Austin Texas is a personal favorite. With so much to do and a vibe you can’t get anywhere else, I’m happy to have called Austin home for over 15 years. There are tons of things to do in Austin, but also so many things to do near Austin – making it a perfect home base for day trips.

From wineries to towns steeped in German heritage, natural swimming holes, and magnificent views of the Texas landscape, you can reach just about everything within a short drive from Austin. You may be tempted to try and visit Dallas or Houston for a day trip but those are best for weekend getaways from Austin – a day just isn’t enough!

Here we go with 21 epic day trips from Austin TX!

21 Best Day Trips from Austin Texas

Fredericksburg

Nestled in the heart of Texas hill country, Fredericksburg is a perfect day trip that’s only 1.5 hours from Austin.

This unique town is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Pride in its German heritage is felt throughout the town. It can also be tasted in the several German focused restaurants and breweries.

If you’re looking to learn its history check out the Fredericksburg Pioneer Museum or the National Museum of the Pacific War.

For an outdoor activity you can walk the trails at Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, the USA’s largest working wildflower farm.

Wine enthusiasts will be at home with the over 100 vineyards in the area, making Fredericksburg truly the heart of wine country.

LEARN MORE: 15 Best Places to Visit in Texas

Marble Falls

There’s so much to do on a day trip to Marble Falls. The drive from Austin is just about 1.5 hours, easy-peasy!

Hiking the trails at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge will give you an awesome view of the landscape and its undisturbed nature. Marble Falls Lake is also a nice place to spend the day outside on the water’s edge.

Sample craft beers and learn how the magic of beer making happens at the local breweries like Bear King, Double Horn, and Save the World. If you prefer wine – Marble Falls has fabulous wineries too!

During springtime Marble Falls is one of the top places to find fields of bluebonnets in Texas.

San Antonio

From historical sites to fabulous food, San Antonio is one of the best day trips from Austin and it’s just an hour away.

An absolute must-do in San Antonio is a visit to The Alamo to learn about the past.

History buffs will be delighted with the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park which consists of 5 different complexes. The San Antonio Missions are the only UNESCO world heritage site in Texas.

For fun San Antonio-style, head to the River Walk. There you can stroll along the river’s edge, enjoy live music, hop into shops, or have a meal at any of the restaurants. Take a cruise on the river for a different view.

LEARN MORE: 15 Best Historic Sites in Texas

Johnson City

In about an hour’s drive from Austin you’ll arrive at Johnson City, a great day trip from Austin. This small town has a ton of charm and history.

The major attraction is the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. The expansive park contains the property of the former president including his boyhood home, the Texas White House, and a working ranch.

Enjoy a great Tex-Mex meal at El Charro Restaurant or El Agave.

Burn off the lunchtime calories with a stop in Pedernales Falls State Park. Here you will work up a sweat hiking the beautiful landscape and take a dip in the refreshing river waters.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Discovering the majestic pink granite monolith at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is unlike anything else.

With just a 1.5 hours’ drive from Austin it’s not a big deal to go for the day and hike Enchanted Rock.

The park has eleven miles of trails to hike with different views of the beautiful landscape, along with rockclimbing and caving. Definitely head to the top of the rock on the Summit Trail.

It’s a bit of work to get there but absolutely worth it! That’s why Enchanted Rock is an awesome day trip from Austin.

Kerrville

The capital of Texas Hill Country is waiting for you in Kerrville where there’s tons to do on a day trip just 1.5 hours from Austin.

Spending the day outdoors is easy when you take a stroll along the Guadalupe River on the Kerrville River Trail or spend time in Kerrville-Schreiner Park.

Get cultured at the Museum of Western Art, catch a show at the Cailloux Theater, or tour the Schreiner Mansion.

Before leaving Kerrville, fill your belly at any of the restaurants in town, including seriously good Texas BBQ.

Bryan-College Station

Headed to the twin cities of College Station and Bryan? Both are bustling with energy and activity so spending the day there is one of the best things to do near Austin (and it’s only 2 hours away).

Home to Texas A&M University, Aggie pride is everywhere, but you don’t have to be a student to enjoy everything the cities have to offer.

Two museums that should be on your things to do list in Bryan are the Brazos Valley African American Museum and the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library.

Historic downtown Bryan is a great place to spend the afternoon strolling the unique and independent shops.

And Bryan is another popular spot in Texas to find bluebonnet fields in spring.

Krause Springs

Krause Springs is a magnificent place to spend the day. A perfect day trip from Austin that takes only 40-60 minutes to get to.

This beautiful place has 32 natural springs that feed swimming pools on 115 acres making it the perfect escape for a refreshing swim.

The breathtaking landscape and refreshing waters make Krause Springs a favorite among Texans especially during the summer months.

When you’ve dried off after a dip, stroll around the grounds and make sure to check out the butterfly gardens – you’re sure to be delighted.

Wimberley

Dreaming about taking a dip in a natural swimming hole? Then for sure consider a day trip to Wimberley.

This lovely town has two of the best natural pools in Texas: The Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well.

Both of these are favorite places for locals and visitors to cool off in the hot summer. Fed by natural underground springs, the waters keep their refreshing temps year round.

Another option for hot summer days is to go swimming in the Blanco River in Wimberley.

Other awesome things to do in Wimberley include glass blowing demonstrations, wine tasting and zip lining over Wimberley Valley. And of course, the big Wimberley cowboy boot art!

You can’t go wrong with this short day trip (45-60 mins) from Austin.

READ MORE: 15 Best Small Towns in TEXAS

Huge cowboy boot painted with sunflowers and bluebonnets.

New Braunfels

Looking for tasty bratwurst? Or a refreshing stein of beer? All without leaving the state of Texas? Then set a course for New Braunfels. This quaint town offers an authentic German experience right here in the Lone Star State.

