Ready to escape the hustle of downtown Austin? These incredible day trips from Austin will take you from the capital of Texas to some of the most stunning destinations in Central Texas, all within just a short drive from the city limits.
| Destination | Drive Time | Best For | Top Attraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | 1.5 hours | History & food | Riverwalk & The Alamo |
| New Braunfels | 1 hour | River tubing | Guadalupe River, Gruene Hall |
| Dripping Springs | 45 minutes | Wineries & breweries | Jester King Brewery |
| Hamilton Pool | 1 hour | Nature & photography | Natural waterfall grotto |
| San Marcos | 45 minutes | River fun & shopping | San Marcos River, Premium Outlets |
| Marble Falls | 1 hour | Lake activities | Lake Marble Falls, Sweet Berry Farm |
| Johnson City | 1.5 hours | History & peaches | LBJ Historic Sites |
| Round Top | 1.5 hours | Antiques & festivals | Round Top Antique Shows |
Pro tip: Book Hamilton Pool reservations 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season
1. San Antonio – The Alamo City Adventure
Distance: 80 miles south (1.5 hours)
Gas Cost: ~$15-20 round trip
Best for: History buffs and foodies
San Antonio offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and incredible food. Start your day trip with breakfast tacos, then explore the famous Riverwalk and visit the Alamo. The downtown area buzzes with live music, art galleries, and some of the best barbecue in Texas.
Must-do activities:
- Walk the historic Riverwalk
- Visit the Alamo and other missions
- Lunch at the Pearl District
- Stroll through the vibrant Market Square
Where to Stay: Hotel Emma at Pearl – a luxury boutique hotel in a converted brewery
Planning to stay overnight? Book your perfect accommodation on CuddlyNest for the best deals and unique stays that’ll make your weekend getaway unforgettable!
2. New Braunfels – Texas Hill Country Gem
Distance: 45 miles northeast (1 hour)
Gas Cost: ~$10-15 round trip
Best for: Water activities and German culture
This charming hill country town sits along the beautiful Guadalupe River and Comal Rivers, making it perfect for a hot summer day escape. New Braunfels combines German heritage with Texas hospitality, offering everything from river tubing to historic downtown shopping.
The Guadalupe River provides endless outdoor adventure opportunities – from tubing and kayaking to simply relaxing by the swimming hole. Don’t miss Gruene, a historic small town that’s technically part of New Braunfels, famous for its dance hall and live music scene.
Top experiences:
- Tube the Guadalupe River
- Explore historic Gruene
- Visit Schlitterbahn Waterpark
- Sample craft beer at local breweries
Where to Stay: Gruene Mansion Inn – historic charm right in the heart of Gruene
3. Dripping Springs – The Wedding Capital Escape
Distance: 25 miles west (45 minutes)
Gas Cost: ~$8-12 round trip
Best for: Wine tasting and brewery hopping
Known as the “Wedding Capital of Texas,” Dripping Springs offers rolling hills, fine wines, and craft breweries. This easy day trip combines natural beauty with some of the best drinks in the hill country.
Wine and brewery highlights:
- Treaty Oak Distilling for award-winning whiskey
- Jester King Brewery for farmhouse ales
- Vista Brewing for scenic views
- Multiple vineyards offering wine tasting experiences
The area’s scenic drives wind through beautiful Central Texas landscape, perfect for a leisurely weekend trip. Many venues offer outdoor spaces where you can sip drinks while enjoying the hill country views.
Where to Stay: Sleep Inn & Suites – luxury retreat with spa services
4. Hamilton Pool Preserve – Natural Wonder
Distance: 37 miles west (1 hour)
Gas Cost: ~$10-15 round trip
Best for: Photography and nature lovers
Reservations are necessary: Make an online reservation in advance ($15 per vehicle).
One of Texas’s most picturesque swimming holes can be found at Hamilton Pool Preserve. A beautiful jade-coloured pool beneath a 50-foot waterfall was formed thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed, creating this natural grotto.
Reservations are required in order to safeguard the delicate ecosystem, and they fill up fast, particularly in the summer. The short hike to Hamilton Pool takes about 15-20 minutes through beautiful Central Texas terrain.
Planning advice:
- Make reservations well in advance.
- Bring snacks and water.
- Put on supportive hiking shoes.
- Seasonal variations in swimming conditions
Where to Stay: Vintage Villas Hotel & Events – rustic charm with modern amenities.
