Best Day Trips from Austin TX – Explore Nearby Attractions

Austin, Texas, is a great starting point for many day trips. It’s close to beautiful small towns, state parks, and places that families will love. The Texas Hill Country is especially inviting with its cute towns and natural beauty. For a taste of Germany and the great outdoors, Fredericksburg is perfect with its Enchanted Rock. Wimberley and Dripping Springs are great for swimming, art, and tasting unique drinks. Places like New Braunfels, Round Rock, and San Marcos offer fun waterparks, tubing, and outdoor adventures for everyone. This guide will show you the top day trips near Austin for fun weekends and explorations.

Key Takeaways

• Austin is surrounded by picturesque towns and nature attractions offering excellent day trip opportunities.
• Fredericksburg, Wimberley, and Dripping Springs provide unique experiences and adventures.
• Georgetown, Gruene, and Lockhart close to Austin each have distinctive sights and activities.
• Pedernales Falls State Park, Enchanted Rock, and Balcones Canyonlands are popular outdoor destinations.
• New Braunfels, Round Rock, and San Marcos offer family-friendly activities for all ages.

Wimberley: A Hidden Gem Near Austin

Looking for family day trips from Austin? Wimberley is a great choice, just 45 minutes southwest. It’s known for its natural beauty and charming vibe. You’ll find cool spots like Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole Regional Park there.

Popular Swimming Spots

Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole are awesome for swimming. You need to book in advance, perfect for planning a summer day out. If you didn’t plan ahead, Cypress Creek is a chill spot for a quick dip. These places make Wimberley a top pick for a family fun day within 2 hours of Austin.

Wimberley’s Scenic Overlook

Don’t skip Old Baldy Mountain. It offers amazing views of Wimberley and the Texas Hill Country. This scenic spot makes your trip unforgettable, offering stunning landscapes that wow everyone.

Local Attractions and Events

Wimberley Market Days draw a big crowd from March to December, on the first Saturday of each month. It’s the second-largest outdoor market in Texas. Also, check out places like Wimberley Glassworks and Wimberley Valley Winery for unique finds. Want to stay longer? Yurtopia Wimberley and Collective Retreats are great for an overnight stay. With these attractions, Wimberley stands out for family trips close to Austin.

New Braunfels: Tubing and More

Only 45 minutes south of Austin, New Braunfels is a true haven for water lovers. It blends outdoor fun, historic beauty, and great attractions. This makes it a top choice for day trips from Austin.

Tubing Adventures on Guadalupe and Comal Rivers

New Braunfels shines with tubing on the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers. The Comal is great for easy group floats. The Guadalupe offers fun for those seeking thrills. You’ll find services that handle tubes, transport, and even coolers for a worry-free water day.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Jump into excitement at New Braunfels’ Schlitterbahn Waterpark, a hit since 1979. Spread over three sections, it has slides, rivers, and unique rides like the Master Blaster. Schlitterbahn is a must for anyone looking for fun day trips from Austin. It’s great for all ages.

Historic Gruene District

The Gruene Historic District is a must-see in New Braunfels. Travel back in time with historic sites, shops, and antiques. Gruene Hall, the state’s oldest dance hall, is there. It has welcomed stars like Willie Nelson. The local German culture is celebrated in events like Wurstfest and at Naegelin’s Bakery, Texas’ oldest bakery.

Thinking of day trips from Austin? Consider New Braunfels. It offers rivers, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and the historic Gruene District. Whether you’re floating, sliding, or strolling, New Braunfels has something memorable for everyone.

Georgetown: The Perfect Small-Town Getaway

Georgetown is a short 30-minute drive from Austin. It’s a charming escape with a beautiful town square, historic sites, and great outdoors. It’s perfect for weekend trips from Austin, offering fun and culture.

Historic Downtown Georgetown

Downtown Georgetown is a highlight of the town. It’s known for one of Texas’ most beautiful squares, filled with history, cafes, and shops. Strolling here feels like stepping back in time, perfect for family or romantic trips from Austin.

Outdoor Attractions like Blue Hole Park

Blue Hole Park is great for outdoor lovers. It’s in the town, offering a cool swimming spot in summer. The park has clear waters from the San Gabriel River, ideal for family outings or weekend escapes from Austin.

Exploring Inner Space Cavern

Inner Space Cavern is another Georgetown treasure. Discovered in 1963, it has tours through a cave with stunning formations. This underground adventure is great for couples and families.

