Day trip to Georgetown, Texas – just 25 minutes north of Austin (Round Rock is 10 minutes away and Salado is 30 minutes north) and is home to Southwestern University, a private liberal arts institution. The town square has been voted the most beautiful in the state and offers plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and events for residents and visitors alike.
When it comes to things to do in Georgetown, Texas, locals and out-of-state visitors are spoiled for choice in the Hill Country. With a claim to the most beautiful town square that was voted, it has a wealth of historical buildings and recreational opportunities. There’s something for everyone in this idyllic Central Texas town, making it a great day trip for anyone wanting to pop in for some fun things to do.
SEE ALSO: 19 Top Things To Do In Georgetown, Texas
Historical sites like the Williamson County Courthouse and the San Gabriel River offer an interesting glimpse into Texas history, while recreational opportunities abound at places like Lake Georgetown and Inner Space Caverns. Or find a swimming hole or some waterfalls to jump into or visit the Red Poppy Festival in Spring. There’s truly something for everyone in Georgetown – so what are you waiting for? Come explore!
The Georgetown Palace Theatre is a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to improve the quality of life in Georgetown and Williamson County by offering a location for high-caliber, reasonably priced entertainment and performing arts education programs like live theatre, arts education, special concerts, and inclusive performances. This once-used cinema theater underwent renovation and became a live theater in 2001. They offer an all-year-round schedule of live theatrical plays, including musicals, comedies, and dramas.
810 South Austin Avenue, Georgetown, TX 78626 georgetownpalace.com
The historic City Square in Georgetown (also considered downtown Georgetown) provides more than 40 retail stores, including a spa. There are lots of choices for exploring and relaxing, including a day spa, a toy store, restaurants, wine tasting rooms and breweries, art galleries, libraries, museums, theaters, kid-friendly parks, and outdoor attractions. B&Bs, guest homes, hotels, and other camping areas are also available.
103 W. 7th St., Georgetown, TX 78626 visit.georgetown.org
The goal at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is to cultivate fruit that is nutrient-dense, ethical, and responsibly utilizing techniques that protect the environment and promote human health. Their approach in business is straightforward: disease-resistant plants are similar to healthy bodies. Because of this, it is crucial that we put a lot of effort into maintaining the happiness and health of our plants. So their goal at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is to grow nutrient-dense fruit. Working incredibly hard, they try to grow the greatest food we can for you. Try their awesome variety of healthy-grown fruits as Sweet Eats Fruit Farm!
14400 E. State Highway 29, Georgetown, TX sweeteats.com
SEE ALSO: 9 Best Pumpkin Patches In Austin
On Texas’ most picturesque plaza, Georgetown Art Center serves as a community center, public studio space, and art gallery. At the Georgetown Art Center, visitors can immerse themselves in the arts. The Art Center is located just a block from Courthouse Square in the Historic Firehouse No. 1 (built-in 1892) and is now Run by the neighborhood nonprofit group Georgetown Art Works. It gives the community a space to experience art on all levels. Each month, the Art Center exhibits the works of well-known artists from throughout the country, and the gift store sells goods made by regional artists. On the southeast intersection of Ninth and Main streets, across from Main Street, there is a sizable public parking area that is easily accessible to guests. It’s a must-see when going to Georgetown.
816 South Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626 georgetownartcentertx.org
Come take a picture at this iconic Georgetown mural located on the west wall of Gus’s Drug by Sara Blankenship.
The Historic Square’s Williamson Museum is a nonprofit, and all proceeds go toward the museum’s educational initiatives. Through cutting-edge exhibitions, tours, and outreach, the museum provides the public with free, engaging, hands-on educational programming. All ages of learners can have fun while learning at the Williamson Museum. There is something for everyone, from the fascinating topics of The Salon at Wildfire to the interesting activities of Hands on History. To honor the history and diversity of Williamson County, the Museum has amassed a collection of artifacts, records, and images. They meticulously preserves the structural and intellectual integrity of its photographic collections before making them public. They are open Wednesday-Friday 12pm-5pm, and Saturday 10am-5pm.
716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown, TX 78626 https://williamsonmuseum.org/
Located in town square is Ken’z Guitars & Accessories, a family owned and operated music store with a wide selection of guitars.
Pops Soda and Sweets, a new food truck coming to Georgetown, will sell the “dirty sodas” (sodas laced with cream or fruit or purees) made popular by TikTok and pop artist Olivia Rodrigo. Starting in late September or early October, Pops Soda and Sweets will be based at the Wolf Ranch Shopping Center in Georgetown at 1015 West University Avenue, but will move around for events. Pops Soda and Sweets is owned by a local family, and co-owner Cherie Hogan.
