Austin’s vibrant culture and endless attractions might keep you busy, but venturing beyond the city limits reveals Texas Hill Country’s stunning landscapes and charming small towns. Sometimes, a change of scenery is exactly what you need to recharge and gain a fresh perspective on what makes Central Texas so special.
Here is a list of 13 day trips from Austin that deliver unforgettable experiences without requiring an overnight stay.
Fredericksburg
Just 80 miles west of Austin, this German-influenced town captures the heart of Texas Hill Country charm. Main Street features dozens of boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in historic buildings.
Wine enthusiasts can explore over 50 wineries and tasting rooms scattered throughout the surrounding countryside. The combination of German heritage and Texan hospitality creates a unique cultural blend you won’t find anywhere else in the state.
New Braunfels
This town delivers refreshing summer fun with its two famous rivers perfect for tubing adventures. The Comal River offers a more relaxed experience with calm waters ideal for family floats, while the Guadalupe provides more excitement with gentle rapids.
Beyond water activities, Schlitterbahn Waterpark attracts thrill-seekers with its award-winning rides, including the Master Blaster uphill water coaster that has earned international recognition.
San Marcos
Home to the largest outlet shopping center in the United States, San Marcos attracts bargain hunters from across the state. The crystal-clear San Marcos River provides ideal conditions for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and glass-bottom boat tours that showcase the unique aquatic ecosystem.
The town’s vibrant college atmosphere adds energy to the historic downtown square where local restaurants and live music venues thrive.
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Dripping Springs
Often called the ‘Gateway to Hill Country,’ this small town packs an impressive number of distilleries, breweries, and outdoor attractions into its boundaries. Hamilton Pool Preserve features a stunning natural swimming spot created thousands of years ago when an underground river dome collapsed.
The jade-green waters beneath limestone outcroppings and a 50-foot waterfall create a scene straight from a fantasy novel.
Georgetown
Known for having ‘the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas,’ Georgetown charms visitors with its well-preserved Victorian architecture and vibrant downtown. It offers a scenic swimming spot along the San Gabriel River surrounded by limestone bluffs.
For something completely different, Inner Space Cavern showcases fascinating underground formations that remained hidden until their discovery during highway construction in 1963.
Bastrop
Just 30 miles east of Austin, this charming historic town offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town Texas appeal. Bastrop State Park showcases the famous ‘Lost Pines,’ a unique stand of loblolly pines separated from the East Texas piney woods during the ice age.
Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails that wind through recovering forest areas, paddle along the Colorado River on the El Camino Real Paddling Trail, or browse through the vibrant downtown area filled with boutique shops and local eateries.
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Enchanted Rock
This massive pink granite dome rises 425 feet above the surrounding landscape, creating one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Texas. The Summit Trail rewards hikers with panoramic views extending for miles across the Hill Country.
After sunset, the park’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park ensures spectacular stargazing opportunities away from city light pollution.
Lockhart
Barbecue enthusiasts make pilgrimages to this small town recognized as the ‘Barbecue Capital of Texas’ by the state legislature. Legendary establishments like Kreuz Market, Smitty’s Market, and Black’s Barbecue have been perfecting the art of smoked meats for generations.
The impressive Caldwell County Courthouse anchors a charming downtown square filled with antique stores and locally-owned shops.
Marble Falls
Situated along the Colorado River, this town offers stunning lake views and outdoor recreation opportunities. The famous bluebonnet fields create breathtaking displays of Texas’ state flower each spring.
Sweet tooth cravings find satisfaction at the Blue Bonnet Cafe, known throughout the state for its award-winning pies that attract visitors from hundreds of miles away.
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Round Rock
Just a short drive north of Austin, Round Rock delivers family-friendly attractions and surprising natural beauty. The city’s namesake round rock sits in Brushy Creek, where it once marked a low-water crossing point on the historic Chisholm Trail.
No visit is complete without sampling the legendary oversized treats at Round Rock Donuts, whose yellow-orange yeast donuts have developed a cult following since 1926.
Johnson City
Presidential history comes alive in this small town where Lyndon B. Johnson grew up. The LBJ Ranch, part of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, offers tours of the Texas White House, where the 36th president conducted national business.
Nearby Pedernales Falls State Park showcases the raw beauty of the Hill Country with its dramatic limestone formations shaped by the Pedernales River.
Gruene
Pronounced ‘Green,’ this historic district within New Braunfels preserves 19th-century buildings along the Guadalupe River. Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest continually operating dance hall, hosts performances by both up-and-coming artists and established country music stars.
The carefully preserved buildings house unique shops, restaurants, and a famous general store that feels frozen in time.
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Spicewood
Just 45 minutes northwest of Austin, this lakeside community offers natural beauty and tasty libations. Krause Springs features 32 springs feeding natural and manmade swimming pools surrounded by lush gardens.
The constant 68-degree water temperature provides welcome relief during hot Texas summers. Several distilleries and wineries, including Spicewood Vineyards and Crystal Creek Distillery, offer tours and tastings with beautiful Hill Country views.
Hill Country’s Hidden Treasures
The destinations above represent just a fraction of what awaits beyond Austin’s city limits. Each offers its own blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and Texas charm that deserves exploration.
Whether you seek outdoor adventures, historical discoveries, or culinary delights, these day trips provide the perfect escape without requiring extensive travel time or overnight accommodations. So grab your keys, fill up your tank, and hit the road – the heart of Texas is waiting to be discovered just a short drive away.
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