Georgetown, Texas is the perfect day trip from Austin. It’s only 30 miles north, but it really stands alone as its own unique community. (Seriously – everyone I’ve talked to who lives in Georgeotwn LOVES spending evenings and weekends on the town square, visiting new restaurants or hanging out with their friends at a local winery.) I’ve recently been spending more time there to get to know the city better, and I’m amazed at all of the things to do in Georgetown! From the adorable town square to the stunning poppies, the cute murals and the mind-blowing delicious restaurants, this sweet Texas town has my heart.
If you’re going to visit Georgeotown, I recommend going for at least a full day of eating, shopping, and playing! You could easily fill an entire saturday with brunch, shopping on the square, touring a museum, hanging out in the sunshine, dinner, cocktails, and a show. (You could even book an airbnb and make a weekend getaway out of it.)
Since Georgetown is on I35, you could also make a quick stop on your drive from Austin to Dallas. There’s a great place to get coffee, plenty of sweet options for breakfast or lunch, and you could even squeeze in a quick picture at a mural or a walk through the poppies. Georgetown is really precious, and I’m excited to share this Texas town with you today!
Wearing: Target Ruffle Sleeveless Dress – Nonmaternity but fits a 24 week bump nicely.
QUICK FACTS
– Georgetown is 30 miles north of Austin
– It’s OLD! (For Texas…) Founded in 1848
– Known as the Red Poppy Capital of Texas (I’ll show you pics in a sec!)
– Home to Southwestern University, the oldest university in Texas
– A few popular movies were filmed in Georgetown like “Dazed and Confused” and the tv series Friday Night Lights.
– While some residents commute to Austin for work, the vibe I pick up is that Georgetowners really love their city and would rather hang out there than drive down to Austin (which is great, because there are LOTS of things to do in Georgetown!)
– Great kid-friendly city with an excellent school district
50+ THINGS TO DO IN GEORGETOWN
1. SWIM AT BLUE HOLE PARK
Dip your feet in the water, lounge on the shores, and grab a burger at Hat Creek afterward! Blue Hole in Georgetown is walking distance from the town square. It’s a popular place to swim and play on the weekends.
2. SEE A SHOW AT THE PALACE THEATRE
Check the website to see what’s showing at this historic theatre during your visit!
3. TAKE A TOUR OF INNER SPACE CAVERNS
There are only 7 natural underground caves in Texas that are open to the public, and one of them is right here in Georgetown. You don’t have to reserve a tour in advance – just show up and you’ll be guided underground for the 90-minute tour of the incredible cavern. It’s estimated to be about 25 million years old!
Be sure to wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and be ready to walk ¾ a mile. I did this tour at 24 weeks pregnant and felt good, so it’s not super strenuous. But keep in mind that it’s 98% humidity under there! (I lost literally every curl that I had put in my hair that morning. 😉 |WEBSITE|
4. STOP BY THE GEORGETOWN VISITORS BUREAU (FREE BIKES!)
If you’re like me, you’ll probably want to skip the “official” visitors bureau because it sounds boring, but they’re really helpful and want to make sure you have a good time in Georgetown! They have free bikes to rent and tons of info on the city.
5. HIKE OR BIKE THE SAN GABRIEL TRAIL
There are about 9 miles of beautiful trails to explore!
6. GEORGETOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY
One of the hidden gems of Georgetown, because it’s so much more than a library! There’s art displayed, an in-house bistro, a Texas history room, events for littles, and more. |WEBSITE|
7. TOUR THE WILLIAMSON MUSEUM
Williamson County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, and this is where you can learn all about it. |WEBSITE|
8. BRING THE KIDS TO SWEET EATS FRUIT FARM
This is another great one for children. Stop by sweet eats for pony rides, petting zoo, fruit picking, an obstacle course, and SO much more. |WEBSITE|
9. TAKE A PICTURE WITH THE POPPIES
Move over, bluebonneets…poppies are here to steal the show! Georgetown has TONS of gorgeous poppies in March/April. While there’s no “official” poppy location, I found a lot of them on the streets just a few blocks east of the downtown square. Also, keep an eye out for the poppy festival in Georgetown each spring!
10. LET THE KIDS PLAY AT CREATIVE PLAYSCAPE
If you need things to do with kids in Georgeotown, the Creative Playscape is an incredible park where little ones can burn off some energy. It’s fenced in and has drinking fountains and restrooms.
11. GO FISHING AT LAKE GEORGETOWN
If you’re visiting Georgetown on a sunny day, this is a gorgeous place to hang out, grill some burgers, and soak up the sun. It’s open for overnight camping or day use, and you can go fishing, swimming, hiking or boating during the day
12. SHOP ON THE SQUARE
There’s a reason why Georgetown, Texas has been dubbed “the most charming Town Square in Texas.” This historic square really has it all! Coffee shops, antique stores, wineries, restaurants, boutiques, and more. You could spend a full day just wandering, shopping, and eating your way through the Georgetown Square.
