Austin is a fantastic city for a weekend getaway. There are many things to see and do, whether you are interested in the city’s history, culture, or food. And if you want to get out of the town for a few days, there are plenty of great places to go for weekend trips from Austin. If you wish to enjoy the state-famous barbecue or experience Texas Hill Country’s finest, there is everything you require to have a memorable weekend in Austin. So, stick around to explore best weekend trips from Austin.
1. Drippings Springs Trail- scenic weekend trip from Austin
A beautiful and scenic park, Drippings Springs Trail is a great way to spend the weekend. It offers several outdoor activities, like horseback riding, hiking, and picnic areas. One of Austin’s best restaurants is on Drippings Springs Trail.
The Lamberts BBQ is an award-winning restaurant that serves authentic Texas BBQ at its finest. And, with over 70 items on their menu, you will undoubtedly find something that satisfies your appetite. The restaurant also offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights – the perfect combination of food, fun, and outdoor recreation.
2. Mustang Island State Park
Do you dream of having an isolated island to yourself? If your dream involves snowy palm trees or sandy beaches instead of snowdrifts, then Mustang Island State Park may be just what you are looking for. Located near Port Aransas in South Texas, half seaside/half woods retreat, this state park has much to offer. That includes bike trails along the beach, fishing, and boating activities.
This area makes you feel private and secluded, as though there are no neighbors or cities around except for the occasional glimpse along the horizon.
To experience the best of Mustang Island State Park, visit between mid-May and October when the weather is warm enough for beach sports and surfing. Bring your spouse for a weekend or longer if you have time, and enjoy the serenity of a tropical island.
3. San Antonio
Plan the best weekend trips from Austin to San Antonio, and you will not be disappointed. It is a great weekend getaway for lovers of the outdoors. With its location along the Riverwalk banks, it is easy to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and water.
This area is also home to Sea World, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the Alamo, and other points of interest. San Antonio has something for everyone, including an International Airport that makes it easy for travelers from Austin to make weekend trips non-stop.
In addition to being an entertaining city with plenty of things to do, San Antonio is also a popular spot for live music. Visitors always have a chance to experience impressive country music shows or concerts. Found in San Antonio is the largest marine life park in the US, known as SeaWorld. Visit the park to experience the marvelous wonders of nature up close and take a few great pictures. The park is full of fun activities for the entire family to enjoy. It also has an area for younger children, which makes it a stunning place for families to make weekend trips from Austin together.
For those who love eating out and trying different kinds of cuisine, San Antonio is the ultimate destination in Texas. Many restaurants are located throughout the city, serving everything from the finest steaks to Mexican and Italian cuisine.
4. Wimberley
It is a town near Austin and features a large stone bridge, almost like something out of a fairytale. This bridge is crossed by several trails, making it an excellent place for hikers to enjoy a weekend getaway. A few famous art galleries are located in the city, containing many sculptures and paintings made by local artists, such as Art on 12. Those who appreciate art will have plenty of time to explore these galleries.
The city also features a large lake, surrounded by large trees and complete with a small beach area. White limestone cliffs line the lake’s shoreline and offer visitors stunning, unparalleled views. Wimberley is also filled with many parks and picnic facilities, making it an ideal place for the best weekend trip from Austin. Visitors can enjoy fishing or boating at Lake Wimberley as well. The famous Redbud Trail closely follows Wimberley Creek through this area, running along the cliffs and it is enjoyed by many hikers every year.
Wimberley is home to many events throughout the year, such as festivals and shows hosted by the local chamber of commerce. These include Thirsty Crab Splash, Wimberley Square Dance Festival, Texas Wine & Music Festival, Oktoberfest Celebration, and Texas Independence Day Celebration.
5. New Braunfels
New Braunfels was settled in 1845 and sat on the Guadalupe River along Interstate 35. This city is most famous for its German-influenced culture and the historic Gruene Historic District. Gruene is a community that still holds traditional German dances, food, music, and weekend entertainment for families to enjoy. It is also known for its significant events, such as the Texas Wine Festival and Pfifferling Festival, featuring numerous local artists.
Gruene is also home to several family-friendly adventures, including canoeing down the San Marcos River or relaxing along the Guadalupe River. Visitors may also enjoy swimming at Cottonwood Creek Park or visiting any of the area’s lakes in New Braunfels and nearby cities. Many stores are also located here where visitors can buy souvenirs or other necessities.
6. San Marcos
San Marcos offers the best weekend trips from Austin with its clean and friendly environment. It is located in the heart of Texas Hill Country and is only 30 minutes away from the city of Austin. The city has a booming industry thanks to the two school districts, Texas State University and Hays County.
San Marcos has several exciting water parks within 15 minutes, offering inducing amusement. Schlitterbahn Waterpark offers visitors numerous rides; you could golf at the nearby Black Bear Golf Club or shop at one of its many stores or outlet malls.
San Marcos also offers visitors a taste of nature with its many lakes nearby, and the peaceful environment found on Scenic Drive at the local parks or along the Guadalupe River. Visitors may enjoy wildlife viewing above atop Mount Locke on a hot day, thanks to their scenic observation deck.
