Most Scenic Road Trips in Austin, Texas, United States
1. Lady Bird Lake Drive
A scenic drive around Austin's urban oasis with panoramic views of the city skyline and the iconic Bat Bridge.
- Urban Oasis: Offers a unique blend of nature and city life.
- Iconic Bat Bridge: Provides the opportunity to witness the largest urban bat colony in North America.
- City Skyline Views: Offers breathtaking vistas of Austin's skyscrapers and architectural wonders.
2. Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360)
A picturesque drive through the Hill Country with stunning views of rolling hills, lakes, and charming towns.
- Hill Country Views: Features breathtaking vistas of Austin's beautiful Hill Country.
- Charming Towns: Passes through the picturesque towns of West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, and Bee Cave.
- Rolling Hills and Lakes: Offers scenic views of rolling hills, lakes, and wildflowers in spring.
3. Parkway Drive (FM 1826)
A winding road through the Texas Hill Country that offers stunning vistas of cypress trees, limestone bluffs, and wildlife.
- Cypress Trees: Features towering cypress trees along the banks of the Pedernales River.
- Limestone Bluffs: Offers dramatic views of limestone bluffs and cliffs.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot deer, armadillos, and various bird species.
4. Texas Hill Country Wine Trail
A scenic drive through the rolling hills of Texas Hill Country, with stops at vineyards and wineries.
- Wineries and Vineyards: Allows visits to various wineries and tasting rooms.
- Hill Country Landscapes: Passes through picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards, and charming towns.
- Wine Tasting: Offers opportunities to sample award-winning Texas wines.
5. Ranch to Market Road 12 (FM 12)
A scenic drive through the hill country with a stop at Enchanted Rock, a massive pink granite rock formation.
- Enchanted Rock: Provides access to the popular hiking destination, Enchanted Rock.
- Hill Country Landscapes: Offers stunning views of Texas Hill Country landscapes.
- Ranch to Market History: Travels on the historic Ranch to Market Road, which connected ranches to market towns in the late 1800s.
6. Ranch to Market Road 32 (FM 32)
A scenic drive through the Hill Country with stops at towns like Wimberley and Jacob's Well.
- Wimberley and Jacob's Well: Includes stops in charming towns like Wimberley and the famous natural swimming hole, Jacob's Well.
- Hill Country Landscapes: Offers breathtaking views of Texas Hill Country landscapes.
- Historic Ranch to Market Road: Travels on the historic Ranch to Market Road, which connected ranches to market towns in the late 1800s.
7. Ranch to Market Road 290 (FM 290)
A scenic drive through the Hill Country with stops at towns like Johnson City and Fredericksburg.
- Johnson City and Fredericksburg: Includes stops in historic towns like Johnson City, the boyhood home of President Lyndon B. Johnson, and Fredericksburg.
- Hill Country Landscapes: Offers breathtaking views of Texas Hill Country landscapes.
- Wineries and Vineyards: Passes through the heart of the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail.
8. Ranch to Market Road 165 (FM 165)
A scenic drive through the Hill Country with stops at towns like Dripping Springs and Driftwood.
- Dripping Springs and Driftwood: Includes stops in charming towns like Dripping Springs, known for its artisan spirit, and Driftwood.
- Hill Country Landscapes: Offers breathtaking views of Texas Hill Country landscapes.
- Wineries and Vineyards: Passes through the heart of the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail.
9. Bee Cave Parkway (CR 404)
A scenic drive through the Hill Country with stunning views of Lake Travis and the Texas Hill Country.
- Lake Travis: Offers breathtaking views of beautiful Lake Travis.
- Hill Country Landscapes: Passes through picturesque Hill Country landscapes.
- Charming Towns: Passes through the charming town of Bee Cave and Westlake Hills.
10. Williamson County Loop (SH 45 & SH 95)
A scenic drive through the Hill Country with stops at towns like Round Rock and Georgetown.
- Round Rock and Georgetown: Includes stops in historic towns like Round Rock, known for its sports complex, and Georgetown.
- Hill Country Landscapes: Offers breathtaking views of Texas Hill Country landscapes.
- Historic Ranch to Market Roads: Travels on historic Ranch to Market Roads connecting ranches to market towns in the late 1800s.
11. Texas State Capitol to McKinney Falls
A scenic drive through Austin with a stop at the Texas State Capitol and McKinney Falls State Park.
- Texas State Capitol: Allows for a tour of the beautiful Texas State Capitol building.
- McKinney Falls State Park: Provides access to the picturesque McKinney Falls State Park.
- Austin City Landmarks: Passes by other Austin city landmarks such as the University of Texas at Austin and the Texas Governor's Mansion.
12. Barton Creek Greenbelt
A scenic drive along a greenbelt with hiking trails, waterfalls, and beautiful views of Austin.
- Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails for different skill levels.
- Waterfalls: Features multiple waterfalls along the way.
- City Landmarks Views: Provides views of Austin city landmarks such as UT Tower, Zilker Park, and Barton Springs Pool.
13. Lake Austin Boulevard
A scenic drive along the shore of Lake Austin with views of luxury homes, marinas, and the lake.
- Luxury Homes: Offers views of beautiful and luxurious lakeside homes.
- Marinas: Features numerous marinas along the shore.
- Lake Austin: Provides stunning views of Lake Austin and the surrounding Hill Country.
14. Mopac (Loop 1)
A scenic drive around Austin that offers panoramic views of the city skyline, Lake Austin, and the Hill Country.
- City Skyline Views: Offers breathtaking vistas of Austin's skyscrapers and architectural wonders.
- Lake Austin: Provides views of beautiful Lake Austin and the surrounding Hill Country.
- Hill Country Views: Features stunning vistas of Texas Hill Country landscapes.
15. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
A scenic drive through a beautiful botanical garden featuring native Texas wildflowers and plants.
- Native Texas Wildflowers: Showcases the beauty of native Texas wildflowers and plants.
- Botanical Garden: Provides a serene and educational experience in a beautiful garden setting.
- Sustainable Landscaping: Demonstrates sustainable landscaping practices and conservation efforts.