Day Trips and Weekend Getaways Around Austin,TX

Just hop into the car and you will find so many places to visit and things to do around Austin. From a German Town to African style safari, from caverns to beautiful tropical water hole, these places provide a complete change of scenery and provides relaxed, fun and refreshing weekend for whole family. Below you will find ideas for some great Day Trips and Weekend Getaways from Austin, Texas. Travel Ideas: Thing to Do in Austin

Read More: Nature Resort in Texas Hill Country: Canyon of the Eagles

1. South Padre Island:

This is a great weekend trip only 6-7 hours drive from Austin. Even during long weekends it does not get that crowded. It has every thing for a fun and cheap vacation getaway for entire family. From unique restaurants to boutique shops, horse riding by the sea to dolphin watching or cute little ice-cream joints you name it and you will find it here. South Padre Island is one of the top 10 US location for Sand Sculpture Festivals or more famously know as Sand Castle Days. Read more about South Padre Island Itinerary and its Sand Castle Festival here.

2. Natural Bridge Caverns

Trip down to Natural Bridge Caverns is fun side trip from austin. It is only hour and half drive south from Austin on Hwy 35. They are probably the most beautiful caverns in Texas. There are guided laid back tours as well as adventure tours available.

3. Natural Bridge Safari

You will need whole day to visit Natural Bridge Caverns and Natural Bridge Safari. They are right next to each other. Natural Bridge Wild Life Ranch. It is like African safari but in Texas. You can pick-up animal feed at the ticket counter and drive leisurely in your car. Roll down the windows and feed the animals from your own hands. There are giraffes, lamas, zebras, deers, ostrich etc. You cannot feed giraffe though. There is a small petting zoo for little children as well. This will be experience that whole family will cherish forever.

4. Hamilton Pool and Krause Spring:

Only about 45 minutes drive from Austin on Hwy 71 west, is this beautiful oasis called Hamilton Pool and Krause Spring. Hamilton Pool is a natural water hole and 50 feet tall waterfall surrounded by lime stone canyons and tall Cyprus trees. Read more about Hamilton pool at Travel Ideas: Hamilton Pool

Kruase Spring is a natural water hole and overnight camping area. Year round water temperature here is only 70 F. Covered with very old and tall Cyprus trees and very interesting rock formations. Water passes through these formations and humans can pass though them as well. It is a very beautiful tropical oasis just outside Austin.

Both these water holes are in the same area and can be visited on same day.

5. Schlitterbahn Water Park Resort

Usually I would not make a note of a water park. But Schitterbahn is different. Created from river Guadalupe, part of it uses natural water flow and untreated water. While some rides uses treated water. It has been voted best water park of the country year after year. They also have rooms available on site for overnight stay. Kids will not want to come back from Schitterbahn. It is so much fun.

6. Sea World San Antonio

There are only three locations in USA with Sea World. One of them is only two hours drive south from Austin, in San Antonio. It is experience of a lifetime. Encounter with Dolphins , shows of Beluga Whales, penguins, walrus and above all Shamu the killer whale all under single roof. Their 4D theater is another hair raising experience.

 7. San Antonio

San Antonio is called "The Alamo City". Alamo is the church where first decisive battle for Texas Independence was fought. It is only 2 hours south from Austin. Apart from Alamo the another very interesting thing about San Antonio is its River Walk. Mainly at night it create very magical environment. Take a romantic dinner on River Walk by river side at night. There are so many amazing museums and architectural buildings to visit as well. You can visit two top attractions of San Antonio (Alamo and River Walk) in a single day, but for a more leisurely vacation plan a week-end getaway.

6. Fredericksburg and Enchanted Rock

Settled by Germans in early 1800s, Fredericksburg still maintains its German Flavor and is full of history. You can make quick day trip or stay in one of the many charming bed and breakfast inns for the week-end. Tour wineries and vineyards. Enjoy the wild flower trails and peach farms. Either way you will have a enchanting experience. It is only two hours drive from Austin.

30 minutes drive from Fredericksburg is fun place for camping and hiking. Enchanted Rock is a very interesting rock structure created from earth quake. Parking is limited here. So do call before leaving.

Day Trips from London

London is very well placed in UK and with best transport system in the world, it is a great place to make base and then travel around. Depending on time on hand, your day trips around London could include very wide variety of sightseeing activities and things to do. Three day itinerary for London

Here are top getaways from London.

1. Windsor Castle:
This is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the country. It is official resident of the Queen.

This 900 year old castle contains beautiful royal gardens, palaces, chapels and living quarter of many officials. This truly majestic castle is located on beautiful grounds and one of the best place for a day trip from London.

