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:
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.
- 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.
Georgetown: Limestone Quiet & the Prettiest Town Square
“I didn’t expect to slow down this quickly,” I thought, stepping onto the sunlit bricks of Georgetown’s downtown square. Just 30 minutes from Austin, it felt like a world away—less noise, more charm, and a pace that matched the rhythm of the breeze pushing through the courthouse trees.
I started my day with a walk along the San Gabriel River Trail. The limestone bluffs and clear, winding water reminded me that Central Texas still has pockets of quiet tucked beneath its cities. The path curved gently past cypress trees, and I lingered at Blue Hole Park—watching kids splash in the shallows and families set up picnics beneath the shade.
Back in town, I wandered through the shops on the square—antique stores, indie bookshops, and one general store that smelled like cedar and fresh soap. Lunch was at 600 Degrees Pizzeria, where I ordered a slice of pepperoni and a side salad. The pizza was thin but sturdy, bubbling with cheese and crisp at the edges, spicy with just enough char. I ate it slowly at a patio table, letting the sound of passing conversations fill the gaps in my thoughts.
After lunch, I stopped by the Georgetown Art Center, housed in an old fire station. Inside, local artists filled the space with color and texture—quiet work with plenty to say. Before heading back, I took one last lap around the courthouse lawn, admiring how the town wrapped itself around the past without feeling stuck in it.
Plan your solo day trip:
- Drive Time from Austin: ~30 minutes north
- Vibe: Friendly, historic, quietly creative
- Highlights: San Gabriel River Trail, Downtown Square, 600 Degrees Pizzeria, Georgetown Art Center
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for blooms; fall for walking weather
- Cost: Trails and galleries free; lunch ~$10–$15
- Hours: Shops and galleries 10am–5pm; restaurants open later
Killeen: Fort Foundations & Quiet Corners
“Not everything has to be flashy to matter,” I thought as I drove into Killeen, the road flattening out under a wide Texas sky. The town felt steady—military, modest, and stitched together by everyday life. It wasn’t trying to be a destination. It just was.
I started at the 1st Cavalry Division Museum on Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood). The tanks out front stood like sentinels, silent but imposing. Inside, exhibits told stories through dog tags, uniforms, and field maps, the kind of personal history that reminds you how much sacrifice lives quietly in the background of places like this. I lingered longer than I thought I would. The museum was free, but it didn’t feel small.
Afterwards, I walked through Andy K. Wells Hike and Bike Trail, a narrow path tucked between fields and trees. A few cyclists passed, nodding as they went, and I paused on a bench by a low bridge, listening to the wind move through the brush. No crowds. No traffic. Just me and a quiet stretch of Texas under an open sky.
Lunch was at Taqueria Mexico Lindo, a simple spot with bright walls and a warm bustle. I ordered the carne guisada tacos—slow-cooked beef in a rich, savory sauce, folded into soft corn tortillas with just a splash of green salsa. The aroma was deep and homey, and each bite felt like a recipe passed down by memory. I ate in no rush, soaking in the easy rhythm of the room.
Killeen doesn’t pretend to be charming. But if you listen closely, it tells you something honest—about service, family, and everyday life that doesn’t make the brochures but still shapes the state.
Plan your solo day trip:
- Drive Time from Austin: ~1 hour north
- Vibe: Military proud, grounded, under the radar
- Highlights: 1st Cavalry Division Museum, Andy K. Wells Trail, Taqueria Mexico Lindo
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for quieter roads and uncrowded museums
- Cost: Museum free; lunch ~$10–$15
- Hours: Museum open Tues–Sat; restaurants 10am–8pm
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.
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.
Drive-In Theaters in Texas: Flickering Lights & Lone Star Skies
“This feels like time slowed down on purpose,” I thought, parked beneath a sky going lavender at the edges. A warm breeze drifted through the open windows as kids tossed footballs near the snack bar and couples set up lawn chairs under a giant screen. The movie hadn’t started yet, but the story had already begun.
