If you’re craving peace, fresh air, and uninterrupted scenery, there’s nothing like a relaxing road trip around Round Rock, Texas. Just minutes from city traffic, you’ll find rolling hills, creeks, wildflowers, and quiet backroads that feel a world away. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or a visitor in search of a beautiful detour, these scenic drives will restore your love for the open road.
This guide showcases the best routes, photo stops, and roadside gems that make Round Rock a perfect base for unwinding behind the wheel.
Why Round Rock Is Ideal for Scenic Drives
Located in Central Texas, Round Rock sits at the gateway to Hill Country views, historic byways, wildflower-lined roads, and riverside routes. With minimal traffic, smooth highways, and charming small towns nearby, it’s easy to put together a peaceful drive with stops for nature walks, local eats, or photography.
These drives are especially beautiful in spring (for bluebonnets) and fall (for foliage), but thanks to Texas sunshine, they’re enjoyable all year round.
Best Scenic Drives Around Round Rock
1. Hairy Man Road – The Local Favorite
Possibly Round Rock’s most legendary road, Hairy Man Road is named after a local ghost story—but don’t let the name fool you. This stretch of Brushy Creek Road is surrounded by canopy trees, stone fences, and winding two-lane curves, perfect for a relaxing mid-morning drive.
Route: Brushy Creek Rd → Hairy Man Rd → Sam Bass Rd
Distance: 8 miles
Famous For: Scenic curves and shady oak trees
Tip: Drive it at golden hour for magical light streaks through the trees, and stop at Brushy Creek Lake Park for a peaceful detour.
2. FM 1431 to Marble Falls
For Hill Country views and lake landscapes, head west on FM 1431. This road starts urban and quickly becomes a rural gem, with curving hills and glimpses of Lake Travis as you approach Marble Falls.
Route: FM 1431 W from Cedar Park to Marble Falls
Distance: 46 miles
Famous For: Lake views and twisty Hill Country roads
Tip: Pack a snack and pull over at Balcones Canyonlands for a quick hike or scenic overlook.
3. Round Rock to Salado via TX-195 & Salado Creek
This route is both relaxing and artsy. Salado is a small artist village with boutique shops and river views, and the drive there is open and breezy with wildflowers in spring and golden fields in fall.
Route: US-79 E → TX-195 N → Salado
Distance: 40 miles
Famous For: Peaceful farmland and riverside charm
Tip: Stop for coffee or pie at a local café in Salado before heading back on the loop.
4. Loop Around Lake Georgetown
A gentle loop around Lake Georgetown offers lakeside views, cedar breaks, and rolling roads. It’s a great short trip that includes chances to pull over for hiking or photography.
Route: TX-29 → DB Wood Rd → FM 3405 → Ronald Reagan Blvd
Distance: 30 miles
Famous For: Lakeside scenery and nature stops
Tip: Visit Cedar Breaks Park along the way for a picnic with a view.
5. Texas Hill Country Wine Route (Extended Option)
For a longer scenic route, drive from Round Rock to Driftwood or Wimberley. This drive includes open ranch land, charming wineries, and photo-worthy hills.
Route: I-35 S → FM 150 → Driftwood/Wimberley
Distance: 55–70 miles (one-way)
Famous For: Hill Country vineyards and romantic roads
Tip: Visit Driftwood Estate Winery or Salt Lick BBQ for scenic dining.
6. Georgetown to Florence Backroads
Leave the highway behind and take the rural FM roads between Georgetown and Florence, where you’ll pass old barns, hidden churches, and wildflower-studded pastures.
Route: FM 487 → FM 970
Distance: 25 miles
Famous For: Quiet country roads with Texas charm
Tip: Time your drive for early spring—this route pops with wildflowers like bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush.
7. Scenic Byway to Granger Lake
A lesser-known route, this drive heads east into serene farming country and open sky. End at Granger Lake, where you can fish, hike, or just enjoy the breeze.
Route: FM 1660 → CR 124 → Granger Lake
Distance: 35 miles
Famous For: Open skies and tranquil lake stops
Tip: Bring binoculars—this area is great for bird watching.
Best Photo Stops and Pull-Offs
Brushy Creek Dam Overlook – near Hairy Man Rd
Balcones Canyonlands Scenic Overlook – FM 1431
Historic Downtown Salado Murals
Lake Georgetown from Overlook Park
Rural barns and windmills along FM 487
Road Trip Snack Stops & Local Eats
Round Rock Donuts – Grab a classic glazed for the road
Wag Heaven (Pet-friendly stop) – Pet snacks & supplies in Georgetown
Salt Lick BBQ (Driftwood) – Scenic and smoky
Pie Happy Country Store (Florence) – Homemade pies and country charm
Lamppost Coffee (Round Rock) – Great for caffeine before the drive
Packing Tips for a Relaxing Scenic Road Trip
Sunglasses and hat – Texas sun can be strong
Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated between stops
Phone mount and charger – For safe navigation and music
Picnic blanket – You’ll want to stop and sit somewhere beautiful
Camera or smartphone – To capture sunsets, murals, and views
Travel journal or notebook – Reflect and record the peaceful moments
Local Tips & Seasonal Travel Advice
Spring (March–April) is peak wildflower season—especially bluebonnets
Fall (October–November) offers golden leaves and perfect temperatures
Early mornings are best for open roads and wildlife sightings
Weekdays mean less traffic on popular routes
Fill up your gas tank before backroads—stations can be sparse
Final Thoughts on Scenic Drives Around Round Rock
A scenic drive is about more than just the view—it’s about slowing down, soaking up the journey, and finding joy in the quiet roads that wind through Texas. Round Rock is perfectly positioned for short or extended drives that offer serenity, space, and small-town surprises. Whether you’re riding solo, with your partner, or on a photo adventure, these routes will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
So turn up the music, roll down the windows, and let Round Rock show you the relaxing side of Texas one mile at a time.