You can take London subway (tube) and get to the castle in about hour or so. Or you may decide to use tour offered by one of the many tour operators.



2. Greenwich and Queen's Museum:
Greenwich is famous not just for Prime Meridian Line. There are many other attractions in the surrounding area. 16th Century Queen's House which is now converted to Art Gallery, Royal Naval Collage and Royal Observatory to name the few. Greenwich Park and Market are fun to spend a afternoon. It will be very fun and enriching day out for the kids as well as adults.
It takes about 30-45 minutes by train or bus to get to Greenwich. If weather is good you may want to take boat ride. It is fun and it can also serve the purpose of on board sight seeing cruise for attractions like Westminster Abbey etc.
3. Cambridge:
This university town even though small, offers amazing variety of family friendly activities. It is about 50 miles from London and will take about hour or so by train to get there.
Depending on your preference you may choose one of the many ways explore the city. Either take self guided tour , guided walking tour, private customized group tour or even very relaxing boat tour !



4. Stonehenge and Salisbury:
Stonehenge is one of the seven wonders of ancient world. There are many stories and legend around who built this mysterious structure. But regardless of how they came into existence, to see this place is once in a lifetime and very unique experience.
You can travel to Stonehenge via public transport. You will find it in more detail in above link. You can also get private tours and they cover Lacock and Bath as well. Lacock is home town of Jane Austin, the famous author many classic novels like Pride and Prejudice , Emma etc. Romantic films based on these novels were also shoot in this charming town. Its architecture still dates back to 15th through 18th Century. It is one of the most beautiful villages in England.

City of Bath famous for roman baths. Its natural hot water springs are providing hot water even after 10000 years.
5. Wales:
Miles of natural wonders, unspoilt coastline and countryside, rich history and culture, majestic castles. That is wales. It is only two hours by train from London. There are tons out outdoor activities like walking tours and biking tours available as well.


6. Lake District:
UK's lake is district is one of the most beautiful landscape in England. This area covered with innumerable mountains, lakes and streams. This area is agriculturally very important and famous for its farming and dairy business. There are working farms where you can stay and have ultimate farm experience without doing hard farm work.

While travelling outside of US I do prefer to purchase travel insurance. I will not promote any specific company or product here, but there are respectable companies out there in Travel Insurance Space.

Image: Wikipedia

Day Trips and Weekend Getaways around Seattle, Washington

Lots of natural body next to urban development defines Seattle. Beautiful images of water and mountain are part of daily life in Seattle. Seattle Vacation is a perfect way to slow down and relieve day to day stress. If you have concern around Seattle's wet weather, best time to visit Seattle is in May through October. It is dry and cool during this time.

Here are suggested Day Trips and Weekend Getaways near Seattle.

1) Mount Rainier:
Only two hours drive from Seattle is Mount Rainier. Multiple hiking trails, waterfalls, rivers, wildflowers and above all, clouds and fog surrounding you creates a paradise like environment.
Campsites are available through out the area. Cheap yet beautiful lodging options like Bed and Breakfast Inns are also available in near by areas.




2) Snoqualmie Falls:
In only half an hour drive from Seattle, you can reach this one of the most famous and beautiful scenic attraction of Washington. Snoqualmie Falls is about 280 feet tall falling off of granite cliffs and is surrounded by about 2 acre park area. Entry is free and parking is free as well. At the top of the waterfall beautiful picnic area and small hiking trails are also available.

Historic Salish Lodge & Spa overlooks Snoqualmie Falls and offers grand views and cozy lodging.



3) Bellingham:
In hour and half drive from Seattle you will see complete change of scenery in town of Bellingham. Its a charming town with magnificent natural beauty. Locally owned businesses and restaurants gives a refreshing feel. This town is perfect place for whale watching as well. Whale watching trip are also available. Keep your passport handy in case you are crossing border to Canada.

4) Browns Point Light House:
This light house was in use almost until 1960s. It is about half and hour drive from Seattle. Today area is maintained as a beach, public park and picnic area. Tours are also available during certain designated time.
Here are some Weekend Getaway ideas from Seattle.

1) San Juan Islands:

You can either fly to San Juan Islands in 30-45 minutes or take a ferry and get there in 3-4 hours including drive from Seattle to ferry stop. These are collections about 4 different islands, each one provides different kind of experience. From farmlands to forests, from rugged mountains to sandy beaches, whatever is your preference, you will be delighted.




2) Olympic Peninsula:

This is large collection of Temperate Rain Forests located in western Washington State. This region is very diverse blend of natural wonders and climate. Multiple small towns and cities surround this vast area. Depending on area you are visiting you have variety of activities to do.

