Discover extra of the Lone Star State and past with these unbelievable street journeys from Austin, Texas!
Austin is a vibrant metropolis in central Texas identified for its wonderful reside music scene, world-class museums, and laid-back environment.
After you’ve completely loved all of the delights that Austin has to supply, contemplate a street journey exterior town!
Yow will discover extra large cities akin to Houston or Dallas, and even discover exterior the state and go to cities like New Orleans. You too can discover lush wilderness areas, from Huge Bend close to the New Mexico border to the Blue Gap proper exterior Austin.
The drives by way of Texas are simply as wonderful because the locations as nicely! There isn’t any higher approach to soak within the rural attraction of the Texas countryside than an epic drive exterior town.
18 Finest Street Journeys From Austin, Texas
Listed here are some wonderful street journeys from Austin to attempt in your subsequent go to to Texas!
Whether or not you’re keen to drive huge distances and discover locations close to the New Mexico or Louisiana border, otherwise you simply desire a fast and straightforward journey to a close-by location, you’re certain to seek out an journey that fits you.
One of the best ways to get round is to lease a automotive and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Automobiles, which has the most important vary of autos for the very best worth in the marketplace.
1. Huge Bend Nationwide Park
- Distance from Austin: 473 miles
- Driving time: 7 hours and 50 minutes
Probably the greatest weekend getaways from Austin is Huge Bend Nationwide Park.
This journey takes you thru central and western Texas the place you possibly can admire the small city attraction and rugged terrain of rural Texas. Cease within the little city of Terlingua to step again in time and discover an genuine ghost city earlier than heading into nature.
As you strategy Huge Bend Nationwide Park, the panorama turns into much more dramatic, with towering mountains, deep canyons, and the winding Rio Grande river marking the U.S.-Mexico border.
The drive itself is a part of the expertise, with scenic overlooks and the occasional wildlife sighting alongside the way in which.
As soon as inside Huge Bend Nationwide Park, the sheer scale of the desert wilderness unfolds, providing alternatives for mountain climbing, tenting, horseback using, and stargazing in one of many darkest night time skies within the nation. The journey from Austin to Huge Bend isn’t just a visit however a transition from city life to the untamed wilderness.
2. San Antonio
- Distance from Austin: 79 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
A neater street journey choice from Austin, San Antonio is just below two hours away from town. Although you may simply go to San Antonio on a day journey, most individuals choose a weekend journey as there’s a lot to do right here!
Recognized for its colonial heritage, town’s most iconic landmark is the Alamo, the place the well-known 1836 battle for Texas independence occurred. Historical past buffs also needs to try the San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
The River Stroll is one other hallmark of San Antonio, a picturesque community of walkways alongside the San Antonio River lined with retailers, eating places, and cultural points of interest. Whether or not you take a ship tour or just stroll alongside the river, the River Stroll is the guts of town’s vigorous environment.
Additionally try the Pearl District, an enthralling space full of fashionable boutiques, eateries, and a bustling weekend farmers’ market. San Antonio can also be house to a number of cultural establishments, such because the San Antonio Museum of Artwork and the Tobin Middle for the Performing Arts.
3. Garner State Park
- Distance from Austin: 171 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
One other among the finest weekend journeys from Austin for nature lovers is Garner State Park. Situated alongside the Frio River, the park has beautiful limestone cliffs, scenic strolling trails, and crystal-clear river waters.
Through the hotter months, guests flock to the riverbanks to chill off and go swimming, tubing, and boating. You too can get pleasure from miles and miles of trails for mountain climbing, chicken watching, and out of doors actions.
You too can get pleasure from street journeys to Garner State Park exterior of summer time, as tenting, fishing, and picnicking are in style year-round! So for those who’re in search of an pleasurable and straightforward street journey from Austin, Garner State Park is an incredible choice.
4. Texas Hill Nation
- Distance from Austin: 129 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and half-hour
A scenic drive by way of Texas Hill Nation is certainly among the finest street journeys from Austin. Street journeys by way of Texas Hill Nation might be full of rolling hills, expansive vineyards, and charming small cities, making it probably the most picturesque areas of the state.
Ranging from Austin, you’ll depart the cityscape behind as you drive by way of winding roads lined with wildflowers, particularly vibrant in spring when bluebonnets blanket the fields.
Alongside the way in which, stops in cities like Fredericksburg, identified for its German heritage, supply an opportunity to discover native wineries, breweries, and retailers promoting all the pieces from artisanal items to do-it-yourself pies.
