Just 20 minutes north of Austin, Round Rock is known for a laid-back mix of walkable downtown charm, outdoor spaces, historic sites and major sports offerings. Whether you are catching a minor league baseball game or hunting down local dining, this quick escape from the capital offers plenty to explore.

Downtown & Dining

Downtown Round Rock features tree-lined streets, historic architecture and an active dining scene centered around Main Street Plaza and Centennial Plaza. During the summer months, the center of Main Street Plaza becomes a splash pad, so it's a favorite spot for little kids. Both Main Street Plaza and the nearby Centennial Plaza are home to regular events, such as movie nights, live music programming and holiday festivals.

  • Round Rock Donuts: Established in 1926, this iconic spot is famous for its yellow-tinted, yeast-raised glazed donuts and massive Texas-sized pastries. Tip: Be prepared for morning drive-thru lines during peak weekend hours.  
  • Slapbox Pizzacheria: Known for oversized, New York-style slices and craft draft beers right in the heart of downtown.  
  • The Alcove Cantina: Offers a relaxed patio space, Tex-Mex favorites, and cold cocktails.  
  • Louisiana Longhorn Café: Serves up authentic Cajun dishes, including crawfish, gumbo, and po'boys.  
  • Palermo Pasta House: Delivers handmade pasta, scratch-made sauces, and traditional Italian specialties.  
  • Cork & Barrel: An Irish-pub-meets-Texas-craft-house set in a spacious microbrewery environment.  

Nightlife

After the sun goes down, Round Rock shifts into a lively entertainment hub with music venues, rooftop bars, and neighborhood spots.

  • Bluebonnet Beer Company: A locally owned craft brewery pouring fresh ales and lagers in a casual taproom setting.  
  • Rockey’s Piano Bar: Features high-energy dueling piano performances, sing-alongs, and late-night drinks.  
  • Hoot & Annie: A cozy spot downtown for wine, craft beer, and casual evening conversations.  
  • URBAN Rooftop: The go-to downtown location for craft nightcaps and skyline views.  

Sports & Outdoors

  • Dell Diamond: Home stadium to the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. It features family-friendly baseball games, fireworks nights, stadium dining throughout the season, and is also home to the Texas Tailgaters Banana Ball team and the Texas Volts of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. 
  • Old Settlers Park: The city's primary sports hub, spanning over 640 acres with disc golf courses, walking trails, and sports fields. Within the park, you will also find Rock'N River Waterpark, featuring slides, a lazy river, and splash areas.
  • Play For All Park: A giant, all-abilities park designed for children of all physical and cognitive needs, complete with mini-city streetscapes and accessible play gear.  
  • Chisolm Trail Crossing Park: Situated along Brushy Creek, this park features bronze sculptures depicting historic cattle drives and provides access to the famous "round rock" landmark embedded in the creek bed.  
  • Interested in Texas History? The Chisholm Trail Area showcases commemorative plaques and bronze sculptures that depict Round Rock’s history as a cattle crossing location along the Chisholm Trail. 

Shopping

One of the area’s largest outlet malls, Round Rock Premium Outlets is a favorite for shoppers. Explore the 430,000-square-foot open-air mall that includes more than 125 designer and name brand stores. IKEA is also located in Round Rock, as are many locally owned shops and boutiques.

Getting There

Round Rock is located roughly 20 miles north of Downtown Austin via Interstate 35. Depending on traffic during peak weekday commuting hours, expect a 20- to 35-minute drive. Alternatively, travelers can take the 130 Tollway for a smooth bypass around central highway congestion.

Looking for more things to do in the Texas Hill Country? Check out our guide to day trips here.