Discover extra of the Lone Star State and past with these unbelievable street journeys from Austin, Texas!
Austin is a vibrant metropolis in central Texas identified for its wonderful dwell music scene, world-class museums, and laid-back environment.
After you’ve totally loved all of the delights that Austin has to supply, take into account a street journey exterior town!
Yow will discover extra huge cities resembling Houston or Dallas, and even discover exterior the state and go to cities like New Orleans. You can even discover lush wilderness areas, from Huge Bend close to the New Mexico border to the Blue Gap proper exterior Austin.
The drives by means of Texas are simply as wonderful because the locations as properly! There is no such thing as a higher technique to soak within the rural allure of the Texas countryside than an epic drive exterior town.
18 Finest Highway Journeys From Austin, Texas
Listed below are some wonderful street journeys from Austin to attempt in your subsequent go to to Texas!
Whether or not you’re keen to drive huge distances and discover locations close to the New Mexico or Louisiana border, otherwise you simply desire a fast and straightforward journey to a close-by location, you’re certain to search out an journey that fits you.
One of the simplest ways to get round is to lease a automotive and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Vehicles, which has the most important vary of autos for the perfect worth in the marketplace.
1. Huge Bend Nationwide Park
- Distance from Austin: 473 miles
- Driving time: 7 hours and 50 minutes
Top-of-the-line weekend getaways from Austin is Huge Bend Nationwide Park.
This journey takes you thru central and western Texas the place you may admire the small city allure and rugged terrain of rural Texas. Cease within the little city of Terlingua to step again in time and discover an genuine ghost city earlier than heading into nature.
As you strategy Huge Bend Nationwide Park, the panorama turns into much more dramatic, with towering mountains, deep canyons, and the winding Rio Grande river marking the U.S.-Mexico border.
The drive itself is a part of the expertise, with scenic overlooks and the occasional wildlife sighting alongside the way in which.
As soon as inside Huge Bend Nationwide Park, the sheer scale of the desert wilderness unfolds, providing alternatives for mountaineering, tenting, horseback driving, and stargazing in one of many darkest night time skies within the nation. The journey from Austin to Huge Bend isn’t just a visit however a transition from city life to the untamed wilderness.
2. San Antonio
- Distance from Austin: 79 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
A better street journey possibility from Austin, San Antonio is just below two hours away from town. Although you may simply go to San Antonio on a day journey, most individuals want a weekend journey as there’s a lot to do right here!
Recognized for its colonial heritage, town’s most iconic landmark is the Alamo, the place the well-known 1836 battle for Texas independence occurred. Historical past buffs must also take a look at the San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
The River Stroll is one other hallmark of San Antonio, a picturesque community of walkways alongside the San Antonio River lined with outlets, eating places, and cultural points of interest. Whether or not you take a ship tour or just stroll alongside the river, the River Stroll is the guts of town’s energetic environment.
Additionally take a look at the Pearl District, a captivating space crammed with fashionable boutiques, eateries, and a bustling weekend farmers’ market. San Antonio can be dwelling to a number of cultural establishments, such because the San Antonio Museum of Artwork and the Tobin Middle for the Performing Arts.
3. Garner State Park
- Distance from Austin: 171 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
One other among the best weekend journeys from Austin for nature lovers is Garner State Park. Situated alongside the Frio River, the park has gorgeous limestone cliffs, scenic strolling trails, and crystal-clear river waters.
In the course of the hotter months, guests flock to the riverbanks to chill off and go swimming, tubing, and boating. You can even get pleasure from miles and miles of trails for mountaineering, chicken watching, and outside actions.
You can even get pleasure from street journeys to Garner State Park exterior of summer season, as tenting, fishing, and picnicking are standard year-round! So if you happen to’re searching for an fulfilling and straightforward street journey from Austin, Garner State Park is an incredible possibility.
4. Texas Hill Nation
- Distance from Austin: 129 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and half-hour
A scenic drive by means of Texas Hill Nation is unquestionably among the best street journeys from Austin. Highway journeys by means of Texas Hill Nation shall be crammed with rolling hills, expansive vineyards, and charming small cities, making it one of the vital picturesque areas of the state.
Ranging from Austin, you’ll go away the cityscape behind as you drive by means of winding roads lined with wildflowers, particularly vibrant in spring when bluebonnets blanket the fields.
Alongside the way in which, stops in cities like Fredericksburg, identified for its German heritage, provide an opportunity to discover native wineries, breweries, and outlets promoting the whole lot from artisanal items to selfmade pies.
