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.
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:
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:
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
Photo by Ready Set Jet Set
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:
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