Day Trips from Austin

Austin is the gateway to the Texas Hill Country — rolling limestone hills, wildflower-covered meadows (spring), German-heritage towns, legendary BBQ, and natural swimming holes carved from limestone.

San Antonio — 1.5 Hours South

The River Walk, the Alamo, and one of the best Tex-Mex food scenes in Texas. Walk the riverfront, visit the missions (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and eat at Mi Tierra or the Pearl District restaurants.

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Fredericksburg — 1.5 Hours West

A German-heritage town in the heart of Hill Country wine country. The main street has beer gardens, boutique shops, and the National Museum of the Pacific War (Admiral Nimitz’s hometown). Over 50 wineries and tasting rooms within a 30-minute radius. The peach orchards (summer) are famous.

Wine tip: Book a guided wine tour or designate a driver — the tasting rooms are spread across the countryside and the pours are generous.

Lockhart — 30 Minutes South

The BBQ Capital of Texas. Four legendary joints in one small town:

Kreuz Market — No sauce, no forks. Smoked meats on butcher paper. The sausage and prime rib are the stars. This is Central Texas BBQ in its purest form.

Smitty’s Market — Walk through the smoke room to order. The atmosphere is worth the trip alone.

Black’s Barbecue — The oldest continuously operated BBQ joint in Texas (since 1932). The brisket and sausage are excellent.

Chisholm Trail BBQ — The value play. Solid BBQ at the lowest prices in Lockhart.

Hamilton Pool Preserve — 45 Minutes West

A collapsed limestone grotto with a 50-foot waterfall flowing into a jade-green swimming pool. One of the most beautiful natural swimming holes in the country. Reservations required (book online). Bring water shoes.

Enchanted Rock — 1.5 Hours West

A massive pink granite dome rising from the Hill Country. The summit hike is 0.6 miles with panoramic views in every direction. Sacred to Native Americans for thousands of years. State park entry: $8. Arrive early on weekends — the park fills to capacity.

Gruene (New Braunfels) — 1 Hour South

The oldest dance hall in Texas (Gruene Hall, since 1878) in a tiny Hill Country town. Live music every day, tube floating on the Guadalupe River next door, and Gristmill restaurant overlooking the river.

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