The Austin Loop: Beginning in
Austin, take time to
see the city including the
University of Texas, Guadalupe Ave. shops
and the Texas State Cemetery (see our
Texas History Page for more about Texas history and a cemetery
photo). From Austin, head southeast on Hwy. 71 to
Bastrop (***) and
Buescher (+****) State Parks. Afterwards, head to the southwest on
any of the backroads to
Lockhart and
Lockhart State Park (***).
Continue south on Hwy. 183 to
Palmetto State Park (****) and do some
tubing on the Blanco River.
From Palmetto, either join the San Antonio Loop (see below)
or continue to the northwest, across Interstate 35, to
Guadalupe River State Park (****) and do some more tubing and
Blanco State Park (***).
To the north on Hwy. 281, the route is lined with state parks
including
Perdernales,
LBJ(****) and
Longhorn Caverns. Also off Hwy. 281 is the
ever-popular
Inks Lake State Park (We aren't going to rate it, because
we would probably give it ***, but everyone we meet who's been there
gives it *****. Obviously, we're missing something here.) Head back
to Austin via Hwys. 281 and 71, catching
McKinney Falls State Park on
the way (***).
San Antonio Loop: While in
San Antonio, spend some
time at the
Alamo, Riverwalk and shopping. From San Antonio, take Hwys.
90 and 127 to
Garner State Park (****) near the town of Leakey and do
some tubing, swimming and fishing. Then head west from
Leakey on Hwy. 337 and north on Hwy. 335 for a truly scenic drive. Take Hwy 377 to
Junction and the relatively new
South Llano River State Park(+****)
where tubing, fishing, and wild turkeys reign supreme. Be sure to
hike the challenging trail.
From Junction head southeast on Interstate 10 to
Kerrville and the
State Recreation Area (***) especially if its
Kerrville Folk Festival
time. From there,
Nimitz State Historical Park,
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (*****+) and
LBJ State Park (****/if you enjoy history)
are located to the north.
At that point you may either join the Austin Loop (see
above) or head back to San Antonio on Hwy. 281 catching
Blanco State Park (***)
and
Guadalupe (****) State Parks on the way. Travelers may also want to stop in
New Braunfels, Gruene and
San Marcos, but we find them a bit touristy for our tastes, but you might
enjoy it
Highway 77: This state highway splits Texas down the middle,
north and south east of Interstate 35. From
Waco at the north and
Victoria to the north almost to the coast, few cities slow you down
from the 70 MPH speed limit. It's a delightful drive with picnic
areas placed frequently along the way. While the scenery is less
dramatic than west of Interstate 35, this is alternate route worth
trying.
Other Interesting Places:
General Hill Country & Central Texas Links:
Other Interesting Links:
Activities
&
Accommodations:
Our Hill Country/Central Texas Photos
Brownwood State Park
Enchanted Rock State Park
Garner State Park
The Alamo
Buescher State Park