I was at the Bluestar Drive-In near Taylor, a retro-style setup with charm and grit. The lot smelled like popcorn and sunscreen, and the screen flickered quietly while dusk settled over the gravel. I’d arrived early enough to get a good spot, and by the time the previews rolled, I felt like I’d slipped into a slower, sweeter version of Texas.
Earlier that week, I’d also visited the Stars & Stripes Drive-In in New Braunfels. It had that classic Americana vibe—neon lights, an old-school snack stand, and two screens lighting up a field full of families. I ordered a chili cheese dog with a root beer float, and the meal tasted exactly like the memory it was meant to become. The hot dog was salty and a little messy, the root beer frothy and cold. I sat back in my fold-up chair, the breeze soft and steady, and watched the stars blur above the screen.
Texas still knows how to do drive-ins right. What they all share isn’t just a screen—it’s the feeling of pause. No rush. No pretense. Just headlights dimming, crickets tuning up, and stories told beneath a wide, forgiving sky.
Plan your drive-in night:
- Suggested Locations: Bluestar Drive-In (Taylor), Stars & Stripes Drive-In (New Braunfels & Lubbock)
- Vibe: Nostalgic, relaxed, communal under the stars
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through early fall (dry, warm nights)
- Cost: $8–$10 per adult; food $10–$15 depending on menu
- Hours: Gates open ~6:30pm; shows begin at dusk
- Tips: Bring chairs or blankets, arrive early for best spots, and don’t forget bug spray
Irving: Canals, Croutons & a Slice of Surprise
Dallas is a bit far for me as a day trip but if you like driving it's totally doable. It's about 3 hours each way.
“I didn’t expect Venice vibes in the middle of Dallas-Fort Worth,” I thought, stepping onto the stone path beside the Mandalay Canal. The water moved slow and steady, glinting under footbridges and café lights. Then came the real surprise—a gondola, gliding past with soft music and a cheerful nod from the oarsman. I wasn’t in a rush. I just kept walking, following the curve of the canal like it had something to show me.
Before the ride, I’d stopped for lunch at Bread Zeppelin, a fast-casual salad spot that didn’t feel rushed. I ordered the Napa Valley—grilled chicken, cranberries, walnuts, blue cheese, and honey vinaigrette—all packed inside a hollowed-out, toasted French baguette. It was crisp on the outside, warm and soft inside, every bite bright with flavor and texture. I sat by the window, watching office workers drift in and out, and took my time. It was a salad, yes—but also a revelation.
After lunch, I walked along the Las Colinas Urban Center, where sculpture, fountains, and light rail all shared the space politely. I boarded a gondola near the Omni and drifted through the canal’s curves. No crowds, no distractions—just me, the water, and the quiet novelty of floating through North Texas like I’d taken a wrong turn and ended up in a dream.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Austin: 3 hours
- Vibe: Sleek, scenic, full of small surprises
- Highlights: Mandalay Canal gondola ride, Bread Zeppelin Salads, Las Colinas stroll
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon into evening for cooler walks and sunset views
- Cost: Gondola rides ~$30+ per person; lunch ~$10–$15
- Hours: Bread Zeppelin 11am–8pm; gondola rides by appointment
Lakeway City Park
Lakeway City Park is my go-to spot if I'm short on time. Just 45 minutes north of Downtown Austin, the park has literally everything: great trails, awesome views, playgrounds, BBQ, picnic tables and even pickleball courts and exercise equipment.
Jump to a Spot...
- • San Antonio
- • I like to visit the Vereins Kirche and much more in Fredericksburg
- • Georgetown: Limestone Quiet & the Prettiest Town Square
- • Killeen: Fort Foundations & Quiet Corners
- • Hiking to Hamilton Pool Preserve
- • The Waterfall at Hamilton Pool Preserve
- • Dripping Springs is the perfect gateway to Texas Hill Country
- • Drive-In Theaters in Texas: Flickering Lights & Lone Star Skies
- • Irving: Canals, Croutons & a Slice of Surprise
- • Lakeway City Park