Austin Off the Beaten Track

Austin is wonderful city with a lot of cultural life, college life and fun, family activities for both locals and tourists. There are also some great things to do close by, so below find some fun day trips you can take from the city of Austin, Texas.

Ladybird Johnson Golf Course
Located only an hour outside of Austin in Fredericksburg, Texas, this golf course touts itself as one of the best in the state. This beautiful location is a great way to spend the day outside of the big city. Enjoy their 18-hole, par 72 golf course as well as their fantastic pro shop and restaurant (with great burgers - open for breakfast and lunch as well as snacks). They also have the "Cardinal Room" which can be used for meetings, banquets or specific party like a reunion - holds up to 80 people. Become a member or go as a guest.
The RATES are very competitive.

Inner Space Cavern
About a half an hour North of Austin is Inner Space Cavern. Discovered in 1963, Inner space Cavern is full of fossils and underground rock and limestone formations that people can walk through and explore. All year it is about 72 degrees in the cavern. Standard tours are about an hour and a half and an Explorer tour lasts an extra 15-20 minutes longer. There are group rates and coupons for Inner Space Cavern. An adult rate for a standard tour is $17.95 and for a child $9.95, with kids 3 and under free. There is also a picnic area and a "kidscape" so stay for a while, relax and have some lunch under shady tree. Other activities include panning for gems or minerals in their mine.
A fun, kid friendly way to spend a day.

Hamilton Pool Preserve
Forty-five minutes Southwest of Austin is Hamilton Pool Preserve. This "historic swimming hole" is considered a preserve with all the wild life and birds, such as the "Golden-Cheeked Warbler" that inhabit the area. There is a waterfall that when it's dry slows to a trickle but continues to flow. Amenities include swimming, a picnic area, hiking, guided tours and more. There are bathrooms if necessary. This is a fun, natural way to spend the day, swimming, exploring, viewing wild life, having some food and just hanging out outside.
There is an entrance fee to the preserve.

Aquarena Center (and the City of San Marcos)
Located about a half hour South of Austin is the city of San Marcos. The Aquarena Center, which is a part of Texas State University, is a fun place to take a day trip. There are scientific dives, educational tours and the popular and family friendly glass bottom boat rides. The rides run about 30 minutes each and adults are $9, kids $6, children 3 and under are free and senior citizens $7.50. There are also Kayak tours, an aquarium, underwater classes and so much more to explore here.
If that doesn't take your whole day, visit the San Marcos Premium Outlets (with Gucci, Armani, Fendi and many more designers) for some great outlet shopping.