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5. San Marcos – River City Fun
Distance: 30 miles south (45 minutes)
Gas Cost: ~$8-12 round trip
Best for: River activities and outlet shopping
The pristine San Marcos River is ideal for any season because it consistently maintains a temperature of 72 degrees. The combination of shopping and outdoor activities in this college town makes it the perfect place to spend a weekend.
The San Marcos River is conveniently accessible for kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling at Blue Hole Regional Park. Local eateries, shops, and the well-known Wonder World cave tours can all be found in the downtown area.
Top activities:
- Float the San Marcos River
- Shop at San Marcos Premium Outlets
- Explore Wonder World Cave
- Visit Texas State University campus
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites San Marcos – convenient location near everything
6. Marble Falls – Lake Travis Alternative
Distance: 45 miles west (1 hour)
Gas Cost: ~$10-15 round trip
Best for: Lake activities and small-town charm
While Lake Travis gets crowded, Marble Falls offers a more relaxed lake experience on Lake Marble Falls. This small town provides the perfect balance of water activities and hill country charm without the Austin crowds.
The downtown area hosts regular festivals and events, while the lake offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. The nearby Pedernales Falls State Park provides additional hiking and natural beauty.
Must-visit spots:
- Marble Falls Lake for water activities
- Historic downtown for shopping and dining
- Sweet Berry Farm (seasonal)
- Local wineries and breweries
Where to Stay: Horseshoe Bay Resort – full-service lakefront resort
Horseshoe Bay Resort
7. Johnson City – LBJ Country
Distance: 50 miles west (1.5 hours)
Gas Cost: ~$12-18 round trip
Best for: History and peach season (summer)
The boyhood home of President Lyndon B. Johnson offers a fascinating glimpse into Texas history. This hill country town becomes especially vibrant during peach season when roadside stands overflow with fresh, juicy Hill Country peaches.
Historical highlights:
- LBJ Boyhood Home
- Johnson Settlement historic site
- Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
- Whittington’s Jerky & General Store for local treats
Fun fact: Johnson City was actually named after LBJ’s cousin, not the president himself! The town offers several fine dining options and has become a popular stop for wine tasting tours through the Texas Hill Country.
Where to Stay: Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Johnson City
8. Round Top – Antique Capital of Texas
Distance: 85 miles east (1.5 hours)
Gas Cost: ~$15-22 round trip
Best for: Antique shopping and festivals
This tiny town of fewer than 100 residents transforms into a bustling destination during its famous antique shows. Round Top offers an incredible selection of antiques, art, and unique finds that draw visitors from across the country.
Even when the big shows aren’t happening, Round Top charms visitors with its historic buildings, local shops, and peaceful small-town atmosphere. The drive through Central Texas countryside provides beautiful scenic views.
Special experiences:
- Antique shopping at year-round shops
- Historic Henkel Square Museum
- Festival Institute concerts (seasonal)
- Royers Round Top Cafe for famous pies
Where to Stay: Cotton Gin Village – unique lodging in restored historic buildings
Cotton Gin Village
Planning Your Austin Day Trip Adventures
Most of these destinations work perfectly as easy day trips from Austin, but several offer enough attractions to justify a long weekend or overnight stay. Many locations provide family-friendly activities, while others cater more to adults looking for wine tasting or outdoor adventures.
General tips for Central Texas day trips:
- Start early to beat traffic and heat
- Bring plenty of water, especially in summer
- Check state park websites for current conditions
- Make reservations where required
- Consider staying overnight to fully explore
The beauty of living near Austin is having access to such diverse experiences within only a short drive. Whether you’re craving outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or simply want to escape city life for a day, these Central Texas gems offer the perfect weekend trip options.
Ready to turn your day trip into a memorable overnight adventure? Book your ideal accommodation on CuddlyNest and discover unique stays that’ll make your Texas Hill Country experience unforgettable. From cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts, find the perfect home base for exploring all the natural beauty and charm that Central Texas has to offer!
FAQs For Day Trips from Austin
1. Are these day trips pet-friendly?
Most destinations allow leashed pets in outdoor areas (like state parks), but check individual wineries, shops, or attractions for restrictions.
2. What’s the best day trip for avoiding crowds?
Johnson City or Marble Falls offer smaller crowds compared to San Antonio or Hamilton Pool, especially on weekdays.
3. Can I rely on rideshares (Uber/Lyft) for these trips?
No—rideshares are unreliable for round trips outside Austin. Renting a car or driving is best.
4. Which trip is most wheelchair-accessible?
San Antonio’s Riverwalk and downtown areas have good accessibility, while natural sites (like Hamilton Pool) may have limited access.
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