The 7 most delightful day trips from Austin

Recently, Texas's state capital has earned a stellar reputation as a vibrant cultural and artistic center – people are enamored with Austin and all it has to offer.

However, don’t let its abundant attractions (live music, art galleries, delicious food, and more!) divert you from the treasures that await just outside the city limits. The Hill Country boasts amazing hiking trails, picturesque lakes and rivers, quaint small towns, and exceptional wineries.

Why not enhance your city getaway with some exciting day trips before you leave? Here are seven of our top picks located within a two-hour drive of Austin, Texas.

1. Discover the River Walk and the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas

Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

If you have a few days to spare for San Antonio, seize the chance. Its stunning Spanish colonial architecture makes it one of the most picturesque cities in the US. But if time is tight, enjoy a relaxing walk along the 15-mile River Walk, which links various districts like Downtown and the trendy Pearl District, known for its food hall, farmers market, and fantastic shopping.

A trip to San Antonio isn’t complete without exploring the city’s Spanish colonial heritage and its lively Mexican culture today. The San Antonio Missions National Historic Park includes five historic Spanish missions, such as the Alamo, all connected by a bike path.

Afterward, dive into the Chicano community at El Mercado, a vibrant traditional Mexican market brimming with shops featuring Mexican-made goods, art, food stalls, restaurants, bakeries, and lively musical and artistic performances.

Getting to San Antonio from Austin: The simplest way to reach San Antonio from Austin is by driving along I-35. Alternatively, you can catch a bus with Greyhound or MegaBus, or take the Amtrak Texas Eagle train. An Amtrak coach ticket from Austin to San Antonio is affordable, but the trip lasts about hours – roughly three times longer than by bus or car.

2. Fredericksburg: an unexpected wine destination

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Texas might not be the first place that comes to mind for fine wines, but the quaint town of Fredericksburg has gained quite a reputation in recent years. Surrounded by over 100 wineries and vineyards (along with one distillery), this charming town offers a variety of tastings and experiences to suit every palate.

While you could easily skip the town and focus solely on the wineries, treat yourself to a delightful experience. Savor the local German heritage through the cuisine at nearby restaurants, visit the Pioneer Museum, and appreciate the architecture of the Vereins Kirche. Beyond German culture, the downtown area is dotted with charming clothing boutiques and gift shops worth exploring.

Getting to Fredericksburg from Austin: Most visitors drive from Austin to Fredericksburg, enjoying a day of exploration at the town and its wineries before heading back to ATX in the evening. Alternatively, taking a Greyhound bus offers a more budget-friendly transportation option.

You can also arrange half-day wine tours from Austin with Austin Detours or Texas Wine Tours. However, these tours might not include a stop in Fredericksburg itself, so if you wish to spend time in the town, consider booking a private tour or driving yourself.

3. Explore the trails at Pedernales Falls State Park

Travel time: 1 hour

Austin is nestled among some of the finest state parks in Texas, and our top pick is Pedernales Falls State Park. This stunning area features a picturesque river along with a variety of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails that lead you over rocky formations, through lush forests to scenic overlooks, and even to a beautiful waterfall.

Absolutely, you can enjoy swimming in the Pedernales River, along with kayaking or canoeing. Whether you choose to spend just a few hours in the park or camp overnight, be sure to secure your reservation early, as the park often fills up by mid-morning and closes to those without permits and reservations.

Enhance your adventure and discover more of the Lone Star State on foot – here are our seven favorite hikes in Texas.

How to reach Pedernales Falls State Park from Austin: The park is located 32 miles west of Austin via Hwy 290, then head north on route 3232 for an additional 10 miles. Unfortunately, there are no bus or train services available.

4. Dine in Lockhart, the Barbecue Capital of Texas

Travel time: 35 minutes

They say a trip to the Lone Star State isn't complete without savoring the barbecue, and luckily, the barbecue capital of Texas is just a quick drive from Austin. Lockhart earned its title from the Texas Senate in 2003, and since then, visitors flock to this charming town to sample some of the finest smoked meats that practically fall off the bone.