Georgetown hosts events like the Red Poppy Festival. Residents and visitors enjoy the community’s vibrant spirit. It turns the town into a picture-perfect scene, enhancing Georgetown’s charm for getaways from Austin.

Fredericksburg: A Taste of German Culture

Fredericksburg is less than two hours from Austin. It shines with German charm in the Texas Hill Country. With its German roots and Texan spirit, it’s a top day trip from Austin. Visitors enjoy heritage, shops, vineyards, and nature here.

Strolling down Main Street

Main Street in Fredericksburg shows off its German heritage. It has over 150 shops and art galleries. The street, with its historic buildings and eateries, feels both busy and welcoming.

Don’t miss German spots like Altdorf Restaurant & Biergarten and Der Lindenbaum. The Pioneer Museum tells of Fredericksburg’s German settlers.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Enchanted Rock is just a drive from town. Its huge pink granite rock is a hit with hikers. From the top, the Hill Country views amaze everyone.

It offers over 8 miles of trails. It’s great for those wanting to hike near Austin. The park also has places for stargazing away from city lights.

National Museum of the Pacific War

The National Museum of the Pacific War is essential for those into history. It delves into World War II’s Pacific battles. The museum honors Fredericksburg’s own, Admiral Nimitz, who led the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Fredericksburg’s calendar is full of German festivals like Oktoberfest. The Lyndon B. Johnson Park shares about America’s 36th president. With over 60 wineries and live music at Luckenbach, Texas, Fredericksburg is a must-visit. This town is rich in tradition and beauty, making it perfect for a getaway.

Dripping Springs and Driftson: Craft Beverages and BBQ

Dripping Springs and Driftwood are close to Austin. They are great for days out with craft drinks, fantastic BBQ, and outdoor fun. The area has a lot of history, beautiful views, and amazing experiences for memorable trips.

Famous Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a beautiful natural swimming spot. It was created when an underground river’s dome collapsed. With a 50-foot waterfall, it’s a cool place to swim. You need to book ahead because it’s very popular. It’s a great addition to any Austin area day trip.

Distilleries, Breweries, and Wineries

Dripping Springs and Driftwood are known for their drinks. Treaty Oak Distillery is one of Texas’s oldest. It offers a look into making Bourbon and Gin. Desert Door Distillery makes Sotol, a unique spirit, and offers craft cocktails in a modern space.

Take a tour of Dripping Springs Distilling to try their vodka. They now have a tasting room with food like biscuits and pie. Don’t skip the local wineries, like Fall Creek Vineyards. They were pioneers in Texas wine. These spots are perfect for budget-friendly day trips.

Delicious Barbecue Joints

Don’t miss the BBQ in Dripping Springs and Driftwood. Salt Lick BBQ is famous for its rustic barbecue. Treaty Oak Distillery also serves amazing BBQ with their drinks. These places make your trip delicious.

Outdoor Adventures at Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls State Park is great for the outdoors. It has trails for hiking and biking. You can see Texas Hill Country’s beauty here. The park also has the Pedernales River for swimming, picnicking, and seeing wildlife.

Dripping Springs and Driftwood are great for trying craft drinks, exploring nature, or eating great BBQ. They’re perfect for day trips from Austin.

Outdoor Day Trips from Austin: Enchanted Rock and More

Austin is close to many natural wonders, ideal for outdoor trips. You can enjoy hikes, waterfalls, or wildlife refuges nearby. Places like Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Pedernales Falls State Park, and Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge are great for weekend adventures.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Not far from Austin, you’ll find the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. It’s known for its huge pink granite dome. There, you can hike to get stunning views of Texas Hill Country. Reaching the top is a fun challenge for everyone.

Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls State Park is about an hour from Austin. It features beautiful waterfalls and places to swim. This park is a favorite for its outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching. It’s a peaceful spot for a family outing, offering a break from city life.

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Just 45 minutes away, Balcones Canyonlands is a peaceful nature escape. It’s filled with wildlife and offers trails for hiking and spots for bird watching. It’s perfect for a quiet adventure. Here, the beauty of Texas Hill Country shines, offering a serene getaway.

These natural spots offer various outdoor activities close to Austin. Whether you’re up for a hike or relaxing by a waterfall, there’s something for everyone. These day trips bring you closer to the beauty of Texas Hill Country.