Not only is Austin an artistic and colorful city, but it also acts as the perfect springboard to some of the most beautiful spots in Texas. It is because of its positioning at the center of the Hill Country, that Austin enables its travelers to undertake several different day trips which include beautiful sceneries and cultures, leisure activities, and the exploration of small idyllic towns.
With this article, we hope to offer your inspiration for the best day trips from Austin, enabling you to relish the best of Texas without heading too far from the city.
Top day trip destinations within two hours of Austin
From charming towns to stunning natural features, here are a few of our recommendations just outside of Austin.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a town founded by German emigrants, characterized by its hospitable residents and abundance of vineyards. Sitting at the center of the Texas Hill Country, this beautiful town brings together culture, history and wine. One of the most prominent sites is the “Enchanted Rock“, a vast granite rock, offering spectacular views after minimal trekking. Local wineries provide wine tours and tastings, while Main Street is a shopper’s delight for anyone who fancies boutique stores.
For a day well spent in Fredericksburg, early birds are advised to first go for the hike at Enchanted Rock, then visit a nearby vineyard for a tour, and finally spend the rest of the day strolling through the beautiful stores and tasting the local food along Main Street.
Wimberley
Wimberley is a small town with bohemian charm, known for its artistic atmosphere and beautiful natural landscapes. Among its main attractions are the “Blue Hole Regional Park”, which offers a natural pool ideal for cooling off in the summer, and the “Wimberley Valley Winery”, which allows you to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with local wine. Additionally, “Wimberley Market Days”, one of the largest flea markets in Texas, offers a wide variety of crafts, antiques and local products.
For visits to popular places like the Blue Hole, it is advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season. Visiting the park early in the morning to avoid crowds, then enjoying a tasting at one of the wineries, will allow you to make the most of this getaway.
Dripping springs
Dripping Springs is known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country” and is famous for its picturesque ranches, distilleries and breweries. The Hamilton Pool Preserve is one of the most impressive natural pools in the region, with a waterfall that creates a unique landscape. Additionally, “Dripping Springs Distilling” offers tours and tastings of its famous Texas whiskey. A stop at one of the local barbecue spots is a must, perfect for enjoying an authentic Texas meal.
As Hamilton Pool is a protected preserve, it may have some safety measures that should be observed like reservation. However, swimming may be adversely affected by weather and thus checking the weather is advisable prior to going there.
Lockhart
Lockhart is said to be the city for barbecue enthusiasts, hailing itself as the barbecue capital of Texas with some famous spots such as “Kreuz Market” and “Black’s BBQ”. So after a hearty meal people can go for a relaxing walk at “Lockhart State Park” and allow nature to settle their tummy.
Johnson City
Johnson City, which is a relatively unusually small town, has its fair share of combining art, nature as well as history. Places such as “Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park” facilitate such efforts by giving people a chance to find out more about the life of President Johnson, while complemented with some local artwork galleries. Other than that, Johnson City features wineries that are able to provide wine tasting experience.
To enjoy the combination of history, art and wine, it is recommended to start the visit in the historical park, then stroll through the galleries and end the day in one of the nearby wineries.
New Braunfels y Gruene
New Braunfels is a city with a strong German heritage, and Gruene, a small historic neighborhood, features unique attractions like Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, where you can enjoy live music. Another great place for summer fun activities like tubing is the Guadalupe River while antique shopping can be great fun at the Gruene antique shops.
If you are tubing, spring or summer is the best time of the year and don’t go in the peak hours as it gets crowded. At the end of the day, Gruene Hall is a nice place to unwind with some great good music in a lovely, historic place.
Planning the perfect day trip
Once you’ve got the destination figured out, it is time to plan and prepare for your trip.
Choosing the right destination based on interests
The choice of the perfect place depends on your preference. If you are a person who loves to do outdoor activities, Hamilton Pool or Blue hole would be perfect while wine lovers would love Fredericksburg or Johnson City. If you want a cultural experience, New Braunfels and Lockhart offer a good mix of history and culinary tradition.
If you have time, consider combining nearby destinations. For example, Wimberley and Dripping Springs can offer a full day of nature, wine, and cultural experiences.
Essentials to pack for a day trip
Always take sunscreen, water, snacks, and a portable charger when going for a day trip. Other items may also be required depending on the place, say swimsuits for Hamilton pool or trekking shoes for hiking in Fredericksburg. Packing the essentials for each activity will allow you to enjoy yourself without worry.
Safety and travel tips
Before you hit the road, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
1. Driving and road safety: Driving in the Hill Country can be challenging, especially on sharp curves or wildlife crossings. Check that your fuel level is sufficient and check your tire pressure before you head out, as some areas may have few services. If you ever get into an unfortunate event, it is always a good idea to have a lawyer that you can contact in Austin.
2. Getting ready for the outdoors, it is vital that you take in enough water every so often, but more importantly when engaging in outdoor activities during the summertime. In case of visits to natural pools, swimming area rules must be obeyed and trail conditions must be looked at prior to embarking on a hiking trail.
Wrapping up
Day trips from Austin allow one to reach out and experience a plethora of things from different surroundings, cultures, and activities. Every place has got something different to offer, whether it is outdoor complexes, wine making or scenic views accompanied by meals. Bask in the different experiences that are sure to be seen on this day trips around the vicinity of Austin, Texas.
