesting a mix of river tubing and dude ranch experiences.
Grok’s full top 10 list of Texas summer vacation towns includes:
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Fredericksburg
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Jefferson
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Dripping Springs
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Alpine
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Salado
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Johnson City
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Bandera
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Granbury
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Port Isabel
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Canyon
The list reflects a broader travel trend emphasizing authenticity, local culture, and access to natural water features as key draws—especially in Texas, where summer temperatures routinely climb above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In selecting towns like Canyon and Salado, Grok appears to value microclimates and cultural uniqueness over traditional tourism volume.
Of course, The Dallas Express had to ask: what happened to Galveston and Corpus Christi? Grok said they were too big.”Both Galveston and Corpus Christi are larger cities with significant urban elements, which can feel less like a small-town getaway and more crowded during peak summer months.”
Grok added that favoring small towns was part of its methodology. The AI model said it prioritized “small towns with natural cooling features, diverse activities, and unique charm, using a qualitative scoring system based on climate, accessibility, and cultural appeal. This involved aggregating insights from travel publications, expert recommendations, and visitor feedback, ensuring geographic diversity and summer suitability while excluding larger, crowded cities.”
Whether its list reshapes Texas travel habits remains to be seen, but its inclusion of off-the-beaten-path towns is likely to spur curiosity and conversation.