19 Best Road Trips From Austin

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Austin, the capital of Texas State, is named one of the best big cities to live in, and with it being in Central Texas, it makes the city a great starting point for road trips throughout the Texas State.

SEE ALSO: 45 Top Things To Do In Austin, Texas

I’ve rounded up the best day trips and overnight trips from Austin sorted by North, South, East, and West!

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Road trips west of Austin

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is one of the best road trips from Austin, and people love this German-influenced town in the middle of Texas for the scenic views of hill country and vineyards. It’s no wonder that it’s a favorite destination for those seeking the best road trips. Did you know the Texas Hill Country is home to over 100 wineries and vineyards? Peach season is mid-May through mid-August, making it an ideal time to visit on your best road trips, and grape stomping happens in August, adding to the unique experiences you can have while exploring this picturesque region.

Looking for a place to stay? Stay at Sunday Haus in Fredericksburg!

Driving distance from Austin: 80 miles west (one hour and 30 minutes)

Points of interest:

• 60+ wineries in Fredericksburg
• Enchanted Rock – 11 miles of hiking trails
• LBJ National Historical Park
• Fredericksburg Wine Road 290
• Pick-your-own-peach farms
• Bluebonnet season peaks in late March and early April

RELATED: 21 Top Things To Do in Fredericksburg, TX

Dripping Springs

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Austin, Dripping Springs is an option for dinner (I just went for dinner at Camp Lucy last week!). Dripping Springs is one of my favorite weekend getaways from Austin for all the outdoor activities that are both dog and family-friendly. Whether you’re looking to go hiking, explore the local parks, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, Dripping Springs has something for everyone on a weekend trip.

Driving distance from Austin: 25 miles west (30 minutes)

Points of interest:

• Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery
• Desert Door Distillery
• Hamilton Pool Preserve
• Jester King Brewery – (20 Best Breweries In Austin For Craft Beer)
• Pedernales Falls State Park
• Treaty Oak Distillery
• The Salt Lick BBQ (Best Barbecue in Austin (Besides Franklin))
• Camp Lucy

SEE ALSO: 16 Things To Do In Dripping Springs

Marble Falls

This laid-back town is known for boating, fishing, golfing, hunting, camping, swimming at the local water park, bird-watching, and geology.

Driving distance from Austin: 48.4 miles northwest

Points of interest:

• Sweet Berry Farm – we shot the photo above during their wildflower festival in October
• Blue Bonnet Cafe
• Granite Mountain
• Dead Man’s Hole
• Lake Marble Falls
• Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
• Save The World Brewing Co
• Johnson Park
• Galleries at Pecan Creek

Spicewood

I go swimming in Krause Springs at least once every summer but to be honest, I haven’t explored much of the area.

Driving distance from Austin: 35.6 miles northwest

Points of interest:

• Krause Springs – 115-acre property has 32 springs (see also: 11 Best Swimming Holes in Austin)
• Pace Bend Park
• Spicewood Vineyards
• Stone House Vineyard
• Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
• El Gaucho Winery
• Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery
• Crystal Creek Distillery
• Silvers Trails

Marfa

Finally made the trip out to West Texas in 2020 to Marfa and Terlingua – the 7 hour drive honestly wasn’t as bad! Check out my guide to top things to do in Marfa if you’re planning a trip.

Driving distance from Austin: 429 miles west

Points of interest:

• Prada Marfa
• Marfa Lights Viewing Area
• Marfa Mystery Lights
• Stargaze the Milky Way

Terlingua

We also went to Terlingua on the same West Texas road trip. Here’s my guide to things to do in Terlingua.

Driving distance from Austin: 485 miles west

Points of interest:

• Big Bend National Park (26.18 miles)
• Rio Grande

New Mexico

If you’re already in Terlingua, you might as well make the 8-hour drive via US Hwy 285 N to New Mexico! Here’s my guide to New Mexico on Albuquerque, Sante Fe, and Taos.

Driving distance from Austin: 637.6 miles west (10 hours)

Points of interest:

• Los Poblanos in Albuquerque
• Canyon Road in Sante Fe
• White Sands National Monument (stay at one of the many campgrounds)
• Meow Wolf
• Ojo Caliente
• Ten Thousand Waves
• Earthship Visitor Center in Taos
• Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

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Road trips south of Austin

San Marcos

Located south of Austin is San Marcos, just a short drive away, if you’re looking to do some shopping!

Driving distance from Austin: 31 miles south (40 minutes)

Points of interest:

• San Marcos River
• San Marcos Premium Outlets
• Tanger Outlets

Gruene

Just south of San Marcos is Gruene, a super cute town with a lot of character that’s home to Gruene Hall. Gruene Hall is the oldest dance hall in Texas where legends like George Strait and Willie Nelson play. Live music every day year round.

Driving distance from Austin: 50 miles south (50 minutes)

Points of interest:

• stay at Gruene River Inn
• Gruene Hall
• Gruene Market Days – 100 vendors feature handmade crafts and packaged Texas foods
• Gristmill River Restaurant

Photo by Ready Set Jet Set

Wimberley

Another one of my favorite weekend getaways from Austin is the small, quaint Texan town of Wimberley. You can easily walk around the town square and visit the local shops and boutiques. Don’t miss Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole while you’re there.

