10 Easy Road Trips From Austin, Texas: Iconic Things To Do Just Outside Travis County
If you live in Austin, TX (in
Travis County) or you’re just visiting, you don’t have to drive far to find fresh scenery, small-town charm, and classic Texas fun.
The best part? These road trips all take you
out of Travis County and into nearby places like
Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, and Williamson Counties. Most are perfect for a relaxed day trip, and a few make great one‑night getaways.
1. Bastrop State Park & Historic Downtown Bastrop (Bastrop County)
Head about 35 miles southeast of Austin and you’ll hit
Bastrop, a laid-back town on the Colorado River with a cozy small‑town feel.
Why go:
Bastrop State Park is known for its unique “Lost Pines” forest. A big wildfire hit the area years ago, but the park is still beautiful and slowly coming back to life. Walking the trails, you can really see nature doing its thing.
Things to do:
- Hike easy trails through the pines and rolling hills.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy the shaded tables.
- Bike along the park roads (great for casual cyclists).
- Stroll historic downtown Bastrop’s Main Street for antiques, coffee, and local shops.
If you like quiet, wooded spaces but don’t want to drive all the way to East Texas, this is a perfect quick escape from Austin traffic.
2. Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley (Hays County)
Looking for a classic Texas swimming hole outside Austin? Hop about an hour southwest to
Wimberley, in
Hays County, and cool off at
Blue Hole Regional Park.
Why go:
Blue Hole has that storybook river feel: tall cypress trees, clear water, and swinging ropes. It feels like the kind of place your grandparents might have taken you as a kid.
Things to do:
- Swim in the spring-fed waters (reservation often required in summer).
- Relax in the grass under the trees with a book.
- Walk or bike the easy trails in the park.
- Head into the Wimberley Square for art galleries, wine tasting, and local crafts.
Tip: On hot summer weekends, show up early. The parking lot can fill up fast, and the swimming area has capacity limits.
3. Jacob’s Well & Driftwood BBQ / Wineries (Hays County)
Still in
Hays County, but a different vibe, is
Jacob’s Well near Wimberley and the Driftwood area with famous barbecue and wineries.
Why go:
Jacob’s Well is a deep, natural spring and one of the most photographed spots in Central Texas. Even if you don’t swim, it’s wild to see that dark, round opening in the limestone.
Things to do:
- Walk the short trail to the Jacob’s Well overlook (swimming requires advance reservations and is sometimes closed for conservation).
- Drive to Driftwood for legendary Texas barbecue at popular spots like the famous smokehouses.
- Visit nearby wineries for a tasting flight and Hill Country views.
- Catch sunset over the hills before heading back to Austin.
I once spent a Saturday doing exactly this: Jacob’s Well in the morning, long lunch at a BBQ joint, and a slow drive home with that full-belly, sun‑kissed feeling. It’s hard to beat.
4. Georgetown’s Blue Hole & Historic Square (Williamson County)
Drive about 30–40 minutes north of Austin and step into charming
Georgetown in
Williamson County. It feels like a movie set in the best way.
Why go:
Georgetown has one of the prettiest town squares in Texas and an easy‑to‑reach riverside swimming spot called
Blue Hole (not to be confused with Wimberley’s).
Things to do:
- Cool off at Blue Hole Park along the San Gabriel River.
- Walk around the historic courthouse square and grab ice cream or coffee.
- Shop local boutiques and antique stores.
- Visit Inner Space Cavern just off I‑35 for a guided cave tour.
If you want a low‑stress, no‑planning day trip from Austin, Georgetown is one of the easiest options: short drive, easy parking, and plenty of food choices.
5. San Marcos River Float (Hays County)
If you love water, tubing, and a college‑town vibe, head south to
San Marcos in
Hays County.
Why go:
The
San Marcos River is spring‑fed and stays cool almost year‑round. Floating the river is a Central Texas tradition, especially on warm weekends.
Things to do:
- Rent a tube and float the river for a couple of hours.
- Relax on the riverbanks and watch kayakers and paddleboarders.
- Walk around downtown San Marcos or the university campus.
- Stop at the outlet malls if you want to mix nature with shopping.
Pro tip: Bring water shoes, sunscreen, and a strap for your sunglasses. The river is gentle but strong enough to steal your flip‑flops.
6. Marble Falls & Lake LBJ / Inks Lake (Burnet County)
Head northwest into
Burnet County and you’ll hit
Marble Falls, a friendly Hill Country town surrounded by lakes and rolling hills.