13. HANG OUT AT BERRY SPRINGS PARK
This is a relaxing place to walk around, hike, and take a picnic for the family. There’s a playground for the littles, too. |WEBSITE|
14. EXPLORE THE TOYS AT ALL THINGS KIDS
It’s the cutest little toy store on the Georgetown Square. Don’t forget to stop for a scoop of ice cream while you’re there. |WEBSITE|
15. GET SPICY AT MIKEY V’S
If you’re into hot sauce, you need to stop by this veteran-owned shop and get some condiments! |WEBSITE|
16. TAKE THE DOGS TO BARK PARK
Visiting georgetown with pups? The Bark Park is a fenced-in area where you can let them run around and play.
17. TAKE A STAB AT THE CHALLENGE COURSE
This is great for a team-building exercise if you’re visiting Georgeotown with a corporate team. |WEBSITE|
18. TOUR THE GEORGETOWN ART CENTER
This non-profit art center is open for exhibits, classes, and more. Check the website to see what’s in season during your visit. |WEBSITE|
19. STROLL THROUGH SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
It’s worth a visit because Southwestern is the oldest university in Texas. It’s a fairly small campus, but a beautiful one to stroll through.
20. TOUR THE HISTORIC COUNTY COURTHOUSE
It was designed in 1909 and underwent a huge restoration in the 2000s.
21. BUY A BOOK AT LARK AND OWL
Did you know this bookshop also has a bistro in it? The garden dining at Nightingale Bistro is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast or happy hour while thumbing through your recent book purchase. |WEBSITE|
22. GO MURAL HUNTING
Georgetown has some precious murals in it! Snap a few pictures whenever you see one. (This one is located at 702 E University Ave.)
GEORGETOWN RESTAURANTS
23. MONUMENT CAFE
The most famous cafe in Georgetown (featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives), Monument Cafe is a must-visit for breakfast or lunch. Try the famous King Ranch Casserole or chicken fried chicken, or just pop in for a quick breakfast of buckwheat pancakes or cinnamon roles. Psst: their pie is amazing! |WEBSITE|
24. EL MONUMENTO
El Monumento: the sister restaurant to Monument Cafe, El Monumento is an upscale Mexican eatery with the dreamiest patio. Great for happy hour or a dinner date. |WEBSITE|
25. 600 DEGREES PIZZERIA AND DRAFTHOUSE
Pizza, wings, beer, and more! The vibe at 600 degrees is laidback and casual, and the food is phenomenal. The individual slices of pizza are HUGE! |WEBSITE|
26. MIKEY V’S TACOS ON THE SQUARE
If you stopped by the hot sauce shop earlier, be sure to go back and walk to the back of the store to get some tacos. They make phenomenal birria tacos, along with lots of other options. |WEBSITE|
28. SWEET LEMON KITCHEN
This is the type of place that looks like it belongs in Stars Hollow on Gilmore Girls. It’s the sweetest little bungalow-turned-cafe that has breakfast, lunch, coffee, and pastries. Everyone told me to try the cinnamon roll, but it was sold out by 10:30 am! I loved their coffee cake, avocado toast, and cozy ambiance. |WEBSITE|
29. DISTRICT SIX
Fairly new to Georgetown, District Six sports bar is the place to go if you want to watch Sports in Georgetown. 21 TVs, 40 beers and wine on tap, and all your favorite sports bar grub. |WEBSITE|
30. BARRELS & AMPS
Great burgers, an awesome tap wall of beers, and live entertainment! Check their schedule to see the live music or comedy that’s available during your visit. |WEBSITE|
31. WILDFIRE
If you want an upscale date night restaurant in Georgetown, book a reservation at Wildfire. It’s an American steakhouse restaurant with a full bar, good wine selection, and celebratory ambiance. |WEBSITE|
32. FUEGO LATINO GASTROPUB
Family-owned and absolutely a Georgetown favorite! Be sure to order a cuban sandwich and some empanadas. |WEBSITE|
33. 18 CARROT BAKERY
Lots of the recipes here come from the owner’s grandmother! The homemade cakes, cupcakes, and bars are phenomenal (try the 80-yr-old carrot cake recipe!), and they also offer high tea reservation for a fun mommy-and-me activity.
