Austin Insider Blog

This blog, written and curated by Visit Austin staff, shares the things that visitors love and locals can't get enough of.

Day Trip Destination: Johnson City

Just an hour west of Austin, Johnson City is a perfect day trip destination. Whether you are interested in the story of LBJ, outdoor adventures, wineries, art, or science, this area of the Texas Hill Country has a lot to offer. History The town is named after the ancestors of the 36 th President of…

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Day Trip Destination: New Braunfels and Gruene

Experience Texas’ German Roots in New Braunfels, Texas. This Hill Country town is located an hour outside of Austin and is jam-packed with outdoor activities, historic attractions and wonderful restaurants, making it the perfect day trip destination for visitors to Austin. Plus, be sure to explore…

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Day Trip Destination: Georgetown

Just under an hour from Austin, Georgetown is known for its lovely main street, cool restaurants and bars and fun local shopping. Pick any weekend to get away and enjoy the slower pace without sacrificing great food and good fun. Shopping The Georgetown Town Square is dubbed "The Most Beautiful…

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Day Trip Destination: Fredericksburg

In 1846, a small city named Fredericksburg was founded in the Texas Hill Country. More than 150 years later, Fredericksburg has grown into a charming German village and is visited by thousands each year. A day trip to Fredericksburg is a must for Austinites and Austin visitors alike, so here are our…

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Day Trip Destination: Driftwood

Driftwood often gets overlooked on the way to other, larger Hill Country towns but it’s got a scene in its own right. Of course, it’s home to the legitimately world famous The Salt Lick barbecue but as Austinites rush out of the city in search of a little more space and some peace, Driftwood has…

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Where to See Wildflowers Near Austin

Every spring, the Texas Hill Country blooms into a colorful cascade of delicate Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes and Indian Blankets, as wildflowers blanket the meadows, fields and valleys near Austin. Bring your camera, and your sense of wonder, as you scout out these top 10 spots for spectacular…

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Day Trip Destination: Blanco

Make your way to beautiful Blanco, Texas. Though it’s known for hosting an incredible lavender festival, the town offers so much more year ‘round. Get out in nature, learn some history, sip on some of the most well known and sought after craft beers and whiskies, plus eating well and living right…

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Where to Go Horseback Riding in Austin

The wind in your hair, the sun on your face... no, we’re not writing a country song. We’re waxing poetic about horseback riding! Although visitors may be disappointed to learn that most Texans don’t ride horses to school, we can still get the equestrian experience in and around Austin. Go for an…

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Day Trip Destination: Bee Cave

Nestled just west of Austin’s city limits is Bee Cave, Texas. The area derived its name from the colonies of Mexican honeybees that lived near the banks of Barton Creek and Little Barton Creek that encompassed a large area of Western Travis County. Today, Bee Cave is known for its laid-back…

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Day Trip Destination: Round Top

Round Top, Texas is well known to antiquers, shoppers, and folks looking for a little retail therapy. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of town. That said, during the spring, fall and winter, it’s full of people bustling around the Round Top Antiques Show, looking for great deals and rare finds…

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