Summer was made for vacations, but it’s often difficult to carve out a week to go out of town. Luckily, central Texas is blossoming with incredible sights and adventurous outings and there are lots of amazingly fun things to do in Texas. Devote a weekend to exploring your own backyard with these best day trips in Austin (and near Austin) that are out of this world!

1. Pick peaches in Fredericksburg, Texas.
8301 US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
David S/Trip Advisor
Sweet Fredericksburg peaches will make your summer complete. These juicy pieces of fruit can be found all around the region, you can't beat the Southern hospitality at Jenschke Orchards. This pick-your-own peach grove and farm stand will take you back to a simpler time.
2. Float along the San Marcos River
San Marcos River, Texas, USA
Patrick Lewis/Flickr
When the summer's sweltering heat takes its toll, recharge in the San Marcos River's invigorating water. This is one of the best places to go tubing in Texas. With a cold beverage in hand, you'll forget all about the triple-digit temperatures. San Marcos is only about 45 minutes away from Austin, making this a perfect day trip for the whole family.
3. Drink beer at one of the oldest breweries in Texas
East Street, East St, Texas 77984, USA
Adam Baker/Flickr
Beer-lovers will swoon over the famous Spoetzl Brewery, the oldest independent brewery in the state, but hops and barley are just the beginning. This charming town is a little slice of heaven. Explore the historic main street and dine at one of the city's charming hometown eateries. This 83-mile road trip is so worth the drive.
4. Experience small-town charm in Smithville, Texas.
Buescher State Park, 100 Park Rd 1C, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
Smithville, TX 78957, USA
Buescher State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife/Facebook
This underrated day trip in Texas deserves your attention. In addition to the adorable boutiques and antique stores, Smithville is home to unrivaled beauty. Buescher State Park's magnificent trees and quiet trails will make your worries melt away. Take the young ones to the fascinating James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum. This hands-on park gives a glimpse into what the past was really like.
5. Eat your way through Lockhart.
Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
Jerry and Pat Donaho/Flickr
Barbecue enthusiasts flock to this tiny town for a taste of the best smoked meats in the land. You're sure to feel full afterward, but it's absolutely worth it. A quick 45-minute drive south of Austin will lead you to barbecue paradise on this amazing Texas barbecue road trip.
6. Dive into Jacob's Well in Wimberley.
Patrick Lewis/Flickr
This gaping swimming hole plunges 200 feet! Jacob's Well has gotten immensely popular, and for good reason. Make your reservations early and head over to Wimberley for some refreshing summer fun. This is undoubtedly one of the best swimming holes in Texas - and it's so close to home!
7. Embark on an adventure on the Austin Steam Train
401 E Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613, USA
Austin Steam Train/Facebook
The Austin Steam Train has so many exciting excursions in store for the summer. Their sunset express is full of picturesque views, the princess flyer will make any young girl fulfill her fairy tale dreams, and the beer train is ideal for those looking for a relaxing evening out with friends.
8. Get up close and personal with fascinating animals at the Exotic Resort Zoo in Johnson City.
The Exotic Resort Zoo, 235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City, TX 78636, USA
The Exotic Resort Zoo/Facebook
This extraordinary animal sanctuary takes care of more than 700 exotic animals. Here, you'll see everything from zebras to camels, and you can learn about them from right outside their habitat! Guests have the opportunity to touch great tortoises and feed baby kangaroos. One thing is certain — you'll come home with fantastic photos.
9. Take in the jaw-dropping views in Blanco.
Blanco, TX 78606, USA
texas1emt/Flickr
You're met with stunning sights even before you reach Blanco, Texas. The blue skies seem to stretch on forever as you drive along the country roads. This 1.5-hour drive will breeze by in a flash. When you get there, you'll want to walk under the shady trees at Blanco State Park and absorb the history in the quaint town square.

Where are you going this summer? Tell us all about your plans in the comments – we love hearing about your favorite places, and you might just see your picks featured someday!

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More to Explore

Best Day Trips in Austin

Tori Jane | July 02, 2022

What are some unique things to do around Austin?  

Texas is the second-largest state in the United States, and as a result, there are literally thousands of things to do all over the state. This city is an excellent place to begin your adventures, as there are plenty of fun things to do around Austin – so many that it’s tough to list them all in this short paragraph! Some of our favorite things to do around Austin are outdoorsy and exhilarating, like hiking Mount Bonnell. It’s a large cliffside with some of the most amazing views of the city, and if you’ve never been, you absolutely need to! It’s a unique Austin experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Alternatively, head out to Lady Bird Lake and indulge in some kayaking, boating, or otherwise epic activities you’ve come to know and love in the Lone Star State.  

What are some excellent day trips near me to take?  

Austin is known for having all kinds of options for day trips near me. No matter what you’re interested in, you’re sure to find all kinds of fun stuff in and around Austin to occupy your days. For the outdoorsy types, there are numerous Texas state parks nearby; just 20 minutes from downtown Austin is McKinney Falls State Park, which is home to plentiful waterfalls and some amazing hiking trails. 45 minutes from Austin is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Texas: the Hamilton Pool Preserve. That one requires a reservation to visit, but we promise it’s well worth the effort! For the city-slickers, enjoy any of the wonderful museums in Austin, like the Blanton Museum of Art, the Texas Toy Museum, or the Austin Aquarium.  

Where are all the best getaway spots near me?  

Austin, Texas, is an amazing place to get away from it all. Some of the best getaways near Austin just so happen to be some of the best getaways in Texas, and we couldn’t be prouder to call them our own. Some of our favorite Austin vacation spots include amazing natural gems like Krause Springs, which is the perfect escape for a hot day. There’s a swimming hole, a butterfly garden, and an overall sense of well-being you just won’t find anywhere else. Alternatively, escape to some of the best wineries in Texas on the Dripping Springs Wine Trail, which connects not one or two, but three delightful wineries in the ultimate Texas escape. 

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