Get ready to pack your bags, roll down the windows, and hit the road because this Austin to San Antonio road trip loop is about to blow your mind.
We’re talking secret swimming holes, giant pink rocks you can climb, rivers perfect for lazy tubing days, and towns filled with quirky shops and mouthwatering food.
You’ll find places where you can kayak next to millions of bats, hike to waterfalls, and even crawl through underground caves that’ll make you feel like an explorer.
1. Austin
Austin is the live music capital of the world, boasting over 250 venues like the legendary Continental Club and Mohawk Austin, where bands play every night.
You can snap a selfie in front of the “I love you so much” mural on South Congress Avenue, then stuff your face with delicious brisket at Franklin Barbecue.
If you love the outdoors, rent a kayak at Lady Bird Lake and watch 1.5 million bats fly out at sunset under the Congress Avenue Bridge (usually March-November).
💡 Fun fact: The original Whole Foods Market opened in Austin in 1980 at 10th and Lamar and has since grown into a massive flagship store.
2. Hamilton Pool
Next up is Hamilton Pool Preserve, a jaw-dropping natural swimming hole about 30 miles west of Austin.
Here, a 50-foot waterfall spills into a giant jade-green pool framed by a collapsed limestone grotto, creating one of the coolest spots to swim in Texas.
You can reach it by hiking the easy Hamilton Pool Trail, which winds through lush forest and only takes about 10 minutes each way.
Just a heads-up: You’ll need a reservation to visit, and be sure to check traviscountytx.gov because the pool sometimes closes due to high bacteria levels.
(At the time of writing, swimming is allowed at Hamilton Pool, but access is limited due to safety concerns about falling rocks.)
3. Pedernales Falls State Park
Next up is Pedernales Falls State Park, located about 20 miles west of Hamilton Pool, where the Pedernales River rushes over huge limestone slabs.
You can explore the Wolf Mountain Trail for epic river views or hop on the rocks at Pedernales Falls to feel the water rushing by your feet.
If swimming’s on your mind, head to the designated areas at Trammell’s Crossing Trail, perfect for a splash or float when water levels are safe.
💡 Fun fact: The name “Pedernales” comes from the Spanish word for “flint rocks”, which are common along the riverbed.
4. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Ready for something epic?
Make your way to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, where a giant pink granite dome towers 425 feet over the Texas Hill Country and offers some of the best stargazing in the state.
Hike the 0.8-mile Summit Trail straight to the summit for stunning 360-degree views, and keep an eye out for wildlife like foxes and deer along the way.
If you’re into climbing, you’ll find over 100 established rock climbing routes to explore.
And after dark, you might even spot constellations like Orion and the Milky Way, thanks to the area’s Dark Sky status.
5. Fredericksburg
Next stop is Fredericksburg, a lovely town founded by German settlers in 1846 and now the heart of Texas Wine Country (home to over 50 wineries!).
Stroll down Main Street to browse fun shops, or pop into the National Museum of the Pacific War to learn about WWII history.
For a breath of fresh air, visit Wildseed Farms, America’s largest working wildflower farm, where bluebonnets and poppies bloom in spring and early summer.
Don’t leave without trying schnitzel and a giant pretzel at Ausländer Restaurant, a local favorite serving hearty German food that’ll surely fill you up.
6. Guadalupe River State Park
Time to cool off at Guadalupe River State Park, roughly 56 miles from Fredericksburg, where the clear river makes for great swimming and tubing.
The Guadalupe River Trail takes you by scenic bluffs and shady woods, and you can hop into the river from spots like the Day Use Area for a quick dip.
If you’re into fishing, you’re in for a treat because you don’t even need a license to cast a line inside the park.
For a chill afternoon, spread out a picnic at the Bald Cypress Flats and watch turtles sunbathe on the logs while dragonflies zoom overhead.
7. San Antonio
Head to San Antonio next, a city with a rich history and one of the coolest river walks you’ll ever see (it’s lined with stone bridges and colorful umbrellas!)
Start with the Alamo, where the 1836 battle took place, then swing by San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to see beautifully preserved mission sites.
After taking in the city’s past, explore the 15-mile River Walk for delicious eats or take a boat cruise to see the river lit up beautifully at night.
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot that’s perfect for a relaxing break, then don’t miss the Japanese Tea Garden that features koi ponds and a stone pagoda.
8. Natural Bridge Caverns
And then there’s Natural Bridge Caverns, home to Texas’s largest commercial caverns packed with giant stalactites and towering 50-foot columns.
Sign up for the Discovery Tour to walk 180 feet underground through rooms like the Hall of the Mountain King, where massive, rippling formations await.
For extra thrills, try the Adventure Tour, where you’ll crawl through tight passages while wearing a helmet and headlamp (how cool is that?).
Above ground, you can tackle the Twisted Trails Ropes Course, a six-story obstacle course with ziplines soaring over Hill Country treetops.
9. New Braunfels
Make a splash in New Braunfels, a lively town just 25 minutes from Natural Bridge Caverns, known for tubing the clear Comal and Guadalupe Rivers.
You can rent a tube from Rockin’ R or Texas Tubes to spend the day drifting beneath old cypress trees.
If you’re up for some waterpark fun, head to Schlitterbahn, a 70-acre park with over 50 slides, a wave pool, and even a lazy river.
For a taste of the town’s German roots, grab a sausage plate at Krause’s Café, then enjoy live music at Gruene Hall (Texas’s oldest dance hall, built in 1878!).
10. Canyon Lake
Continue to Canyon Lake, an 8,230-acre reservoir about 19 miles from New Braunfels, ideal for boating, fishing, or lakeside lounging.
Launch a boat from Canyon Lake Marina and cruise around coves like Potter’s Creek, or rent a stand-up paddleboard to explore hidden inlets.
Once you’re back on shore, take the 1.3-mile Canyon Gorge Overlook Trail for sweeping views from limestone cliffs that drop into turquoise water.
If you’re a history buff, check out the Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country, which features 200+ dinosaur tracks along with fossils and ancient artifacts.
11. Wimberley
Last but not least is Wimberley, a dreamy Hill Country town about 28 miles from Canyon Lake.
It’s famous for crystal-clear swimming holes like Blue Hole Regional Park, where you can swing off rope swings into a spring-fed creek.
Wander Wimberley Square to shop at quirky stores like ‘Rancho Deluxe’ or ‘Kiss the Cook’.
For unforgettable views, take the 218 stone steps up Old Baldy Hill, then end your day with a glass of local wine at Wimberley Valley Winery’s cozy tasting room.
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