If you are looking for a relaxing and fun staycation near Austin, Texas, then you have come to the right place.
By reading this article, you aim to gain a head start in planning your next Texas adventure. You will get ideas on the best places to stay, shop, dine, and take the kids for your staycation near Austin. Whether you want to explore the city or escape to the great outdoors, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and exciting part of Lone Star State.
An hour outside of Austin is a city called New Braunfels. This hidden gem has so much to offer to its guests and locals. A short drive from Austin, this staycation destination might be your next great escape. An hour and a half east of Austin you will find the city of Round Top. This city is best known for its antique shops. People come from all around the country to explore the rare finds you can only find in this staycation near Austin.
Staycation Near Austin: New Braunfels
Where to Stay:
The Resorts at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is a fun resort to choose from for your staycation near Austin. There are 7 different kinds of experiences for you to choose from for your stay. Schlitterbahn is known as the best water park in Texas. This resort is an âstay and playâ attraction. You only have to walk a few feet to emerge in the fun.
You can stay in cabins, lofts, vacation homes, luxury suits, condos, lodges, or resort rooms depending on your needs for your staycation. There are cabanas, water rides, special events, dining experiences, and shopping for you to enjoy without ever leaving the resort. Check out the website here to see which room type is best for you. https://www.schlitterbahn.com/new-braunfels
Where to Eat Lunch:
The Buttermilk Cafe is open every day but Tuesdays from 7 am-2 pm. The inspiration for this restaurant is family memories of loving hands preparing good food and joyful conversation around the table. This unique experience is perfect for your staycation near Austin. Your meal will be prepared by people who love to cook and eat. The menu will offer a variety of comfort foods to make you feel at home. Check out what they have to serve up here http://thebuttermilkcafe.com/lunch/. I have no doubt you can find something delicious for everyone on your staycation to enjoy.
Where to Shop:
New Braunfels was established in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels. Prince Carl named the town to honor his home of Solms-Braunfels, which is in Germany. Eventually, hundreds of people from Germany came to settle here in Texas. There are still some German-themed remnants left behind in this staycation location. One is Opaâs German Store. During your staycation near Austin, you should stop in here just to hear the hand-carved coo clocks. They also have unique beer steins, and many other âmade in Germanyâ products for you to browse.
Where to Eat Dinner:
Established in 1977, The Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar promise to deliver an âtrue Texas experienceâ. The Gruene cotton gin was built in 1878. Farmers would bring their cotton here to be processed. In 1922 this gin burned down. Luckily, the three-story brick boiler room it was housed in did not. This room is currently the kitchen for this restaurant. Your staycation near Austin would not be complete without a delectable dining experience here. The large menu has many classic choices as well as signature dishes you can only find here, in one of the historic places on the national register. Here is a copy of their menu to get your tastebuds ready for your staycation dinner. https://gristmillrestaurant.com/menu/#appetizers
Where to Get a Massage:
Eighty-two out of eighty-four Google reviews rate Terrific Massage and Wellness Spa with 5 stars. Pamper yourself during your staycation near Austin by adding on a relaxing massage. You can also get a facial or waxing done here at the spa as well. There are 9 types of massages and 7 types of facials to choose from, all at reasonable prices. Clients describe their experiences as professional, relaxed, comfortable, and enjoyable. The atmosphere is also described as being tranquil and calm for the ultimate in relaxation ambiance.
Where to Bring the Kids:
As if staying on-site at a water park at Schlitterbahn isnât enough, thereâs even more for the little ones to do on your staycation near Austin. The Comal River, the worldâs shortest at 2 miles, is a great place for the family. You can rent a tube, single, double, or extra large for the whole family and take a fun but relaxing trip down the natural lazy river. There are many places to take a break and have a picnic on the side of the river. For younger tots, the McKenna Childrenâs Museum would be a better choice. There are pretend campgrounds, outer space, a grocery store, and a ranch for your little guys to use their imagination and practice pretend play. There is a section that uses the force of air to propel objects through the air in various exhibits. The wonder shop builds creativity and allows them to express themselves through art. Admission is only $7.50 for each family member. There are so many things for you to explore inside and outside of this museum during your staycation.
