Are you craving a quick escape from the city buzz? I live near Austin and have explored far and wide to bring you my favorite day trips around here. You can cool off in swimming holes, go hiking, caving, visit a castle, and take in stunning Hill Country views, all just a short drive away. I always come back feeling recharged. I look for a water view pretty much year-round, but especially in the summer. Be sure to bookmark this page...I keep updating it with fresh ideas as I discover new ones.
Day Trips from Austin with Kids:
I feel inspired and proud to be a Texan when I visit San Antonio
San Antonio is just 2 hours from my house near Austin but it feels like stepping into a different world. I'm a history buff so I scout out Spanish colonial heritage and beautiful landmarks. I recommend starting with the Alamo Mission because someone will inevitably ask you: "Have you seen the Alamo?" You can learn about Texas' fight for independence and walk through 18th-century history.
If you enjoy historic sites, I think you should follow the Missions Trail. I’ve visited Mission Concepción and Mission San Jose, and you can really feel the past come alive at each stop.
When you’re ready to relax...I suggest heading downtown. You can stroll along the San Antonio River Walk. I usually stop for a meal by the water and explore nearby attractions like Hemisfair Park, which I find especially fun because of its World's Fair history.
For something special, I recommend planning your trip around the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. I went once and was amazed. It’s one of the biggest rodeos in the country. You’ll never run out of things to do in San Antonio.
My highlight? The serene breakfast at Café Ole along the River Walk. I grabbed a patio table right by the water and ordered the huevos rancheros with a side of warm flour tortillas. The flavors were bold and comforting, and the view of slow-drifting boats made it feel like the city was still waking up around me. Pure San Antonio magic.
I wish I had more time for...Six Flags Fiesta Texas or SeaWorld San Antonio. I’ve had great times at both!
I like to visit the Vereins Kirche and much more in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, about 1 hour and 20 minutes from my house near Austin, is full of life and rich with history. I love how the town honors its roots, founded in 1846 and named for Prince Frederick of Prussia.
If you’re curious about local culture, I recommend learning about the town’s German heritage. You can hear people speak Texas German and explore the Pioneer Museum. I’ve walked through the preserved homesteads and found the 19th-century artifacts fascinating.
My highlight? The breezy lunch at Vaudeville, a chic bistro tucked along Main Street. I had the truffle chicken salad sandwich with a glass of chilled rosé. Elegant, flavorful, and served in a space that felt equal parts gallery and café. Between the artful plating and Hill Country charm, it was Fredericksburg at its most stylish.
My highlights...
- Take time to visit the Fredericksburg Historic District. I take my out-of-state relatives to the Vereins Kirche, which looks like a 19th-century German church. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a different era.
- If you’re into military history, I think you’ll enjoy the National Museum of the Pacific War. I spent hours there once, especially in the recreated World War II combat zone. It’s impressive and powerful.
- In late summer or early fall, I suggest visiting one of the local farms. I like to pick my own peaches, and you’ll quickly see why they call this the Peach Capital of Texas. You’ll leave with sweet fruit and great memories.
If you’re into history, head to Georgetown
Georgetown is just about half an hour north of Austin, and I think it’s one of Central Texas’ most charming small cities. I like knowing it’s been featured in films like Dazed and Confused and What's Eating Gilbert Grape.
If you’re into history, I recommend walking through the Williamson County Courthouse Historic District. I love visiting the beautifully restored 1911 Courthouse. You can step inside and really feel the past come to life.
When I get hungry, I head to Courthouse Square. You’ll find delicious restaurants, cozy wineries, and lots of fun places to shop. .
My highlight? The peaceful coffee break by the San Gabriel River at 309 Coffee. I took my cold brew and lavender scone down to the riverfront and found a quiet bench under the trees. The breeze, the babble of water, and the scent of cedar—it was the kind of moment that makes you slow down and just breathe.
I like to sit by the water and relax in Georgetown, Texas
For outdoor fun, I suggest checking out Blue Hole Park. I like to sit by the water and relax. If you want something more adventurous, I recommend touring Inner Space Cavern. I was amazed by the hundreds of stalactites. It’s truly one of my favorite local caves.
If you can visit in April, I think you’ll love the Red Poppy Festival. I’ve been, and it’s full of flowers, music, and celebration. Georgetown really knows how to show off its red poppy pride.
Hiking to Hamilton Pool Preserve
I've been to Hamilton Pool Preserve more times than I can count and I still want to go again and again. You’ll find it about half an hour west of Austin. I think it’s one of the most beautiful natural spots in Texas. I love how it formed thousands of years ago when an underground river dome collapsed.
