Austin is one of the most interesting places I have ever lived. There are so many places to visit in Austin and the surrounding areas, but sometimes you want to get away and explore away from home. And who can pass up going on a road trip. After all, there is nothing better than stopping at the store to grab all your road trip goodies and hitting the road.
When we moved to Texas we couldn’t believe all the places we could go on a weekend trip. It’s probably one of the most diverse and eclectic states in the USA.
Our favorite was that many of those places are not only friendly for families with smaller children, but also families with middle schoolers and teens.
1. Frisco
A great place for any Cowboys fan, soccer fan,or foodie. Frisco has so many family friendly places to visit. See More
2. Fredericksburg
Whether it is weekend or weekday, Fredericksburg has a nice relaxed feel. A lot of the places are within walking distance. See More
3. North Padre Island
Wait, did you know that Texas has beaches? Did you know that there are protecting seashores that are majestic and you can camp, hike and watch a sea turtle release. See More
This guide was made in partnership with Austin Food Bloggers Association. Check out some of the best food in Austin by some of the best bloggers in Austin. See last years 2019 list here
I visited Austin once for a minute while we waited for our flight. It would be fun to go back and explore!
Hi Lori!
Haha! Well, there are more things to do than the airport. I think you might like it!
Karla
Great ideas for fun road trips! I’d like to do tham all.
Hi Jen!
Thank you! I think you would love them all!
Karla
I’ve heard of North Padre! Would love to visit Austin and the areas around it! Thanks for the info!
Hi Jordan!
It’s so beautiful. I had not heard about it until I started researching the sea turtles.
You’re welcome
Karla
Fredericksburg looks so lovely. I love that you included a section for what to do with Teens!
Hi Casandra!
It is gorgeous. And the food is so good! I can’t wait to get back up there!
Thank you, we have teens, and find that it is hard to find things to do with teens, it’s like they get forgotten
Karla
Thanks for sharing these places
Hi Jennifer!
You’re welcome!
Karla
I love day trips…so will definitely reference this post when I visit Austin next.
Hi there
Thank you. Glad that this was helpful!
Karla
I have been to Texas but not to Austin. This would be great for a trip there. A whole weeks vacation already planned!
Hi Cindy!
Yes, we did all the work for you! I think this is one of our favorite Austin travel guides
Karla
Take me to the beach please!
Hi Jordin!
I agree! I am all about that beach life!
Karla
I have been to Austin a few times in the last year and haven’t ventured out of the city yet, but these look like fun options! I might have to extend the trip the next time I get to go!
Hi Pam!
Adventure out! You will be surprised how fun it is. So much to see and do
Karla
I dont usually connect Austin with beaches, but North Padre Island looks like a great excursion. Would love to camp and see a sea turtle release. Thanks for sharing this!
Hi Cathy!
I felt the same way. Austin is sort of a young party town to me. There are just so many good places you can get to easily in such a short drive away from the city of Austin. It’s like a while new world
Karla
I am originally from Texas and love that there are so many great places to explore within the state. Austin is a great centrally located place that’s within driving distance of so many cool places. You hit on some great options.
Hi Sara!
Oh nice. I agree, point your car three hours from Austin and you can find just about anything you want.
Karla
My girls are totally into turtle rescue sanctuaries. They would love to go here. I love road trips so these are right up my alley. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Leeanne!
Go early, especially if you go during school breaks. It can get very busy. But they do a good job of keeping the turtles safe from humans.
Karla
We love getaways like that! We’re in Southern California so we have found lots of easy drives nearby and cute towns to spend a weekend. Can’t wait to get out and explore some more!
Hi Eva!
Nothing better than a quick getaway! We try to do 2 a month.
Karla
I love Texas. We have been to many parts. Austin is amazing especially hill country.
Hi Lisa!
We love the Hill Country too!
Karla
When our kids were young these were the perfect kinds of trips for us. Close to home! Great ideas!
Hi Tricia!
I agree that these are perfect family getaways! Thank you! We love road tripping
Karla
I lived in Austin for a couple of months a few years ago, and I didn’t make it to any of these places! (Although celebrating Mardi Gras on Sixth Street is a vivid memory-ha!) I need to get that way again sometime and explore some of these places, too!
Hi Stacey!
There is a lot to do. So you never know what you will find within a few hours of Austin
Karla
We love family road trips too when my kids were younger. Thanks for featuring these wonderful places to visit in Texas. Interesting facts on Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles. Kudos to the volunteers taking part in saving them from extinction.
Hi Ethel!
Thank you! We used some of the learning for homeschool when we got home. It was a lot of fun!
Karla
I would like to visit North Padre Island.
Hi Missy!
You will love it! So peaceful and beautiful!
Karla
Great travel planning tips when visiting Austin and the surrounding area. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Shirley!
Thank you! Glad you liked them.
Karla
Thanks for this. All these look like great places.
Hi Heather!
You’re welcome! I am glad you like it!
Karla
Texas is a unique place for sure. In the last couple years I have gone to a few different cities, all so different. Marfa was the strangest and the coolest!
Hi Taci!
Yes. You could see the world in all of the Texas towns. #VisitMarfa is on our list too. I see pictures all the time and it looks so cute and fun
Karla
I’ve heard that Fredericksburg is a lovely little city to visit. I like that it made your list as well – thanks!
Hi Tara!
I can’t believe I waited so long to visit. Now I tell everyone it needs to be in their top 10 for Texas
Karla
We can’t wait to explore the area over the next year as we travel the states. The coast of Texas is on my States bucket list.
Hi Wendy!
You’ll love it. Lots to do, see and eat
Karla
I think my first stop would be North Padre Island. I love that it has protect areas for the sea turtles.
Hi Trisha!
Yes, and you can watch a release as well. It was life changing for me. They do a wonderful job.
Karla
I would love to visit South Padre Island! Looks like such fun.
Hi Amanda!
Padre is nice. Check out the National Sea Shore… I think you will visit and never want to leave. We spent the entire day, and went pack the next day!
Karla
Great ideas! We are hoping to take our daughter to Texas very soon!
Hi Michele! She will love it. So much to do, lots to eat, and it’s almost always warm.
Karla