10 Best Road Trips from Austin, Texas - Austin Weekend Getaways

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Are you looking for places to visit near Austin, Texas, that are perfect day trips from Austin? Then read this detailed guide on the best weekend road trips from Austin, Texas, as they are amazing getaways to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.

👉🏼Perfect Texas Road Trip Itinerary (Texas Road Trip Map)

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Road Trips from Austin, Texas – Getaways from Austin, TX

These weekend trips from Austin(day trips from Austin, TX) comprise scenic routes, stopovers, and charming mid-budget hotels, and, therefore, perfect for short getaways nearby.

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Fredericksburg and Texas Hill Country

Fredericksburg, a German-influenced town, is known for its wineries, wildflower fields, and stunning Texas Hill Country landscapes. It’s the perfect weekend getaway from Texas for wine tasting, scenic drives, and experiencing German heritage in Texas.

Distance from Austin: Approximately 1.5 hours (78 miles).

Scenic Route: Take Highway 290, “Wine Road,” which offers panoramic views of rolling hills, wineries, and wildflower meadows.

Stopovers:

Johnson City: Explore the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and the quaint shops downtown.
Luckenbach: This historic village offers live country music and a laid-back vibe.

Things to Do:

Visit Wineries: Fredericksburg is home to dozens of wineries along Highway 290. Visit popular spots like Grape Creek Vineyards and Becker Vineyards for tastings and tours.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Hike up this pink granite dome for panoramic views of Hill Country.
Explore Main Street: Fredericksburg’s Main Street has German restaurants, bakeries, and unique boutiques.

Overnight Stay: Fredericksburg Inn & Suites – A cozy hotel with a scenic courtyard and two outdoor pools.

Useful Tips:

Weekends are popular, so book winery tastings in advance.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area can get crowded; plan to visit early in the morning.

Wimberley

Wimberley is famous for its natural beauty and artistic community. Therefore, you will find unique attractions like swimming holes, scenic trails, and a charming town square filled with art galleries and local shops.

Distance from Austin: 50 minutes (38 miles).

Scenic Route: Take FM 3237, winding through the scenic Texas Hill Country.

Stopovers:

Driftwood: Stop at Salt Lick BBQ for some authentic Texas barbecue.
Jacob’s Well Natural Area: A refreshing swimming spot and natural spring near Wimberley.

Things to Do:

Blue Hole Regional Park: A beloved swimming hole surrounded by cypress trees, perfect for a summer dip.
Shop at Wimberley Square: Explore artisan shops, galleries, and cafes.
Old Baldy: Climb the 218 steps to the top of Old Baldy for sweeping views of Wimberley.

Overnight Stay: Hotel Flora & Fauna – A boutique hotel with rustic charm and an outdoor pool just minutes from Wimberley Square.

Useful Tips:

Jacob’s Well requires reservations in peak seasons, so plan.
Bring water shoes if swimming at the Blue Hole for better grip on the rocky surfaces.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and entertainment. From the famous River Walk to the Alamo, it’s ideal for history buffs and food lovers.

Distance from Austin: 1.5 hours (80 miles).

Scenic Route: I-35 South with stops at charming small towns.

Stopovers:

Gruene: A historic district in New Braunfels, where you can visit the famous Gruene Hall and dine by the river.
New Braunfels: Stop for a float on the Comal or Guadalupe River.

Things to Do:

Explore the River Walk: Lined with shops, restaurants, and cultural sites, the River Walk is a scenic, leisurely spot to explore.
Visit the Alamo: A historic must-see offering insight into Texas’ past.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring four preserved Spanish missions.

Overnight Stay: Hotel Valencia Riverwalk—This stylish hotel is centrally located along the River Walk and features beautiful Spanish architecture.

Useful Tips:

Take a river cruise along the River Walk for a unique city perspective.
Visit the Alamo early or late in the day to avoid crowds.

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Marble Falls

Marble Falls is known for outdoor activities, stunning lakes, and wineries. Though a road trip to Marble Falls is a quiet and relaxed getaway, it is also an adventurous getaway from Austin.

Distance from Austin: 1 hour (48 miles).

Scenic Route: Highway 281 offers scenic views of the Highland Lakes.

Stopovers:

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge: Enjoy bird-watching and hiking trails.
Sweet Berry Farm: If visiting in spring or fall, you can pick your berries or pumpkins.

Things to Do:

Lake Marble Falls: A great spot for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Wine Tasting: Visit Flat Creek Estate for wine tastings and beautiful vineyard views.
Hidden Falls Adventure Park: For ATV trails, off-roading, and adventure sports.

Overnight Stay: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Marble Falls is located on Lake Marble Falls, so you can enjoy scenic views and easy access to downtown.

Useful Tips:

If you’re into off-roading, check the park’s schedule for available trails.
Book in advance for activities at Sweet Berry Farm as they’re popular among families.

Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs is the “Gateway to the Hill Country,” known for its scenic vineyards, breweries, and nature parks. It is ideal for a laid-back weekend of relaxation from Austin, Texas.

Distance from Austin: 40 minutes (25 miles).

Scenic Route: Take Highway 290, offering stops at various wineries and breweries along the way.

Stopovers:

Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery: Stop by this Austin-born vodka brand for tastings.
Twisted X Brewing Company: A famous brewery offering Tex-Mex-inspired brews.

Things to Do:

Hamilton Pool Preserve: A stunning natural pool with a waterfall, perfect for swimming and photography.
Pedernales Falls State Park: Hike the trails or swim in the Pedernales River’s shallow pools.
Texas Hill Country Olive Co.: Take an olive oil tour and enjoy tastings at this family-owned olive farm.

