10 Easy Road Trips From Killeen, Texas: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Bell County
If you’re living in or visiting
Killeen, Texas, you might be wondering, “What else is there to do around here without driving all day?”
The good news: you’ve got a ton of fun, easy road trips less than 1–2 hours away. In this guide, we’ll explore
10 short out-of-county road trips from Killeen that take you into the surrounding counties of Burnet, Coryell, Falls, Lampasas, McLennan, Milam, and Williamson.
All of these picks are
outside Bell County, but close enough for a simple day trip or quick weekend escape.
1. Marble Falls Lake Day & Downtown Stroll (Burnet County)
If you’re craving water views and small-town charm, set your GPS for
Marble Falls in Burnet County. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Killeen, depending on traffic and your exact starting point.
Spend your day:
- Relaxing by Lake Marble Falls – Walk along the waterfront, watch the boats, and enjoy the peaceful Hill Country scenery.
- Checking out downtown shops – Pop into local boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops along Main Street.
- Grabbing a sweet treat – Marble Falls is known for its old-school diners and bakeries; it’s hard to go wrong here.
On one of my visits, I ended up spending way too long just sitting on a bench by the water, sipping iced coffee and people-watching. Sometimes that’s all you need from a road trip.
Looking for that classic Texas Hill Country feel? This is an easy, low-stress option.
2. Inks Lake State Park Adventure (Burnet County)
Also in Burnet County,
Inks Lake State Park is a great pick if you want something more outdoorsy. It’s a bit under a 2-hour drive from Killeen, and it feels like a total escape.
Things to do:
- Hiking – Short, family-friendly trails with rocky outcrops and lake views.
- Swimming – There are designated swimming areas with clear, refreshing water.
- Kayaking or canoeing – Rentals are often available; it’s a fun way to explore the lake.
- Picnicking – Plenty of shady spots to spread out a blanket and relax.
If you like combining exercise with scenery, this place fits the bill. And if you don’t want to camp, you can easily make it a long day trip and head back to Killeen in the evening.
3. History & Views in Gatesville (Coryell County)
Just west of Bell County, you’ll find
Gatesville in Coryell County. It’s an easy drive (often under an hour), and it’s a nice option if you enjoy small-town Texas history and simple country scenery.
What you might do:
- Walk the historic downtown – Check out older buildings, murals, and local shops.
- Drive the backroads – Rolling hills, ranchland, and that wide-open Texas sky.
- Explore local museums or monuments – Keep an eye out for small-town museums that share regional history.
This is a slower-paced outing, perfect for a lazy Saturday when you don’t want to rush from attraction to attraction.
4. Lake Somerville-Style Vibes at Mother Neff State Park? Try Your Own Quiet Nature Spot in Coryell County
While Coryell County doesn’t always get as much attention as bigger cities, it offers simple, quiet escapes that feel a world apart from daily routines in Killeen.
Ideas for a Coryell County nature day:
- Pack a picnic and find a riverside or roadside park.
- Take a scenic drive through rural areas – sometimes the journey is the main attraction.
- Watch the sunset from a hilltop turnout or quiet country road (safely parked, of course).
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys rolling windows down and turning the radio up, this type of simple “drive-and-explore” outing can be surprisingly refreshing.
5. Small-Town Texas Feel in Marlin (Falls County)
Head southeast from Killeen into
Falls County, and you’ll run into the town of
Marlin. It’s a laid-back spot with old-style Texas character and some interesting history tied to mineral water and old bathhouses.
Things to do:
- Stroll downtown Marlin – Check out historic buildings, old storefronts, and local businesses.
- Explore the town’s spa history – Marlin was once known as a “healing waters” town.
- Grab a local meal – Small-town cafes can surprise you with homemade pies and hearty plates.
If you like poking around lesser-known Texas towns and imagining what they looked like 50 or 100 years ago, Marlin is a fun day trip.
6. Lampasas Springs & Downtown Charm (Lampasas County)
Northwest of Killeen, you’ll find
Lampasas in Lampasas County, an easy drive that usually takes under an hour. It’s another great small town with a mix of history, nature, and classic Texas charm.
