Austin, Texas is a vibrant city full of life and culture. From the bustling city streets to the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had. Whether you’re looking to take a quick day trip or a longer weekend excursion, these are the best day trips to quaint towns and natural wonders from Austin, Texas.
- New Braunfels
- San Antonio
- Fredericksburg
- San Marcos
- Enchanted Rock
- Big Bend National Park
- Gruene
- Wimberley
1. New Braunfels
New Braunfels is a charming German-inspired town located just outside of Austin, Texas. Nestled on the banks of the Comal River, the city is a popular tourist destination for its endless outdoor activities and historic downtown area. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the downtown area, which is full of quaint buildings, bakeries, and restaurants.
The Comal River is the perfect spot to cool off in the summer heat. With activities like tubing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming, the river is a great place to spend a hot day. Tubing is the most popular activity, and visitors can rent tubes from the many local outfitters.
New Braunfels also boasts plenty of parks and nature trails. The Landa Park and Prince Solms Park are both great places to take a picnic and relax in the shade. For the more adventurous, the trails at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge are an excellent spot for bird-watching and hiking.
If you’re looking for a unique day trip from Austin, Texas, New Braunfels is the perfect destination. With its abundance of outdoor activities and historic downtown area, it’s easy to see why this German-inspired town is so popular among visitors. From a leisurely stroll through downtown to a day of outdoor adventure on the Comal River, New Braunfels has something for everyone.
2. San Antonio
Just a short drive from Austin is the vibrant city of San Antonio. Home to the historic Alamo, San Antonio is a city that is full of history and culture. Take a stroll down the River Walk and discover an array of restaurants and shops, or explore the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Take the time to visit the Alamo, learn about its rich history, and take in the beautiful architecture of this historic landmark.
San Antonio is also home to the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, which is a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Explore the four Spanish colonial missions; San Jose, San Juan, Espada and Concepcion, and learn about the city’s rich cultural heritage. Other attractions in San Antonio include the SeaWorld San Antonio theme park, the San Antonio Zoo, and the Tower of the Americas.
For a unique experience, head over to the Pearl District. This historic part of San Antonio was once a brewery, and now it’s been transformed into a vibrant neighborhood with boutique shops, art galleries, and award-winning restaurants. Spend the day exploring the area and discovering all the unique finds in this charming part of the city.
Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s rich history or discover a unique shopping experience, San Antonio is the perfect spot for a day trip from Austin. With its vibrant culture, rich history, and unique attractions, San Antonio is an ideal destination that can offer a truly memorable experience.
3. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is one of the most unique day trips you can take from Austin, Texas. Located in the Texas Hill Country, this charming German-influenced town is the perfect place to explore for a day (or more!).
The town is filled with historic sites, galleries, and wineries. Start your day off by visiting the Fredericksburg Herb Farm for a tour of the gardens and a relaxing massage or spa treatment. Then, take a stroll through the streets of Fredericksburg’s downtown area, where you’ll find unique shops, eateries, and plenty of interesting art galleries.
If you’re looking for a delicious meal, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional German meal or something more modern, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to try the local wine – Fredericksburg is known for its incredible wineries, and you won’t want to miss out on sampling some of the region’s best vino.
After lunch, head out to explore some of Fredericksburg’s historic sites, like the National Museum of the Pacific War or the Pioneer Museum. If you’re looking for something a bit more outdoorsy, take a hike through one of the nearby state parks or take a drive along the scenic backroads.
No matter what you choose to do, Fredericksburg is the perfect place for a day trip from Austin, Texas. With its unique German influence, quaint downtown area, and plenty of options for exploring, you’ll be sure to have an incredible day.
4. San Marcos
San Marcos is the perfect day trip for those looking for a little history and outdoor activities. Located along the banks of the San Marcos River, this charming city is rich in history and culture. A visit to the San Marcos City Cemetery will take you back in time with its century-old oak trees and tombstones. You can also learn about the city’s past at the San Marcos History Center.
For a more active adventure, try a kayak or canoe ride down the San Marcos River. Here you can find crystal clear waters, lush vegetation, and plenty of wildlife. You can also explore the nearby parks and springs, where you can swim, hike, and picnic.
If you’d rather stay in town, you can visit the San Marcos City Square, a historic downtown area filled with unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. There’s also the San Marcos Outlets where you can find great deals on clothes and other items.
