Ready to get away the hustle of downtown Austin? These extraordinary excursion from Austin will take you from the capital of Texas to some of the most sensational locations in Central Texas, all within simply a short drive from the city limits.
| Location | Driving time | Best For | Leading Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | 1.5 hours | History & food | Riverwalk & The Alamo |
| New Braunfels | 1 hour | River tubing | Guadalupe River, Gruene Hall |
| Leaking Springs | 45 minutes | Wineries & breweries | Jester King Brewery |
| Hamilton Pool | 1 hour | Nature & photography | Natural waterfall grotto |
| San Marcos | 45 minutes | River fun & shopping | San Marcos River, Premium Outlets |
| Marble Falls | 1 hour | Lake activities | Lake Marble Falls, Sweet Berry Farm |
| Johnson City | 1.5 hours | History & peaches | LBJ Historic Sites |
| Round Top | 1.5 hours | Antiques & festivals | Round Top Antique Shows |
Pro idea: Schedule Hamilton Pool reservations 2-3 weeks in advance throughout peak season
1. San Antonio– The Alamo City Adventure
Distance: 80 miles south (1.5 hours)
Gas Cost: ~$15-20 round trip
Best for: History enthusiasts and foodies
San Antonio offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and unbelievable food. Start your field trip with breakfast tacos, then check out the well-known Riverwalk and visit the Alamo. The downtown area buzzes with live music, art galleries, and a few of the best barbecue in Texas.
Must-do activities:
- Stroll the historic Riverwalk
- Go to the Alamo and other objectives
- Lunch at the Pearl District
- Stroll through the lively Market Square
Where to Stay: Hotel Emma at Pearl — a high-end boutique hotel in a transformed brewery
Preparation to stay over night? Book your ideal accommodation on CuddlyNest for the very best deals and special stays that’ll make your weekend getaway extraordinary!
2. New Braunfels– Texas
Hill Nation Gem Distance: 45 miles northeast(
1 hour )Gas Cost: ~$10-15 big salami Best for: Water
activities and German culture This lovely hill nation town sits along the lovely Guadalupe River and Comal Rivers, making it ideal for a hot summertime day escape. New Braunfels integrates German heritage with Texas hospitality, offering everything from river tubing to historical downtown shopping.
The Guadalupe River provides unlimited outside experience opportunities– from tubing and kayaking to simply relaxing by the swimming hole. Do not miss Gruene, a historic small town that’s technically part of New Braunfels, popular for its casino and live music scene.
Top experiences:
- Tube the Guadalupe River
- Check out historical Gruene
- Go To Schlitterbahn Waterpark
- Sample craft beer at local breweries
Where to Stay: Gruene Mansion Inn — historic appeal right in the heart of Gruene
3. Dripping Springs– The Wedding Capital Escape
Distance: 25 miles west (45 minutes)
Gas Cost: ~$8-12 round trip
Best for: Red wine tasting and brewery hopping
Called the “Wedding Event Capital of Texas,” Dripping Springs offers rolling hills, fine white wines, and craft breweries. This easy day trip combines natural beauty with some of the very best drinks in the hill country.
White wine and brewery highlights:
- Treaty Oak Distilling for acclaimed bourbon
- Jester King Brewery for farmhouse ales
- Vista Developing for scenic views
- Numerous vineyards offering wine tasting experiences
The area’s picturesque drives wind through gorgeous Central Texas landscape, perfect for a leisurely weekend trip. Numerous locations provide outdoor areas where you can sip beverages while taking pleasure in the hill nation views.
Where to Stay: Sleep Inn & Suites — luxury retreat with medspa services
4. Hamilton Pool Maintain– Natural Wonder
Distance: 37 miles west (1 hour)
Gas Cost: ~$10-15 round trip
Best for: Photography and nature lovers
Appointments are needed: Make an online reservation ahead of time ($15 per automobile).
Among Texas’s many attractive swimming holes can be found at Hamilton Pool Preserve. A lovely jade-coloured pool underneath a 50-foot waterfall was formed thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed, developing this natural grotto.
Bookings are needed in order to safeguard the fragile ecosystem, and they fill up quickly, especially in the summertime. The short hike to Hamilton Swimming pool takes about 15-20 minutes through stunning Central Texas terrain.
Preparation guidance:
- Make reservations well beforehand.
- Bring treats and water.
- Place on helpful hiking shoes.
- Seasonal variations in swimming conditions
Where to Stay: Vintage Villas Hotel & Occasions — rustic beauty with contemporary amenities.