1015 West University Avenue, Georgetown, TX instagram.com/pops.sodas/
Rentsch Brewery provides top-notch beers, amazing Mexican and American food, and live music to Georgetown. If you want a friendly atmosphere and delicious beers, you have to visit them. They provide beers everything in between, from light to dark, fruity to bitter. Here are some beers Rentsch Brewery is proud of: Texas Lager, Blonde, Hefeweizen, Weizenbock, and IPA. Note that they are closed every Monday and Tuesday.
2500 Northeast Inner Loop, Georgetown, TX 78626 rentschbrewery.com
Wolf Ranch was founded by Williamson County to offer a market for regional farmers and food producers. Vegetables, homemade jerky, candles, and other products are sold by vendors. The Georgetown Farmers Market has helped regional farmers, artisans, and craftspeople sell their goods since it opened its doors in 1993. Home cooks and culinary experts can take great pleasure in locating and bringing home an abundance of fresh, local, and sustainable produce to share with family and friends. The Wolf Ranch Farmer’s Market opens at 8:30 a.m. every Saturday. – 1 p.m. at 1015 W Wolf Ranch Town Center.
1015 W University Ave, Georgetown, TX 78628 wolfranchfarmersmarket.com
One of Texas’ most stunning parks can be found on the banks of the San Gabriel River, between the North Fork and South Fork, and between the river and Austin Avenue. The Texas Recreation & Parks Society named San Gabriel Park a Lone Star Legacy Park in March 2012. Only nine parks in Texas received this classification in its first year, and San Gabriel Park is one of them. These parks were picked because they played important roles in the founding, growth, and prosperity of their local towns as well as the state as a whole.
Here, 200-year-old oak trees provide shady areas for family picnics. In addition to sporting areas for baseball, football, soccer, and lacrosse, the 180-acre park offers space for concerts and festivals. The park has a 1.6-mile loop that is part of a hiking and biking track that also connects to Blue Hole Park, River Park, Chautauqua Park, and Lake Georgetown. A 9-hole disc golf course is also available at the park’s northernmost point. They also offer a natural haven and opportunities for social interaction. Park hours are 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown, TX 78626 parks.georgetown.org/san-gabriel-park
All ages are promised pure enjoyment at Cen-Tex Mini Golf, meaning, no minimum age or height to join the fun here. Their golf course will test even the most seasoned mini golfers, from children to adults. Apart from the course, they also have an arcade, a pro shop and a clubhouse. Snack stands, cool refreshments, and snacks are also available in the area. It’s also a fantastic location for gatherings or events. When you check in, you can either buy some swag or get your putter and ball to play the course. It’s also good to become a member of their Roscoe’s Rangers good citizen group (ages 12 and under.) Cold drinks and snacks are provided. Cen-Tex Mini Golf is conveniently located on Airport Road, just north of the Georgetown Municipal Airport, and is accessible from IH-35, Toll Road 130, and SH195.
5020 Airport Road, Georgetown, TX 78628 centexminigolf.com
Nathaniel’s Custom Hats is owned and operated by Native American Master Hatter Nate Funmaker. Each hat is handmade in Texas with vintage equipment using centuries-old techniques.
One of Texas’ best-preserved caves, Inner Space Cavern, has been hidden for more than 10,000 years. It was found by a core drilling team from the Texas Highway Department in the spring of 1963, and it wasn’t made public until the summer of 1966. Since then, many people have visited this stunning cave. When the Texas Highway Department’s core drilling team took six-inch core samples in 1963 to see if the ground was hard enough to support a substantial highway bridge, they also found more than 7,000 square feet of cave. The bit dropped 26 feet unexpectedly while drilling one of the test holes, alerting the highway team to the presence of an object other than rock. Since its official opening in the summer of 1966, Inner Space Cavern has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors to its breathtaking location.
You can avail their adventure tour, hidden passages tour, ice age tour, and wild cave tour. Kids and kids at heart can also enjoy gemstone panning activity and Saber Tooth Zip Ride. When you visit Inner Space Cavern, don’t forget to drop by their gift shop, snack bar, and fudge.
4200 S I-35 Frontage Rd. Georgetown, TX 78626 innerspacecavern.com
Located on the side of Georgetown’s popular restaurants, THe Golden Rule, is this mural.