3) Leavenworth and Ellenburg:
Leavenworth was a old timber and rail town. Now it is converted to alpine Bavarian village and provides year round activities. It is about two hours drive from Seattle. Apart from all sorts of activities like skiing, tubing,snow mobile,rock climbing, horse back riding, boating etc, there are year round festivals and events in this alpine village. It feels like you are Switzerland without spending so much.

Before getting to Leavenworth, you can take a small detour and visit town of Ellenburg. It provides with big city amenities with small town charm.

Drive from Ellenburg to Leavenworth is very beautiful as well including mountains, waterfalls , small villages etc.

Day Trips and Weekend Getaways around Lake Tahoe

There are tons of things to do in Lake Tahoe. There are many places around Lake Tahoe for short day trips as well.

You may also like 3 day itinerary to Lake Tahoe.

Here are some day trip ideas around Lake Tahoe. If your vacation plans allow San Francisco is a quick week-end getaway from Lake Tahoe.

1. North Lake Tahoe:

A short drive away from South Lake Tahoe and a world apart is North Lake Tahoe. You leave all the commercial sprawl behind when you visit north shore. Plenty of skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. It is far less crowded and has much more beautiful views.The north shore is about an hour's drive from South Lake Tahoe.







2. Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle:

While you are driving to North Lake Tahoe you may want to take West side route and visit Emerald Bay. It is only half an hour drive from South Lake Tahoe and the most pictured spot in Lake Tahoe area. This is one place you do not want to miss while you are in Lake Tahoe area.

Vikingsholm Castle is the best example of Scandinavian architecture in USA. Located about 1 mile from Emerald Bay. You may hike down to this castle that is located on shore of Lake Tahoe, surrounded by beautiful pine trees. During summer months daily guided tours are also available.

3. Virginia City:
A very interesting side trip from Lake Tahoe is Virginia City. Approximately 30 miles east of Lake Tahoe and only about one hour drive. This was a bustling mining town of 30,000 people in the 1860's and 1870's. This will give you an insight into what a real North American western town, looked like.



4. Grover Hot Springs:

These natural hot springs are a favorite getaway from Lake Tahoe. They are an hour drive from South Lake Tahoe. These springs are great for just soaking. There are good hiking trails located in an alpine meadow just outside the town of Markleeville.

5. Sierra City:

Siearra city is a very scenic road trip from Lake Tahoe and it is only hour and half drive. It is nice little village carved out by Yuba river in Nevada Mountains. There are 40 different lakes in 15 minutes from Sierra City and each one with its unique beauty. Beautiful trails and nice cozy cabins available for overnight stay, away from hustle and bustle of big city.




6. Grimes Point Archaeological Site:

This is a 8000 year old archaeological site located near Carson City (Nevada State Capital), about 30 miles from Lake Tahoe. There are self-guided as well as guided tours available. On your tour you can view pre-historic rock art, caves, paintings etc. It is out in the dessert, so make sure you have enough drinking water with you when you visit this place.

7. Stewart Indian School Museum:

Stewart Indian School was established in 1890 to teach Native American trades to get easily assimilated in American culture. It was closed on 1980 and now it is converted to a museum. It is also located in near Carson City about 30 miles from Lake Tahoe.

8. Donner Memorial State Park:

During summer Donner Memorial State Park offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, it offers cross-country ski. It is about 50 miles from South Lake Tahoe. It is perfact spot for a cheap family vacation or a weekend gateway near Lake Tahoe.


In this park you will find Emigrant Trail Museum and the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. You can also take a self guided 2.5 miles round trip tour that tells story of wild west.

Day Trips - Denver,Colorado

Denver provides perfect combination of outdoor adventures and city life. Snow capped peaks overlooking the city provides perfect backdrop to a laid back city. You can also take variety of day trips from Denver. Here are suggested day trips and weekend gateways from Denver.

More Travel Ideas: Things To Do in Denver

1) Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park is about 2 hours to drive from Denver. It is great for camping or a day trip. Check out this link to read further about things to do in Rocky Mountain Nation Park.




2) Colorado Spring is a perfect side trip that is only one hour drive from Denver. You can visit US Air Force Academy, Garden of Gods , Cliff Dwellings etc on way to Colorado Springs. You can try white water rafting here.


3) Pikes Peak:

Pike Peak is about one hour drive from Denver,Colorado on the way to Colorado Spring. This is the place where poem "America The Beautiful" was written. This place is called Beauty Spot of America !!


At Pike Peak can do hiking, biking or take a ride on a Cog Railway.