Definitely check out Gruene Historic District where you can step into the past and explore shops including stellar antiques. Another awesome to-do is Gruene Hall where you can hear the best live music in town.

The drive to New Braunfels only takes 45 minutes to an hour, which makes it one of the most convenient day trips from Austin.

Hamilton Pool

A short distance from Austin (about a 45 minute drive) is the beautiful Hamilton Pool Preserve.

This natural pool is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Relatively easy hikes bring you into the wilderness and then to the pool and its beautiful clear blue waters.

Until recently swimming was permitted as well as hiking behind the waterfall. As of now, those two activities are not allowed because of fear of falling rocks.

But not to worry, the beauty of the pool and the surrounding woods still make for a great day trip from Austin.

Shiner

Texans know Shiner as the home of Spoetzl Brewery. They love taking a tour of the brewery and tasting their favorite Shiner Beer.

Yes, the Spoetzl Brewery is definitely a must-do on a day trip from Austin (only 1.5 hours away), but once you’ve checked it off the list, discover other gems the town has to offer.

Make sure to stop into Antiques, Art & Beer to enjoy a pint or buy a new treasured item. At Howard’s Convenience Store you can sip a drink in the beer garden or listen to live music.

Lockhart

If you’re looking to sample some of Texas’ finest barbecue, look no further than Lockhart, the Barbecue Capital of Texas (no seriously, it is).

Located only 30 minutes away it’s one of the top day trips from Austin. Here you’ll find tons of places that serve up the delicacy including, Black’s BBQ, Chisholm Trail Barbecue, Smitty’s Market, and Kreuz Market.

Once your belly is full, walk it off exploring everything Lockhart has to offer like the Caldwell County Museum and the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches. The Lockhart State Park is a great place to hike, bike, fish, and swim.

San Marcos

San Marcos is a favorite with the outdoorsy-types and it’s no wonder.

After the short 30 minute drive from Austin, there’s tons to do in the great outdoors: Go tubing down the San Marcos River or take the adventure up a notch by kayaking the Rio Vista Falls.

Explore caves at Wonder World or hike trails at Rio Vista Park.

Canyon Lake is also a great place to spend time in the fresh air.

Beyond the outdoors, San Marcos offers so much to do – Explore the art scene, shop the outlets, and eat, drink, and be merry at the restaurants and bars.

Georgetown

A day trip to Georgetown has everything from adventure, to relaxation, strolling the shops, and stellar eats. And the best part is that it’s and easy drive, only about 30 miles north of Austin.

Get adventurous at the Inner Space Cavern where you can explore underground caves or ride a heart pounding zipline above ground. Spend the day outdoors hiking Cedar Breaks Park or cool off with a dip in the Blue Hole Park.

Definitely be sure to stroll through historic downtown where you’ll love the architecture, shopping, and restaurants to choose from.

Pedernales Falls State Park

Spend a day at Pedernales Falls State Park with 5,215 acres to explore in Texas Hill Country.

There’s so much to do, that a whole day can be spent enjoying Pedernales Falls from sun up to sun down. Within the park you can hike, bike, and go birding. Looking to cool off, you can swim or go tubing. Fishing is also allowed if that’s your thing.

Just like Johnson City, Pedernales Falls is about an hour away from Austin.

Inks Lake State Park

A perfect day on the water awaits at Inks Lake State Park. It’s just over an hour northwest of Austin, making it an ideal day trip.

There’s no need to lug everything with you on this day trip. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards to get out on the water, plus go swimming and hiking in the park.

If you want to stay on shore you can rent fishing equipment including rods, reels, hooks, and sinkers. Finally, there are places to buy food and drink in the park, so essentially, you’re all set!

McKinney Falls State Park

Although McKinney Falls is within the Austin city limits it’s on the list for day trips because you’ll want to spend all day chilling out at this park. You’ll forget that you’re technically still in the city.

Bring your bike and check out the trails or go hiking, birding, swimming, fishing, or simply relax by the waterfalls. McKinney Falls park has over 600 acres of beautiful nature to explore and enjoy!

Be sure to bring your swimsuit and enjoy a refreshing dip at both the upper falls and lower falls at McKinney park. It’s magical!

Bastrop State Park

Get out and breathe the fresh air in Bastrop, one of the best outdoor day trips from Austin. Located about 45 minutes away, it’s a short drive to get away from it all.

In the park, head off on a nature walk to see how the earth restores itself in the Lost Pines. Go at a faster pace by biking the 12 mile road in the park. Geocache is thriving in the park with a number of treasures to be discovered.

The pool at Bastrop is the best way to cool off after a great hike, or just during a hot summer day.

Palmetto State Park

Palmetto State Park has so much to offer as a day trip just an hour from Austin.

Explore the natural beauty of Texas as you hike through the park. Be sure to note the park’s signature dwarf palmetto plants that look like short palm trees. The park is a great place to observe nature up close and it’s a favorite spot for birders.

Discover Geocache treasures left by others throughout Palmetto. Set on the San Marcos River, water activities are great on hot Texas days.

Colorado Bend State Park

Colorado Bend State Park is another beautiful state park within a short drive of Austin (less than 2 hours away).

Hikes throughout the park take you through the beautiful Texas wilderness. With over 35 miles to hike or bike, there’s so much to discover.

Hike up to the gorgeous Gorman Falls or head over to the Spicewood Springs for a refreshing swim. This awesome park also lets you paddle down the Colorado River or fish from the banks.

Final Thoughts Austin Day Trips

As you can see, there are incredible things to do near Austin. No matter where you go or which one you choose from the list of 21 awesome day trips from Austin, you’re in for a fabulous day Texas-style.