The scenic drives, notably alongside Ranch Highway 1 or Freeway 16, provide sweeping views of the countryside dotted with limestone bluffs, clear rivers, and outdated ranch homes.
High locations to take a look at within the space embody the granite mountaineering trails at Enchanted Rock, the refreshing swimming gap at Hamilton Pool, or the self proclaimed cowboy capital of Bandera. Exploring the pure wonders and small cities of Hill Nation makes for an epic weekend getaway in central Texas.
5. Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park
- Distance from Austin: 485 miles
- Driving time: 7 hours and half-hour
For extra nationwide parks within the American Southwest, take a street journey out to the Guadalupe Mountains.
Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park is situated in west Texas close to the border with New Mexico. It’s an extended drive, so greatest suited to in a single day journeys with loads of stops alongside the way in which. However when you arrive you may actually disconnect and immerse your self within the energy of nature.
The park is dwelling to the best level in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, and is thought for its rugged mountaineering trails, numerous ecosystems, and gorgeous vistas.
With over 80 miles of trails, together with difficult hikes just like the trek to Guadalupe Peak or extra leisurely walks by means of McKittrick Canyon, the park is a haven for outside fans.
After the lengthy street journey, the recent air and towering mountains of Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park make for an awe-inspiring reward.
Learn extra: 18 Finest Locations To Go to In Texas
6. Sizzling Springs
- Distance from Austin: 480 miles
- Driving time: 7 hours
Sizzling Springs, Arkansas can be among the best street journeys from Austin, Texas. It’s a well-liked weekend journey vacation spot because the drive is about 7 hours, but it surely’s well worth the trek!
Nestled throughout the picturesque Ouachita Mountains, the city is dwelling to Sizzling Springs Nationwide Park, the oldest nationwide park within the U.S. This space has been cherished for hundreds of years, with Native People initially using the therapeutic waters.
As we speak, guests can discover the historic Bathhouse Row, the place elegant buildings from the early twentieth century home varied spas providing thermal baths and wellness remedies. The colourful downtown space is crammed with quaint outlets, galleries, and native eateries, making a heat and welcoming environment that invitations exploration.
You can even take a look at some cool museums in Sizzling Springs, such because the Gangster Museum of America or the Mid-America Science Museum.
7. South Padre Island
- Distance from Austin: 371 miles
- Driving time: 5 hours and half-hour
These searching for beachy street journeys from Austin ought to take into account a go to right down to South Texas! About 5.5 hours away from Austin lies South Padre Island, a coastal gem crammed with gorgeous white sandy seashores and glowing Gulf waters.
Whether or not you’re seeking to chill out on the seashore, go fishing, or attempt your hand at water sports activities like paddleboarding or kiteboarding, the island gives limitless choices for enjoyable.
Don’t miss the chance to discover the close by nature reserves, the place you may spot numerous wildlife and luxuriate in scenic views. South Padre Island additionally has a bustling tradition with beachfront eating places and vibrant nightlife.
In case you’re hoping to take pleasure in some sand, sea, and sunshine, you may have all of it on a street journey to South Padre Island!
8. San Marcos
- Distance from Austin: 31 miles
- Driving time: 50 minutes
San Marcos makes a fast and straightforward day journey from Austin for many who are quick on time. This vibrant school city is nestled conveniently between Austin and San Antonio, so you may at all times cease right here on a weekend journey to San Antonio as properly.
San Marcos is dwelling to Texas State College, which infuses the world with a dynamic environment crammed with artwork, music, and cultural occasions. The San Marcos River winds by means of the guts of town, providing quite a lot of leisure actions resembling tubing, kayaking, and swimming in its clear, spring-fed waters.
Town has a captivating downtown space crammed with distinctive outlets, native eateries, and a thriving arts scene. You’ll want to take a look at the historic district with its superbly preserved buildings, boutiques and craft breweries.
All year long, San Marcos hosts varied festivals and occasions, so you may attempt to align your street journeys right here with a few of the native happenings!
9. Spherical High
- Distance from Austin: 80 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
A straightforward street journey from Austin is Spherical High, a small city simply east of town.
Situated midway between Austin and Houston, you may additionally cease right here in your technique to Houston or Galveston if you happen to wished to mix a few of these street journey locations.
Spherical High is a quaint city that draws guests year-round. One of many city’s most well-known points of interest is the biannual Spherical High Antiques Truthful, the place distributors and collectors from throughout the nation collect to showcase a powerful number of antiques, artwork, and classic treasures.
