Whether an Austinite or just visiting, you will want to experience the splendor that is Central Texas. Whatever direction you choose, there is a fantastic road trip to be found.
Whether you have a couple of hours or a long weekend, you may choose from arid deserts or snow-capped mountains. Drive through Cedar-filled forests that give way to authentic Texan towns and unique National Parks.
1. Take Highway 290 to The Cowboy of the World
This route starts on Mopac South as you exit the city through South Austin.
Zilker Park and Barton Springs.
But before you leave Austin for your trip, take a few minutes to explore Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Zilker Park’s 358 acres surround and protect Barton Springs Pool and the endangered Barton Springs Salamander. The pool is fed from underground springs, stretching over three acres
Zilker Park is part of the heartbeat of Austin. Home to festivals and events including the following:
- ABC Kite Festival
- Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
- Blues on the Green
- Austin City Limits Music Festival
- Zilker Christmas Tree
- Trail of Lights
- Deep Eddy Pool
If nothing else, put a placeholder to come back and explore one of Austin’s most famous and iconic locations.
As you leave town, just south of the Greenbelt and Barton Springs, Loop 1 merges into the Hwy 71 interchange and finally onto Hwy 290 West — leaving the city and traffic behind.
Voila! You are off on your Central Texas adventure.
As you meander along US 290, you will pass through sleepy Texas towns such as Henly and growing areas like Dripping Springs. If you are interested in wineries and distilleries, make plans to come back to this area, for there is much to explore.
Along the last couple of miles on 290, keep an eye out for Miller Creek, an off-shoot of the Pedernales River to the north.
Soon, you will approach a hard right onto 281 South, and you are on your way to Blanco.
Blanco, Texas
Blanco River and State Park runs through downtown Blanco, hugging a one-mile stretch of the river. Choose to swim, fish, or boat. On land, you can picnic, hike, and geocache. Geocaching is a type of community hide-and-seek – geo means earth, and cache means hidden item.
A popular activity, these camouflaged (not buried) items are hidden treasures. Geocaches range from very small (a film canister) to large (metal box).
Real Ale Brewing, located in downtown Blanco, is a family-owned and operated tradition. Founded in 1996, visitors can tour the brewery and distillery.
Another place unique to Blanco is the Hill Country Lavender Farm — Texas’ first commercial lavender farm. The farm produces a full lavender product line, including soaps, lotions, and culinary items. Admission to the farm is free. In June, look up the Lavender Festival, with fresh lavender, wine, and music.
The Buggy Barn Museum showcases over 200 unique buggies, carriages, and wagons from the 1860s to the 1900s. The museum includes Pine Moore Old West Studio, an authentic Old West town often used for Western movies.
Back on the road, as you cut across the western edge of the Canyon Lake and skirt Guadalupe River State Park. As you travel Hwy 46, you will eventually arrive at the quaint old ranching town of Boerne (pronounced Bernie)
Boerne, Texas
Boerne, Texas
Founders named the town in honor of German author and publicist Ludwig Börne.
If you have the time, check out the natural living Cave Without a Name, located 11 miles northeast of Boerne. The breathtaking natural wonder remains at a constant 66 degrees. Here you will see spectacular Stalactites, Stalagmites, Cave Drapery, and magnificent Flowstones. If you can’t stop, swing by the Dienger Trading Co for fresh coffee and pie.
From Boerne, it’s a quick 30 minutes to Bandera, TX.
Bandera, Texas
Bandera claims to be the ‘Cowboy Capital of the World.’ And between trail rides, cowboy bars, and the Mayan and Dixie Dude Ranches, it just might live up to its name. Browse at a few cowboy-themed shops and taste wine from Lost Maples Winery for an authentic Bandera experience.
If you are not staying over, then it is time to head back. The trip is 118-miles to Bandera, and you will need to retrace your route home. With a few necessary stops to gas up and recharge for the drive, it should take about 2.5 hours to get back to Austin.
2. Austin to Enchanted Rock Via Ranch Road 1323
There are several routes to Enchanted Rock, and it is a bit hard to get to but worth the trip.
This route spans from Downtown Austin to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, by way of Loop 1 south, Hwy 290 west, and Farm Road 1323 – then to North State Highway 16 and 965 to enter the park. The route totals about 200 miles round-trip, and driving time should be 3.5 hours without the stops and sightseeing.
It is an easy and gorgeous drive, especially in the Fall and Spring. If you have a convertible, drop the rag-top, plug in your favorite MP3 list, and enjoy.
Getting out of the city is straightforward but depending on traffic may take a bit. You’ll pass through Dripping Springs and then on to Pedernales Nature Preserve near Johnson City.
There are scenic stops along the route including, Bell Mountain Vineyards and the Willow City Loop, where you can enjoy the bluebonnets in the spring.
Johnson City, Texas
James Polk Johnson founded Johnson City. Uncle to Lyndon B Johnson, LBJ — 33rd President of the United States. The area is full of history, like the Texas White House, the former childhood home to LBJ, and the functioning White House throughout his administration.
The Exotic Resort Zoo stands on 137 wooded acres, housing over 500 animals of 80 different species — more than half on the endangered species list. The preserve enables the animals to raise their young. Daily safari tours are available year-round.
In addition to cowboys and trail rides, the Texas Hill Country is home to spectacular art. The 140-acre Sculpture Ranch & Galleries sits 23 miles north of Johnson City – taking advantage of the tranquility of the Hill Country. MuseoBenini includes a 14,000 sq.ft., Studio Building, a library, and a 6500 sq. ft. gallery featuring 40 years of Italian-born Benini’s work.
And if you are looking for a nearby winery. There are no less than 16 in this part of the state. But don’t drive through town without a quick stop at Whittington’s Jerky.
Back on the road, the scenery is peaceful. Farm roads crisscross the area, but much of the land remains untouched.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Situated just north of Johnson City along the banks of the Pedernales River, the Pedernales Falls State Park houses a .5-mile Twin Falls Nature Trail and scenic overlook. Too easy? Try the six-mile Wolf Mountain Trail, which wraps around Tobacco and Wolf mountains ending at the canyons created by Mescal and Tobacco creeks—along the way, refreshed at Arrowhead Pool, stair-stepped pools fed by Bee Creek. Pedernales Falls State Park is great for camping, hiking, geocaching, bird watching, and tubing.
Enchanted Rock State Park
A go-to place for Austinites in the know in the 1980s, this exquisite location is worth the drive. Enchanted Rock is a natural formation and park about 2 hours west of Austin.
If you intend to climb the 325-foot tall rock, which is why you came, the pinkish dome is a breathtaking view, but the trek will take some time. Call the park for reservations-it gets busy.
3. Austin to Fredericksburg via Highway 290
You will find traffic on MOPAC south a little stop-and-go as you pass through the Barton Creek Greenbelt to navigate the South Austin HWY 71/290 jumble expertly. But once through Oak Hill on Highway 290 West, you are on your way to the town of Fredericksburg.
Drivetime is about 78 miles or 1.5 hours one-way. But, unless you find a cow in the road, you shouldn’t run into too much traffic along the way.