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 Texas
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
Want to go to San Antonio too! Check out our last trip to San Antonio? San Antonio Family Day
WANT TO REMEMBER THIS? SAVE THE TWO DAY AND THREE DAY FAMILY ROAD TRIP WITHIN 3 HOURS OF AUSTIN TO YOUR PINTEREST BOARD
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
Lori Nielsen says
I visited Austin once for a minute while we waited for our flight. It would be fun to go back and explore!
Karla Harmer says
Hi Lori!
Haha! Well, there are more things to do than the airport. I think you might like it!
Karla
jen says
Great ideas for fun road trips! I’d like to do tham all.
Karla Harmer says
Hi Jen!
Thank you! I think you would love them all!
Karla
Jordan says
I’ve heard of North Padre! Would love to visit Austin and the areas around it! Thanks for the info!
Karla Harmer says
Hi Jordan!
It’s so beautiful. I had not heard about it until I started researching the sea turtles.
You’re welcome
Karla
Casandra says
Fredericksburg looks so lovely. I love that you included a section for what to do with Teens!
Karla Harmer says
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
Jennifer says
Thanks for sharing these places
Karla Harmer says
Hi Jennifer!
You’re welcome!
Karla
kmf says
I love day trips…so will definitely reference this post when I visit Austin next.
Karla Harmer says
Hi there
Thank you. Glad that this was helpful!
Karla
Cindy says
I have been to Texas but not to Austin. This would be great for a trip there. A whole weeks vacation already planned!
Karla Harmer says
Hi Cindy!
Yes, we did all the work for you! I think this is one of our favorite Austin travel guides
Karla
Jordin says
Take me to the beach please!
Karla Harmer says
Hi Jordin!
I agree! I am all about that beach life!
Karla
Pam says
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!
Karla Harmer says
Hi Pam!
Adventure out! You will be surprised how fun it is. So much to see and do
Karla
Cathy says
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!
Karla Harmer says
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
Sara - Seek Discover Learn says
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.
Karla Harmer says
Hi Sara!
Oh nice. I agree, point your car three hours from Austin and you can find just about anything you want.
Karla
Leeanne says
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.
Karla Harmer says
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
Eva Keller says
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!
Karla Harmer says
Hi Eva!
Nothing better than a quick getaway! We try to do 2 a month.
Karla
Lisa Manderino says
I love Texas. We have been to many parts. Austin is amazing especially hill country.
Karla Harmer says
Hi Lisa!
We love the Hill Country too!
Karla
Tricia Snow says
When our kids were young these were the perfect kinds of trips for us. Close to home! Great ideas!
Karla Harmer says
Hi Tricia!
I agree that these are perfect family getaways! Thank you! We love road tripping
Karla
Stacey Billingsley says
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!
Karla Harmer says
Hi Stacey!
There is a lot to do. So you never know what you will find within a few hours of Austin
Karla
Ethel says
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.
Karla Harmer says
Hi Ethel!
Thank you! We used some of the learning for homeschool when we got home. It was a lot of fun!
Karla
Missy says
I would like to visit North Padre Island.
Karla Harmer says
Hi Missy!
You will love it! So peaceful and beautiful!
Karla
Shirley says
Great travel planning tips when visiting Austin and the surrounding area. Thanks for sharing!
Karla Harmer says
Hi Shirley!
Thank you! Glad you liked them.
Karla
heather J jandrue says
Thanks for this. All these look like great places.
Karla Harmer says
Hi Heather!
You’re welcome! I am glad you like it!
Karla