Day Trips from Austin, Texas

1. San Antonio

San Antonio is one of the America's loveliest cities, known as a major center of Spanish colonial heritage due to its preserved mission sites, including the internationally-renowned 18th-century Alamo Mission, famed for its connection to Texas' battle for independence. Several historic missions can be viewed as part of the citywide historic Missions Trail, including Mission Concepción and Mission San Jose. Downtown, the charming San Antonio River Walk spans the banks of the San Antonio River and is home to waterfront dining and attractions such as the 1968 World's Fair-connected Hemisfair Park. Three major amusement parks are located near the city, including popular Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio. Major special events hosted in the city throughout the year include the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, one of the largest rodeos in America.

2. Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is one of Central Texas' liveliest cities, originally founded in 1846 and named in honor of Prussian Prince Frederick. The town is known for its unique German heritage, populated by residents who speak the Texas German dialect. Visitors can explore German heritage exhibits at the Pioneer Museum, which is home to preserved settler homesteads and artifacts from the 19th century. Its National Register of Historic Places-listed Fredericksburg Historic District is home to buildings such as the Vereins Kirche, which recreates a 19th-century German church. Military history exhibits are showcased at The National Museum of the Pacific War, including a recreated World War II-era combat zone. Many farm facilities offer pick-your-own fruit activities throughout the late summer and early autumn months, paying tribute to the area's reputation as the Peach Capital of Texas.

3. Georgetown

Georgetown is one of Central Texas' most famed small cities, featured as a filming location in many films and television series, including Friday Night Lights, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, and Dazed and Confused. The city , which is located approximately half an hour north of downtown Austin, is renowned for its Williamson County Courthouse Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and is home to a fully renovated and operating 1911 Courthouse. Delicious restaurants and wineries are showcased around the city's Courthouse Square, along with a wide variety of unique shopping options. Natural attractions in the area include the lovely Blue Hole Park and the vast Inner Space Cavern, which showcases hundreds of stalactites. Each April, the city hosts the lovely Red Poppy Festival, celebrating its status as Texas' unofficial red poppy capital.

4. Luckenbach

Luckenbach is a community within Texas Hill Country approximately 15 minutes from Fredericksburg, known as a popular site for country music performances throughout the year. The small community was nearly a ghost town by the 1960s before it was purchased by folklorist Hondo Crouch, actor Guich Koock, and their wives Shatzi Crouch and Patricia Koock. As governing officials of the town, the pair of couples operated its historic dance hall as a major country western music venue throughout much of the 20th century, hosting acts such as Jerry Jeff Walker, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Lyle Lovett. Today, the community retains its historic ghost town feel and continues to host live music performances each weekend, including performances by local and regional celebrities.

5. Adego Vinho Winery, Stonewall

Adego Vinho Winery, Stonewall is located on the Bilger Family Estate Vineyard, where Andy and Elena Bilger established their vineyards in 2016. The emphasis is on sustainable agricultural practices to ensure the best quality grapes are produced year after year. The vineyards were planted with Sangiovese, Mourvedre, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, and Arinto vines, which are particularly suited to the Texas Hill Country conditions. Adego Vinho Winery has already produced some gold-medal winners and is set to pursue their dream of one day producing the best Texas wines. The Adego Vinho (Tasting Room) is open to the public 7 days a week and tours are available by appointment.

Adego Vinho Winery , 1000 South Ranch Rd, Stonewall, TX 78671, 830 265 5765

6. Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a charming natural pool that was created thousands of years ago following the collapse of an underground river dome. The natural pool, which is located approximately half an hour west of the city of Austin, has been a popular natural swimming site for Austin-area residents and visitors since the mid-2oth century. In 1990, it was designated as a natural preserve by the Travis County Commissioner's Court. It spans 232 acres within a jade green pool area and is sourced by a picturesque 50-foot waterfall. Gorgeous stalactites hang from the pool's ceiling, which is home to cliff swallows and maidenhair ferns. Water levels stay fairly constant throughout the seasons and remain at a cool 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Above ground, the preserve's upland areas are home to beautiful cedar trees and the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. website

7. Ron Yates Wines, Hye, TX

Ron Yates Wines is located in the heart of Texas Hill Country where they endeavor to make the finest wines in Texas using their state-of-the-art winemaking equipment. Believing that fine wines start in the vineyards, Ron Yates Wines use only the finest quality grapes from their own vineyards as well as sourcing additional grapes from other trusted vineyards in Texas. The winery currently produces a large range of Spanish, Italian and Rhone-style wines and specializes in Tempranillo. Visitors are invited to stop by and enjoy a tasting or a glass of their favorite wine out on the sun-drenched terrace or indoors at the bar.

Ron Yates Wines, 6676 Hwy 290 W., Hye, TX 78635, 512 585 3972

8. Colorado Bend State Park

Colorado Bend State Park is a gorgeous 5,300-acre Texas state park located within the beautiful Texas Hill Country region, originally opened in 1987 and known for its unique karst limestone natural features. Visitors can explore the area's caves and sinkholes as part of guided cave tours, which are led by experienced nature guides. The Spicewood Springs Trail stretches for two miles along several of the park's lovely creeks, providing access to a number of spring-fed swimming holes. The Gorman Creek Trail leads to the spectacular Gorman Falls, which plummet 65 feet. Primitive campsites are offered throughout the park, along with a number of drive-up and walk-in tent sites.

2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824, Phone: 325-628-3240

9. Dallas

Dallas is a lovely modern metropolis in northern Texas, known as one of the state's most diverse and cultural urban areas. The city's downtown Arts District is the largest arts district in the contiguous United States, home to notable museums and venues such as the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, the AT&T Dallas Center for the Performing Arts, and the Crow Collection of Asian Art. Families can enjoy Dallas attractions such as the acclaimed Perot Museum of Nature and Science, which features six floors of science-related exhibits. Nearby in Deep Ellum, visitors can explore the region's history of 20th-cenutry jazz and blues music and retrace the steps of famed performers like Bessie Smith and Blind Lemon Jefferson.

10. Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs is a delightful Hays County city located near Austin, known as the gateway to Texas Hill Country. In recent years, Dripping Springs has become a haven for foodies, home to a plethora of gourmet cuisine options, craft microbreweries, and hip distilleries. Visitors can sample locally-produced extra-virgin olive oil at the Texas Hill Country Olive Company, which has won more awards for its oils than any other Texas company. Live bluegrass music performances are showcased at the Rusty Mule, while open dance lesson times are offered throughout the week at the Mercer Street Dancehall. Beautiful yard art is also on display at the Sol'stice Garden Expressions facility, which showcases three acres of wind and structural garden art.