Looking for an easy, lowkey getaway? Look no further than beautiful Central Texas.
The 2024 Texas Travel Awards just dropped, so we wanted to share the day trip-worthy spots in the Central Texas area that made the list. Let’s dive in.
Austin
- The Otis Hotel | Best hotel, big market
Georgetown (~30 minutes away)
- @VisitGeorgetownTX | Best destination social media account, small/mid market
Dripping Springs (~35 minutes away)
- Dripping Springs Distilling | Best distillery
Bastrop (~35 minutes away)
- Best destination for families, people’s choice
- Best destination for outdoor adventures, people’s choice
- Bastrop Music Festival | Best music festival or event, small/mid market
![A fireplace made of books at a bookstore, with leather couches and someone sitting in front.](https://6amcity.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7d75f91/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1184x667+0+65/resize/1000x563!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk1-prod-sixam-city.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fca%2F85%2F743f0e4c406dafb0a05048ff5ad4%2Fscreen-shot-2024-02-26-at-4-03-26-pm.png)
Don’t miss @paintedporchbookshop next time you’re exploring Downtown Bastrop.
Photo by @bookstagramgold
Liberty Hill (~40 minutes away)
- River Ranch County Park and Interpretive Center | Best park
New Braunfels (~45 minutes away)
- Destination of the Year
- Phoenix Saloon | Best bar, big market
- 8Sages – The Dolly Cottage | Best Instagrammable spot, big market
- Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch | Best outdoor activity, big market
- Thru the Chute Cardboard Boat Race | Best community event, big market
- Gruene Hall | Best iconic tourist attraction
- Gruene Historic District | Best shopping district
- Dry Comal Creek Vineyards | Best winery
Marble Falls (~one hour away)
- Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge | Best hiking/biking trail
Giddings (~one hour away)
- Freedom Fest | Best community event, small/mid market
Looking for more inspiration? Check out the winners of the 2023 Texas Travel Awards.