The scenic drives, notably alongside Ranch Street 1 or Freeway 16, supply sweeping views of the countryside dotted with limestone bluffs, clear rivers, and outdated ranch homes.
High locations to take a look at within the space embrace the granite mountain climbing trails at Enchanted Rock, the refreshing swimming gap at Hamilton Pool, or the self proclaimed cowboy capital of Bandera. Exploring the pure wonders and small cities of Hill Nation makes for an epic weekend getaway in central Texas.
5. Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park
- Distance from Austin: 485 miles
- Driving time: 7 hours and half-hour
For extra nationwide parks within the American Southwest, take a street journey out to the Guadalupe Mountains.
Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park is situated in west Texas close to the border with New Mexico. It’s an extended drive, so finest suited to in a single day journeys with loads of stops alongside the way in which. However when you arrive you possibly can actually disconnect and immerse your self within the energy of nature.
The park is house to the very best level in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, and is understood for its rugged mountain climbing trails, various ecosystems, and beautiful vistas.
With over 80 miles of trails, together with difficult hikes just like the trek to Guadalupe Peak or extra leisurely walks by way of McKittrick Canyon, the park is a haven for out of doors lovers.
After the lengthy street journey, the recent air and towering mountains of Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park make for an awe-inspiring reward.
Learn extra: 18 Finest Locations To Go to In Texas
6. Scorching Springs
- Distance from Austin: 480 miles
- Driving time: 7 hours
Scorching Springs, Arkansas can also be among the finest street journeys from Austin, Texas. It’s a preferred weekend journey vacation spot because the drive is about 7 hours, but it surely’s definitely worth the trek!
Nestled inside the picturesque Ouachita Mountains, the city is house to Scorching Springs Nationwide Park, the oldest nationwide park within the U.S. This space has been cherished for hundreds of years, with Native People initially using the therapeutic waters.
In the present day, guests can discover the historic Bathhouse Row, the place elegant buildings from the early twentieth century home varied spas providing thermal baths and wellness remedies. The colourful downtown space is full of quaint retailers, galleries, and native eateries, making a heat and welcoming environment that invitations exploration.
You too can try some cool museums in Scorching Springs, such because the Gangster Museum of America or the Mid-America Science Museum.
7. South Padre Island
- Distance from Austin: 371 miles
- Driving time: 5 hours and half-hour
These in search of beachy street journeys from Austin ought to contemplate a go to right down to South Texas! About 5.5 hours away from Austin lies South Padre Island, a coastal gem full of beautiful white sandy seashores and glowing Gulf waters.
Whether or not you’re trying to loosen up on the seashore, go fishing, or attempt your hand at water sports activities like paddleboarding or kiteboarding, the island provides limitless choices for enjoyable.
Don’t miss the chance to discover the close by nature reserves, the place you possibly can spot various wildlife and revel in scenic views. South Padre Island additionally has a bustling tradition with beachfront eating places and vibrant nightlife.
In the event you’re hoping to take pleasure in some sand, sea, and sunshine, you possibly can have all of it on a street journey to South Padre Island!
8. San Marcos
- Distance from Austin: 31 miles
- Driving time: 50 minutes
San Marcos makes a fast and straightforward day journey from Austin for individuals who are brief on time. This vibrant faculty city is nestled conveniently between Austin and San Antonio, so you may at all times cease right here on a weekend journey to San Antonio as nicely.
San Marcos is house to Texas State College, which infuses the realm with a dynamic environment full of artwork, music, and cultural occasions. The San Marcos River winds by way of the guts of town, providing a wide range of leisure actions akin to tubing, kayaking, and swimming in its clear, spring-fed waters.
The town has an enthralling downtown space full of distinctive retailers, native eateries, and a thriving arts scene. Make sure to try the historic district with its superbly preserved buildings, boutiques and craft breweries.
All year long, San Marcos hosts varied festivals and occasions, so you possibly can attempt to align your street journeys right here with among the native happenings!
9. Spherical High
- Distance from Austin: 80 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
A straightforward street journey from Austin is Spherical High, a small city simply east of town.
Situated midway between Austin and Houston, you may additionally cease right here in your approach to Houston or Galveston for those who wished to mix a few of these street journey locations.
Spherical High is a quaint city that pulls guests year-round. One of many city’s most well-known points of interest is the biannual Spherical High Antiques Truthful, the place distributors and collectors from throughout the nation collect to showcase a powerful number of antiques, artwork, and classic treasures.
