Social Distancing Day Trips From Austin, Texas

I recently wrote a blog post on the Best Day Trips from Austin, TX, but realized not all of them are social distancing friendly. So, I decided to write a new post that lists day trips from Austin during COVID that follow social distancing! I am not trying to encourage people to go out right now if they don’t feel safe, but if you are going a little stir crazy and looking to get out for a bit, here are 15 social distancing day trips from Austin, TX to try:

Day Trips from Austin during COVID that follow Social Distancing

NOTE: Most state parks are open for day visits and limited camping.  Advance day pass and overnight reservations are required. Reserve them online or by calling (512) 389-8900. For most up to date info, check city and state guidelines and regulations.

Want to get wild? Visit the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch to see over 500 animals from more than 40 different exotic, native and endangered animal species from across the globe! 

Social Distancing Day Trips Austin - natural bridge

Photo from their Facebook page. Distance from Austin: A little over an hour south

Rent a Boat on Lake Travis, TX

Rent a boat and spend a day at the lake with your family!

Day Trip from Austin - Lake Travis

Distance from Austin: About 40 minutes away

Blue Hole in Wimberley

The Blue Hole Regional Park, located in Wimberley, is just a short drive South of Austin and a great place to get away from the city! It’s a beautiful hidden gem (see my Instagram pic below). Check their website for the most up to date info on hours and tickets. Again, just remember to keep your distance from others.

Distance from Austin: About 45 minutes

Hidden Falls Adventure Park is a rugged trail park for off-roading vehicles. They have dirt bike, ATV/UTV, and full-size vehicle trails! Check out their website for more info, pricing, and waivers!

Social Distancing Day Trips Austin - hidden falls

Distance from Austin: about an hour northwest

Krause Springs

Krause Springs is a camping and swimming hole about 30 miles northwest of Austin. As long as it’s not too crowded, this is a good option for a social distancing day. Below photo by Brian P. Barnes.

Day Trip from Austin - krause springs

Distance from Austin: about 50 minutes west

Jacob’s Well near Wimberley, TX

Jacob’s Well Natural Area, a swimming hole in the Hill Country, reopened to the public on June 1 and is following social distancing guidelines. It’s a great place to go on a hot day for a swim! Reservations are required

Distance from Austin: about 55 minutes southeast

Pedernales Falls State Park

Only an hour drive from downtown Austin, Pedernales Falls is a favorite park to swim, bike, and hike in among Texans! You are required to book an advance reservation right now to ensure social distancing.

Photo by Travis Witt. Distance from Austin: about 1-hour east

The Exotic Zoo Resort is home to over 600 animals and is open for drive-throughs right now. Here you can see everything from zebras, to wallabies, and even yaks! There are so many cool animals to see, making Exotic Resort Zoo a great addition to the list of social distancing day trips from Austin!

social distancing friendly exotic resort zoo

Photo from their Facebook page. Distance from Austin: a little over an hour

Pick your own produce at Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls! Check their website for most up to date info on when they are open.

Day Trip from Austin - marble falls

Distance from Austin: a little over an hour

At McKinney Falls State Park, you can do it all: hike, bike, fish and swim! Check out their interactive trail maps.

mckinney falls day trip

Photo above by Larry D. Moore. Distance from Austin: About 15 minutes southeast

Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock is a great choice for anyone looking for an outdoorsy day trip from Austin — there are over 11 miles of trails! You do have to pay an entrance fee and can make a reservation online beforehand. 

Day Trip from Austin - Enchanted Rock

Distance from Austin: 1 hour and 45 minutes west

Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake is another great lake to day trip to from Austin! Rent a boat and spend the day relaxing on the water.

Distance from Austin: 1 hour and 20 minutes southwest

In Palmetto State Park you can swim, tube, fish, canoe, and moreAdvanced reservations are required and it is recommended that you wear a face mask.

Palmetto State Park - social distancing trips from Austin

Distance from Austin: about 1 hour southeast

Touring Longhorn Caverns is a great day trip idea! Entry to the park grounds is free; entry to the cavern is by paid guided tours. Photo below from their website.

social distancing things austin - longhorn cavern

Distance from Austin: 1 hour and 15 minutes northwest

blanco state park - Social Distancing Friendly Day Trip

Distance from Austin: a little over 1-hour southwest

Hope these Social Distancing Day Trips From Austin ideas help! Have a suggestion? Let me know in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram! I will update this list as I learn more.

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xx Chels

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