Travel
7 finest day journeys from Austin, Texas
The town of Austin is a destination in and of itself.
However the metropolis’s location within the Texas Hill Country makes it simple for vacationers to entry different distinctive locations and not using a lengthy drive. The realm is filled with phenomenal hiking spots, standard lakes and rivers, small cities with cute downtowns, and wineries galore. If you happen to’re going to journey all the best way to Austin, you may as effectively pattern what the broader area has to supply, too.
We’ve made an inventory of our favourite day journey locations from Austin inside a two-hour drive. If you happen to schedule your travels effectively, you’ll be able to benefit from the metropolis and some of Texas’ most magical spots multi functional trip.
1. Discover the River Stroll and go to the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas
Journey time: 1 hour and quarter-hour
If you happen to can spare just a few days to go to San Antonio, don’t miss the chance. Its Spanish colonial structure makes it some of the stunning cities within the US. If you happen to solely have the day, nonetheless, the 15-mile River Walk connects a number of districts like Downtown to the favored Pearl District, house to a meals corridor, farmers market and procuring.
A go to to San Antonio wouldn’t be full with out experiencing the town’s historic Spanish previous and its vibrant Mexican tradition as we speak. The San Antonio Missions National Historic Park options 5 historic Spanish missions, together with the Alamo, that are all linked by a motorbike path. Don’t miss an opportunity to expertise San Antonio’s Chicano neighborhood at El Mercado, a conventional Mexican market full of retailers with Mexican-made merchandise, artwork, conventional meals stalls, eating places, bakeries, and musical and inventive performances.
Find out how to get to San Antonio from Austin: The best approach to get to San Antonio from Austin is to drive down I-35. Nonetheless, you may additionally take the bus through Greyhound and MegaBus or hop on the Amtrak Texas Eagle prepare. An Amtrak coach ticket from Austin to San Antonio is reasonable, however the journey takes about 3.5 hours – about 3 times longer than a bus trip or automotive drive.
2. Fredericksburg is a shocking wine vacation spot
Journey time: 1 hour and half-hour
Folks could not affiliate Texas with being a wine vacation spot, however the small city of Fredericksburg has actually made a reputation for itself in the previous few years. Over 100 wineries and vineyards (and one distillery!) encompass Fredericksburg, providing several types of tastings and experiences that wine fans will love.
Whilst you might skip a visit into city and simply go to the wineries, it’s definitely worth the effort and time. The town’s German heritage is distinguished within the delicacies of native eating places, the Pioneer Museum, and the structure of the Vereins Kirche. German tradition apart, the downtown space is full of clothes outlets and reward shops which might be value exploring.
Find out how to get to Fredericksburg from Austin: Most vacationers drive from Austin to Fredericksburg and spend the day exploring the city and wineries earlier than returning to ATX within the night. Nonetheless, a Greyhound bus is essentially the most reasonably priced transportation choice.
If you happen to plan to go to a number of wineries and interact in wine tastings, you’ll be able to e book half-day wine excursions from Austin with Austin Detours or Texas Wine Tours. They may probably not cease in Fredericksburg itself although, so if you wish to spend a while within the city, you’ll have to e book a personal tour or drive your personal automotive.
3. Hit the paths at Pedernales Falls State Park
Journey time: 1 hour
Austin is surrounded by a few of the finest state parks in Texas, however our favourite is the Pedernales Falls State Park. It’s house to an attractive river and a mixture of mountaineering, biking and horseback using trails that take you alongside rocky outcrops, by means of forests to overlooks and even to a waterfall.
Sure, you’ll be able to go swimming within the Pedernales River, in addition to kayaking or canoeing on it. Spend just a few hours on the park or camp in a single day, however simply make certain to e book your reservation (to go to or for a campsite) effectively upfront because the park typically reaches its capability by mid-morning and can near these with out permits and reservations.
Find out how to get to Pedernales Falls State Park from Austin: You’ll want a automotive to get to Pedernales Falls State Park as there’s no bus or prepare service.
4. Eat in Lockhart, the Barbecue Capital of the State
Journey time: 35 minutes
They are saying you’ll be able to’t go to Texas with out tasting the barbecue, so it’s a very good factor that the barbecue capital of Texas is only a brief drive from Austin. Lockhart was given the Barbecue Capital honor in 2003 by the Texas Senate, and since then vacationers have been making their approach to the small city to style the most effective smoked, fall-off-the-bone meats.