Regardless of its small dimension, Spherical High gives a pleasant mix of tradition and hospitality, with historic houses, cozy bed-and-breakfasts, native eateries, and artwork galleries dotting the world.
The scenic rural panorama, with its rolling hills and open pastures, provides to the city’s relaxed, rustic allure, making it a favourite vacation spot for these searching for a peaceable getaway from town.
Tackle extra epic Texas street journeys with a drive from Houston To New Orleans!
10. Caddo Lake State Park
- Distance from Austin: 316 miles
- Driving time: 5 hours
Highway journeys from Austin to Caddo Lake State Park take you on a scenic journey by means of East Texas, the place lush landscapes and charming small cities await.
Alongside the way in which, you may cease for a style of native delicacies at roadside diners or discover vintage outlets that replicate the area’s wealthy historical past.
Upon arriving at Caddo Lake State Park, you’ll be greeted by the park’s distinctive ecosystem, that includes cypress bushes draped in Spanish moss and a labyrinth of serene bayous and wetlands.
Caddo Lake is thought for its gorgeous magnificence and numerous wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outside fans. You’ll be able to discover the park through canoe or kayak, or simply roam the lakeside mountaineering trails.
Whether or not you’re fishing, birdwatching, or just soaking within the pure magnificence, Caddo Lake State Park is the right peaceable vacation spot for street journeys from Austin, Texas.
11. New Orleans
- Distance from Austin: 511 miles
- Driving time: 7 hours and 20 minutes
One of many prime weekend getaways from Austin is New Orleans. The long-lasting Louisiana metropolis is simply over 7 hours from Austin, so it’s an extended drive however you may stretch it out into just a few days for the last word sightseeing journey.
Head east out of Austin and drive by means of the charming small city environment of rural Texas. Cross the border into Louisiana and take into account stopping in distinctive, cultural cities resembling Lake Charles and Lafayette.
You may want at the least 3 days in New Orleans as this vibrant metropolis is packed stuffed with points of interest and actions.
The French Quarter is the guts and soul of New Orleans. Spend a while right here sampling recent pastries at native bakeries, admiring the historic structure, and attending dwell music exhibits.
Different enjoyable methods to interact with the historical past and tradition of New Orleans embody a haunted ghost tour, a historic plantation and swamp tour, or an night jazz cruise on the Mississippi River. There are limitless wonders awaiting you in New Orleans!
12. Houston
- Distance from Austin: 162 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and half-hour
Houston is unquestionably one of the vital standard street journeys from Austin. As the most important metropolis in Texas, Houston is filled with iconic points of interest and it’s just below 3 hours from Austin. Chances are you’ll need to spend at the least 3 days in Houston, although you may additionally simply go to as a day journey if you happen to’re quick on time.
Metropolis life in Houston is dynamic and entertaining. From eating at implausible eating places, to studying concerning the galaxies at House Middle Houston, to strolling by means of Buffalo Bayou Park, there’s a variety of points of interest right here.
The Museum District is dwelling to 19 museums, together with the Houston Museum of Pure Science, the Museum of High-quality Arts, and the Modern Arts Museum. Whether or not you’re into artwork, historical past, or science, this space gives one thing for everybody
It can save you cash on varied Houston points of interest with the Metropolis Cross, so take into account certainly one of these on your journey to “House Metropolis”!
13. Galveston
- Distance from Austin: 216 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours and 20 minutes
In case you drive only a bit additional previous Houston you may attain Galveston, a well-liked spot for weekend getaways by the seashore.
This charming coastal metropolis has historic structure, amusement parks, and sandy seashores that provide a mixture of solar, sea, historical past, and family-friendly actions.
Town’s historic Strand District options superbly preserved Nineteenth-century buildings crammed with outlets, eating places, and galleries.
Guests also can discover the well-known Moody Gardens, with its glass pyramids housing the whole lot from tropical rainforests to aquariums, or chill out on the standard Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier with rides and video games overlooking the water.
Broaden your experiences right here with a dolphin watching cruise by means of Galveston Bay or a spooky ghost tour of the historic downtown. There’s heaps to do in Galveston, Texas!
Learn Subsequent: When you’re within the space, these are the greatest issues to do in Galveston, Texas!
