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: 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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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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Best State Parks & Recreation Areas Near Austin

Austin is surrounded by incredible parks and outdoor recreation areas. With rolling green meadows, wide open spaces, giant cypress and oak trees throughout the countryside and along creeks, limestone cliffs, rocky riverbeds, rivers, lakes and caves, Central Texas has some of the most diverse…

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Austin Day Trip Activities

Day trippers (and locals) will find lots of exciting things to do in Austin. Hike or bike scenic trails, have a picnic in the park or head to an old-fashioned drive-in movie theater. The options are endless. Courtesy of McKinney Falls State Park . Hike & Bike Take off on a hiking or cycling trail. At…

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Day Trip Destination: Schlitterbahn

Situated in the rolling hills of Central Texas is the state's first waterpark, Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels. For the past 40 years, Schlitterbahn has been one of the top destinations for family fun during the hot summer months. Located less than an hour outside of the Austin city limits…

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Day Trip Destination: San Marcos

Just a short drive south of Austin, San Marcos offers a quaint Texas experience. Make time for a day trip with our guide to San Marcos, where you can go tubing and float the scenic San Marcos River, explore the Texas State University campus, spend a day shopping at two expansive outlet malls, visit…

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