Searching for spring break road trips around Austin and Georgetown in 2024?

Anyone up for adventure? From new roads to travel to old treasures to find, Austin has it all. When I first moved to Leander, my husband and I would strike out in a certain direction and drive. One weekend we discovered D and J’s Good Ole Days antique shop in Brady, Texas. On another road trip, we stumbled upon the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham, Texas.

Spring break 2024 started Friday. I thought you might enjoy five unique options from which to choose your adventure. Here they are. Enjoy!

Six easy hikes in and around Austin and Georgetown

In my estimation, springtime hiking offers spectacular scenery and ideal weather.

Great Hills Park Trail is an easy 1.6 mile long in the 80 acres in the Bull Creek Watershed. Start here.

Slaughter Creek Trail Loop is a five-mile hike that will welcome you with wildflowers galore. The trailhead is located at 9938 Farm to Market Road 1826 off Highway 290.

Trailhead Park provides ample shade along its 4.5-mile stretch. Details can be found here.

Walnut Creek Trail in North Austin is only about a mile long – a perfect distance for little ones out on their first trek. Details found here.

Commons Ford Ranch is another kid-friendly hike of 2.4 miles and offers one of the finest picnic spots in Austin along with two minor waterfalls. Check it out here.

Little Fern Trail’s topography is more diverse: a few steep climbs, winding paths over limestone rocks, rippling creeks, and steppingstones. Directions and details here.

Port Isabel and the Queen Isabella Causeway

Searching for a charming small beach town?

Where? Port Isabel is one of the oldest towns in Texas dating back to 1519. While it may be small (population 6,000); it provides ample shops, restaurants, museums, and one of the most stunning beaches along the Texas Gulf Coast. Details and reasonably priced tickets to the Port Isabel Lighthouse, the only Texas lighthouse open to the public, can be found here. If taking children, be sure to plan a visit to the Black Dragon, a replica 17th-century pirate ship. For more information, go here.

Four scenic country road excursions near Austin and Georgetown

Long ago, John Denver sang a song about country roads in West Virginia. The lyrics fit these five country roads. Here they are.

Ranch Road 470 – which will take you through Paradise on your way to Utopia.

Farm to Market Road 1323 winds through the Hill Country on your way to Enchanted Rock (anyone find a theme here?) while passing through Johnson City bordered by colorful wildflowers this time of year.

Fitzhugh Road – from Austin, drive 290 West until Cedar Valley. Turn North onto Fitzhugh Road and take the back way to Pedernales Falls State Park.

Marble Falls to Burnet to Lampasas offers wide open spaces under the Texas big sky. From Georgetown, drive west to Liberty Hill. Turn left on Highway 1869. It forks at Highway 1174 – turn left. It will fork at Highway 1431, turn right until you enter Marble Falls. Eager to check out the town? Find details here. Drive North on Highway 281 through Burnet onto Lampasas. Return to Georgetown via 183 South to Liberty Hill.

Bargain Hunters road trip to the best thrift stores in Austin.

Road Trip Warning: no motorcycles or subcompacts – large SUVs handle the terrain with greater ease; the trip will last longer than expected, do not invite impatient passengers, and keep in mind, not every treasure is duly appreciated by friends and family.

Stop 1: Room Service Vintage – 117 E. North Loop Blvd.

Stop 2: Blue Velvet Vintage Clothing – 217 North Loop Blvd.

Stop 3: Top Drawer Thrift – 4902 Burnet Road.

Stop 4: Habitat for Humanity Restore – 500 W Ben White Blvd.

Stop 5: Far Out Home Fittings – 1500 W. Ben White Blvd.

Stop 6: Thrift Town – 5700 Manchaca Road.

For more details go here.

Where to survey two state parks in two days… or longer.

A longer spring break excursion can be enjoyed by combining two state parks together in one road trip: Garner State Park plus Lost Maples State Natural Area, which are 28 miles from each other.

Garner, which spans 1,700 acres and has 16 miles of hiking trails including jaunts along the Frio River. Check here for more info.

Lost Maples is more famous for its fall foliage but still knows how to show off in the spring as well. The park provides 10 miles of trails as well as fishing in the Sabinal River. Details can be found here.

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