9 Best Things to Do in Round Rock, TX

April 11, 2020 - Updated

Just outside of Austin, Texas, Round Rock has really been making a name for itself over the past several years. It has been named one of the fastest growing cities in America, as well as one of the most livable. In 2008, it was the only Texas town to appear in Money magazine’s top ten best American small towns to live in, although that “small” description is quickly becoming old news. With attractions like AAA baseball, beautiful parks and trails, a stellar water park, and delicious food, Round Rock is the place to go when you want a big city feel with a laid back attitude.

1.Round Rock Express

If you’re in town for baseball season, be sure to go to a Round Rock Express game! The Express have been batting balls for almost 20 years under owners Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, his son Reid, and Don Sanders. A Houston Astros affiliate, The Express play in the Dell Diamond in the heart of Round Rock. The team is a six-time division title winner, and every season has been more exciting than the one that came before it. With ticket options for individuals and groups, special seating areas, and more, trips to see The Express are perfect for getting out and having some fun.

3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, Phone: 512-255-2255

2.Old Settlers Park

Old Settlers Park has something for every athlete, including Cricket, disc golf, fishing, football, soccer, tennis, volleyball, hiking, and more. There are also lots of areas for rent to accommodate outdoor parties and activities, as well as festivals throughout the year that are open to the public. Even the kids will have a blast in Old Settlers Park’s seven playground areas! The park is also the Sports Capital of Texas, hosting tournaments in several sports and bringing in teams and spectators from all over to enjoy all Round Rock has to offer.

3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, Phone: 512-218-5540

3.Dell Diamond

Dell Diamond isn’t just the home of the Round Rock Express. It is also host to the Austin Elite rugby team, concerts, special events, and more. The stadium offers incredible views from every seat in the house, including from its more prestigious areas: the Intel Club, the pool and spa party area, the Premium Seats behind home plate, and the four Topps tables. Families are encouraged to bring their younger sports fans and take advantage of The Fun Zone near center field, where kids can play, rock climb, and jump the game away. Corporate groups are also invited to visit the stadium and use meeting space in the United Heritage Center on the first base line.

3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, Phone: 512-255-2255

4.Play for All Park

Round Rock citizens made their values of inclusion and accessibility for all children quite clear with the construction and recent expansion of Play for All Park. Sitting at an incredible 51,000 square feet, the park has eight “pods” where children of all abilities can engage, learn, and participate in therapeutic activities. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. until midnight, and service animals are allowed on proper leashes. Play for All Park has more than 60 annual donors who continue to support the maintenance and expansion of the pods and play areas, which serve more than 7,000 local children with disabilities.

151 North A.W. Grimes Blvd., Round Rock, TX 78665, Phone: 512-218-5540

5.Rock’N River Water Park

It’s no secret that Texas is hot, and there’s no better place to beat the heat than Rock’N River Water Park in Round Rock. The littlest of little ones can play in Backaroo Pond, while the adventure seekers brave The Lookout waterslides or the wet and wild Splashville. Those looking for relaxation can float around The Lazy R, too. For families planning to stay all day or groups looking for an amazing place to celebrate, Rock’N River rents out their cabanas, pergolas, loungers, pavilions, and other great spaces around the park. Special birthday party packages give the child of the day a little extra, including return passes for a future visit!

3300 E Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, TX 78664, Phone: 512-218-5540

6.Saint William Catholic Church

Today, Saint William Catholic Church sits on 30 acres and serves, in one immense and beautiful building, parishioners of Round Rock and the surrounding area. The land backs up to the homestead of Francisco Carlin, who hosted the very first mass in the community in 1916. Since that time, Saint William Catholic Church has experienced incredible growth and has continued to faithfully serve its people through mass, the Cursillo Movement, the Guadalupanas Society, the Sacred Heart Society, and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, all of which were established by Father Schmidt in the 1950s.

620 Round Rock W Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681, Phone: 512-255-4473

7.The Salt Lick BBQ

When it’s time to eat in Round Rock, a sure bet for finger-lickin’ goodness is The Salt Lick BBQ. The family-owned restaurant has been serving up slow-cooked barbeque officially since 1967, but the recipes and traditions go all the way back to the wagon trail in 1867, when Bettie Howard seared and slow cooked meat during her voyage from Mississippi to Texas. Her methods are still used today by her great grandson Scott Roberts. Diners can enjoy live music on the weekends, use of the banquet facility, the incredible full bar, and the close proximity of Dell Diamond, right next door.

3350 East Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, Phone: 512-386-1044

8.Hoody’s Sub Shop

Richard “Hoody” Hood moved to Texas for college from Delaware but has stayed for the long haul. He opened Hoody’s Sub Shop in 1989 as a down home, fresh option for folks who wanted something better than fast food. Hoody uses fresh, delicious meats from Boars Head and only the highest quality fixens for his sandwiches. He argues that his success comes from how he treats his people, employees and guests, as much as it does from the food. Some of his employees have been with him for decades. While the Philly cheesesteak is the community favorite, Hoody’s offers a full array of hot and cold subs that are sure to tickle the taste buds.

1205 Round Rock Avenue, Round Rock, TX 78681, Phone: 512-244-7166

9.Fuego Latino Gastropub

If you want to spice up your lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch, Fuego Latino Gastropub is the place to go. Owner and executive chef Jorge Alcocer has been learning, cooking, and creating culinary masterpieces since he was only 18 years old. Today he is putting his experience and love for authentic Latin cuisine together to bring guests his own take on seared dishes, traditional meals like arroz con pollo, and new inspirations. Fuego Latino Gastropub also offers signature cocktails, local draft and can beers, Latin and domestic beers, and wine options. It’s a must-taste destination. Fuego is only closed on Mondays, and reservations are encouraged.

206 N Mays St., Round Rock, Texas, Phone: 737-202-4270