Gas up the tank and get ready to hit the road! This all-day road trip across Austin will take you through the most scenic wonders the Capital City has to offer. From sunset to sundown, you’ll get your fill of majestic natural beauty. You’ll see the city like you’ve never seen it before on this, one of the best road trips in Austin, Texas!

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We’ve got your map and route planned out, so all you need to do is grab your swimsuit and camera!

Mount Bonnell
Andy/Flickr
There's no better way to begin your natural wonders in Austin road trip than with the splendor of Mount Bonnell. Gape at the city skyline from 785 feet above sea level. With a cup of coffee in hand, the Austin sunrise will kickstart your morning.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Jon Clegg/Flickr
After resting your legs from Mount Bonnell's massive staircase, take a 2.5 mile hike around the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. Here, you'll encounter wildlife, babbling creeks, and scenic overlooks. St. Edwards University helps run this nature wonderland, and they often lead guided hikes and tours.
Twin Falls
Kelly Bolinger/Flickr
You can't embark on an Austin nature road trip without visiting the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The most convenient entrance is tucked away on the MoPac service road at 3918 S. Mopac Expy, but you can access these stunning views from any greenbelt entrance point. Bring a swimsuit and wade in the refreshing water! You'll love relaxing by the water amongst the lush greenery.

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Barton Springs Pool
iris/Flickr
Still looking for places to visit in Austin? Well, now that you have your swimsuit on, dart on over to the Barton Springs Pool. This natural, spring-fed pool stays a crisp 68 degrees year round, so even if the summer heat summons beads of sweat, this pool will cool you down.
McKinney Falls State Park
theresa21/Flickr
It's almost hard to believe that all of this beauty exists in a metropolitan city, but believe this: the journey gets even better. At McKinney Falls State Park, you can hike, bike, geocache, picnic, and go bouldering. Onion Creek flows over rocks and boulders and the verdant trees glisten in the sunshine. If you wanted to end your road trip here, you could camp at one of their 81 campsites and stare at the stars.
Austin Bats at the Ann Richards Bridge
Pardesi*/Flickr
And perhaps one of the best natural wonders in Texas by far just might be the Austin Bats at the Ann Richards Bridge. Swing back toward Central Austin for one of the most spectacular sights in the city. The flight of 1.5 million Mexican Free-tailed bats never ceases to draw a crowd. From April to October, these little creatures fly out from under the bridge every night at sunset. The best place to view their majesty is beneath the bridge on a kayak or boat. Get your camera ready, because this is a sight to behold!

Have you ever been to any of these places? If so, which were your favorites? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

Looking for more Austin excursions? Embark on this epic restaurant road trip for an insane culinary adventure.

Still hungry? Check out this mouthwatering video of the 20 best restaurants in Austin:

 

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More to Explore

Adventures in and around Austin

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | February 05, 2023

What are some of the best museums in the Austin area?

  • The Elisabet Ney Museum celebrates the work of this famous acclaimed sculptor in a unique castle setting.
  • The Blanton Museum of Art features 18,000 works of art from 14th century European art to contemporary works.
  • The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum walks you through the life, times, and presidency of the 36th President.

Read on to learn more about the best museums in the Austin area.

 

Where can we find historic sites in Austin?

  • The Texas Capitol is the seat of government for the state and an architectural marvel.
  • The Bremond Block features 11 Victorian historic homes that once belonged to this early Austin family in the mid-1800s,
  • The Buford Tower, originally used by the fire department and built in 1930, chimes welcome bells every hour.

Read on to learn more about the many historic sites in Austin.

 

Where can we find lakes around Austin?

  • Ladybird Lake is a popular spot for hiking and biking located right in the middle of the city.
  • Lake Marble Falls is a reservoir on the Colorado River known for its plethora of native fish.
  • Lake Travis is a huge lake featuring swimming, camping, boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.

Read on to learn more about the many lakes around Austin.

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