5 Quick Road Trips From Austin You Can Take This Weekend

A breezy 1.5 hour drive south of Austin will lead you to another exciting Central Texas city. Whether you're here for an afternoon or a weekend, San Antonio is sure to charm you. History buffs will adore the fascinating missions and foodies will want to flock to the authentic Mexican food restaurants. Head over to the 22-acre Pearl Complex and tour the tasty bakeries and fresh farmers market. When you finish your day of adventures, float along the River Walk and take in the sights. This city really comes alive at night.

Round Top only has a population of 90 people, but thousands more flock to this tiny town for their epic antique fairs. These massive events occur twice a year, but there are plenty of exciting things to discover year-round. Explore the Round Top Vintage Market and peruse the shelves at Bill Moore Antiques. If you're looking for a unique, locally-made piece of art, you'll come across loads of treasures at Copper Shade Tree. After a full day of antiquing, sink your teeth into a sweet slice of pie at Royers Cafe. This little city sits about 75 miles east of Austin.

Utopia, Texas' crisp blue skies and lush scenery will take you a million miles away from it all. There's a reason why people call this place paradise. When you finish the scenic three-hour drive outside of Austin, you'll reach a secluded woodland oasis. Hike around Utopia Community Park and go back in time at the Sabinal Canyon Museum. As the sun starts to set, venture to the historic main street and shop for antiques and souvenirs. A trip to this little gem will leave you feeling relaxed and renewed.

The tiny town of Shiner, Texas only has one stoplight, but there are tons of quirky places to explore. First, take a tour through the oldest independent brewery in Texas. The K. Spoetzl Brewery began in 1909 by German and Czech immigrants who wanted to brew the type of beer they missed from home. Today, this brewery produces many varieties of Shiner beer. After you explore this bit of Texas history, you can browse the eclectic selection at Antiques, Art, and Beer. This quirky bar serves over 250 beers and has a plethora of fascinating gifts. They also sell some of the most decadent fudge you've ever tasted. Shiner, Texas is only a 1.5 hour drive south of Austin.

Waco has quickly blossomed into a gorgeous tourist destination. This small college-town is now home to Chip and Joanna Gaine's home-improvement empire, and fans flock here from all over the Southwest. Explore the rustic beauty at the Magnolia Market and dine at the new Magnolia Table Restaurant. In addition to these trendy attractions, Waco is also home to the Mammoth National Monument, The Texas Ranger Museum, and the Dr. Pepper museum. When you finish soaking up the city's sights, take a quick stroll across the Waco Suspension Bridge. This magnificent landmark has stood since 1870.