The 4 hottest BBQ spots in Lockhart are Black’s Barbecue, Smitty’s Market, Kreuz Market and Chisholm Trail Bar-B-Q. You possibly can count on slow-roasted meat over oak wooden and a few phenomenal German-inspired sausages. We extremely advocate happening a BBQ crawl between the eating places tasting totally different cuts and sides. Certain, you’ll be full by the top, however you’ll be capable of say you had a real old-school barbecue-tasting expertise.
Find out how to get to Lockhart from Austin: You can simply drive or get a cab to Lockhart, however when you’re on a price range, take the 1516 Orange Route Interurban Coach CARTS bus line from Austin to Lockhart and again. Get off on the Lockhart H-E-B cease, because it’s inside strolling distance of the city’s finest barbecue joints.
5. Tube the river in San Marcos, Texas
Journey time: 40 minutes
River tubing is an excellent standard exercise in Texas in the summertime, and the 72°F San Marcos River that runs by means of San Marcos is among the many high two locations for it within the state (the Guadalupe River is the second). So, seize some snacks and a floating cooler stuffed with drinks and spend a half or full day tubing the river.
When you’ve got your personal tube, you should use the free drop-in spot from San Marcos Metropolis Park. In any other case, hire a tube from the Lion’s Club, which incorporates a vast shuttle move. The shuttle will choose you up downstream and return you to the launch spot as many instances as you’d like. There are many different rental tube outfitters situated at totally different components of the river.
If you happen to’d reasonably discover the river at evening, you may take a fast journey to San Marcos for a Crystal Kayak Glow Tour with Paddle SMTX. It makes use of clear kayaks with coloured lights for its evening excursions.
Find out how to get to San Marcos from Austin: If you happen to don’t have a automotive to get from Austin to San Marcos, you’re in luck – the Interurban Coach is a public bus service that connects Austin with surrounding cities together with San Marcos. Vacationers can take the 1510 Yellow Route or the 1517 Specific Gold Route from Austin to San Marcos, each of that are about an hour-long trip. An all-day move on the Interurban Coach is simply $6. One other transportation choice is the Austin to San Marcos Amtrak line on the Texas Eagle. A coach ticket will be as low-cost as $5, and the trip is simply 45 minutes lengthy.
In case your essential goal is to go tubing in San Marcos, you’ll be able to all the time e book an tour from Austin. ATXcursions has a shuttle service from central Austin to San Marcos. A tube rental and ice chests (with ice) are included within the worth of the ticket. Plus, you’ll be able to drink and snack on the shuttle there and again.
6. Social gathering on the water in Lake Travis
Journey time: 35 minutes
Lake Travis could be very standard amongst Austin locals and has a little bit of a status as being the town’s “social gathering lake.” The lake itself is 63.75 miles lengthy and has over 271 miles of shoreline, making it a unbelievable vacation spot to hire a ship, jet ski, kayak or canoe. Satan’s Cove is the place the social gathering is at – boaters of every kind tie their boats collectively, and folks hang around, drink and benefit from the Texas solar.
If you happen to don’t wish to hire a ship, you’ll be able to all the time go fishing at Lake Travis, take a look at your self on the Waterloo Adventures on-the-water problem course or go ziplining at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. Don’t overlook to seize a chew at the Oasis, the biggest out of doors restaurant in Texas with gorgeous lake and sundown views. It has stay music, too!
Find out how to get to Lake Travis from Austin: The one approach to get to and from Lake Travis is by taxi, Uber, Lyft or your personal automotive.
7. Get pleasure from small-town enjoyable in Wimberly
Journey time: 50 minutes
The Hill Nation is filled with small cities, and any Austinite will inform you that Wimberly is a superb day tour. Spend a while procuring amongst boutique shops and artwork galleries within the Historic Downtown earlier than grabbing a meal on the CreekHouse Kitchen and Bar or a wine tasting on the Hill Country Wine Shoppe.
Expertise the Wild West at Pioneer Town, an old-timey city with cool buildings that the entire household will love. If at some point isn’t fairly sufficient, the Wimberly space is filled with cabin leases and accommodations with spas. It gives journey like horseback using and ziplining, artsy actions like glass blowing and even tastings at a rum distillery.
And when you journey to Wimberly in the summertime, don’t overlook to go to the Blue Hole Regional Park, Cypress Falls Swimming Hole or Jacob’s Well Natural Area. These swimming holes supply a cool respite from the sweltering Texas warmth.
Find out how to get to Wimberly from Austin: Belief us after we say {that a} automotive is important to go to Wimberly. You can take the Texas Eagle Amtrak prepare from Austin to San Marcos after which get a 25-minute taxi, Uber or Lyft trip from San Marcos to Wimberly, however you’ll discover it troublesome to get to all of the locations round Wimberly with out your personal automotive.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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