34. 309 COFFEE
There are several coffee shops in Georgetown, but 309 Coffee is heads and shoulders over the best in regards to quality. Good pour overs, milk-based espresso drinks, and a comfy atmosphere. (Think: more “hipster coffee shop” rather than a place to get sugary coffee drinks.) |WEBSITE|
35. HELLO SWEETIE BBQ
It definitely feels like a hole-in-the-wall! Hello Sweetie is the perfect place to stop by for lunchtime barbecue sandwiches. |WEBSITE|
36. GUMBO’S NORTH ON THE SQUARE
Be sure to stop by for some seriously delicious Cajun and Creole fare. They often have live music at the bar and drink specials throughout the week, so check out the website for more info. |WEBSITE|
37. MESQUITE CREEK OUTFITTERS
I could have listed this under Georgetown activities, too! Mesquite Creek Outfitters is half bar, half shop. Grab a beer for happy hour, meet up with a friend for a bite, or just shop around. It’s a fun spot. |WEBSITE|
38. GALAXY BAKERY
They’re known for the cupcakes, but you should also try the quiche, mini pies, cookies, and more. Georgetown is full of so many precious bakeries, so be sure to bring your sweet tooth. |WEBSITE|
39. SHAKES FROZEN CUSTARD
There are only 6 of these drive-thru custard shops left in the country, and Georgetown has one of them! Stop by for a delicious strawberry shortcake sundae or shaved ice with frozen custard. |WEBSITE|
40. HULA COWGIRL SHAVED ICE
Speaking of shaved ice… Hula Cowgirl is a fun spot to stop for a summer treat! |WEBSITE|
41. 2020 SCRATCH KITCHEN AND BAR
You can balance out all the sweets with some locally-sourced cuisine at this neighborhood restaurant. Grab a big delicious salad and feel good knowing that it was sourced from a local farmers market. |WEBSITE|
42. TEJAS MEAT SUPPLY
I know I’m throwing a lot of sandwich options at you, but Tejas Meat Supply is located right on the square and its’s a full-service butcher shop with some seriously decadent sandwiches. |WEBSITE|
WHERE TO DRINK IN GEORGETOWN
43. KORK WINE BAR
100 bottle offerings from around the world, plus neapolitan-style pizzas and small snacky plates. Kork Wine Bar is a spacious indoor/outdoor corner bar and a beautiful place to finish your day in Georgetown. |WEBSITE|
44. THE GOLDEN RULE
This is Georgetown’s first true craft cocktail bar, and it’s a gem. Perfect spot for a girlfriends night out! |WEBSITE|
45. BARONS WINERY
Barons Creek Winery (located in Fredericksburg) opened this Georgetown tasting room to allow easier acces to their wines. Stop by for a tasting or a few bottles! |WEBSITE|
46. GEORGETOWN WINERY
The first winery in Williamson County, Georgetown Winery is located in a 127-year-old historical building on the square. Definitely worth a stop for one of their daily wine tastings. |WEBSITE|
47. BARKING ARMADILLO BREWERY
New to the craft beer scene, Barking Armadillo opened in 2020 and has a large indoor space where you can enjoy pints and flights, and a great outdoor patio where you’ll often find a food truck parked and some live music to enjoy on the weekends. |WEBSITE|
48. RENTSCH BREWERY
Round out your craft brewery tour of Georgetown with a stop by Rentsch for beer, food, and live music. |WEBSITE|
49. GRAPE CREEK WINERY
Similar to Barons Creek, Grape Creek Winery is located in Fredericksburg but opened a satellite tasting room in Georgetown. (If you’re a wine club member, you have access to the covered patio and upstairs lounge with a view of the square.) |WEBSITE|
WHERE TO STAY OVERNIGHT IN GEORGETOWN
There really aren’t any boutique hotels in Georgeotwn, so if you’re looking for a hotel stay, the Sheraton is your best option. While it’s not an incredibly unique experience, it’s a very nice sta in a convenient location, and has a heated outdoor poo and complimentary bikes. See hotel prices here.
51. HOME RENTALS
I recommend staying in one of these cute bungalows in the historic district!
– This adorable 1880s house is one block from the square, has a private courtyard, and sleeps 7. See prices here.
– This lovely house is perfect for a girls weekend! A block from the square, sleeps 6, and is walking distance to all the best wineries, restaurants, and shops in Georgeotwn. Check prices here.
– If you’re looking for a couples getaway, book this precious house. Two blocks from the square, and the backyard twinkle lights provide the perfect spot to enjoy that bottle of wine you bought at Georgetown Winery. Check availability.
– Finally, if you’re traveling with a big group, this charming house can sleep up to 8 guests. Great location, too!
See all of the VRBO Georgeotwn listings here!
Also check out this travel guide to Buda, Texas! Looking for more day trips from Austin? Here are 14 Day Trips From Austin Under 100 Miles Away.
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Very good tips, didn’t know about this place!
And will make sure to add it to my list!