Regardless of its small dimension, Spherical High provides a pleasant mix of tradition and hospitality, with historic properties, cozy bed-and-breakfasts, native eateries, and artwork galleries dotting the realm.
The scenic rural panorama, with its rolling hills and open pastures, provides to the city’s relaxed, rustic attraction, making it a favourite vacation spot for these in search of a peaceable getaway from town.
Tackle extra epic Texas street journeys with a drive from Houston To New Orleans!
10. Caddo Lake State Park
- Distance from Austin: 316 miles
- Driving time: 5 hours
Street journeys from Austin to Caddo Lake State Park take you on a scenic journey by way of East Texas, the place lush landscapes and charming small cities await.
Alongside the way in which, you possibly can cease for a style of native delicacies at roadside diners or discover vintage retailers that mirror the area’s wealthy historical past.
Upon arriving at Caddo Lake State Park, you’ll be greeted by the park’s distinctive ecosystem, that includes cypress bushes draped in Spanish moss and a labyrinth of serene bayous and wetlands.
Caddo Lake is understood for its beautiful magnificence and various wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers and out of doors lovers. You may discover the park through canoe or kayak, or simply roam the lakeside mountain climbing trails.
Whether or not you’re fishing, birdwatching, or just soaking within the pure magnificence, Caddo Lake State Park is the right peaceable vacation spot for street journeys from Austin, Texas.
11. New Orleans
- Distance from Austin: 511 miles
- Driving time: 7 hours and 20 minutes
One of many high weekend getaways from Austin is New Orleans. The long-lasting Louisiana metropolis is simply over 7 hours from Austin, so it’s an extended drive however you possibly can stretch it out into a couple of days for the last word sightseeing journey.
Head east out of Austin and drive by way of the charming small city environment of rural Texas. Cross the border into Louisiana and contemplate stopping in distinctive, cultural cities akin to Lake Charles and Lafayette.
You may want at the very least 3 days in New Orleans as this vibrant metropolis is packed filled with points of interest and actions.
The French Quarter is the guts and soul of New Orleans. Spend a while right here sampling recent pastries at native bakeries, admiring the historic structure, and attending reside music exhibits.
Different enjoyable methods to have interaction with the historical past and tradition of New Orleans embrace a haunted ghost tour, a historic plantation and swamp tour, or an night jazz cruise on the Mississippi River. There are limitless wonders awaiting you in New Orleans!
12. Houston
- Distance from Austin: 162 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and half-hour
Houston is certainly probably the most in style street journeys from Austin. As the most important metropolis in Texas, Houston is filled with iconic points of interest and it’s just below 3 hours from Austin. You could need to spend at the very least 3 days in Houston, although you may additionally simply go to as a day journey for those who’re brief on time.
Metropolis life in Houston is dynamic and entertaining. From eating at implausible eating places, to studying concerning the galaxies at House Middle Houston, to strolling by way of Buffalo Bayou Park, there’s a variety of points of interest right here.
The Museum District is house to 19 museums, together with the Houston Museum of Pure Science, the Museum of High-quality Arts, and the Modern Arts Museum. Whether or not you’re into artwork, historical past, or science, this space provides one thing for everybody
It can save you cash on varied Houston points of interest with the Metropolis Go, so contemplate one among these to your journey to “House Metropolis”!
13. Galveston
- Distance from Austin: 216 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours and 20 minutes
In the event you drive only a bit additional previous Houston you possibly can attain Galveston, a preferred spot for weekend getaways by the seashore.
This charming coastal metropolis has historic structure, amusement parks, and sandy seashores that provide a mixture of solar, sea, historical past, and family-friendly actions.
The town’s historic Strand District options superbly preserved Nineteenth-century buildings full of retailers, eating places, and galleries.
Guests can even discover the well-known Moody Gardens, with its glass pyramids housing all the pieces from tropical rainforests to aquariums, or loosen up on the in style Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier with rides and video games overlooking the water.
Broaden your experiences right here with a dolphin watching cruise by way of Galveston Bay or a spooky ghost tour of the historic downtown. There’s heaps to do in Galveston, Texas!
Learn Subsequent: When you’re within the space, these are the finest issues to do in Galveston, Texas!
