Escape the city and explore these quaint small towns near Austin.
Austin is renowned for its vibrant music scene, rich cultural heritage, and iconic Sixth Street. Its diverse lifestyle is popular among many locals and tourists, and Austin’s music scene is unbeatable. But sometimes, a road trip away from the city’s excitement is just what you need. Whether you live in the city, have recently moved there, or are just visiting, or came to the city from a flight, there are fun weekend getaways from Austin that allow you to explore more of Texas.
From upscale shopping and dining to following a wine trail, sipping craft beers, discovering some Texas history, and relaxing in the country, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with these small towns near Austin.
Best Weekend Getaways From Austin, TX
In case you’re not aware, Austin is a very busy city and one of the most visited in Texas. Interstate 35 can be frustrating when traveling into and out of 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.
14 Weekend Getaways From Austin
Most of these small towns I have visited, as well as a few I haven’t. However, I couldn’t make a list without mentioning the best BBQ, as voted by Texas Monthly, even though I haven’t been there, nor have I tried the barbecue. Starting with Georgetown, the most beautiful town square in Texas, and ending with Johnson City/Stonewall, home to our 34th President, I’m confident you’ll love these two and the others in between.
1. Georgetown
Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas
Besides being a small-town charmer, Georgetown has three distinguished 18-hole golf courses and a popular cave called Inner Space Caverns. And, if you plan your visit around April, the red poppies are out, and the town celebrates with a Red Poppy Festival.
For the holidays, you may want to visit Georgetown’s annual Lighting of the Square in November. After all, it is the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.” Holiday lights remain lit every evening through January
2. Round Top
Home of Round Top Antique Shows
Round Top Antiques Shows are in January, April, and October. The spring show is the largest and busiest, and the October show comes in a close second. It’s about an 80-mile car ride from Austin. However, if you don’t want to go during the busy season when it’s most crowded, then visit Round Top in the off-season, as I did.
3. Seguin
Home of the Best Awarded BBQ in Texas
According to Texas Monthly’s 2025 list of the Best BBQ in Texas, Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin was named the winner. So, if you want to dine here, take a one-hour road trip to Seguin. But be prepared to wait in a long line for the best barbecue in Texas!
4. Bastrop
An outdoor haven
About thirty miles southeast of Austin, you’ll be in Bastrop, where the outdoors among the trees is breathtaking. Take a trip to the Colorado River, Lake Bastrop, and Bastrop State Park, or see cultural attractions such as the Bastrop Museum, Dinosaur Park, and the Bastrop Opera House. These two (above) have a wonderful time on a girls’ glamping trip to Bastrop.
5. Lockhart / Luling
Home of the best barbecue in Texas
Lockhart is renowned for its excellent barbecue and is often referred to as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas.” Actually, both small towns are filled with BBQ joints – take your pick.
In Lockhart, visit historic attractions like the courthouse and town square, as well as famous barbecue restaurants such as Black’s and Kreuz Market. Enjoy some fun outdoors at Lockhart State Park. Luling hosts its annual Watermelon Thump festival in the summer, offers Great BBQ anytime, and the Zedler Mill Paddling Trail is a fun activity for families. Did you know Luling has the world’s largest Buc-ee’s travel center? I did not!
6. Brenham
Home of Blue Bell Creamery
Brenham is roughly an hour and a half from Austin and is the farthest weekend getaway on this list, but it’s full of adventure and history. While there, consider a trip to Chappell Hill and Washington for more history and possibly even bluebonnets, if you’re visiting in the spring.
If you’re hungry for ice cream, visit the Creamery during the week and indulge in a $1 scoop of your favorite Blue Bell flavor. Last time I was there, the ice cream parlor was closed on weekends. Check before you go.
7. New Braunfels / Gruene
Home of the #1 Waterpark in America
About 50 miles away from Austin, there’s Schlitterbahn Waterpark, the quaint town of Gruene, the Guadalupe River, and all the fun on the Comal River, and all the activities in New Braunfels.
