Austin Day Trip Ideas
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 Davis Mountains Park It is a good idea to camp overnight; the historic Indian Lodge is worth a look, but be warned… sounds from the road or the hum of the A/C compressors can give a whole new meaning to "tranquility in the great outdoors." Also, be prepared to share your campsite with your wilder neighbors; the deer, buck, and skunks. The next day you can explore Fort Davis nearby, to give you a blast from the past, or the must-see McDonald Observatory. You may also want to drive to Carlsbad Caverns (New Mexico), about 2.5 - 3 hours from the park. To get into the cave, be there by 2:00 pm and don’t forget the time zone change! |
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| 2. Seminole Canyon State Park |
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 Seminole Canyon Park You can opt for the Fate Bell Shelter Tour to explore the canyon, or the Presa Canyon Tour if you prefer to stay off the beaten track. The latter is a seven-hour plus challenge with a lot of rock climbing, water crossing, and Indian pictograph sites; a good value for the money and definitely a test of stamina. Well outfitted campgrounds, varied flora and fauna, rocky terrain, and yawning canyons make this place a Mecca for any adventurous romantic. Be sure to call ahead and find out about dates and timings, and remember,” The early bird…” |
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| 3. Fredericksburg |
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 Fredericksburg About 70-90 minutes from Austin, it tops the list of romantic getaways. You can choose from scores of Bed and Breakfasts, making it a great place to "call it a night." The day brings with it tons of great food and a surfeit of shops and restaurants to explore. The old, idyllic charm lures many a smitten couple to its embrace. A town that boasts of all things German puts on a fine show during Oktoberfest, with countless beer bellies attempting the polka. There are museums, spas, and the Fredericksburg Herb Farm – a total feast for the senses. You can even tie the knot at the farm amidst the flitting butterflies and wildflowers that create the ideal backdrop. So if you have the inclination… Fredericksburg can show you a good time! |
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| 4. Corpus Christi |
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 Corpus Christi Apart from the allure of the dazzling waterfronts, the bustling downtown displays an assortment of stores, restaurants, and evening recreation. One place, in particular that flaunts theses wares is the Water Street Market. For the history buffs there is always the tour of The USS Lexington, a legendary U.S. navy aircraft carrier, or a visit to the Museum of Science and History that houses the recreated Pinta and Santa Maria-- two of Columbus’ ships that he used to find the new world. So set out on your own path to discovery and ride the waves! |
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| 5. Houston |
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 Downtown Houston Back on the ground, again you see an uncanny trend of buildings reaching for the sky. The city itself is all too familiar with the ugly ducking syndrome, where this once swampland blossomed into the fourth-largest city in the U.S. From architecture to oil, this epicenter of business has opened its doors to an increasing number of diverse people and cultures. This diversity has brought with it a growing interest in the arts, from theater and ballet, to opera and symphony. For those that want to turn down the heat, there is always the underground city. This world of shopping and countless other attractions is a pedestrian’s 6.5 mile paradise that affords respite from the angry midday sun. So in the words of Neil Armstrong himself, “That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." |
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