As cooler temperatures come back to Central Texas, autumn comes alive with many great things to do, see, and visit. If you live or work in the Austin area, getting outside of your routine and taking a quick trip for a day or two will put you in another world without having to jet away too far from the comforts of home.
Here are some of our favorite fall trips to take near Austin:
1. Wimberley
If you have been to Blue Hole Regional Park to swim during the summer, you know how beautiful it is. During the fall, the crowds disperse considerably and you’ll be able to hike and explore the area to your heart’s desire, often without encountering too many other people. If you visit on the first Saturday of the month, be sure to check out Wimberley Market Days for great farmer’s markets, crafts, and lots of interesting vendors and artisans to explore. Wimberley is just an hour and a quarter’s drive from Austin and you’ll find lots of reasons to linger. Become one with nature, take in the scenery, browse galleries and shops, or tempt your palate at one of the many area restaurants.
2. Fredericksburg Oktoberfest
Every October, Fredericksburg celebrates its German heritage with a traditional Oktoberfest – complete with beer gardens, chicken dancing, oom-pah bands, hearty food (expect plenty of schnitzels, sausage, and sauerkraut), and general good fun for all ages. 2018 marks the 38th year of this fall festival, which runs from October 5 through October 7. Fredericksburg is about an hour and a half’s drive from Austin.
3. Johnson City
There are so many things to see and do in Johnson City during the fall season that it’s easy to fill up a day or two with activities like going to the Exotic Resort Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with wild animals on a safari. If you prefer a different kind of wildlife, you could tour local wineries, breweries, and distilleries and sample to your heart’s content. For family-friendly fun, the Hill Country Science Mill puts the fun in science, math, and technology – or you could dive into some local history at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park. Johnson City is an easy hour’s drive from Austin, so planning a day trip is totally doable.
4. Colorado Bend State Park
If you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or if you want to try your hand at spelunking, Colorado Bend State Park is a must-do. Marvel at 60-foot high waterfalls, rent a kayak or explore their more than 32 miles of hiking trails. Guided tours through their cave system must be pre-booked but it’s well worth planning in advance. You can get to the park from Austin in anywhere from about an hour and forty-five minutes to two hours on the road, depending on which route you take. If you are coming from Round Rock, you can chop about 20 minutes to a half-hour off your travel time.
Living and working in Texas is a pleasure at any time of the year, but the fall season is always a favorite because of cooler temperatures and lighter traffic at these popular destinations. So, get out there and enjoy the season while it lasts – work will always be there for you when you’re done.