This is important: you HAVE to book a month or more in advance or you won't be able to get in. You can book your spot here.
The Waterfall at Hamilton Pool Preserve
You’ll also get to see the stunning 50-foot waterfall that feeds the pool. I take a moment to just listen to it.
When I look up, I see gorgeous stalactites hanging from the rocky ceiling. You might spot cliff swallows darting through the air or admire the delicate maidenhair ferns that grow nearby. I think the whole setting feels magical.
If you want to explore more, I suggest hiking through the upland areas. You’ll walk among cedar trees and might even hear the song of the golden-cheeked warbler, an endangered bird that calls the preserve home. I always leave Hamilton Pool feeling reconnected with nature.
Local tip: I like to combine my trip to Hamilton Pool Preserve with an evening at the Reimers observatory. They ask that you book in advance and bring cash to pay at the gate to the park. The observatory is really quite awesome and few people know about it, for now!
My highlight? The post-hike picnic I picked up from Rolling in Thyme & Dough in Dripping Springs. I brought a smoked turkey and brie sandwich, fresh fruit, and a lemonade to the trailhead. After trekking to the stunning waterfall, I found a shady spot to eat. Everything tasted better surrounded by the sound of rushing water and limestone cliffs.
Join a guided cave tour or relax on the water
I always look forward to a day trip to Colorado Bend State Park. You’ll find it spread out over 5,300 acres in the stunning Texas Hill Country (just 1 hour and 20 minutes from my house in Austin). I think it’s one of the best places in the region for hiking, exploring, and getting close to nature.
If you’re curious about geology, I recommend joining one of the guided cave tours. I’ve explored the caves and sinkholes there, and the karst limestone formations are truly something to see. The guides teach me something new every time.
Adventure Day Trips from Austin:
Colorado Bend State Park
When I want to cool off, I hike the Spicewood Springs Trail. You’ll follow the creeks for about two miles and find clear, spring-fed swimming holes along the way. I usually stop for a swim and enjoy the peace and quiet.
For something dramatic, I suggest hiking the Gorman Creek Trail. You’ll reach Gorman Falls, a 65-foot waterfall that I think is one of the most beautiful in Texas. I never leave without taking a few photos there.
If you want to stay overnight, you can choose from primitive campsites, drive-up spots, or walk-in tent sites. I’ve camped there before and loved falling asleep to the sounds of nature. You’ll leave feeling recharged and inspired.
My highlight? The post-hike meal at Grits 'n Gravy in nearby Lampasas. A hidden gem with classic comfort food. I had chicken-fried steak with mashed potatoes and a sweet tea. After exploring Gorman Falls and canyon trails, it hit all the right notes—hearty, friendly, and deeply satisfying.
Dallas
Dallas is a bit far for me as a day trip but if you like driving it's totally doable. It's just under 3 hours each way.
When I want a day full of art and inspiration, I head straight to the downtown Arts District. You can visit places like the Dallas Museum of Art or the Nasher Sculpture Center.
If you’re traveling with family, don't skip the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and its six floors of hands-on exhibits.
Dripping Springs is the perfect gateway to Texas Hill Country
After you see Hamilton Pool Preserve...stop in Dripping Springs, a perfect Central Texas town. I used to just drive through it for ages until I stopped one day to look around. Now I go to Dripping Springs on a day trip when I’m craving good food, local drinks, and a laid-back vibe.
If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll love the gourmet options here. I enjoy sampling craft beers at local microbreweries and trying new flavors at the area’s hip distilleries. One of my favorite stops is the Texas Hill Country Olive Company. I buy their extra-virgin olive oils (which are available for sale in nearly every food store in Austin). They’ve won more awards than any other in Texas.
My highlight? The al fresco dinner at Tillie’s at Camp Lucy. Elegant, rustic, and beautifully set among the Hill Country hills. I had the grilled Texas redfish with wild rice and a prickly pear cocktail. The sunset cast a golden glow over the limestone patio. Between the food and the peaceful setting, it was an unforgettable end to the day.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • I feel inspired and proud to be a Texan when I visit San Antonio
- • I like to visit the Vereins Kirche and much more in Fredericksburg
- • If you’re into history, head to Georgetown
- • I like to sit by the water and relax in Georgetown, Texas
- • Hiking to Hamilton Pool Preserve
- • The Waterfall at Hamilton Pool Preserve
- • Join a guided cave tour or relax on the water
- • Colorado Bend State Park
- • Dallas
- • Dripping Springs is the perfect gateway to Texas Hill Country