Overnight Stay: Outpost Inn is a chic boutique hotel with a rustic yet modern design.

Useful Tips:

Hamilton Pool requires reservations, so plan.
Bring sturdy hiking shoes for the trails around Pedernales Falls, as they can be rocky.

Lockhart

Lockhart is a must-visit for BBQ lovers as it is known as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” It offers a small-town feel, iconic BBQ spots, and a rich history.

Distance from Austin: 40 minutes (33 miles).

Scenic Route: Take TX-130 S for a quick, scenic drive with farmlands.

Things to Do:

Visit Famous BBQ Joints: Lockhart is home to some of Texas’ best BBQ. Try all iconic stops: Black’s BBQ, Smitty’s Market, and Kreuz Market.
Caldwell County Courthouse: A beautiful historic courthouse with unique architecture in the heart of downtown.
Lockhart State Park: Perfect for a post-BBQ hike or a round of golf surrounded by Hill Country scenery.

Useful Tips:

Arrive early if you want to avoid lines at the BBQ spots.
Check the hours for each BBQ restaurant, as they can vary.

Georgetown

Georgetown is known for its historic charm, scenic lake, and one of Texas’ best small-town squares. It’s one of the best easygoing day trips from Austin, with history, food, and nature.

Distance from Austin: 40 minutes (27 miles).

Scenic Route: Take I-35 North for a quick drive with minimal traffic early in the day.

Things to Do:

Explore Georgetown Square: Known for its charming shops, restaurants, and antique stores, it’s a perfect spot to spend a leisurely afternoon.
Blue Hole Park: A scenic lagoon on the San Gabriel River where you can swim, picnic, or walk along the trail.
Inner Space Cavern: A fascinating cave with guided tours showcasing impressive formations.

Useful Tips:

Wear comfortable shoes to explore both the town square and the cavern.
Blue Hole Park can get crowded on weekends, so visit early or late afternoon.

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Bastrop

Bastrop is a charming town with historic architecture, a scenic river, and beautiful parks. It’s perfect weekend trip for a mix of outdoor activities and historical exploration.

Distance from Austin: 40 minutes (33 miles).

Scenic Route: Take TX-71 E, which offers views of Bastrop State Park’s unique pine forests.

Things to Do:

Bastrop State Park: Enjoy scenic hikes, fishing, and camping in the Lost Pines forest, a unique area in central Texas.
Colorado Riverwalk: Stroll along this scenic riverside path that takes you through parks and past beautiful views.
Explore Downtown Bastrop: Full of historic buildings, local boutiques, and restaurants with old-town charm.

Useful Tips:

Check for park entry fees at Bastrop State Park if you plan to hike.
Bastrop has a growing food scene; try local favorites like Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard along the river.

Salado

Salado is a quaint, artsy village; therefore, you can explore art galleries, boutique shops, and wineries. The town has a relaxing atmosphere and lots of local charm.

Distance from Austin: 1 hour (51 miles).

Scenic Route: Take I-35 North, passing through rolling hills and farmland.

Things to Do:

Salado Glassworks: A unique glassblowing studio where you can watch demonstrations or participate in a class.
Explore Art Galleries and Shops: Salado has many artisan shops and art galleries featuring local art and crafts.
Barrow Brewing Co.: Enjoy a drink at this famous local brewery with a laid-back vibe.

Useful Tips:

Salado is small and walkable; park near the central area and explore on foot.
Book a glassblowing experience at Salado Glassworks.

Burnet and Longhorn Cavern State Park

Burnet and Longhorn Cavern State Park is Known as the “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas. ” In the spring, Burnet offers stunning wildflower views and a unique cave system to explore year-round.

Distance from Austin: 1 hour and 10 minutes (60 miles).

Scenic Route: Take US-183 N and TX-29 W through rolling hills and fields, incredibly colorful during wildflower season.

Things to Do:

Longhorn Cavern State Park: Tour the fascinating cavern with beautiful limestone formations, which is also historically significant as a Prohibition-era hideout.
Inks Lake State Park: Just 10 minutes away, this park is ideal for swimming, kayaking, or picnicking by the lake.
Explore Burnet Town Square: With its quaint shops and restaurants, Burnet’s Square offers small-town charm.

Useful Tips:

Longhorn Cavern tours require tickets; book ahead if you visit on the weekend.
If visiting during spring, look for the Bluebonnet Festival for more activities and events.

These weekend trips from Austin each offer unique landscapes, local culture, artsy charm, and relaxing escapes. Here are a few extra tips for making the most of your road trips:

General Tips – Day Trips from Austin

Book in Advance: Since many Hill Country towns are popular weekend destinations, it’s wise to book accommodations, winery tastings, and popular attractions in advance.
Pack Snacks and Water: Some scenic routes don’t have frequent pit stops, so bring refreshments for the drive.
Check for Fees: State parks, natural pools, and historical sites may have entry fees; check beforehand to avoid surprises.
Fuel Up: Fill up your gas tank before leaving Austin, especially if you’re taking back roads with few gas stations.
Plan for Traffic: Leaving early in the morning, especially on weekends, can help avoid Austin’s peak city traffic.
Stay Hydrated: Texas weather can be hot, especially in the summer. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

All these road trips from Austin are full of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and leisurely activities, and thus, a refreshing weekend escape from Austin.

I hope you loved reading about these enchanting places to visit near Austin and will soon plan weekend trips from Austin, Texas. Explore stunning day trips from Austin with this Austin travel guide.

10 Best Road Trips from Austin, Texas – Austin Weekend Getaways