There’s no denying the appeal of Austin’s vibrant nightlife, but sometimes we all crave the easygoing lifestyle that can only be found in a small town. Austin is surrounded by tranquil communities and quaint city streets. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through hill country meadows or browse the selection at an antiquated general store. You’ll fall head over heels for these 11 small towns around Austin. Here, everyone knows your name.
- Red Rock
Red Rock General Store/Facebook Red Rock sits about 40 miles south of Central Austin in Bastrop County. If you blink as you drive along FM812, you could miss it! This tiny town has about 38 people per square mile.
- Elgin
mirsasha/Flickr Known as the sausage capital of Texas, Elgin bursts with delicious eats and charming streets. To reach this charming city, drive about 25 miles east on US-290.
- Driftwood
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr Take a journey through the shimmering Texas Hill Country. Driftwood is home to serene winding roads, luxurious wineries, and scrumptious barbecue. What else could you possibly need?
- Round Top
Keith Ewing/Flickr Round Top is best known for its epic antique fair. Every Spring and Fall, this tiny town becomes a treasure trove for unique finds. It’s also home to Shakespeare at Winedale, a classical theatre program hosted by The University of Texas. While many people flock to Round Top for its exciting events, not many people actually live there. In 2010, they had a population of only 90 people.
- Blanco
Will-travel/Flickr Blanco State Park’s blue, blissful oasis is calling your name. You can reach this stunning scenery in about an hour from Austin. Sometimes, a day trip to Blanco is just what the doctor ordered.
- Lockhart
Jerry and Pat Donaho/Flickr Hungry Texans flock to Lockhart to taste the best barbecue in the world. This town is home to three of the most mouthwatering BBQ joints you’ve ever experienced: Kreuz Market, Black’s, and Smitty’s. These legendary meals are worth the drive.
- Marble Falls
Wil C. Fry/Flickr Craving an escape from Austin’s busy hustle? Drive 58 miles northwest and surround yourself with life’s simple pleasures. Marble Falls is home to Sweet Berry Farm, and this is the perfect place to relax and unwind. You can pick strawberries in the Spring and carve pumpkins in the Fall. Sometimes, a little quality time with nature is all you need.
- Johnson City
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr A little over 2,000 people live in Johnson City, but loads more come for day trips. Explore Lyndon B. Johnson’s childhood home and gape at the animals at the Exotic Resort Zoo. No matter what you do, you’ll love the simple, slow-paced feel.
- Kerrville
mlhradio/Flickr Whether you’re there to listen to folk music or walk the lush trails, Kerrville always leaves an impression. Go ahead and take the two hour drive. It’s absolutely worth it.
- Luckenbach
Amy the Nurse/Flickr As you wander through Texas’ country music playground, you may see signs that read “Luckenbach, Texas: Population 3.” This is no joke. Few people actually live in this iconic town, but people swarm here for concerts and a taste of the simple life. Luckenbach, Texas is about 73 miles west of Austin.
- Liberty Hill
Matthew Rutledge/Flickr About 1,600 people live in Liberty Hill, so it’s easy to get to know your neighbors. This small community sits about 35 miles north of Austin.
What’s your favorite small town near Austin?
Red Rock General Store/Facebook
Red Rock sits about 40 miles south of Central Austin in Bastrop County. If you blink as you drive along FM812, you could miss it! This tiny town has about 38 people per square mile.
mirsasha/Flickr
Known as the sausage capital of Texas, Elgin bursts with delicious eats and charming streets. To reach this charming city, drive about 25 miles east on US-290.
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
Take a journey through the shimmering Texas Hill Country. Driftwood is home to serene winding roads, luxurious wineries, and scrumptious barbecue. What else could you possibly need?
Keith Ewing/Flickr
Round Top is best known for its epic antique fair. Every Spring and Fall, this tiny town becomes a treasure trove for unique finds. It’s also home to Shakespeare at Winedale, a classical theatre program hosted by The University of Texas. While many people flock to Round Top for its exciting events, not many people actually live there. In 2010, they had a population of only 90 people.
Will-travel/Flickr
Blanco State Park’s blue, blissful oasis is calling your name. You can reach this stunning scenery in about an hour from Austin. Sometimes, a day trip to Blanco is just what the doctor ordered.
Jerry and Pat Donaho/Flickr
Hungry Texans flock to Lockhart to taste the best barbecue in the world. This town is home to three of the most mouthwatering BBQ joints you’ve ever experienced: Kreuz Market, Black’s, and Smitty’s. These legendary meals are worth the drive.
Wil C. Fry/Flickr
Craving an escape from Austin’s busy hustle? Drive 58 miles northwest and surround yourself with life’s simple pleasures. Marble Falls is home to Sweet Berry Farm, and this is the perfect place to relax and unwind. You can pick strawberries in the Spring and carve pumpkins in the Fall. Sometimes, a little quality time with nature is all you need.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
A little over 2,000 people live in Johnson City, but loads more come for day trips. Explore Lyndon B. Johnson’s childhood home and gape at the animals at the Exotic Resort Zoo. No matter what you do, you’ll love the simple, slow-paced feel.
mlhradio/Flickr
Whether you’re there to listen to folk music or walk the lush trails, Kerrville always leaves an impression. Go ahead and take the two hour drive. It’s absolutely worth it.
Amy the Nurse/Flickr
As you wander through Texas’ country music playground, you may see signs that read “Luckenbach, Texas: Population 3.” This is no joke. Few people actually live in this iconic town, but people swarm here for concerts and a taste of the simple life. Luckenbach, Texas is about 73 miles west of Austin.
Matthew Rutledge/Flickr
About 1,600 people live in Liberty Hill, so it’s easy to get to know your neighbors. This small community sits about 35 miles north of Austin.
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