The weekend has finally arrived! There’s no better place to bask in your days off than by Austin’s cool, rushing waters. The Austin area is full of stunning waterfalls, and this itinerary hits all of the highlights in one weekend. Bring your camping gear and pack your camera, because you’re about to embark on a weekend to remember.
The loop takes a little over four hours to complete, giving you plenty of time to explore local eateries and camp amongst the picturesque views. You can follow the route here. Happy exploring!
- McKinney Falls State Park
TranceMist/Flickr Begin your epic weekend road trip in South Austin’s McKinney Falls. Hike the Homestead trail and bask in the cool water. This state park is a photographer’s paradise.
- Balcones District Park
Shannon B./Yelp Next, drive down MoPac to Balcones District Park. This lovely oasis, located at 12017 Amherst Dr, will whisk you away from it all.
- Bull Creek District Park
Phillip B./Yelp After that, drive 13 minutes to Bull Creek Park located at 6701 Lakewood Dr. This 48-acre paradise is a perfect place to bring the pups. In addition to its dog-friendly atmosphere, the trickling water and lush greenery makes Bull Creek Park a must-visit.
- Zilker Botanical Garden
Heather Cowper/Flickr Whether you come for the relaxing Japanese garden, the prehistoric plants, or the fragrant wildflowers, there’s no denying the beauty of Zilker Botanical Garden. The impressive waterfall, however, keeps visitors coming back again and again. Located at 2220 Barton Springs Rd, The Zilker Botanical Garden is in the heart of central Austin’s restaurant row. Take a moment to recharge with some Chuy’s queso or Uncle Billy’s smoked wings. After your brief break, you’ll feel ready to continue your waterfall explorations.
- Sculpture Falls
Patrick Lewis/Flickr After you’ve recharged and refueled, take a brisk hike through the shady Barton Creek Greenbelt. It’s easy to luxuriate on the cool rocks at Sculpture Falls. Spend as little or as much time here as you wish, then prepare your camping gear for your excursion to the Hill Country.
- Pedernales State Park
SETShots/Flickr Coast through the scenic, winding roads and venture to Pedernales State Park in Johnson City. After basking in the gorgeous waterfall, seek out a campsite and make your home. The stars will twinkle in the night sky as you soak up the stunning nature surrounding you. The quiet breezes will lull you to sleep as you rest and prepare for your second day of adventure.
- Hamilton Pool
Leon Bovenkerk/Flickr Hit the ground running the next morning and spend a few hours at Hamilton Pool. This stellar swimming hole is so popular, reservations are often required during the busy season. Book your spot early and soak up the dreamy views.
- Opie’s Barbecue
Amanda E./Yelp After you’ve sufficiently soaked up the sun, feast on some barbecue from Opie’s. This small-town joint serves brisket to die for. Don’t miss out on their smoked meats and butter beans at Opie’s. This scrumptious meal can be devoured at 9504 Hwy 71 E. Spicewood, Texas.
- Krause Springs
Craig Allen/Flickr End your trip with a lovely night at Krause Springs. Cannonball into the water from a rope swing and hike amongst the natural beauty. After all your exploring, you’ll be ready for a relaxing night under the stars. There’s no better way to end a weekend road trip than with a few s’mores and campfire songs.
What’s your favorite waterfall around Austin?
TranceMist/Flickr
Begin your epic weekend road trip in South Austin’s McKinney Falls. Hike the Homestead trail and bask in the cool water. This state park is a photographer’s paradise.
Shannon B./Yelp
Next, drive down MoPac to Balcones District Park. This lovely oasis, located at 12017 Amherst Dr, will whisk you away from it all.
Phillip B./Yelp
After that, drive 13 minutes to Bull Creek Park located at 6701 Lakewood Dr. This 48-acre paradise is a perfect place to bring the pups. In addition to its dog-friendly atmosphere, the trickling water and lush greenery makes Bull Creek Park a must-visit.
Heather Cowper/Flickr
Whether you come for the relaxing Japanese garden, the prehistoric plants, or the fragrant wildflowers, there’s no denying the beauty of Zilker Botanical Garden. The impressive waterfall, however, keeps visitors coming back again and again. Located at 2220 Barton Springs Rd, The Zilker Botanical Garden is in the heart of central Austin’s restaurant row. Take a moment to recharge with some Chuy’s queso or Uncle Billy’s smoked wings. After your brief break, you’ll feel ready to continue your waterfall explorations.
Patrick Lewis/Flickr
After you’ve recharged and refueled, take a brisk hike through the shady Barton Creek Greenbelt. It’s easy to luxuriate on the cool rocks at Sculpture Falls. Spend as little or as much time here as you wish, then prepare your camping gear for your excursion to the Hill Country.
SETShots/Flickr
Coast through the scenic, winding roads and venture to Pedernales State Park in Johnson City. After basking in the gorgeous waterfall, seek out a campsite and make your home. The stars will twinkle in the night sky as you soak up the stunning nature surrounding you. The quiet breezes will lull you to sleep as you rest and prepare for your second day of adventure.
Leon Bovenkerk/Flickr
Hit the ground running the next morning and spend a few hours at Hamilton Pool. This stellar swimming hole is so popular, reservations are often required during the busy season. Book your spot early and soak up the dreamy views.
Amanda E./Yelp
After you’ve sufficiently soaked up the sun, feast on some barbecue from Opie’s. This small-town joint serves brisket to die for. Don’t miss out on their smoked meats and butter beans at Opie’s. This scrumptious meal can be devoured at 9504 Hwy 71 E. Spicewood, Texas.
Craig Allen/Flickr
End your trip with a lovely night at Krause Springs. Cannonball into the water from a rope swing and hike amongst the natural beauty. After all your exploring, you’ll be ready for a relaxing night under the stars. There’s no better way to end a weekend road trip than with a few s’mores and campfire songs.
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