The top four barbecue destinations in Lockhart are Black's Barbecue, Smitty's Market, Kreuz Market, and Chisholm Trail Bar-B-Q. Expect slow-roasted meats cooked over oak wood, along with some exceptional German-style sausages. We highly suggest embarking on a BBQ crawl among these eateries to enjoy a variety of cuts and sides. You might be stuffed by the end, but you'll have experienced a genuine traditional barbecue tasting.

Getting to Lockhart from Austin: You can easily drive or take a cab to Lockhart, but for budget travelers, the 1516 Orange Route Interurban bus is an affordable option. Disembark at the Lockhart HEB stop, conveniently located within walking distance of the town's top barbecue spots.

5. Float the river in San Marcos, Texas

Travel time: 40 minutes

River tubing is a hugely popular summer pastime in Texas, and the San Marcos River ranks among the top two spots for this activity in the state (the Guadalupe River being the other). Pack some snacks and a cooler full of drinks, and enjoy a half or full day floating down the river.

If you have your own tube, take advantage of the free drop-in area at San Marcos City Park. If not, you can rent a tube from the Lion's Club, which comes with an unlimited shuttle pass. The shuttle will pick you up downstream and bring you back to the launch point as many times as you need. There are also several other tube rental services along the river.

For a unique experience, consider a nighttime adventure with a Crystal Kayak Glow Tour from Paddle SMTX. This tour features clear kayaks equipped with colorful lights for a magical evening on the water.

Getting to San Marcos from Austin: If you don’t have a car, the Interurban Coach is a great option. You can take the 1510 Yellow Route or the 1517 Express Gold Route from Austin to San Marcos, both of which take about an hour. An all-day pass on the Interurban Coach is just $6. Alternatively, you can catch the Amtrak Texas Eagle from Austin to San Marcos, with coach tickets starting as low as $5 for a quick 45-minute ride.

If tubing is your primary goal in San Marcos, consider booking a dedicated trip from Austin. ATXcursions offers a shuttle service from downtown Austin to San Marcos, including tube rental and ice chests (with ice) in the ticket price. Plus, you can enjoy drinks and snacks on the shuttle both ways.

6. Enjoy a party atmosphere on the waters of Lake Travis

Travel time: 35 minutes

Lake Travis is a favorite spot for Austin locals, often dubbed the city’s 'party lake.' Stretching 63.75 miles with over 271 miles of shoreline, it’s the perfect place to rent a boat, jet ski, kayak, or canoe. The lively scene at Devil's Cove features boaters tying up together to socialize, sip drinks, and soak up the Texas sunshine.

If renting a boat isn’t your thing, consider fishing at Lake Travis or taking in the views from above on a zipline. Don’t miss out on a meal at the Oasis, the largest outdoor restaurant in Texas, boasting incredible lake and sunset views, along with live music!

How to get to Lake Travis from Austin: The lake is a 20-mile drive northwest of Austin. While there are no public transport options, you can opt for a cab or use Uber/Lyft if you'd prefer not to drive.

7. Experience the charm of small-town life in Wimberly

Travel time: 50 minutes

The Hill Country is home to many charming small towns, and Wimberly is a favorite for day trips among Austin residents. Stroll through the Historic Downtown's boutique shops and art galleries before enjoying a meal at CreekHouse Kitchen and Bar or sampling wines at the Hill Country Wine Shoppe.

Step back in time at Pioneer Town, a charming, old-fashioned town with unique buildings that the entire family will enjoy. If one day isn't enough, the Wimberly area has plenty of cabin rentals and hotels with spa services, plus activities like horseback riding, ziplining, and even glass blowing and rum tastings.

If you visit Wimberly during the summer, be sure to check out Blue Hole Regional Park, Cypress Falls Swimming Hole, or Jacob's Well Natural Area. These swimming spots provide a refreshing escape from the Texas heat.

How to get to Wimberly from Austin: A car is essential for visiting Wimberly, as it's a 37-mile drive southwest of Austin. While you can take the Texas Eagle Amtrak train from Austin to San Marcos, then a 25-minute taxi or rideshare to Wimberly, navigating the area without a car can be quite challenging.

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