Looking for small-town Texas charm with river views and pine forests? Head to Bastrop! Just outside Austin, Bastrop offers historic downtown vibes, outdoor adventures, great food, and access to one of the most beautiful state parks in Central Texas. It’s a perfect spot for a weekend escape or a scenic day trip.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bastrop is during the spring and fall (March to May and September to November). These seasons offer mild temperatures, ideal for hiking, exploring downtown, or enjoying riverfront activities. Summers can be hot but are perfect for tubing and swimming.
How to Get There
- By Car: Bastrop is located about 30 miles southeast of Austin via TX-71, making it an easy drive from most Central Texas cities.
- By Air: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the nearest major airport, just 25 minutes away.
- By Bus: Greyhound and other regional services offer limited routes through nearby towns—driving is the most convenient option.
Where to Stay
- Comfort Suites Bastrop – Spacious suites, free breakfast, and a short drive to downtown and Bastrop State Park.
- Bastrop Inn – Budget-friendly option close to the town center with simple amenities.
- The Reserve at Greenleaf – Unique cabins and treehouse-style stays nestled in a peaceful, wooded setting.
Top Attractions
⮕ Hike, Camp, and Reconnect with Nature at Bastrop State Park
Explore the scenic trails and historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures amidst the unique Lost Pines forest at Bastrop State Park.
Bastrop State Park offers over 2,000 acres of pine woodland in central Texas. Hiking trails include an 8.5 mile trail which circles through the park’s undeveloped woodlands. An 18 hole golf course is spread through the forest and a swimming pool is open during the summer months. The park is home to the endangered Houston Toad’s largest mating site, and as such, some areas are closed to the public during the spring mating season. Other park wildlife includes white-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits and armadillo. The park has been designated a National Landmark for the facilities, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s.
100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop, TX 78602, Phone: 512-321-2101
⮕ Step into Bastrop’s Past at the County Museum and Visitor Center
Discover Bastrop's rich history through engaging exhibits at the Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center, located in a beautifully restored 1890 building.
The Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center are run by the non-profit Bastrop Historical Society with the mission of preserving the local history. The society was founded in 1952, and as the collection of local historic artifacts grew, so did the museum. The museum is now located in the renovated historic city hall, its home since 2012. Exhibits at the museum span over 200 years of history, from Native American artifacts to documents and artifacts from early European settlers up through the 1960’s. History is told through chronological dioramas and special exhibits on cotton farming, coal mining and the newest exhibit, “Cowboys, Cows and Cattlemen.”
904 Main Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602, Phone: 512-303-0057
⮕ Explore Creativity at the Lost Pines Art Center
Visit the Lost Pines Art Center, Texas' largest comprehensive art center, featuring galleries, art classes, and unique exhibits in a modern facility.
The Lost Pines Art Center in central Bastrop occupies over 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space at the 100 year old Powell Cotton Seed Mill and silos. The center exhibits fine art from Texas and all over the world. Many artists who exhibit at the center work from studios located on site. Artist’s studios are frequently open to the public, as are several commercial galleries and a bakery. Programs include art classes for adults and children offering everything from glass blowing to painting and drawing. The Lost Pines Arts Center is the home of the 150 member Lost Pines Arts League, which has grown considerably from its beginnings as the Bastrop Fine Arts Guild in 1998.
1204 Chestnut Street, Bastrop, TX 78602, Phone: 512-321-8055
Where to Eat
⮕ Savor Authentic Texas BBQ at Fitties BBQ
Enjoy mouthwatering smoked meats and local favorites like the Marty breakfast taco at Fitties BBQ, a beloved Bastrop eatery since 1997.
Fitties BBQ in Bastrop, Texas serves classic Texas barbeque, wood smoked with homemade sauces and sides. Known as King of the Highway BBQ,” Fitties serves its slow-smoked meats along highway 71 at a walk-up window. Guests dining in can eat at shade covered picnic tables behind the historic roadside stand. While Fitties opened in 1981, the family recipes can be traced back to the 1800’s. The family-owned and operated restaurant has long been a community fixture in Bastrop, proudly serving breakfast tacos, lunch and dinner to both locals and tourists alike. Try them for ribs, brisket or sausage as a sandwich, or a BBQ platter plate.
1376 Hwy 71 W, Bastrop, TX 78602, Phone: 512-303-6808
⮕ Taste Tradition at Southside Market & BBQ
Experience Central Texas-style barbecue at Southside Market & Barbeque, the state's oldest BBQ establishment, serving quality meats since 1882.
The Southside Market was founded in the 1880’s, when then owner William Moon began slaughtering meat and selling it by wagon door-to-door in Elgin, Texas. Moon soon began smoking his meats to preserve its freshness, and then and there Southside BBQ was born. After more than 100 years in business, Southside Market opened a second location in Bastrop on Highway 71. The Bastrop market and restaurant incorporates materials from the original Elgin location, along with local Bastrop wood. Celebrated as Texas’ oldest BBQ joint, Southside is known for the brisket, sausage and hand-dipped ice cream pie.
534 Highway 71, Bastrop, TX 78602, Phone: 512-575-9037
Attractions for First Time Visitors
- Downtown Bastrop – Explore art galleries, shops, and historic architecture along charming Main Street.
- Colorado River – Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or tube and enjoy the relaxing river through town.
- Fisherman’s Park – Riverfront park with trails, picnic areas, and a splash pad for kids.
- Lost Pines Art Center – Browse local artwork and take a creative workshop in a light-filled gallery space.
More Places to Eat
- Maxine’s Café & Bakery – Local favorite for hearty Southern breakfasts and homemade pies.
- Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard – Wood-fired pizza, craft beer, and live music by the river.
- Piney Creek Chop House – Steakhouse with an upscale feel in a historic downtown building.
Local Events
- Lost Pines Christmas (December) – Holiday lights, parades, and festive events throughout the season.
- Bastrop Patriotic Festival (July 4th) – Fireworks, family fun, and live music on the riverfront.
- Veterans Day Car Show (November) – Classic cars, food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Bastrop, Texas
- Smithville (15 min) – Wander charming downtown streets, antique shops, and local art galleries.
- Elgin (25 min) – Savor world-famous sausage, explore historic buildings, and browse farmers markets.
- Cedar Creek (10–15 min) – Visit McKinney Roughs Nature Park for hiking, ziplining, and river views.
- Paige (20 min) – Enjoy scenic drives, local eateries, and laid-back rural charm in this small town.
- Red Rock (20–25 min) – Explore peaceful countryside, ranches, and scenic backroads perfect for a relaxing drive.
- Rosanky (25–30 min) – Visit the Central Texas Museum of Automotive History or enjoy quiet hill country roads.
- McDade (30 min) – Discover historic cemeteries, small-town heritage, and famous local BBQ spots.
- Buescher State Park (10 min) – Hike wooded trails, bike scenic roads, or camp under the stars.
- Lost Pines Forest (5–10 min) – Explore a rare pine forest ecosystem with trails, wildlife, and scenic overlooks.
- Downtown Bastrop (5 min) – Stroll the historic Main Street for boutique shops, eateries, and riverside charm.
FAQ
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What can visitors expect when entering Bastrop, Texas?
- As you enter Bastrop, Texas over the iconic old iron bridge, you’ll find a main street bustling with modern-day restaurants, shops, and Texas two-stepping bars.
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What outdoor activities are available in Bastrop?
- Surrounding the city center is the Lost Pines region, a paradise for outdoor recreation enthusiasts or the casual explorer.
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