This leisure area in Georgetown features a range of attractions, including camping, bicycling, hiking, and horseback riding routes, as well as boating and fishing, swimming, and picnic areas. This 1200-acre lake has 16 miles of hiking trails, four different camping locations, a wildlife preserve. Boating, skiing, and fishing are also available. With different kinds of bass, flathead, and channel cat, fishing is among of the favorite activity in the area. They only accept reservations for park pavilion rentals.
500 Lake Overlook Dr., Georgetown, TX visit.georgetown.org
The Georgetown Parks & Recreation Department provides over 9 miles of hiking and biking routes along the San Gabriel Rivers. San Gabriel Park has a 1.6-mile granite trail that circles the area. A mile-long, illuminated concrete trail follows the North San Gabriel River from San Gabriel Park to Rivery Park. A one-mile illuminated concrete trail on the South San Gabriel River runs from Walden and College to Blue Hole Park. The San Gabriel River Trail in the City of Georgetown has been named a National Recreation Trail by the United States. The Interior Department in 2006. You can try the San Gabriel park loop, San Gabriel river trail, South San Gabriel trail, Pickett trail, and Randy Morrow trail. Lighted trails are at 5 a.m.-10 p.m., and unlit trails are from dawn to dusk.
445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown, TX 78626 https://visit.georgetown.org/hike-bike-trails/
Along the South Fork of the river lies a picturesque lagoon called Blue Hole Park, which is surrounded by limestone bluffs. Blue Hole Park’s entrance is located behind the restaurant El Monumento, at W. rock street and second street. It is situated five blocks north of central Square. Austin Street. There are wading areas, bathrooms, and picnic spaces in the park. Blue Hole Park is accessible without paying a fee through rentals of equipment that are not available. Park amenities are trails, picnics, restrooms, fishing, and swimming. There is free public parking available in the lot or the parking garage. Park hours is 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
100 Blue Hole Park, parks.georgetown.org/blue-hole/
SEE ALSO: 11 Best Swimming Holes in Austin
Grape Creek carefully focuses on building the best wine club for its members and is 100% direct to consumers. They provide outstanding advantages, conveniences, top-notch wine, and exclusive access. Visit their urban tasting room for a customized wine flight from the more than a hundred 90+-rated Grape Creek selections. This wonderfully restored structure, close to Austin, is situated on the town square across from the courthouse in Georgetown. Their fully covered patio, as well as the roomy upper lounge with a raised perspective of the square, are accessible to Wine Club Members. Discover the benefits of joining their Wine Club and take advantage of all Grape Creek Vineyards has to offer. Grape Creek cordially invites you to tour and experience cutting-edge production facilities, sizable vineyards, and tasting rooms decorated in the Tuscan style amidst exquisitely landscaped patios, fountains, and terraces.
101 W. 7th Street, grapecreek.com/georgetownon-the-square/
SEE ALSO: 11 Best Wine Tours In Fredericksburg Texas
The 300-acre Berry Springs Park and Preserve in Williamson County is situated between I.H. 35 and C.R. The primary entrance is located off of C.R. 152. Camping, hiking, and fishing are among the passive recreational activities that take place in Berry Springs Park and Preserve. A 2.5-mile hike/bike track is available in the park, and it will eventually connect to Georgetown Parks and Recreation trails. Visitors can hike, ride, fish, have a picnic, camp, can relax in the shade provided by these enormous and lovely pecan trees. The park also has rented covered picnic pavilions, which are excellent locations for gatherings like family reunions and corporate picnics. There is a sizable playground accessible for the kids to use. Berry Springs also allows horseback riding, but make sure you’re familiar with the rules before you go riding. Visit their website to learn more about Berry Springs’ history, camping, and pavilion!
1801 C.R. 152 Georgetown, TX 78626 www.wilco.org
I love Barons Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg and was pleasantly surprised to find their wine tasting room in Georgetown!
When it comes to things to do in Georgetown, TX, you’ll find no shortage of activities and attractions. With a charming town square, dozens of parks and preserves, and plenty of vineyards and tasting rooms, there’s something for everyone in this historic Central Texas community. After building an appetite, go for brunch, and grab an ice cream or a coffee at Monument Cafe. If you’re looking for a fun day trip or a weekend getaway, be sure to add Georgetown to your list!
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Jane Ko is the Austin blogger behind A Taste of Koko, Austin's top food and travel blog featuring the hottest restaurants and weekend getaways. Jane has been a speaker at South by Southwest (SXSW), Texas Conference for Women, BlogHer, and more on entrepreneurship and social media. She lives in Austin Texas with her dog and cat.
Austin’s top food & travel blog