4) Georgetown:

Georgetown is only 40miles from Denver. It is a beautiful Victorian village set in a spectacular mountain valley. The main street has unique antique shops and restaurants. With this day trip from Denver you will find yourself in a different era.

You can also experience Georgetown Loop Railroad here.

5) Royal Gorge Bridge And Park:

Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City, Colorado is the highest suspension bridge in the world. While driving on this bridge you feel like you are closer to the sky than the earth. It is about 2 hours drive from Denver but it is worth it. If you are making trip for Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak then Royal Gorge Bridge is only another hour from there. So you may want cover all three in a same day.




Here are some more ideas for places to visit near Denver that are more suited for week-end gateway then a day trip. To be more specific they are about 3-6 hours drive from Denver:
1) Aspen,Colorado:

Apart from being home to most famous ski resorts in west, Aspen,Co also has some very beautiful, warm and cozy Bed & Breakfast Inns where you can spend a nice and relaxing week-end.

You can also check-out Aspen Wilderness Outfitters for a relaxing horse back sight seeing. They provide 1,2 and 3 hours sight seeing trips as well as half-day and full-day excursions.

2. Durango, Colorado:  In about 6 hours drive from Denver you can drive to Durango. This is a place having activities year-round.

3. Santa Fe, New Mexico:
Only five hours drive from Denver is one of the most beautiful ski resort and unique little town Santa Fe. Winter or Summer it provides tons of things to do. Travel Ideas: Santa Fe

Day Trip - Denver, Colorado

This post is 2ND of 3 day itinerary for Denver. Here is Day 1 and Day 3 itinerary.

Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs is nice day trip from Denver with many varied places to cover and lot of family fun.

Here are more Day Trip ideas from Denver.

First spot on the route is US Air force Academy. You may check out some amazing air force planes, their teaching academy and chapel.












Next stop is Garden Of Gods. There are amazing formations of Red Rocks. There is theater on site showing history of formation of these rocks. (http://www.gardenofthegods.com/) You can drive through the park as well as hike.

















Less than 10 miles away from Garden of Gods is ruins of American Indian Settlements. This place is also know as "Cliff Dwellings Museum". It tells you story about life style of American Indians. During summer months native dance programmes are also held at this location. (http://www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com/)

About 4 miles west of Colorado Springs and 65 miles south of Denver is a little town of Manitou Springs. It sits at the summit of Pikes Peak. This is the place where poem "America The Beautiful" was written. This place is called Beauty Spot of America. It is about hour and half drive from summit to the top and very interesting look outs on the way. You may also use Pikes Peak Cog Railway to get to the top. Check out the website for discount coupon. (http://www.cograilway.com/)












Also visit Ghost Town Museum in Manitou Springs. It has very realistic recreation of a wild west town of 1800s. (http://www.ghosttownmuseum.com/)

Still have more time, you can visit under ground rock formations at near by Cave of the Winds. (http://www.caveofthewinds.com/) or take tour of the historic Miramont castle. (http://www.miramontcastle.org/)

Just few minutes from Colorado Springs downtown is the area that is called "Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado". (http://www.sevenfalls.com/maps/)

These are some most interesting things to do on Denver Vacation.

Trip To Colorado - Denver

With snow capped mountains as it backdrop, Denver is perfect combination for rugged outdoor adventures and charming city life.

Below post is 1st one in three day itinerary series for Denver. Please find Day 2 and Day 3 itinerary here.

There are some very cool places to see in Denver. United States Mint was founded in 1897 and is still operation in middle of Denver downtown. You may book your tour online or at the window. Tour is free. But better to reserve ahead of time. (http://www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/) .

Next stop Molly Brown House. This is house of Unsinkable Molly Brown. Who was probably the most famous survivor of Titanic. Her house has been converted to a museum showcasing items from early 1900s. Including base ball glove of Babe Ruth. Tour of this museum will be good learning experience for kids as well as adults.



Next stop Denver Botanical Garden. These are one of the top ranked botanical gardens in US. It covers about 23 acres and is home to more than 15000 species. They offer spectacular display of variety of plants and flowers by different themes. Rose gardens, European Gardens, Japanese Gardens etc. Kids will love Story Book Gardens ! See below a walkway in European Gardens.



If you are on a family vacation then visiting Denver Zoo is one of the most loved activity for kids.Their Children's program provide unique and fun way to learn about animals. Denver Zoo houses about 4000 different animals of about 700 different species. A large indoor rain forest, fresh and marine aquarium are some of the many such attractions.

At night head back to downtown and visit 16Th Street mall. It is a very lively open mall in located in heart of Denver. As name suggests it takes whole 16Th Street. There are free shuttles going back-end forth one end of the mall to another. Fun place to hang out.