Updated for 2026
Austin sits right in the heart of Central Texas, which makes it one of the best home bases for a road trip in the state. Whether you’ve got a few hours for a day trip or a whole weekend to get away, I’ve rounded up my favorite road trips from Austin — sorted by direction so you can find one no matter which way you’re headed.
SEE ALSO: 54 Best Things To Do In Austin, Texas (Updated 2026)
Here are the best day trips and overnight getaways from Austin, sorted by west, south, north, and east.
Table of Contents
Road trips west of Austin
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is the quintessential Hill Country getaway — a German-influenced town beloved for its scenic vineyard views. Did you know the Texas Hill Country is home to over 100 wineries and vineyards? Peach season runs mid-May through mid-August, and grape stomping happens in August, so late summer is an especially fun time to visit.
Where to stay: Sunday Haus in Fredericksburg.
Driving distance from Austin: 80 miles west (1 hour 30 minutes)
Points of interest:
- 60+ wineries in Fredericksburg
- Enchanted Rock – 11 miles of hiking trails
- LBJ National Historical Park
- Fredericksburg Wine Road 290
- Pick-your-own-peach farms
- Bluebonnet season peaks in late March and early April
RELATED: 21 Top Things To Do in Fredericksburg, TX
Dripping Springs
Just a 30-minute drive from downtown, Dripping Springs is one of my favorite weekend getaways — Camp Lucy is a go-to for dinner. It’s packed with outdoor activities that are both dog- and family-friendly, so whether you want to hike, explore the parks, or just relax and take in the scenery, there’s something for everyone.
Driving distance from Austin: 25 miles west (30 minutes)
Points of interest:
- Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery
- Desert Door Distillery
- Hamilton Pool Preserve
- Jester King Brewery (21 Best Breweries In Austin For Craft Beer)
- Pedernales Falls State Park
- Treaty Oak Distillery
- The Salt Lick BBQ (Best Barbecue in Austin Besides Franklin)
- Camp Lucy
SEE ALSO: 16 Things To Do In Dripping Springs
Marble Falls
This laid-back lake town is known for boating, fishing, golfing, camping, swimming, and bird-watching.
Driving distance from Austin: 48 miles northwest
Points of interest:
- Sweet Berry Farm – we shot the photo above during their wildflower festival in fall
- Blue Bonnet Cafe
- Granite Mountain
- Dead Man’s Hole
- Lake Marble Falls
- Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
- Save The World Brewing Co
- Johnson Park
- Galleries at Pecan Creek
Spicewood
I go swimming at Krause Springs at least once every summer. It’s a little Hill Country town that punches above its weight on wineries and distilleries.
Driving distance from Austin: 36 miles northwest
Points of interest:
- Krause Springs – 115-acre property with 32 springs (see also: 11 Best Swimming Holes in Austin)
- Pace Bend Park
- Spicewood Vineyards
- Stone House Vineyard
- Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
- Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery
- Crystal Creek Distillery
- Silvers Trails
Marfa
I finally made the trip out to West Texas to see Marfa and Terlingua, and honestly, the 7-hour drive wasn’t as bad as I expected. Check out my guide to things to do in Marfa if you’re planning a trip.
Driving distance from Austin: 429 miles west
Points of interest:
- Prada Marfa
- Marfa Lights Viewing Area
- Marfa Mystery Lights
- Stargazing the Milky Way
Terlingua
We hit Terlingua on the same West Texas road trip. Here’s my guide to things to do in Terlingua.
Driving distance from Austin: 485 miles west
Points of interest:
- Big Bend National Park
- Rio Grande
New Mexico
If you’re already out in Terlingua, you might as well make the 8-hour drive up to New Mexico! Here are my guides to New Mexico, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos.
Driving distance from Austin: 638 miles west (10 hours)
Points of interest:
- Los Poblanos in Albuquerque
- Canyon Road in Santa Fe
- White Sands National Park
- Meow Wolf
- Ojo Caliente
- Ten Thousand Waves
- Earthship Visitor Center in Taos
- Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Road trips south of Austin
San Marcos
Just a short drive south, San Marcos is the spot if you’re looking to do some outlet shopping or float the river.
Driving distance from Austin: 31 miles south (40 minutes)
Points of interest:
- San Marcos River
- San Marcos Premium Outlets
- Tanger Outlets
Gruene
Just south of San Marcos is Gruene, a charming little town home to Gruene Hall — the oldest dance hall in Texas, where legends like George Strait and Willie Nelson have played. Live music every day, year round.
Driving distance from Austin: 50 miles south (50 minutes)
Points of interest:
- Stay at Gruene River Inn
- Gruene Hall
- Gruene Market Days – 100 vendors with handmade crafts and Texas foods
- Gristmill River Restaurant
Wimberley
Another favorite weekend getaway is the small, quaint town of Wimberley. You can easily walk the town square and pop into the local shops and boutiques. Don’t miss Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole while you’re there.
