The fun continues outside of the city limits. Here are some quick day adventure ideas located in nearby towns.
The 75-minute drive to the quaint German settlement is worth the trip. Visit the charming houseware and gift shops on Main Street and stay the night in one of the town’s many bed and breakfasts.
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Peruse all of the boutiques, shops and art galleries along Main Street.
With over 900 B&Bs, guesthouses, inns and guest ranches, there is no shortage of lodging in this quaint town.
The pink granite domes of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area are one of the best climbing venues in all of Texas.
Tucked away amidst this German community is one of the most bustling wine industries with over 45 vineyards.
Located between Austin and San Antonio, this tourist town was designated as an Historic Town by the State of Texas. It’s known for river tubing, live music, dining and wine tasting.
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Known as the oldest dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall offers a fun evening full of dancing.
Browse all of the shops, galleries and antique stores along the town’s main square.
Enjoy a cool down and the scenery while tubing or kayaking down the Guadalupe River.
Take a break from all the shopping and river fun with a quick bite at the famous Gristmill River Restaurant.
This is a resort and retirement community on Lake LBJ, only about 50 minutes northwest of Austin. It is famous for its golf courses and watersports on the lake..
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Hit the water and enjoy a day of lake exploration with either a jet ski, paddle board, kayak or boat rental.
Home to award-winning golf courses, Horseshoe Bay is the ultimate destination for a Hill Country golf getaway.
Cast your line and go fishing from your dock or enjoy a guided fishing adventure.
Situated on the shores of Lake LBJ, the Horseshoe Bay Resort beckons with luxurious accommodations.
Just an hour west of Austin, Johnson City is a perfect day trip destination that includes outdoor adventures, wineries, science activities, and more. It was also the home of Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States of America.
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Learn about the 36th President’s roots by exploring the LBJ Ranch. When you arrive, pick up a map and free permit for a self-guided driving tour of the ranch in your own vehicle.
An independently-owned safari that’s home to over 600 creatures where you can drive-thru or stay overnight in one of their safari-styled cabins.
With 20 miles of trails, scenic views, and camping areas, the Pedernales Falls State Park is great for families.
Located near the square is the Science Mill, a family-friendly museum filled with high-tech exhibits created to engage kids with STEM concepts.
Less than 100 miles west of Austin, Kerrville is known for its historic buildings and the “Winter Texans” who visit. Located on the Guadalupe River, there is plenty of fishing and other water activities.
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Take in the Texas scenery and go horseback riding through the hill country.
Spend the day exploring downtown Kerrville and the shops on Water Street.
Stop and smell the corks at Kerrville’s first winery, Kerrville Hills Winery, featuring award-winning wines.
Enjoy the beautiful Guadalupe River that offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing, boating and kayaking.
This tiny, historic town 20 minutes south of Austin is the self-proclaimed barbecue capital of Texas and has the meat to prove it. Be sure to visit the four famous BBQ joints: Black’s, Chisholm Trail, Kreuz Market and Smitty’s Market.
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Eat your way through Lockhart’s famous barbecue joints: Kreuz Market, Chisholm Trail, Smitty’s and Black’s Barbecue.
Take a break from barbecue and tour the historic Caldwell County Museum sitting inside of the town’s old jail. The museum is staffed from 1-5 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Take a hike along Lockhart State Park’s Clear Fork Creek trail or enjoy the park’s 9-hole golf course.
Shop the town square for one of kind, antique furnishings, vintage and eclectic pieces.
Only a 45-minute drive northwest of Austin, this town is on Lake Marble Falls. While there, you will want to stop at the “World Famous” Blue Bonnet Cafe for Pie Happy Hour. Then visit Sweet Berry Farms and pick everything from berries to peaches to pumpkins.
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Downtown Marble Falls is full of incredible artwork. Be sure to check out Highland Arts Guild and Gallery.
Need an afternoon snack? The Blue Bonnet Cafe is the perfect place to grab a slice of the best homemade pie.
For an exciting thrill check out FlyTexas, who will take you hang gliding high above Lake LBJ.
Head over to Sweet Berry Farms for a day full of family fun where you can pick everything from berries to peaches to pumpkins.
Located about halfway between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels boasts plenty of outdoor water activities, including the original Schlitterbahn waterpark and floating the Comal River.
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Relax and cool off while tubing with friends down either the Comal or Guadalupe River (both run through the city).
For more of a rush, head to the Texas Ski Ranch, where you can wakeboard while a cable-system pulls you around a circular lake.
See the beautiful stalagmites and rock formations of the Natural Bridge Caverns, 180 feet below ground.
Schlitterbahn offers over 70 acres of water fun for the everyone. Don’t forget to bring lunch and snacks as picnics are welcomed!
Head about 90 minutes south on I-35 and you’ll hit the seventh largest city in the country. Take in the sites of The Alamo, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld, and the shops and restaurants on The River Walk.
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Be sure to visit the most iconic site in Texas, The Alamo. Tour guides are informative and passionate, so you’re guaranteed to learn a lot of interesting facts.
Packed with exhilarating rides, shows and attractions, SeaWorld is a 250 acre oceanarium everyone will enjoy.
Stroll down the River Walk, with shops, music, and food, or take in this Texas classic by boat for a whole new perspective.
For an adrenaline rush, head to Six Flags Fiesta Texas! This fantastic theme park is 200 acres of pure enjoyment.
Just a short drive south of Austin, this small town is home to Texas State University and makes for a quick, refreshing day trip. Activities include glass-bottom boat tours of Spring Lake, floating the San Marcos River and shopping at the Tanger Outlet Mall.
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Grab a tube and float the San Marcos River. The water is crystal clear and a refreshing 72 degrees year-round.
Treat yourself to some shopping at the Tanger Outlets, offering more than 240 brand names and designer stores at outlet prices.
Peer into the crystal-clear waters to see the spring-fed world below by taking a glass-bottom boat ride.
Stay past sun-down and take a SUP night glow tour down the San Marcos River at night using boards equipped with underwater lights.
A quick 30-minute drive south of Austin, this town is perfect for shopping at the quaint boutiques and floating the Blanco River..
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Wimberley boasts some of the most beautiful nature in the Hill Country. See the panoramic views at the top of Lookout Mountain aka “Prayer Mountain” aka “Old Baldy”.
Known for its karstic spring and underwater caves, Jacob’s Well has become so popular that reservations are now required to swim in its depths.
Take a break from the river and shop the charming town’s unique stores filled with locally made antiques, wine, clothing, toys, and more!
Daredevils can fly over the cliffs on one of ten ziplines at Wimberley Zipline Adventures. Walking tours are also available on the nature park-like grounds.