If you love peeling back the layers of the past, a historic road trip from Austin is a perfect way to connect with Texas heritage. From Spanish missions and battlefields to preserved German towns and historic state parks, the region around Austin offers immersive experiences that bring centuries of stories to life.
This guide highlights the best historic sites, cultural landmarks, and towns worth the drive. Whether you’re a Civil War aficionado, fascinated by Native American history, or curious about pioneer life, you’ll find fascinating stops—all within a scenic day or weekend trip from the capital.
Pack your curiosity, charge your camera, and hit the road to discover the events, people, and places that shaped Texas.
Discover the Past: Austin’s Best Historic Road Trip Destinations
1. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Explore four beautifully preserved Spanish missions that date back to the 1700s. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites give a powerful glimpse into early colonial life in Texas.
Address: 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214
Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: 18th-century Spanish missions and cultural history
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Rent a bike and follow the Mission Reach Trail to explore all four sites.
2. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
Known as the “Birthplace of Texas,” this site marks where Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836. It includes a museum, the Star of the Republic, and a living history farm.
Address: 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: $8 museum admission
Famous For: Site of the Texas Declaration of Independence
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit during Texas Independence Day weekend for reenactments and events.
3. Fort Martin Scott
Located in Fredericksburg, this 1848 frontier outpost served as a U.S. Army base during westward expansion and is now a free open-air museum.
Address: 1606 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Hours: Wed–Mon, 10 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Frontier military history and preserved fort buildings
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Combine with a visit to the Pioneer Museum nearby to expand your historical context.
4. Texas Military Forces Museum
Located at Camp Mabry in Austin, this museum showcases the full scope of Texas military history from the 1800s to today.
Address: 2200 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
Hours: Tue–Sun, 10 AM – 4 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Military artifacts, vehicles, and wartime exhibits
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Call ahead to confirm open status, as it’s located on a military base.
5. Bastrop Historic District
This charming town east of Austin features well-preserved 19th-century buildings, antique shops, and riverside views of the Colorado River.
Address: 904 Main St, Bastrop, TX 78602
Hours: Most shops open 10 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: Free to explore
Famous For: 1800s architecture and historic downtown vibe
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Don’t miss the Bastrop County Museum for local artifacts and stories.
6. Goliad State Park & Mission Espíritu Santo
Step into Spanish colonial history at this beautifully reconstructed 18th-century mission along the San Antonio River.
Address: 108 Park Rd 6, Goliad, TX 77963
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: $4 entry
Famous For: Restored mission and historic Goliad sites
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Explore nearby Presidio La Bahía for more deep history and photo ops.
7. LBJ Ranch (Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park)
Tour the family ranch, Texas White House, and museum of the 36th President of the United States in scenic Stonewall.
Address: 199 Park Rd 52, Stonewall, TX 78671
Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: Free (guided house tours may have fees)
Famous For: President Johnson’s home and life in the Hill Country
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Take the self-guided driving tour through the “Texas White House” grounds.
Best Historic Eateries Along the Route
1. Hondo’s on Main – Fredericksburg
Rustic restaurant with a historic vibe and live music, located in a 1900s-era building.
Address: 312 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Hours: Wed–Sun, 11 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$25
Famous For: Live Texas music and hearty Hill Country fare
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Try the chicken-fried steak while enjoying the courtyard stage.
2. Ninety Six West – Brenham
Modern Texas cuisine served in a historic 1800s-era building in downtown Brenham.
Address: 200 W Main St, Brenham, TX 77833
Hours: Tue–Sat, 11 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$30
Famous For: Small plates and Texas wine pairings
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Great stop after visiting Washington-on-the-Brazos.
3. Monument Cafe – Georgetown
Retro-style diner celebrating Texas heritage with locally sourced comfort food.
Address: 500 S Austin Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626
Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$20
Famous For: Pies, cornbread, and vintage charm
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Sit at the counter for a classic 1940s diner feel.
Historic Accommodations for Overnight Trips
1. The Driskill Hotel – Austin
Built in 1886, this luxurious hotel is rich with Texas history and old-world charm.
Address: 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
Approx Cost: $250–$400
Famous For: Gilded décor, ghost stories, and presidential visits
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Enjoy drinks in the vintage lounge and explore the original architecture.
2. Gruene Mansion Inn – New Braunfels
19th-century Victorian-style B&B nestled along the Guadalupe River near the historic Gruene Hall.
Address: 1275 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Approx Cost: $180–$250
Famous For: Historic charm and riverside serenity
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Walk to nearby Gruene Hall for live music after your day trip.
3. The Hangar Hotel – Fredericksburg
A WWII-themed boutique hotel built to resemble a 1940s airplane hangar, located at the Gillespie County Airport.
Address: 155 Airport Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Approx Cost: $160–$220
Famous For: Aviation-themed rooms and vintage ambiance
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop by the Officers’ Club for classic cocktails and war-era atmosphere.
Packing Tips for History-Focused Road Trips
- Travel journal or digital notebook to log historic insights
- Comfy walking shoes for long museum and site tours
- Lightweight sun hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Portable charger or power bank
- Texas history guidebook or podcast playlist
- Foldable umbrella for outdoor sites
- Binoculars for scenic overlooks
- Snacks for long drives between historic stops
- Printed maps or backup GPS for rural areas
Local Tips & Seasonal Advice
- Many historic sites offer free or discounted entry on Texas Independence Day (March 2)
- Spring and fall offer cooler temps for walking tours and museum visits
- Call ahead to confirm open hours, especially at small-town museums
- Combine multiple historic sites into themed day routes (e.g., Spanish Missions or Civil War history)
- Small towns often close early—arrive early for shops and tours
- Look for live reenactments or seasonal festivals (check city event calendars)
- Bring cash—some rural museums and diners don’t accept cards
- Visit wineries or antique shops near historic areas for bonus experiences
- Respect site signage—some landmarks are on protected grounds or private land
- Ask guides questions—they often share local stories not found in books
Final Conclusion
A historic road trip from Austin is more than a journey—it’s a deep dive into the rich fabric of Texas. From frontier forts and colonial missions to presidential ranches and charming towns, every stop is a page in the Lone Star storybook. You’ll walk where legends stood, listen to stories echoing through old walls, and gain a deeper appreciation for the people who built this state.
Whether you’re exploring centuries-old missions, enjoying dinner in a historic downtown, or resting in a Victorian B&B, your Austin historic road trip will leave you more connected to Texas than ever before. And chances are—you’ll want to come back for more.