14. Blue Gap Regional Park
- Distance from Austin: 39 miles
- Driving time: 50 minutes
This gorgeous vacation spot in central Texas makes a fast and handy street journey from Austin. It’s lower than an hour drive, and you can also make some enjoyable stops on the way in which to Blue Gap if you wish to prolong your street journey journey.
Dripping Springs is a good place for a fast break, the place you may go to native distilleries, craft breweries, or seize a chunk to eat. Persevering with towards Wimberley, the panorama turns into much more picturesque, with winding roads and peaceable views that set the stage for a calming day in nature.
When you arrive at Blue Gap Regional Park, prepare for an incredible day stuffed with lush greenery. The spring-fed waters of this pure swimming gap are cool and clear, making it an ideal spot to swim, float, or just chill out on a sizzling Texas day.
The park gives extra than simply swimming; guests can get pleasure from picnic areas, strolling trails, and open fields for video games or lounging within the solar.
15. Corpus Christi
- Distance from Austin: 217 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours
One other among the best street journeys from Austin, Texas is Corpus Christi, a well-liked spot for weekend getaways by the coast.
Drive south from Austin by means of the expansive ranches and barbecue joints of South Texas earlier than arriving within the thrilling metropolis of Corpus Christi.
You’ll be greeted by miles of sandy seashores and the glowing waters of the Gulf, good for swimming, sunbathing, or water sports activities like kiteboarding or crusing.
Corpus Christi is dwelling to implausible points of interest just like the Texas State Aquarium, the place you may find out about Gulf marine life, and the united statesLexington, a World Battle II-era plane service turned museum.
Whether or not you’re enjoyable on the seashores of North Padre Island or exploring the colourful downtown marina, the street journey from Austin to Corpus Christi gives the right mixture of Texas tradition, coastal journey, and leisure.
Discover extra wonderful issues to do in Corpus Christi!
16. Mustang Island State Park
- Distance from Austin: 242 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours and half-hour
Lengthen your street journey barely farther from Corpus Christi and take a look at Mustang Island State Park. As among the best state parks in Texas, Mustang Island is an excellent vacation spot on the Gulf Coast that’s good for street journeys from Austin.
Stretching over 18 miles, the island gives outside fans loads of actions, from swimming, sunbathing, and fishing to birdwatching and tenting. Mustang Island State Park has seemingly limitless miles of mountaineering and biking trails, in addition to beachside campsites good for these wanting to remain near the ocean.
With its pure magnificence and laid-back vibe, Mustang Island is a perfect getaway for seashore lovers and nature fans who need to get out of town for a weekend!
17. Dallas
- Distance from Austin: 195 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Dallas is one other iconic Texas metropolis value visiting, and it’s just below 3 hours from Austin!
Alongside the drive to Dallas, cease in Waco to discover standard points of interest such because the Magnolia Market on the Silos, the Waco Mammoth Nationwide Monument, or the Dr Pepper Museum.
Upon arriving in Dallas, you’re greeted by a bustling metropolis identified for its mix of modernity and Southern hospitality.
Dallas gives quite a lot of points of interest, from the cultural establishments within the Bishop Arts District, such because the Dallas Museum of Artwork, to historic landmarks like Dealey Plaza, the place the Sixth Ground Museum commemorates the lifetime of President John F. Kennedy.
For sports activities followers, catching a sport on the AT&T Stadium or the American Airways Middle is a should. Nature lovers can take a look at the Dallas Arboretum, and meals lovers can dive into the various eating scene. Both approach, Dallas is filled with wonders!
18. Fort Davis
- Distance from Austin: 425 miles
- Driving time: 6 hours and half-hour
One of the crucial wonderful locations to go to in West Texas is Fort Davis, situated within the coronary heart of the rugged Davis Mountains.
It’s a captivating drive from Austin as you head by means of the stark landscapes of the Chihuahua Desert, solely to reach within the well-known historic city identified for its gorgeous landscapes and wealthy navy historical past.
House to the Fort Davis Nationwide Historic Web site, the city preserves one of many best-restored frontier navy posts within the nation, the place guests can discover the unique barracks, officers’ quarters, and be taught concerning the fort’s position in defending settlers throughout the Indian Wars.
Past its historic significance, Fort Davis is a gateway to the Davis Mountains State Park, providing scenic trails and breathtaking views, in addition to the close by McDonald Observatory, the place stargazers can get pleasure from a few of the clearest night time skies in North America.
he city’s mixture of historical past, nature, and small-town allure make it a singular vacation spot for vacationers seeking to discover the sweetness and heritage of West Texas.
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