Why go:
This is a great base if you want to spend a day on the water without the crowds of Austin’s lakes.
Things to do:
- Rent a kayak or boat on Lake LBJ or nearby Inks Lake.
- Walk across the bridge in Marble Falls for river views and photos.
- Check out local bakeries and coffee shops in the small downtown.
- Stop at roadside farm stands for peaches (in season) and homemade jams.
If you’ve ever wondered what people mean by “Hill Country charm,” a slow afternoon in Marble Falls will explain it.
7. Longhorn Cavern State Park (Burnet County)
Also in
Burnet County, about 90 minutes from Austin, is the otherworldly
Longhorn Cavern State Park.
Why go:
This is a limestone cave system with guided tours that take you deep underground. On a hot Texas day, that cool, steady cave air feels amazing.
Things to do:
- Take a guided walking tour through the cave and see the wild rock formations.
- Learn about the cave’s history, including stories from the Prohibition era.
- Walk the short trails above ground for Hill Country views.
- Combine this with a lake day or a stop in Marble Falls for food.
If you’re road‑tripping with kids or anyone who loves geology, this is an easy win. Just wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking on uneven rock.
8. Blanco State Park & Blanco Town Square (Blanco County)
Travel west from Austin and you’ll roll into
Blanco, a tiny town in
Blanco County with a sweet riverside state park.
Why go:
Blanco State Park sits right on the
Blanco River. It’s smaller than some other parks, but that’s part of the charm. It feels calm and personal.
Things to do:
- Swim or wade in the clear river, especially near the dam area.
- Fish from the banks (check local rules and license requirements).
- Enjoy an easy picnic with river views.
- Walk around Blanco’s small square and stop in at local cafes.
During wildflower season in spring, the drive itself becomes a highlight—bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush often line the roads.
9. Lockhart: Texas BBQ Capital (Caldwell County)
Ready to eat? Head about 30 miles south of Austin to
Lockhart in
Caldwell County, often called the
Barbecue Capital of Texas.
Why go:
People literally plan vacations around Lockhart barbecue. The smokehouses here are legendary, and each spot has its own flavor and style.
Things to do:
- Pick 1–3 BBQ joints and create your own tasting tour (brisket, sausage, ribs—you can’t go wrong).
- Walk off your meal around the historic courthouse square.
- Check out local shops, record stores, and bakeries.
- Drive the back roads through Caldwell County for quiet country scenery.
One tip from personal experience: pace yourself. Splitting plates or ordering a single slice of brisket at each stop lets you try more without collapsing into a meat coma.
10. Elgin & Taylor: Sausage, BBQ, and Small-Town Vibes (Bastrop & Williamson Counties)
For a different flavor trail, aim your car toward
Elgin in
Bastrop County and
Taylor in
Williamson County.
Why go:
These towns are known for
Elgin sausage, old-school barbecue, and simple, friendly main streets that feel frozen in time.
Things to do:
- Try Elgin’s famous smoked sausage at local meat markets and diners.
- Stroll downtown Elgin for murals, shops, and historic buildings.
- Head north to Taylor for another round of barbecue and small‑town charm.
- Grab coffee and people‑watch on a bench in the town square.
This makes a fun “food and photos” day trip from Austin—short drives, good eats, and lots of chances to snap classic Texas streetscapes.
Tips for Planning Your Austin Road Trips
- Drive times: Most of these spots are within about 30–90 minutes of Austin, depending on traffic.
- Weekdays vs. weekends: Parks and swimming holes can be crowded on summer weekends. If you can, go early or on a weekday.
- Check ahead: Some places (like Jacob’s Well and popular state parks) require reservations or can close due to weather or low water levels.
- Pack smart: Bring water, sunscreen, hats, and a cooler with snacks—especially if you’ll be swimming or hiking.
You don’t have to drive across Texas to feel like you’ve taken a real trip. With Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, and Williamson Counties all circling Austin, you could fill many weekends just exploring what’s nearby.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Favorite Austin Road Trip!
Have you taken a great
day trip from Austin outside Travis County? Maybe you found a quiet river spot, a mom‑and‑pop cafe, or a tiny town you loved.
- Which place on this list would you visit first?
- Do you have a favorite swimming hole, BBQ stop, or small town near Austin?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments—your idea might inspire someone else’s next weekend escape.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family planning a trip to Central Texas or looking for easy Austin road trip ideas. The more we share, the more people discover how much there is to see just a short drive from home.
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