14. Blue Gap Regional Park
- Distance from Austin: 39 miles
- Driving time: 50 minutes
This beautiful vacation spot in central Texas makes a fast and handy street journey from Austin. It’s lower than an hour drive, and you may make some enjoyable stops on the way in which to Blue Gap if you wish to lengthen your street journey journey.
Dripping Springs is a superb place for a fast break, the place you possibly can go to native distilleries, craft breweries, or seize a chunk to eat. Persevering with towards Wimberley, the panorama turns into much more picturesque, with winding roads and peaceable views that set the stage for a calming day in nature.
When you arrive at Blue Gap Regional Park, prepare for an incredible day filled with lush greenery. The spring-fed waters of this pure swimming gap are cool and clear, making it an ideal spot to swim, float, or just loosen up on a scorching Texas day.
The park provides extra than simply swimming; guests can get pleasure from picnic areas, strolling trails, and open fields for video games or lounging within the solar.
15. Corpus Christi
- Distance from Austin: 217 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours
One other among the finest street journeys from Austin, Texas is Corpus Christi, a preferred spot for weekend getaways by the coast.
Drive south from Austin by way of the expansive ranches and barbecue joints of South Texas earlier than arriving within the thrilling metropolis of Corpus Christi.
You’ll be greeted by miles of sandy seashores and the glowing waters of the Gulf, good for swimming, sunbathing, or water sports activities like kiteboarding or crusing.
Corpus Christi is house to implausible points of interest just like the Texas State Aquarium, the place you possibly can find out about Gulf marine life, and the usLexington, a World Warfare II-era plane provider turned museum.
Whether or not you’re stress-free on the seashores of North Padre Island or exploring the colourful downtown marina, the street journey from Austin to Corpus Christi provides the right mixture of Texas tradition, coastal journey, and rest.
Discover extra wonderful issues to do in Corpus Christi!
16. Mustang Island State Park
- Distance from Austin: 242 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours and half-hour
Lengthen your street journey barely farther from Corpus Christi and take a look at Mustang Island State Park. As among the finest state parks in Texas, Mustang Island is an excellent vacation spot on the Gulf Coast that’s good for street journeys from Austin.
Stretching over 18 miles, the island provides out of doors lovers loads of actions, from swimming, sunbathing, and fishing to birdwatching and tenting. Mustang Island State Park has seemingly limitless miles of mountain climbing and biking trails, in addition to beachside campsites good for these wanting to remain near the ocean.
With its pure magnificence and laid-back vibe, Mustang Island is a perfect getaway for seashore lovers and nature lovers who need to get out of town for a weekend!
17. Dallas
- Distance from Austin: 195 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Dallas is one other iconic Texas metropolis price visiting, and it’s just below 3 hours from Austin!
Alongside the drive to Dallas, cease in Waco to discover in style points of interest such because the Magnolia Market on the Silos, the Waco Mammoth Nationwide Monument, or the Dr Pepper Museum.
Upon arriving in Dallas, you’re greeted by a bustling metropolis identified for its mix of modernity and Southern hospitality.
Dallas provides a wide range of points of interest, from the cultural establishments within the Bishop Arts District, such because the Dallas Museum of Artwork, to historic landmarks like Dealey Plaza, the place the Sixth Ground Museum commemorates the lifetime of President John F. Kennedy.
For sports activities followers, catching a sport on the AT&T Stadium or the American Airways Middle is a should. Nature lovers can try the Dallas Arboretum, and meals lovers can dive into the varied eating scene. Both method, Dallas is stuffed with wonders!
18. Fort Davis
- Distance from Austin: 425 miles
- Driving time: 6 hours and half-hour
One of the vital wonderful locations to go to in West Texas is Fort Davis, situated within the coronary heart of the rugged Davis Mountains.
It’s an interesting drive from Austin as you head by way of the stark landscapes of the Chihuahua Desert, solely to reach within the well-known historic city identified for its beautiful landscapes and wealthy army historical past.
Residence to the Fort Davis Nationwide Historic Website, the city preserves one of many best-restored frontier army posts within the nation, the place guests can discover the unique barracks, officers’ quarters, and be taught concerning the fort’s function in defending settlers throughout the Indian Wars.
Past its historic significance, Fort Davis is a gateway to the Davis Mountains State Park, providing scenic trails and breathtaking views, in addition to the close by McDonald Observatory, the place stargazers can get pleasure from among the clearest night time skies in North America.
he city’s mixture of historical past, nature, and small-town attraction make it a singular vacation spot for vacationers trying to discover the sweetness and heritage of West Texas.
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