Places To Visit Near Austin

Take a peek at these fabulous places near Austin for a day trip.

Austin, TX, is known for barbecue and Tex-Mex, and is a fun city to visit. It’s a diverse city with so much to do. However, you may want to take a break and explore other parts of Texas. Just minutes outside the borders of Austin is a paradise of hotspots, including scenic drives and wildflowers. Here are fabulous places to visit near Austin, TX.

Places To Visit Near Austin

Austin is one of the most visited cities in Texas. In case you’re not aware, Austin is quite a busy city. Interstate 35 can be frustrating when driving into and away from the city. With happenings on 6th Street, the University of Texas, the eclectic live-music scene, and not to mention the Capitol, it’s easy to see why many people flock to the area year-round. But if you want to get out of the busy city to relax and maybe soak up some meditation, there’s much to do outside of Austin that’s worth visiting.

You can drive north to tour a cave, south to play in the river, into the deep Texas Hill Country, or west for antiques. After you’ve had enough of the busy city, I’ll give you some suggestions.

I suggest you not rush when driving in or out of Austin. Take your time and adjust your schedule to allow more time on the road. If it’s not traffic, it’s construction — consider this your warning.

After reading about these places to visit near Austin, I bet you’ll want to skip the busy city altogether.

1. Stop By The Texas Travel Information Center

Before heading out of Austin, your first trip might be to the Texas Travel Information Center. There, you’ll find a wealth of brochures on things to do near Austin and around Texas—probably more than you want to know! The travel center is at the Capitol Visitor Center, 112 E. 11th St., Austin, TX 78701. Did you know there are only 12 Texas information centers? Most are located around the state’s border, but Austin’s is situated within the city.

2. Head To Lake Travis

West of Austin lies Lake Travis, a renowned lake among locals. There are many great places to eat in Lake Travis, where you can also rent a party boat for the afternoon. However, Lake Austin is also nearby. I’m sure both are busy on weekends.

3. See The View From Mount Bonnell

You can head over to the nearby Mount Bonnell and go for a hike. Once you reach the top, you’ll see a nifty pavilion and jaw-dropping views of Lake Austin and downtown Austin. Additionally, visitors enjoy a picture-perfect view of the Colorado River and the illustrious mansions that line its shores from the summit of Mount Bonnell.

4. Visit Bastrop

In about thirty minutes, you’ll be in Bastrop, where you can enjoy kayaking on Lake Bastrop, enjoying your favorite beverage just about anywhere in town, and doing lots of shopping. That’s what these two did on a girls’ glamping trip to Bastrop.

5. Head To Deep Texas Hill Country

A few short miles from Austin in Dripping Springs, known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country.” Someone told me it’s the only Hill Country town with all three: wineries, brewers, and distilleries. I think your drinking is covered in this town. I’ll be headed there in a few weeks and can’t wait to visit the Hamilton Pool Reserve. After looking it up, I’m almost positive you’ll want to see it. I believe reservations are needed.

6. Swing A Putter Or Go Caving In Georgetown, TX

Besides being a small-town charmer, Georgetown has three distinguished 18-hole golf courses, Inner Space Caverns, and Texas’s most beautiful town square. And, if you plan your visit around April, the red poppies are out, and the town celebrates with a Red Poppy Festival.

7. San Marcos

Pack your swimsuit! San Marcos is only thirty minutes from Austin, where you can take a scenic drive on RM 12 NW to 32, also known as the Devil’s Backbone, for gorgeous views of the Hill Country and spring wildflowers. And while you’re there, dip your toes in the crystal-clear water of the San Marcos River or swim.

NOTE: A reader told me that Devil’s Backbone is far from San Marcos but closer to Wimberley.

8. Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls State Park is a popular destination for locals and visitors, about 30-40 miles west of Austin. The park offers camping, hiking, biking, and excellent wildlife viewing. Swimming in the river is allowed, but it’s a rough 1/4 mile walk to the area. The admission fee is $6 for individuals 13 years of age and older.

Travel Pro Tip: You MUST buy your entrance pass online, especially if you want to go on the weekend. The park gets super busy then, and they sell out fast.

9. Bee Cave

Less than a 20-minute drive west of Austin, you’ll be in Bee Cave unless the traffic is terrible! This town is new to me. Although it’s not new, I hadn’t heard of it until an event I was invited to was held there last year. Bee Cave has fantastic places to stay, great shopping, dining, golfing, water sports, and hiking. It’s the perfect place to escape the big city for a day. The Bee Cave Sculpture Park is a must-see destination. I have not been there, but the town boasts about it.

10. Blue Hole Regional Park

After wandering through Dripping Springs and doing everything you wanted to in town, drive about 17 miles south to Wimberley.  That’s where the natural spring-fed swimming hole at Blue Hole Regional Park is located. Swimming opens up in May, and you’ll need a reservation. Day passes are $6-$12.

11. Round Top

Set out early and head east on Hwy 290 for Round Top if you love antiques. It’s about an 80-mile car ride, so bring a snack or two and get ready to be dazzled by the antiques. If you plan your visit right, the Round Top Antique Show will be held in January, April, and October. Please refer to the site for the exact dates. You’ll want to bring a car that’s big enough to accommodate all the cool things you buy!

I finally made the trip, but it was in the off-season. Visiting Round Top in the off-season is the way to go if you don’t care about antiques and want to relax and unwind and maybe learn about its history.

12. Take a Wine Tour From Austin to Hill Country

Grab the gang and take a Texas Hill Country Group Wine Tour by Limousine, leaving the driving to someone else. Visit three wineries, have lunch (lunch is on you), and enjoy wine tasting at fabulous wineries in the Texas Hill Country. I’ve done it both ways, but by far, letting someone else drive is best!

Meet somewhere in Austin, board a limo, and have fun!!

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