Here is how to spend a perfect day in Bastrop, TX.
Bastrop, Texas, sits quietly along the banks of the Colorado River, just 30 miles southeast of Austin. Though technically part of the Austin metro area, it feels worlds apart—trading the city’s buzz for a slower, more grounded rhythm. With a population of around 11,000, Bastrop is within easy reach of San Antonio (1.5 hours), Houston (2 hours), and Dallas (just over 3 hours), making it a central destination with a unique character. Discover these top things to do in Bastrop, TX, for the day.
Bastrop is also known as “the most historic town in Texas,” boasting a charming downtown area filled with shops, art galleries, quaint restaurants, festivals, live music, and historical markers proudly displayed throughout. You’ll find over 130 historic buildings in the downtown area alone.
Things to do in Bastrop, TX, for the day
There are many things to do in Bastrop in a day, but if you plan just right, you’ll be able to fit in a few.
McKinney Roughs Nature Park
McKinney Roughs Nature Park stretches across 1,100 acres along the scenic Colorado River, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in its natural beauty. Winding through the iconic Lost Pines, the park’s 18-mile multiuse trail system offers a dynamic playground for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders alike.
Zip Lost Pines in Bastrop County
Zip Lost Pines in McKinney Roughs Nature Park is the longest zipline in Texas, offering stunning views. If ziplining over the top of the pines sounds like your thing, reserve a tour. They offer three different tours – a six-line, a three-line, and a night zip tour. It’s a pricey activity, but a six-line tour lasts two and a half to three hours, so half the day’s activities are knocked out.
The Dinosaur Park
The Dinosaur Park is the perfect outdoor museum for dino-lovers of all ages. The park not only has fossils but also realistic life-size dinosaur exhibits ranging from 2 feet to a massive 85-foot-long Brachiosaurus. Dig for fossils, explore the nature trails, and hang out on the playground. And …The Texas Bucket List dude has been there!
Shopping in the Bastrop Historic District
The walkable downtown is lined with charming boutiques and inviting storefronts, each offering a curated mix of antiques, handcrafted jewelry, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Whether you’re searching for a keepsake to mark your visit or indulging in a spontaneous treat—be it a vintage find or a stylish accessory—Bastrop’s shops promise something memorable around every corner.
Bastrop State Park
Bastrop State Park spans over 7,000 acres and features excellent hiking trails, including the Old Cart Paths, Pine Warbler Trail, McKinney Roughs Loop Trail, and El Camino Paddling Trail. It’s also the perfect place for hiking, swimming, canoeing, picnicking, and birding. If your idea of a perfect getaway includes camping under the stars, casting a line into calm waters, and soaking up the great outdoors—Lake Bastrop should be on your radar.
North Shore Park is a favorite for anglers, offering bass, crappie, perch, and catfish. Whether you prefer fishing from the pier or drifting out on a boat, rentals are available right on-site to make it easy. North Shore also features a day-use area ideal for swimming, volleyball, and laid-back picnics. Planning to stay overnight? Choose from traditional campsites or upgrade to one of five stylish Airstream campers available for rent.
South Shore Park mirrors many of the same outdoor perks—fishing, camping, and scenic relaxation—but with its own twist. While it doesn’t offer Airstreams, it does feature cozy cabins, tent sites, and even a mini-golf course for a bit of playful fun.
Nearby Lake Bastrop offers water sports.
Rent A Kayak
Rent a kayak on the El Camino Real Trail on the Colorado River at the Bastrop River Co. Take a stroll or bike the riverwalk. There are great views of the historic suspension bridge.
Bastrop Rodeo
The Annual Bastrop Homecoming & Rodeo will take place in July 2026
This Bastrop tradition began as a BBQ picnic for the entire town to “Welcome Home” all servicemen and women returning from World War II. This has since grown and provided an enjoyable weekend for the citizens of Bastrop to connect with one another.
Attendees can enjoy five nights of rodeo fun, two nights of live music, plus a plethora of food and merchandise vendors, cornhole, horseshoes, and other games, Texas Hold’ Em tournaments, class reunions, and the Grand Parade on Saturday.
Restaurants in Bastrop
We typically let TripAdvisor pick our restaurants if we are going to a new town on our own (not hosted by the city). For a small town, Bastrop offers a wide range of dining options.
Pro Tip: Many restaurants are closed on Mondays.
Roadhouse Bastrop
For burgers, steaks, nachos, and beer, head to Roadshouse Bastrop with the family.
Address: 2804 Hwy 21 East Bastrop, TX 78602
Neighbor’s Kitchen And Yard
Enjoy beer, pizza, and your dogs at Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard
The Grace Miller (Gracie’s)
The Grace Miller in Bastrop is top-notch. The atmosphere is casual and cafe-style, and the establishment features an attached patio bar with live music on weekends. Try Gracie’s Chicken Fried Steak.
Maxine’s Cafe and Bakery
Maxine’s offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast menu is a delicious pile of country cooking. Their fried green tomatoes are a must-try.
Paw Paw’s Catfish House
If you like catfish, Paw Paw’s is a must. Mostly a catfish, but they do serve burgers and other menu items. They have mouthwatering banana pudding on their dessert menu.
Staying Overnight in Bastrop
Those looking to make a weekend trip out of it might consider staying at the family-friendly Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa or the Pecan Street Inn, or, if you like to rough it a little, reach out to The Reserve at Greenleaf for a glamping experience.
Now that you’ve explored these things to do in Bastrop, TX, you may want to know about the things to do in Round Top in the off-season, which isn’t too far from Bastrop.
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