Driving distance from Austin: 40 miles south (45 minutes)
Points of interest:
- Bella Vista Ranch
- Jacob’s Well
- Blue Hole Regional Park
San Antonio
I don’t get to San Antonio often, but I really should! I went for a quick day trip recently and was impressed by how much The Pearl area has developed. We spent the day lounging on the grass at The Pearl and eating Mexican food from the food hall.
Driving distance from Austin: 80 miles south (1 hour 15 minutes)
Points of interest:
- The Alamo
- River Walk (take a boat tour!)
- The Pearl
- San Antonio Botanical Gardens
- San Antonio Missions
- Natural Bridge Caverns
New Braunfels
Founded in the 1840s by German settlers, New Braunfels is known for its historic district and small-town charm — plus some of the best river floating in Texas.
Driving distance from Austin: 48 miles south
Points of interest:
- Float the Guadalupe and Comal rivers
- New Braunfels Farmers Market
- Krause’s Biergarten & Cafe
- Phoenix Saloon – the first bar in Texas to serve women
- Comal Inn
Lockhart
If you’re heading south, make sure to stop in Lockhart — the Barbecue Capital of Texas — for some of the best smoked meat in the state.
Driving distance from Austin: 30 miles south
Points of interest:
- Black’s Barbecue
- Kreuz Market
- Chisholm Trail Bar-B-Q
- Smitty’s Market
Port Aransas
I’m from South Texas, and a beach getaway down on the Gulf coast is always worth the drive. I did a mini vacay to Corpus Christi to stay at Lively Beach and loved it.
Driving distance from Austin: 252 miles south (3 hours 45 minutes)
Points of interest:
- Port Aransas Beach
- The Port Aransas Ferry System
- Mustang Island State Park
- San Jose Island
- South Padre Island
Road trips north of Austin
Salado
Salado is a small, historic town just north of Austin that I’d recommend for a cooler-weather weekend getaway. I stayed at the Stagecoach Inn and wished it had been chillier so I could walk around the town square longer. Fun fact: Salado was first incorporated in 1867 for the sole purpose of building a bridge across Salado Creek.
Driving distance from Austin: 51 miles north (50 minutes)
Points of interest:
- Stay at the historic Stagecoach Inn
- Salado Glassworks
- Mud Pies Gallery
- Barrow Brewing Company
- Salado Museum & College Park
- Magnolias of Salado (13 specialty shops under one roof)
- The Shoppes on Main
- Salado Winery Co.
- Mill Creek Country Club
SEE ALSO: 11 Best Things to Do in Salado TX
Waco
This little town north of Austin was put on the map by Fixer Upper stars Joanna and Chip Gaines.
Driving distance from Austin: 102 miles north (1 hour 35 minutes)
Points of interest:
- Magnolia Market at the Silos
- Waco Mammoth National Monument
- Dr Pepper Museum
SEE ALSO: 37 Top Things To Do In Waco, Texas
Dallas
I’ve been to the Dallas and Plano area a few times and always need to make a trip back. Here’s my guide to 18 Best Restaurants In Plano Texas.
Driving distance from Austin: 195 miles north (2 hours 50 minutes)
Points of interest:
- Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Klyde Warren Park
- Eat & explore Lower Greenville
Road trips east of Austin
Round Top
I love heading out to Round Top for a weekend (or even a whole week!). I’ve been 3-4 times now, so I put together a guide to Round Top with everything you need to know on where to stay, eat, and shop.
Driving distance from Austin: 80 miles east (1 hour 20 minutes)
Points of interest:
- Junk Gypsy
- Round Top Antiques Show
- Round Top Vintage Market
- Royers Pie Haven
Houston
I’ll be honest — I don’t know Houston as well as I’d like beyond Chinatown and its incredible art and museum scene, so consider this a starting point.
Driving distance from Austin: 165 miles east (2 hours 30 minutes)
Points of interest:
- The Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Chinatown
- Minute Maid Park
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- Houston Zoo
- The Galleria
- Cockrell Butterfly Center
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
New Orleans
I love NOLA, especially in early February or in the fall when the weather is cooler. Stroll the French Quarter, visit St. Louis Cathedral, grab a beignet, and soak up the city’s one-of-a-kind culture. Here are my New Orleans guides:
- Ultimate Guide To New Orleans French Quarter
- 17 New Orleans Best Restaurants You Have To Eat At
- 9 Top Things To Do In New Orleans During Mardi Gras
- Where to Stay In NOLA: Ace Hotel New Orleans
Driving distance from Austin: 511 miles east (8 hours)
Points of interest:
- Explore the French Quarter
- Whitney Plantation Tour
- Bike the Garden District
- Jackson Square
- Cafe du Monde
- District Donuts
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
- Drink a Hurricane cocktail