7. Marble Falls and Pedernales Falls-mesmerizing weekend trip from Austin
Marble Falls offers a beautiful environment when visiting from Austin. Located only an hour from Austin, Marble Falls offers a space for you and your family to get away for the weekend, offering tons of fun for everyone.
There is a lot to marvel at here around Marble Falls; enjoy a horseback riding tour at Pioneer Trail Rides, and engage in production at the Austin Community College Theatre. Plenty of local stores provide everything from antiques to clothing for those looking for shopping.
Marble Falls has unique flavors, offering visitors a taste of Central Texas food; try the 22 Hot Chicken for an extra special treat. The city offers numerous opportunities to relax with the many parks and nature walks. For visitors looking for more of an active vacation, plenty of water sports are within easy reach, including fishing and tubing on Lake LBJ and Lake Marble Falls or boating on Lake Travis, just 52 miles north of town.
8. Spicewood
Spicewood also gives visitors some of the best weekend trips from Austin. Home to Spicewood Beach Recreation Area, this city also offers many outdoor activities and beautiful scenery.
Spicewood Beach Recreation Area is sensational that offers visitors fun in the sun, complete with sunbathing and swimming, as well as a playground and picnic area. There are plenty of activities to choose from here; visitors can enjoy horseback riding and fishing, all available on-site.
The park is home to two great hiking trails – the Canyon Trail and the Spicewood Ledges Trail. The former leads hikers through beautiful rock formations, while the latter gives hikers a chance to relax atop some of Austin’s most spectacular hillsides.
Visitors looking for shopping or restaurants will find plenty around town. Several unique shops offer handmade gifts at local boutiques, such as Antique Swan or Montopolis Plaza. Those looking for more active recreation will be pleased with ample options, including hiking trails at Spicewood Beach Recreation Area or kayaking down Cypress Creek at Lake Travis.
9. Waco
Found just 102 miles north of Austin, Waco is another charming weekend getaway town. Visitors will find plenty of unique shops and restaurants to explore, including the newly established Riverside district and the Waco Drive-In.
Located on Lake Waco, the famous Brazos Trail is a must-visit for hikers and nature lovers. The trail begins at Bosque Park and spans 18 miles through the beautiful Waco forest area along the shores of Lake Waco.
The city is also home to historic Baylor University, located in downtown Waco. The university offers a variety of annual events – such as the Texas Cowboys Chisholm Trail Roundup & Western Festival. These take place during warmer months and provide a chance to enjoy some of the town’s unique traditions. You can also visit Cameron Park or take your kids to Cameron Park zoo for unending fun and exciting activities.
10. Dallas Area
If you are looking for big-city fun, Dallas or Fort Worth are both fantastic destinations for an active weekend getaway from Austin. Both have plenty to offer, from world-class museums to thrilling theme parks and many shopping opportunities along their busy streets.
Check out some of these popular local attractions in Dallas: Klyde Warren Park – the park is perfect for relaxing after a long day at work or exploring all that downtown Dallas has to offer. It offers excellent views of both the Reunion Tower and the surrounding heart of Dallas.
You could also tour the Sixth Floor Museum – a museum dedicated to preserving the history of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The museum is where Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed Kennedy on November 22, 1963.
11. Marfa
Marfa offers the best weekend trips from Austin. The city orchestrates activities such as live music, art festivals, workshops, and theater performances.
Marfa lights are a must-do activity every night in the main square at sunset. The town residents turn on all the colorful lights in the yard, making it look like a giant glitter ball from dramatic angles.
The modern art museum’ The Chinati Foundation is also in the city. The museum uses new media, both local and international, to showcase its unique artworks. Among the top attractions are Prada Marfa and stargazing at the milky way.
12. New Mexico
New Mexico is the state just to the east of Texas. There are plenty of exciting things to do and places to visit here.
Some point of attractions here includes Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Ten Thousand Waves, Meow Wolf, and Canyon Road in Sante Fe.
The most famous city in New Mexico is Albuquerque, which lies north. Albuquerque offers some great museums that tourists from Texas may be interested in. These include the Georgia O’Keeffe museum, dedicated to one of America’s greatest modern artists, and The International UFO Museum, where you can witness countless UFOs and alien sightings.
13. Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a coastal city with many beaches. It is home to the USS Lexington, the oldest carrier that holds many events and exhibitions for visitors throughout the year.
There are also many other museums and educational facilities in Corpus Christi, such as The Art Museum at the University of Corpus Christi, The Texas State Aquarium, and The USS Lexington Museum, located on board the famous ship itself.
Wrapping Up
Try out these fascinating places and towns for the best weekend trips from Austin. This article will help you select the ideal locations around Austin to spend your time. Since Texas is a large state, there is a lot for you to see and do.
FAQs
What city is 8 hour drive from Austin?
New Orleans is 7hrs and 36 min away from Austin, while Little Rock is 7hrs and 28 min away.
Are three days sufficient to tour Austin?
Austin and its environs have a lot to offer visitors and locals alike. Three days is enough to allow you to sample almost everything in Austin.
What is the best time to visit Austin?
You could plan your Austin visits between March and May or September and November. That is when temperatures are favorable for tours and travel.