New Braunfels makes a great weekend getaway from Austin, perfect for the whole family – even the grandparents. There are numerous places to stay, and the water park offers excellent cabins for rent.
8. Wimberley
Home of Jacob’s Well, Blue Hole, and Old Baldy
Wimberley is home to the natural spring-fed Blue Hole Regional Park. Swimming opens in May through Labor Day, then on weekends only in September, and a reservation is required. Day passes are $6 to $12.
If you’re up for it, get your steps in and climb Old Baldy. I was there early this year and stayed at the Horseshoe Bay Resort in Wimberley, and was able to take my dog along.
Jacob’s Well is cool, but no pets are allowed, so I couldn’t go all the way there. Someone told me it doesn’t look like what you see on the internet and in magazines.
9. Dripping Springs / Driftwood
The Gateway to the Hill Country
A few short miles (maybe 25) from Austin is Dripping Springs, a quaint small town known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country.” There are many wineries, distillers, and brewers in this town. Driftwood is home to the popular barbecue joint called Salt Lick. If you plan to visit, arrive early and be prepared for a line to dine. There is also a lovely winery across the street within walking distance. How fun to pair wine tasting with barbecue?!
Hamilton Pool Reserve. Reservations are needed.
For a great place to stay in Dripping Springs, check out Camp Lucy. We love it there!
10. Boerne
The Hill Country Mile Shopping Spree
How about a mile or so of shops to explore? Additionally, Main Street is home to breweries and restaurants, where most of the shopping is. While there, take a moment to explore Cibilo Creek and watch the ducks waddle past – it’s accessible from Main Street.
11. Fredericksburg / Luckenbach
Texas Wine 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!
There is so much to do in this small town that you can’t do in Austin. Luckenbach, for one – it’s a place to visit at least once, just so you can say you’ve been, perhaps buy the t-shirt, and take awesome photos. If you’re lucky, a band will be playing.
12. Marble Falls
Home to four nearby lakes: Lake Marble Falls, Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, and Lake LBJ
Water sports, golf, wine and beer, restaurants galore, and lots of boutique shopping make up Marble Falls. If the family is coming, then a trip to Sweet Berry Farm, located off Hwy 1413 & FM 1980 is a must-visit. It’s so much fun there; you’ll have no problem entertaining the kids, especially if they enjoy stuffing a scarecrow (in the fall), riding some rides, eating ice cream, and running around the pumpkin patch (in the fall). Spring brings a new light to the farm, and just as much fun!
And don’t forget to go by Blue Bonnet Cafe for the largest slice of pie you’ll ever see, and a large breakfast with a cheap price to boot!
13. Elgin
Home of the Hogeye Festival
Elgin, TX, offers a small-town feel, a charming historic downtown, and the renowned Texas BBQ Trail, featuring some of the state’s oldest and most renowned barbecue joints. events like the Hogeye Festival,
REW The popular annual Hogeye Festival, also known as “The Best Little Pig Gig In Texas,” is a street festival held on the 4th Saturday of October, celebrating all things swine with Elgin sausage, an art show, vendors, food trucks, live music and entertainment, kids’ activities, and more.
14. Johnson City / Stonewall
Home of Lyndon B Johnson, Our 34th President
History enthusiasts will love learning more about our 34th President of the United States. Lyndon B. Johnson. His boyhood home is in Johnson City. Once you’ve toured that, head on over to Stonewall to continue with the history of LBJ and his wife, Lady Bird Johnson.
If you’d rather visit one of the prettiest state parks in Texas, nothing like it in Austin, Pedernales Falls State Park is a popular destination for 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 and make a reservation, especially if you plan to visit on the weekend. The park gets super busy then, and they sell out fast.
There they are – 14 of the most precious places to visit near Austin. Oh, which one will you choose?
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