Each year, thousands of retirement-age visitors spend anywhere from one to six months in the Lone Star State. This group of part-time residents has come to be known as Winter Texans. Over the years, a number of small towns across Texas, who rely heavily on the business the Winter Texans bring, have begun catering to this winter crowd.
1. Mission
Mission Chamber of Commerce
The historic South Texas town of Mission, named for the La Lomita Mission, is home to the annual Citrus Festival, world-class birding, Winter Texan events and more.
2. Harlingen
Located on the upper edge of the Rio Grande Valley, a short drive from both Mexico and South Padre Island, Harlingen offers visitors a central location to all South Texas sites.3. South Padre Island
Danno Wise
South Padre Island is known primarily as a Spring Break destination. However, it is truly a beach for all seasons with nature tours, fishing, surfing, dining - plan ahead so you can fit it all in and still find time to lie on the beach.
4. Del Rio
Danno Wise
The Texas border town of Del Rio is located on the shores of Lake Amistad and the Rio Grande, offering birders, boaters and fishermen plenty of options. However, Del Rio is also home to a number of top notch museums as well as the oldest winery in Texas, the Val Verde Winery.
5. Wimberley
Danno Wise
Wimberley is a quaint little village in the Texas Hill Country, situated within an hour's drive to either Austin or San Antonio. Additionally, Wimberley is conveniently located to many Hill Country attractions and is home to a host of specialty shops and restaurants.