Where to Walk/Run:
Landa Park is 51 acres of shady, beautiful oak trees for you to enjoy. As you walk, enjoy flora and fauna on the Panther Canyon Trail. There are other trails to choose from as well. When you are done with your walk/run, you can take a miniature train ride, play mini golf, visit the playground or take a paddle boat ride around Landa Lake. There is, even more, to do here on your staycation near Austin. You might even want to make a whole day out of it. Look at all the amenities offered here. https://nbtexas.org/2595/Landa-Park
Staycation near Austin: Round Top
Where to Stay:
If you want the most bizarre/eccentric play to stay on your staycation near Austin, FlopHouze is your best bet. This winner of the traveler’s choice award converts shipping containers into lavish hotel rooms to rent. One can even sleep up to 10 people. The guest gives it great reviews and says the beds and linens are super comfortable. They even have a shipping container pool. On the 2-acre property, there is a store called Recycling The Past where you can purchase an array of repurposed items that would have normally ended up as trash. But now are unique items for you to take home and love. If you really love your stay you can work with the owner and create a shipping container home of your own! They will build it to fit your liking.
Where to Eat Lunch:
Your staycation near Austin would not be complete without a pie from Royers Round Top Cafe. They have a small lunch menu but every item on it is delicious. The meat is all local, including their handmade burgers. Nothing is ever frozen. The food is always fresh and scrumptious. They have salads for those who donât eat meat as well. The prices are unbeatable for the quality of food you are getting. But everyone comes for the pie. They have classics like apple, blueberry, and custard. But they make their own signature pies like the Texas Trash Pie which is made up of chocolate chips, pretzels, coconut, caramel, and graham crackers. You have to try it to believe it! They also have sugar-free options so everyone can enjoy a dessert with lunch. Their pies are so famous, they will ship one anywhere in the United States. So if you go home from your staycation wanting more itâs always an option!
Where to Shop:
As mentioned earlier, Round Top is an antiquerâs haven. Just some of the best shops to find antiques are McLaurens Antiques and Interiors, Dapper Deer Co., Round TopRanch Antiques, and Market Hill at Round Top. If youâd like to shop for other items you can visit Junk Gypsy for a large variety of clothes, accessories, beauty care, home decor, and more. Southern Beasts is also a cool place to shop during your staycation near Austin. It features an art gallery with pieces from Mary Lou Marks and lots of art, jewelers, one-of-a-kind hats, and clothes for you to shop.
Where to Eat Dinner:
The garden company has a menu selection unlike anywhere else. It is going to be so hard to choose just one entree. They also have an extensive wine and mixed drink list. The chefâs fusion of quality and unique pairings will leave you wanting more. Enjoy an appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert on your staycation near Austin at the best restaurant in town. It is beautiful inside and outside with a rustic interior and luscious gardens outside.
Where to Get a Massage:
Round Top Therapeutic Massage has a perfect 5-star rating on Google. The locals really enjoy this place. When you first arrive you might be taken aback because it seems to be located inside a green farmhouse, but donât let the outside deceive you. It is a sea of tranquility with experienced massage therapists. Treat yourself to a relaxing day or night on your staycation near Austin. You deserve it!
Where to Walk/Run:
Castlegate Trail is a great place to get in some exercise during your staycation near Austin. A lot of local family flock here because there are playgrounds and a tennis court amongst the beautiful scenery. The trail is about 2 miles long and lined with trees. You will also be passing by a quaint pond where you can observe local birds and other wildlife.
Your staycation near Austin has the potential to be an experience the whole family will love. Even if you are traveling as a couple or solo, this is a great destination that has so many options and things to do.