Consider:
- Downtown Lampasas – Old buildings, murals, and local shops make it a nice place to wander.
- City parks and springs – Parks in and around the town often have shady trees and flowing water, perfect for an afternoon break.
- Local events – Check the calendar; fairs and festivals pop up throughout the year.
This is the kind of place where you can park once, walk around, grab lunch, take way too many pictures, and be back home before dark.
7. Waco Day Trip: Magnolia & the Silos (McLennan County)
For many people in Killeen, a
Waco day trip is almost a classic. It’s in McLennan County, and depending on where you start, it can be roughly an hour or so away.
Top things to check out:
- Magnolia at the Silos – If you’re a fan of home design shows, you already know this one. You’ll find shops, food trucks, and picture-perfect spots.
- Baylor University campus – Take a walk around the grounds; it’s a pretty campus with interesting architecture.
- Waco’s riverside areas – Trails along the Brazos River are great for a casual walk.
On my last visit, I went “just to look” at a few shops and came back with candles, a mug, and about a hundred photos of food trucks. It happens.
Waco is a great all-day outing with something for almost everyone.
8. Cameron & Country Roads (Milam County)
To the east lies
Milam County, and the town of
Cameron makes a nice quiet destination if you want to escape the busier cities.
You can:
- Walk through downtown Cameron – Look for historic buildings, local diners, and small businesses.
- Take a country drive – Explore the rural roads and farmland that give this area its charm.
- Check for local events – Small-town festivals, markets, or fairs can make your visit extra memorable.
If your ideal road trip is more about slowing down than packing in “attractions,” Milam County is a good direction to aim the car.
9. Georgetown’s Historic Square & Blue Hole (Williamson County)
South of Killeen, you’ll hit
Georgetown in Williamson County, one of the prettiest town squares in Central Texas and a favorite day trip from many nearby cities.
You’ll want to:
- Explore the Historic Square – Brick sidewalks, old buildings, shops, and restaurants line the downtown square.
- Visit Blue Hole Park – A scenic spot along the San Gabriel River, close to downtown, with walking areas and water views.
- Enjoy local food – From burgers to coffee shops to sit-down restaurants, you’ve got options.
If you enjoy walking, browsing, and then finishing the day with a good meal, Georgetown makes for a very satisfying trip.
10. Round Rock Fun & Shopping (Williamson County)
Also in Williamson County,
Round Rock offers a livelier, more suburban kind of outing. It’s closer to Austin, and you’ll feel that energy right away.
Possible activities:
- Shopping centers and outlets – Great if you’re in the mood for a shopping spree.
- Family-friendly parks – Look for local parks or sports complexes if you’re traveling with kids.
- Plenty of dining choices – From chain favorites to local spots, you won’t go hungry.
This is a good choice when you want more options in one place—shopping, eating, maybe catching a game or wandering a park.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips From Killeen
To make your out-of-county adventures smooth and fun, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Check drive times – Most of these trips are under 2 hours one way. That’s perfect for a day trip.
- Fill up your tank – Some rural stretches don’t have frequent gas stations.
- Bring water and snacks – Texas heat is no joke, especially in summer.
- Look up hours ahead of time – Small-town shops and museums sometimes close earlier than big-city places.
With just a bit of planning, you can turn an ordinary weekend into something you’ll actually remember.
Ready to Hit the Road From Killeen?
Living in or visiting
Killeen, TX doesn’t mean you’re limited to Bell County. In every direction—Burnet, Coryell, Falls, Lampasas, McLennan, Milam, and Williamson Counties—you’ll find lakes, historic squares, small-town diners, and peaceful country roads.
Whether you’re in the mood for:
- a lakeside escape in Burnet County,
- a quiet backroad drive through Coryell or Milam,
- big-name stops in Waco,
- or charming town squares in Georgetown and Lampasas,
there’s a road trip waiting just outside your doorstep.
Now it’s your turn:
Where do you like to go when you need a break from Killeen? Have you tried any of these spots, or do you have a hidden gem in one of these counties?
Share your favorite day trip ideas in the comments, and pass this post along to friends and family who are looking for easy road trips from Killeen, Texas!
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