Last month, we kicked off our summer road trip series, Hit the Road, with an outdoor adventure to Colorado Bend State Park. If you checked it out, we’d love to hear about it.
This month, we’re continuing the series with a 30-mile trip to Buda for a quick getaway. From a historic park to a kingdom of arcade games, this town offers a little bit of everything — making it the perfect end-of-summer vacay.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~22 minutes from downtown
Est. population: 18,430
Avg. high in July: 96°
🎟️ Things to do
This park is home to two historic farm structures + a nature trail on 51 acres of land. You might even spot White-tailed deer wandering through the mesquite and oak trees.
You can easily spend half a day at this Texas-sized sporting goods outlet. Explore the store’s aquarium, mountain exhibit, and museum.
Enjoy family fun activities such as laser tag, bumper cars, and arcade games. There’s even a giant dragon gateway to welcome visitors.
Shop fresh baked goods and vegetables at this year-round farmers market, which is open on Sundays. While you browse the vendors, enjoy live music from local musicians.
Catch an outdoor flick at this pet-friendly drive-in. Guests can also enjoy fresh snacks and drinks during the movie.
Indulge in the tres leches cake with strawberries from Sweet Cakes 4 U. | Photo by @sweetcakes4ubudatx
🍔 Grub to eat
When your sweet tooth kicks in, stop by this dessert shop, which serves up cake, cupcakes, scones, muffins, and cake balls.
Get a taste of traditional American, Cajun, and Mexican food at this restaurant. Unique menu items include crab stuffed avocados and alligator bites.
What’s a Texas town without barbecue? Choose from a selection of brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey, and sausage at this food truck.
Select from a hefty entree list of tamales, tacos, and enchiladas.
Main St. Pizzeria & Beer Garden
This pizzeria and beer garden offers pepperoni rolls, speciality pizzas, beer, and wine by the bottle.
Cajun dishes at this restaurant include andouille crusted redfish, shrimp + grits, and gumbo.
Doc’s Drive-In Theatre’s Mini Houses include a Star Wars-themed vacation rental. | Photo by Sarah Denny/Doc’s Drive-In Theatre
🏨 Overnight accommodations
If you get a wild hair and decide to turn this quick day trip into an overnighter, here are some spots to stay.
Doc’s Drive-In Theatre’s Mini Houses, 1540 Satterwhite Rd.
These vacation rentals feature themes such as “The Galaxy Far, Far Away,” “Wizarding World,” and “Breakfast at Audrey’s.” These properties include one bedroom and one bathroom, and cost $108+ per night.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Buda Austin South, 1285 Cabelas Dr.
Rooms include up to two beds with a bathroom at a rate of $83+ per night.
Comfort Suites Buda - Austin South, 15295 S. I-35 Frontage Rd.
Rooms include up to two beds with a bathroom at a rate of $113+ per night.
Hampton Inn & Suites Austin South/Buda, 1201 Cabela’s Dr.
Rooms include up to two beds with a bathroom at a rate of $129+ per night.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin South-Buda, 15295 I-35
Rooms include up to two beds with a bathroom at a rate of $121+ per night.
