Escape the City: 10 Places to Visit Near Austin

Austin, TX is a metropolis with loads to supply, from dwell music and vibrant nightlife to scrumptious eating places and gorgeous pure magnificence. However the surrounding space can also be stuffed with distinctive and thrilling locations which might be ready to be explored. From quaint cities with wealthy histories to breathtaking pure parks and preserves, there are numerous locations to go to close to Austin which might be effectively price a visit. Whether or not you’re an area renting an house in Austin, seeking to buy your first house, or simply need to know what it’s like dwelling in Austin, we rounded up an inventory of 10 locations to go to close to Austin. So seize your digital camera, lace up your mountain climbing boots, and prepare to discover among the finest spots that central Texas has to supply.

1. Hamilton Pool Protect

Hamilton Pool Protect is a pure swimming gap that boasts crystal clear waters and a picturesque waterfall. Surrounded by lush greenery and gorgeous rock formations, it’s the right spot to unwind, calm down, and escape the town. Guests can hike by the protect’s trails, take a refreshing swim within the pool, or just take within the gorgeous surroundings. 

2. San Antonio, TX

San Antonio is a metropolis crammed with wealthy historical past and distinctive tradition with many actions to discover. Guests can take a look at the well-known Alamo and find out about its pivotal position in Texas historical past. They will additionally take a stroll down the long-lasting River Stroll and take pleasure in among the finest Tex-Mex delicacies round. San Antonio additionally gives an array of points of interest reminiscent of theme parks, museums, and artwork galleries. Town’s distinct mix of Mexican and Texan tradition is what actually units it aside, with the Fiesta San Antonio celebration being the right instance of a 10-day occasion crammed with parades, music, and meals, showcasing the town’s wealthy cultural heritage. 

San Antonio

3. Wimberley, TX

Wimberley is a hidden gem with an abundance of lush greenery, clear blue waterways, and towering cypress bushes. Guests can take pleasure in outside actions reminiscent of swimming, kayaking, and fishing within the gorgeous Blue Gap Regional Park or discover the gorgeous surroundings at Jacob’s Effectively Pure Space. Guests can discover the city’s charming streets, crammed with distinctive outlets, eating places, and cafes, providing a various array of domestically sourced meals. The city additionally gives many seasonal occasions, such because the Wimberley Market Days and the Hill Nation Wine and Meals Competition, that deliver the group collectively and showcase the city’s wealthy tradition and historical past. 

4. Enchanted Rock State Pure Space

Situated simply exterior Austin, Enchanted Rock State Pure Space gives gorgeous views of the Texas Hill Nation and exquisite rock formations. The park’s foremost attraction is the huge pink granite dome that rises over 400 ft excessive, offering hikers with an unforgettable panoramic view of the encircling panorama. Guests can discover the park’s quite a few trails, with alternatives to hike, rock climb, and stargaze. The park can also be house to an array of wildlife and plant species, making it an ideal vacation spot for nature lovers.

Enchanted Rock

5. Fredericksburg, TX

Fredericksburg is a captivating city which is understood for its wealthy German heritage, with many historic landmarks and buildings reflecting this cultural affect. Guests can stroll alongside Predominant Avenue and discover the city’s distinctive outlets, galleries, and eating places, providing a various array of domestically sourced delicacies and craft beer. Fredericksburg additionally boasts among the finest wineries within the area, with wine tastings and excursions out there year-round. 

6. Johnson Metropolis, TX

Johnson Metropolis, situated within the coronary heart of Texas Hill Nation, is a captivating small city with a wealthy historical past and a vibrant arts scene. The city is finest often called the hometown of former US President Lyndon B. Johnson, and guests can discover his childhood house and the LBJ Ranch, which gives a glimpse into the previous president’s life and legacy. Guests may discover the city’s charming historic district, which options fantastically preserved buildings from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. As well as, Johnson Metropolis is house to among the finest wineries and vineyards in Texas, providing guests the chance to pattern among the state’s best wines. 

An American Flag above a Texas state flag

7. Lockhart, TX

Lockhart is called the “BBQ Capital of Texas,” with among the finest BBQ within the state present in its native eating places. Guests can expertise scrumptious BBQ by visiting one of many city’s many BBQ joints, reminiscent of Black’s BBQ, Kreuz Market, or Smitty’s Market, all of which have been featured on varied meals reveals and have earned nationwide recognition. Along with its mouthwatering meals, Lockhart additionally gives guests a glimpse into the wealthy historical past of Texas. The city is house to many historic buildings and landmarks, together with the Caldwell County Courthouse, which is understood for its gorgeous structure, and the Dr. Eugene Clark Library. Guests may discover Lockhart State Park, the place they will hike, fish, or play a spherical of golf. 

8. Krause Springs

Krause Springs is a pure oasis that boasts over 30 pure springs, gorgeous waterfalls, and tranquil swimming holes which might be surrounded by lush greenery and towering bushes. Guests can take a dip within the cool and crystal-clear water, or discover the park’s strolling trails, which result in among the park’s hidden gems, such because the Butterfly Backyard and the Grotto. The park additionally gives tenting websites for guests and is a well-liked spot for picnics and household gatherings. 

Krause Springs

9. San Marcos, TX

San Marcos offers the attraction of a small city and the facilities of a giant metropolis. Town has quite a few museums and historic websites showcasing the realm’s fascinating previous. Guests can discover the San Marcos River, which gives ample alternatives for kayaking, tubing, and fishing, or take a stroll by the town’s charming downtown, which is house to distinctive outlets, eating places, and leisure venues. San Marcos can also be house to the most important outlet purchasing heart in the USA, providing guests the chance to snag some nice offers on their favourite manufacturers. 

10. Gruene, TX

Gruene is a small city with large attraction, situated simply exterior New Braunfels. The city is finest recognized for its historic district, which options fantastically preserved buildings from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, together with the Gruene Corridor, one of many oldest and most iconic dance halls in Texas. Guests can take pleasure in dwell music, dancing, and genuine Texas BBQ whereas absorbing the city’s distinctive environment.