Day Trips in Texas
Ready to unplug from the daily routine and take a day trip from the city? Well, you are in the right place! Living in Texas, we are lucky to have access to so many affordable day trips the real challenge is narrowing them down. I love these easy trips and I hope you'll enjoy them too. I also wrote about my absolute favorite beach day trips, as well as Texas castles, and even my favorite city park.
Boerne, Hill Country Mile and Saint Tryphon Vineyards
Less than a two hour drive from my house in Austin (and less than an hour from San Antonio), Boerne has always been our favorite to visit on a weekend getaway or even just for a day. When my son was little, he loved watching geese, turtles and ducks from the banks of the riverwalk in Boerne. They always made him smile.
After visiting the riverwalk, our favorite thing to do is going for stroll along the Hill Country Mile. We usually stop for lunch and grab a frozen yoghurt after.
Boerne's River Road Park (in my photos) has been completely re-built. It's a hidden gem, perfect for a walk. We still like to sit on the benches and spot turtles and ducks swimming in the river.
We've often stopped at the Dodging Duck just across the street from the river. They make great nachos. I usually order a small greek salad while my son eats a juicy burger. At night, you'll often find live music here too.
Another cool spot is Saint Tryphon Farm & Vineyards where you can taste Texas made wine and relax in a natural setting.
In addition, I think that Boerne is the best place to go in Texas for natural beauty. I was totally in awe of Cascade Caverns and the Cave Without a Name when we first moved to Texas. Visit one or the other in the afternoon, or both on the same day if you have lots of energy!
Johnson City, Science Mill and Sandy Road Vineyards
One of my favorite vacation ideas in the Texas Hill Country is this charming hometown of President Johnson. It's easy for me to get to since it's just an hour from our home near Austin. In addition, it's a gateway to our region’s growing wine country which makes it perfect for a quick couples' weekend getaway.
When we take a day trip to Johnson City with my son, Science Mill is must-visit. This is a hands-on science museum, located in a historic 1880s mill building. It was repurposed into an interactive STEM environment that our son loves.
In addition, the city is home to the coolest Texas castle (290 Wine Castle), a perfect vacation idea if you are looking for something romantic!
I also love that you can combine a day trip to Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site with a stop at Sandy Road Vineyards just 12 minutes away.
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site lets you learn a lots about Lyndon B. Johnson, our 36th president, and also the Texas Hill Country in general. The Texas-German farm is super fun for kids. You can also see and American bison and Texas longhorns in the park.
Sandy Road Vineyards has lovely outdoor seating where you can relax and taste Texas made wine surrounded by nature, an underrated Hill Country experience.
Texas Drive-in Theaters
If you are thinking of catching a movie at a drive-in theater, I think it's a great vacation idea! Why? To me, it feels nostalgic and very unique compared to a regular movie theaters.
One of my absolute favorite spots is the Stars & Stripes Drive-In in New Braunfels. Here I feel like I’ve stepped back into a simpler time. Plus...You get this amazing Hill Country sky glowing overhead during the movie!
Another gem I really enjoy is the Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In near my home near Austin. It offers such a cool way for our family to enjoy a movie together.
Going to a drive-in theater is one of my favorite Texas day trips. Of course, Texas has other drive-in gems too, like the Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth and the Big Sky Drive-In in Midland comes to mind.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
