Best Day Trips and Weekend Getaways from Austin
There’s no shortage of places to go and things to do within Austin city limits but now and then, a day trip or weekend getaway is exactly what you need. It helps you not only appreciate what else Central Texas has to offer but also enjoy Austin and your neighborhood. Fortunately, Austin is not in short supply of beautiful scenery, historic small towns, and unforgettable activities in the surrounding areas. And the best part, almost all are less than an hour away by car.
Austinities are spoiled with delicious food, a plethora of local breweries and watering holes, and places with historical and cultural significance, but to truly understand Austin and central Texas, you have to venture outward. So grab your significant other, a group of friends, or even your spouse and children and head out of town to one of these fun-filled locations.
Food Tour in Lockhart
Although Lockhart has always had its finger on the pulse of iconic and delicious Texas barbeque, it’s recently become a hipster haven thanks to a recent wave of young and artistic people moving out of Austin in search of a cheaper lifestyle. Now is the perfect time to take a day trip out of the Capital City to Lockhart, just 26 miles southeast of downtown. Yes, everyone’s heard of Franklin Barbeque, but who wants to spend five-plus hours waiting in line when you can drive to Lockhart, grab some tasty smoked meat from a few local spots, walk around the town, and drive back to Austin in the time it would take you to get a single bite of food at Franklin? From brisket to sausage and pork ribs, classic spots like Smitty’s Market, Kreuz Market, and Black’s Barbeque never disappoint. If barbeque isn’t your thing, the square is also filling up with other restaurants like Loop & Lil’s pizzeria or the Lockhart Bistro, as well as cozy coffee shops and bakeries like Chaparral Coffee, and even watering holes like Caracara Brewing Company and the upscale cocktail lounges like the Pearl.
Steam Train Tour
Whether you’re longing for simpler times or want a small taste of adventure, the Austin Steam Train Association has plenty of tours that promise to perfectly blend the past and present. Just 22 miles outside of Austin, the Austin Steam Trains give you a chance to hop on a train and skip town like an outlaw, go on a beer/wine tour, or even take part in a murder mystery train ride. Choose between the Bertram Flyer or Hill Country Flyer and watch the rolling hills and lush landscape of the Hill Country roll by from the comfort of a train car for an experience you’ll never forget. Austin Steam Trains are also perfect for families and kids of all ages thanks to the kid-friendly ride on a Big Adventures Tour with Thomas the Train.
Wimberley and Gruene
While it may not be a secret to most people in the central Texas area, the Hill Country provides people of all ages with beautiful scenery and a long to-do list. Fredericksburg and Johnson City get a lot of love, but Wimberley and Gruene can be just as magical without the crowds. In Gruene, start the day by floating the Comal River in nearby New Braunfels before heading to The Gristmill for delicious food, cold beer, and even better views of the river. Then go check out Texas’ oldest dance hall, Gruene Hall, for a show and to show off your two-stepping skills.
In Wimberley, take your pick at a few different wine tours and tastings or feed your adventurous side and glide through the air on a Wimberley Zipline adventure. With bird’s eye views of the Hill Country, nearby canyons, and the Wimberley Valley, you can take your pick of zip lines ranging from 150 feet to 900 feet in length for an experience you’ll never forget.
Fredericksburg and Enchanted Rock
With great shopping, a historic downtown, delicious beer and wine, juicy peaches, and even the “Texas German” dialect, Fredericksburg is a great destination for people of all ages. As soon as spring gives way to summer, food stands begin popping up all around Austin selling Fredericksburg peaches, and for a good reason. But nothing beats picking the real thing. Jensche Orchard lets you and your group get the full experience by selecting your own peaches. Afterward, head to town to do some shopping before taking a break to get your fill of schnitzel, strudel, and other German delicacies at Rathskeller.
One of the most beautiful and regularly Instagrammed places outside Austin is Enchanted Rock, and luckily it’s just down the road from Fredericksburg. While camping spots fill up fast and are incredibly hard to lock down, a day trip to hike to the top is a great option to test your physical strength and stamina. Hike the park’s most famous path, Summit Trail, for breathtaking scenery and rock formations. Along with hiking and rock climbing, it’s also an excellent spot for a picnic with family and friends before heading back to town.
About Domain Realty
At Domain Realty, we love and know Austin real estate because we live here, and we’ve made this city our home. There are many reasons why Austin is an amazing place to live, and we’re here to tell you about them. From apartments to condos or homes, we want to help you find a place that’s perfect for you. To get started on finding a place you can finally call home, contact us today by calling (512) 872-4211 and speak to a qualified real estate professional.