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13 Weekend Getaways and Road Trips from Austin

  • March 30, 2023
  • | 7:00 AM

Everything’s bigger in Texas… especially the expansive landscape between our diverse cities, small ranch towns, and the west Texas desert. From the metropolis of Houston to the ethereal town of Marfa, there are plenty of stops in between. As our state capitol, Austin’s central location serves as the connector to all sorts of exploratory opportunities. Check out the best road trips from Austin with stops in Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, and everywhere in between.

Austin to San Antonio

1 hour 30 min drive (87.1 mi) via I-35 S and I-10 W

Drive a short distance of about an hour and a half to San Antonio for a little history lesson. With a rich colonial heritage, San Antonio draws many visitors to The Alamo, an 18th century Spanish mission commemorated as a museum of the 1836 battle of Texan independence from Mexico. Along the way to San Antonio is New Braunfels where you can take a dip in the Guadalupe River. Check out some of our favorite things to do around San Antonio.

Austin to New Braunfels

things to do in new braunfels

1 hour 7 min drive (48.3 mi) via I-35 S

Take a short trip to this small city between Austin and San Antonio for a quick excursion in nature. The greatest road trips from Austin, don’t have to stretch far. New Braunfels is full of various parks full of leafy foliage, hiking, and water ways fed by the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers. Check out our guide to New Braunfels, which is full of good food, drinks, and plenty of historic spots to explore along the way.

Austin to Buda

things to do in buda

20 min (15.4 mi) via I-35 S

Just a quick drive south of Austin is the nature-filled town of Buda. It offers plenty of parklands that can give city dwellers the peace and they need. It’s picturesque and quiet while also providing a bit of entertainment for your getaway. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, Buda has plenty of activities with a hint of small-town charm. Try delicious dining options, wineries, and breweries, and catch a movie at the drive-in!

Austin to Georgetown

22 austin events in 2022

31 min (28.2) via I-35 N

For an easy day trip or Austin weekend trip, you can drive a short distance north to Georgetown. Dine at some popular eateries like District Six food hall, locally owned coffee houses, and finish the day off with some home-grown wine. Check out our guide to Georgetown for more nature gems like Blue Hole Park and the Inner Space Cavern.

Medieval-inspired castles just a short drive from Austin

Magical Castles Near Austin That Are Straight Out of a Fairytale

(various locations)

When we think of castles from medieval times and the Renaissance, the United Kingdom, Germany, and many other countries in Europe come to mind. Bet you didn’t know we have a few castles of our own right here in the Lone Star State! For adventurous (and magical) road trips from Austin, check out our guide to castles near and around Austin.

Austin to Dripping Springs

distilleries in austin

38 min (23.5 mi) via US-290 W

One of the most gorgeous road trips from Austin is a little excursion to Drippings Springs. Situated within the expansive Texas Hill Country, Dripping Springs is known for various tasting rooms, like Deep Eddy Vodka, and delightful bistros and coffee shops. You can also take the whole family to Dreamland amusement park or the natural wonder of Hamilton Pool Reserve.

Austin to Waco

waco weekend getaway

1 hour 33 min (102.1 mi) via I-35 N

A quick drive north of Austin is the small town of Waco. One of the easiest road trips from Austin, Waco offers homestyle cooking, local markets, and shops at the Silos! Check out our guide to Waco for live music on opportunities, food trucks, local beer straight from Waco Ale Company and so much more.

Austin to Cedar Park / Round Rock

Cedar Park and Round Rock

Approximately 30 min (26 mi) via Mopac Expy

Break up your north commute from Austin with a quick stop in Cedar Park or Round Rock to recharge your spirits. Easy road trips from Austin are literally in your backyard. Just about a half an hour north get some serious BBQ or explore the larger-than-life H-Mart for imported Asian goods and cafeteria.

Austin to Horseshoe Bay

road trips from austin

1 hour 7 min (53.5 mi) via State Hwy 71 W

One of the easiest road trips from Austin that will feel like an island getaway is a trip to Horseshoe Bay. With wonderful nature opportunities like Longhorn Cavern State Park and Sweet Berry Farm, you can take in the fresh air with ease. Stop by our quick guide to Horseshoe Bay for all the best lodging before you go.

Austin to Big Bend

6 hours 49 min (436.7 mi) via I-10 W

For an epic pilgrimage to a gorgeous national park, Big Bend National Park is one to check off our bucket list. One of the best road trips from Austin is also the longest. Austin to Big Bend is broaching on 7 hours. Peep our blog on traveling to Big Bend safely and best places to stay, whether you’re camping or glamping, we’ve got you covered. Just an hour or so north is the eclectic arts town of Marfa, which is an enigma of a visit.

Austin to Fredericksburg

best places to drink in Fredericksburg

1 hour 35 min (78.1 mi) via US-290 W

Feel transported to little Bavaria when you visit this next Texas outpost. Fredericksburg, also known as Fritztown to its early German settlers, is a quaint town full traditional European eateries, gift shops, and local artisans. This Texas Hill Country outpost is popular among wedding parties, romantic getaways, or a spontaneous tasting tours! Even on the quick hour-and-a-half drive, you are sure to pass a variety of wineries along the way on one of the best road trips from Austin.

Austin to Dallas

2 hours 55 min (195.3 mi) via I-35 N and I-35E N

“How about them Cowboys?” One of our popular weekend trips from Austin, Dallas is a metropolis to explore in depth. Peep our blog for a Dallas weekend getaway including our favorite spots. A fairly different vibe than Austin, Dallas is known for to the largest arts district in Texas and is also home to the best Texas barbeque. You can also get your fill of local brews at the famous Deep Ellum district. Be sure to grab a kolache at the Czech Stop on your drive up!

Austin to Houston

2 hours 50 min (162.2 mi) via US-290 E

The infamous H-town has more than a weekend of to-dos, how do you get to all of them?! Houston is HUGE so don’t worry if you miss a few things, you’ll have to come back for a weekend getaway. Quite an international city, Houston is home to diverse tastes with a mixed culture of African, Mexican, and Indian. You can find an amalgamation of food culture, as Anthony Bordain on his visits to Houston.

Curated by

Hailey Way

Hailey Way

Style Blogger | ATX Writer | Flight Attendant

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