Driving distance from Austin: 80 miles south (45 minutes)

Points of interest:

• Bella Vista Ranch
• Jacob’s Well
• Blue Hole Regional Park (above)

San Antonio

I don’t go to San Antonio too often but I really should! I just went to San Antonio for a quick day trip at the beginning of the year and was impressed by how much The Pearl area has developed. We spent the day lounging on the grass at The Pearl while eating Mexican food from the new food hall there.

Driving distance from Austin: 80 miles south (1 hour 15 minutes)

Points of interest:

• The Alamo
• Riverwalk (go on a boat tour along the River Walk!)
• The Pearl
• San Antonio Botanical Gardens
• San Antonio Missions
• Natural Bridge Caverns

New Braunfels

New Braunfels, an enchanting city founded in the 1840s by German settlers, is renowned for its remarkable historic district that showcases the enduring small-town charm of yesteryears.

Driving distance from Austin: 48.3 miles south

Points of interest:

• Float the Guadalupe and Comal rivers
• New Braunfels Farmers Market
• Krause’s Biergarten & Cafe
• Phoenix Saloon – the first bar in Texas to serve women
• Comal Inn

Lockhart

If you’re making the trip down to South Texas, make sure to stop in Lockhart for some barbecue!

Driving distance from Austin: 30 miles south

Points of interest:

• Black’s Barbecue
• Kreuz Market
• Lockhart Chishole Trail Bar-B-Q
• Smitty’s Market

Port Aransas

I’m from South Texas and haven’t been back to the area since high school. I did a mini vacay to Corpus Christi last summer to stay at Lively Beach and loved the beach getaway. Make the drive down to the Gulf coast.

Driving distance from Austin: 251.9 miles south (3 hour 45 minutes)

Points of interest:

• Port Aransas Beach
• The Port Aransas Ferry System
• Mustang Island State Park
• San Jose Island
• South Padre Island

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Road trips north of Austin

Salado

Driving distance from Austin: 51 miles north (50 minutes)

Points of interest:

• Stay at the historic Stagecoach Inn
• Salado Glassworks
• Mud Pies Gallery
• Barrow Brewing Company
• Salado Museum & College Park
• Boutique shops in Salado Square – Magnolias of Salado (13 specialty shops under one roof), Classics on Main
• The Shoppes on Main
• Salado Winery Co.
• Salado Legends
• Mill Creek Country Club

SEE ALSO: 11 Best Things to Do in Salado TX

Waco

This little town in north of Austin has been put on the map thanks to Fixer Upper stars Joanna and Chip Gaines.

Driving distance from Austin: 101.9 miles north (1 hour 35 minutes)

Points of interest:

• Fixer Upper stars Joanna and Chip Gaines’ Magnolia Market at the Silos
• Waco Mammoth site
• Dr Pepper Museum

SEE ALSO: 37 Top Things To Do In Waco, Texas

Dallas

I’ve been to the Dallas and Plano area a couple of times in the past and need to make a trip back. Here’s my guide to 18 Best Restaurants In Plano Texas.

Driving distance from Austin: 195 miles north (2 hours 50 minutes)

Points of interest:

• Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
• Dallas Museum of Art
• Klyde Warren Park
• Eat & explore Lower Greenville

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Road trips east of Austin

Round Top

I love going to the Round Top for the weekend or even week! I’ve been out there 3-4 times now so I’ve put together a guide to Round Top with everything you need to know on where to stay, eat, and do.

Driving distance from Austin: 80 miles east (1 hour 20 mins)

Points of interest:

• Junk Gypsy
• Round Top Antiques Show
• Round Top Vintage Market
• Royers Pie Haven

Houston

I’ll be honest with you guys that I don’t know too much about Houston other than Chinatown and its vibrant art galleries, so let’s circle back 🙂

Driving distance from Austin: 165.4 miles east (2 hours and 30 minutes)

Points of interest: 

• The Houston Museum of Natural Science
• Chinatown
• Minute Maid Park
• Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
• Houston Zoo
• The Galleria
• Cockrell Butterfly Center
• Rodeo Houston or Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

New Orleans

I love NOLA, especially in early February or the fall when the weather is cooler. Here are my guides on New Orleans, where you can explore its vibrant culture, indulge in delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this historic site. Whether it’s strolling through the French Quarter or visiting iconic landmarks like the St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans offers a unique blend of charm and excitement that makes it an unforgettable destination. So grab a beignet, take a stroll down Bourbon Street, and discover the magic of this historic site.

Here are my guides on New Orleans:

Ultimate Guide To New Orleans French Quarter

17 New Orleans Best Restaurants You Have To Eat At

9 Top Things To Do In New Orleans During Mardi Gras

Where to Stay In NOLA: Ace Hotel New Orleans

Driving distance from Austin: 511.4 miles east (8 hours)

Points of interest:

• Explore the French Quarter
• Whitney Plantation Tour
• Bike the Garden District
• Jackson Square
• Cafe du Monde
• District Donuts
• St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
• Drink a Hurricane cocktail

RELATED: 7 Top Things To Do In Hot Springs Arkansas