No matter what you’re looking for, San Marcos is a great day trip from Austin. With its fascinating history and outdoor activities, you’re sure to have a fun and memorable day.
5. Enchanted Rock
Enchanted Rock is one of the most popular day trips from Austin, Texas. Located in the stunning Texas Hill Country, it’s only an hour and a half away from the city. This giant pink granite rock formation is massive, reaching heights of 425 feet above the ground. It is easily the most recognizable landmark in the area, and is full of history and lore.
The area around Enchanted Rock is full of activities for visitors to enjoy, like hiking, rock climbing, and camping. The rock is also known to have an “enchanted” spirit that can be felt by visitors. There are many trails that encircle the rock, all of which provide picturesque views and an opportunity to explore the area’s amazing wildlife and nature.
The summit is the highest point of the rock and offers some of the best views of the area. It’s a favorite spot for rock climbers, as it has plenty of challenging routes to ascend. Some of the trails are even suitable for novice climbers, so there’s something for everyone.
Enchanted Rock is a great place to explore and take in the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take some time to reconnect with nature and explore the area’s history and lore. With plenty of trails, rock climbing routes, and stunning scenery, it’s the perfect day trip from Austin, Texas.
6. Big Bend National Park
Just a few hours away from Austin lies the majestic Big Bend National Park. This sprawling 800,000 acre reserve is known for its stunning desert scenery and breathtaking views of the Rio Grande. With its unique landscape, Big Bend offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
One of the best ways to explore the park is by hiking the trails. From short, easy hikes to multi-day backcountry adventures, there’s something for every level of hiker. Along the way, you’ll discover the park’s diverse wildlife, ranging from the majestic Big Bend flora and fauna to the smaller critters like the black-tailed jackrabbit.
If camping is more your style, Big Bend National Park has plenty of options. With its stunning desert views and endless night sky, it’s the perfect place to set up a tent and spend the night. And if you’re lucky, you might even get to experience the park’s beautiful stargazing show.
No matter how you choose to explore Big Bend National Park, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. So if you’re looking for a unique day trip from Austin, Texas, make sure to add this spectacular place to your list.
7. Gruene
Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, Gruene is a historic town just outside of Austin that’s known for its antiques, unique shops, and live music venues. Originally founded in 1872 by German settlers, Gruene is the oldest continually-inhabited community in the state of Texas. The town’s charm and character have been preserved over the years, allowing visitors to experience a slice of the past, while still enjoying modern amenities.
Visitors to Gruene will find plenty to do, from shopping for antiques and unique finds at Gruene Market Days, to sampling some of the town’s best restaurants. Of course, no visit to Gruene would be complete without a stop at the world-famous Gruene Hall. Opened in 1878 and considered the oldest operating dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall is a must-see for its live music, big name acts, and of course, its signature two-stepping.
Gruene is just a short drive from Austin, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. Whether you’re looking for a dose of history, shopping, live music, or a little bit of everything, Gruene offers a unique experience that’s sure to create lasting memories.
8. Wimberley
- Small Texas Hill Country town known for outdoor activities and natural beauty. Wimberley, Texas is a small town located in the Texas Hill Country, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. It’s the perfect destination for a day trip from Austin, as it’s located just an hour away. From swimming in the crystal clear waters of Jacob’s Well to exploring the local boutiques and art galleries, you can find something to do for everyone. For the outdoor enthusiast, hiking the trails of Blue Hole Regional Park is a must, where you can spot the local wildlife and take in the stunning views.
- Unique eateries, Blanco River for tubing, kayaking, and swimming. Situated on Cypress Creek, Wimberley is home to a variety of unique eateries, from the historic café The Leaning Pear to the cozy local favorite, Linda’s Fine Foods. For those who prefer to stick to the outdoors, the Blanco River is perfect for tubing, kayaking, or simply taking a dip in the cool, refreshing waters. With plenty of parks, trails, and swimming holes to explore, a day trip to Wimberley is sure to be one to remember.
- Guided tour of Devil’s Backbone, local wineries and breweries, and souvenir shops. For a truly unique experience, take a guided tour of the Devil’s Backbone, a stunning rock formation in the Texas Hill Country. As you explore the area, you’ll be treated to views of the river and the surrounding hills. You can also visit the local wineries and breweries, and pick up some souvenirs at the local shops. With so many activities to choose from, a day in Wimberley is sure to be an adventure.