CuddlyNest Schedule your stay with a discount Reserve now 5. San Marcos–
River City Fun Range: 30 miles south(
45 minutes)Gas Expense: ~$8-12 round trip Best for: River activities and
outlet shopping The pristine San Marcos River is ideal for any season due to the fact that it regularly preserves a temperature level of 72 degrees. The mix of shopping and outside activities in this college town makes it the perfect place to spend a weekend.
The San Marcos River is conveniently available for kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling at Blue Hole Regional Park. Local eateries, shops, and the well-known Wonder World cave tours can all be discovered in the downtown location.
Top activities:
- Drift the San Marcos River
- Store at San Marcos Premium Outlets
- Check Out Wonder World Cave
- Visit Texas State University campus
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites San Marcos — convenient location near whatever
6. Marble Falls– Lake Travis Alternative
Range: 45 miles west (1 hour)
Gas Expense: ~$10-15 round trip
Best for: Lake activities and small-town charm
While Lake Travis gets crowded, Marble Falls offers a more relaxed lake experience on Lake Marble Falls. This small town supplies the ideal balance of water activities and hill country appeal without the Austin crowds.
The downtown location hosts regular celebrations and occasions, while the lake offers swimming, boating, and fishing chances. The neighboring Pedernales Falls State Park provides additional hiking and natural beauty.
Must-visit spots:
- Marble Falls Lake for water activities
- Historical downtown for shopping and dining
- Sweet Berry Farm (seasonal)
- Regional wineries and breweries
Where to Stay: Horseshoe Bay Resort — full-service lakefront resort
Horseshoe Bay Resort 7. Johnson City– LBJ Country Distance:
50 miles west(1.5 hours)Gas Expense: ~$12-18 round
journey Best for: History and peach season (summer)
The boyhood home of President Lyndon B. Johnson provides a fascinating glance into Texas history. This hill country town becomes specifically lively during peach season when roadside stands overflow with fresh, juicy Hill Country peaches.
Historical highlights:
- LBJ Boyhood Home
- Johnson Settlement historic website
- Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
- Whittington’s Jerky & General Shop for local deals with
Enjoyable fact: Johnson City was actually named after LBJ’s cousin, not the president himself! The town uses several great dining alternatives and has become a popular stop for wine tasting tours through the Texas Hill Country.
Where to Stay: Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Johnson City
8. Round Top– Antique Capital of Texas
Range: 85 miles east (1.5 hours)
Gas Expense: ~$15-22 big salami
Best for: Antique shopping and celebrations
This small town of less than 100 locals changes into a dynamic destination throughout its famous antique programs. Round Top provides an unbelievable choice of antiques, art, and special discovers that draw visitors from throughout the nation.
Even when the big programs aren’t occurring, Round Top appeals visitors with its historical structures, regional stores, and tranquil small-town environment. The drive through Central Texas countryside offers beautiful scenic views.
Special experiences:
- Antique shopping at year-round stores
- Historic Henkel Square Museum
- Celebration Institute shows (seasonal)
- Royers Round Top Cafe for well-known pies
Where to Stay: Cotton Gin Village — distinct accommodations in restored historical structures
Cotton Gin Village Preparation Your Austin Day Trip Adventures
Most of these locations work perfectly as simple outing from Austin, but a number of deal enough tourist attractions to justify a long weekend or overnight stay. Many locations offer family-friendly activities, while others cater more to grownups trying to find white wine tasting or outdoor adventures.
General tips for Central Texas day trips:
- Start early to beat traffic and heat
- Bring plenty of water, specifically in summertime
- Examine state park sites for existing conditions
- Book where required
- Consider remaining overnight to completely check out
The beauty of living near Austin is having access to such diverse experiences within just a brief drive. Whether you’re yearning outside adventure, cultural experiences, or merely wish to leave city life for a day, these Central Texas gems provide the perfect weekend trip alternatives.
Prepared to turn your day trip into a memorable over night experience? Schedule your perfect accommodation on CuddlyNest and find unique stays that’ll make your Texas Hill Nation experience unforgettable. From comfortable bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts, discover the ideal home base for checking out all the natural appeal and appeal that Central Texas has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions For Outing from Austin
1. Are nowadays journeys pet-friendly?
The majority of locations permit leashed pets in outdoor areas (like state parks), but inspect individual wineries, stores, or destinations for limitations.
2. What’s the very best day trip for avoiding crowds?
Johnson City or Marble Falls use smaller sized crowds compared to San Antonio or Hamilton Swimming pool, specifically on weekdays.
3. Can I count on rideshares (Uber/Lyft) for these trips?
No– rideshares are undependable for big salamis outside Austin. Renting a car or driving is best.
4. Which journey is most wheelchair-accessible?
San Antonio’s Riverwalk and downtown locations have good availability, while natural websites (like Hamilton Swimming pool) may have restricted access.
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