Sometimes all we need to escape is a lovely drive along the country roads near Austin. Downtown Austin may be full of construction cranes and skyscrapers, but the Hill Country is laden with clear, gorgeous views. Cue up your favorite Willie Nelson playlist, and prepare for a refreshing afternoon. It’s time to get on the road again, and these five country roads offer the best scenic drives near Austin.

1. Ranch Road 470
Utopia, TX 78884, USA
Mike Fisher/Flickr
This route takes you through paradise. On your way to Utopia, Texas, drive through Bandera on Ranch Rd 470. It's about 2.5 hours away from the city limits, but the views are well worth it.

See what it’s like to drive along this scenic road:

2. Farm to Market Raod 1323
Fm Road, Fm Rd, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
TimothyJ/Flickr
On your way to Enchanted Rock, pass through Johnson City on FM 1323. In the springtime, colorful wildflowers lead the way.

Take a look at the beautiful scenery in this area:

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3. Highway 290 W
Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
mitsy mcgoo/Flickr
Take this highway all the way to Fredricksburg, and you'll reach stunning roads full of wineries and wildflowers. These views combine Napa's gorgeous vineyards with the Hill Country's rustic charm.

Check out some of the wonderful wineries on this route:

4. Scenic Drive
Colorado River, Texas, USA
Matthew Rutledge/Flickr
Appropriately named, Scenic Drive runs parallel to the Colorado River. Lush trees line the roadways and provide a shady reprieve from the sun.
5. Fitzhugh Road
Fitzhugh Road, Fitzhugh Rd, Texas, USA
Kelly The Deluded/Flickr
The Hill Country is full of gorgeous, rural drives. Instead of taking Highway 290 W to Dripping Springs, turn onto Fitzhugh Road. If you drive for 16 miles and turn right on 6026, you'll end up at the beautiful Pedernales Falls State Park.

Have you taken any of these scenic drives near Austin? What are your favorite scenic country roads near Austin? Let us know about them in the comments. I think now is the time to pack up the car and take a road trip to see some of the historical places in Austin!

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More to Explore

Scenic Small Towns in Texas

William Suphan | August 16, 2023

What are the most scenic towns in Texas?

The most scenic towns in Texas include:

  • Marble Falls. This is a beautiful hilly region of Texas where you’ll find the Balcones National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Dripping Springs. With fields of flowers and an utterly gorgeous swimming hole, this place is beyond beautiful.
  • Fort Davis. This little town is near Davis Mountains State Park which contains frontier forts and a historic museum.
  • Vanderpool. This lovely town is home to the Lost Maples State Natural Area which is a picturesque nature preserve.

Find out more about the most scenic towns in Texas. 

What are some amazing hidden gem towns in Texas?

Some amazing hidden gem towns in Texas include:

  • Roaring Springs. This little town has less than 250 people and was the main Comanche outpost and has some of the purest water in the state.
  • Paint Rock. This picturesque town has amazing Native American pictographs on the cliffs next to the Concho River.
  • Chillicothe. With just over 700 people, this little town was built in the 1880s during the construction of the Fort Worth and Denver Railways.
  • Round Top. This tiny town of only 90 residents is the personification of a charming small town.

Discover more about these and other amazing hidden gem towns in Texas. 

What are the most charming small towns in Texas?

The most charming small towns in Texas include:

  • Schulenburg. This town is full of German heritage and culture and has the Texas Polka Music Museum and several painted churches.
  • Jefferson. This town is full of antique and specialty shops as well as over 70 historic landmarks.
  • Marfa. This tiny town has a huge arts culture and is the sight of strange lights known as the Marfa Lights.
  • Poteet. This was where George Strait was born and is known for its annual Poteet Strawberry Festival.

Learn more about the most charming small towns in Texas. 

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