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Tourist Towns |
There are several interesting tourist towns that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Austin. Tourism is booming around Austin. Here are a few of the most popular towns.
Buchanan Dam
This is more of an area than a town. This area is popular for fishing and water sports. You will find cabins for rent, bed & breakfast inns, RV Parks and campgrounds. This is a very popular retirement area. It is located on Lake Buchanan about one hour northwest of Austin.Burnet
The town of Burnet is about 50 minutes northwest of Austin or you can take a scenic steam train ride from Cedar Park to Burnet. They offer a river walk, a couple of museums, gift and antique stores, and an old fashioned square around the County Courthouse.Corpus Christi
Located on the Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi offers beach activity, boating, fishing on the gulf and more. Corpus Christi is one of Texas' most popular tourist cities. This town is a little farther from Austin and two days should be allowed for this trip.Fredericksburg
This town is supposedly the 11th most visited town in the U.S. There are well over one hundred shops crowded into this town. They have a great selection of bed & breakfast inns. It is a little over an hour's drive west of Austin.Gruene
This tourist town was designated as a Historic Town by the State of Texas. Located between Austin and San Antonio, it is a popular town because of the river tubing, the live music, dining and wine tastinge, etc. Check out their B & B Inns.Horseshoe Bay
This is a resort and retirement town on Lake LBJ. It is famous for its golf courses and watersports on the lake. You may want to retire here. It is only about 50 minutes northwest of Austin. Check out the new Lake LBJ Yacht Club and Marina just east of Horseshoe Bay just off of HWY 2147.Kerrville
Less than 100 miles west of Austin, Kerrville is known for its historic buildings and the winter Texans who come there each winter. It is on the Guadalupe river and has fishing and water activities.Kingsland
If you like fishing, watersports and great lake views, you will want to visit Kingsland. It is located where the Colorado River and the Llano River meets at the head of Lake LBJ. Inexpensive lodging and an easygoing atmosphere with great views of the lake attract people to Kingsland. Another great place to retire. Only about 60 minutes northwest of Austin.Llano
They are restoring many of the older homes in Llano and it is becoming an historic town. They have a walking tour to see the historic houses. The courthouse and square are also interesting. It is about a 70 minute drive northwest of Austin.Marble Falls
Only about a 45 minute drive northwest of Austin, this town is becoming a bedroom city for Austin. The town is on Lake Marble Falls. You will want to stop at the "World Famous" Bluebonnet Cafe for one of their popular breakfasts or lunches.New Braunfels
This interesting city is located between Austin and San Antonio. If you make the drive to San Antonio or Austin, plan some extra time for New Braunfels.Port Aransas Located on the Gulf of Mexico. Popular for the beaches, boating, fishing, cruises and tours, swimming, sunbathing, seafood restaurants, and tourists stores.
Salado
Located on I-35 just 40 minutes north of Austin, this popular town offers great gift and antique shopping. They have nice bed & breakfast inns and motels.San Marcos
Home to some the the best Outlet Malls in Texas. Swim and tube in the crystal clear San Marcos River. Tour the historic buildings and dine on the riverfront restaurants. Just 29 miles south of Austin.Sunrise Beach
This town is located on Lake LBJ. They don't have shopping but they have great lake views and water sports. It is also a good place to retire. Lodging is available. It is about an hour drive northwest of Austin.
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