Take in a long breath of clean air, enjoy the feeling of peace you can only get when you can’t hear any sounds of traffic, and lose yourself on a scenic trail. We all need a little bit of the outdoors in our lives, and Georgetown is just the place to escape to nature. Located a short drive north of Austin, Georgetown is surrounded by the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, right down to its sloping hills, groves of oak and pecan trees, and immaculate river. Not sure where to get started? Check out these amazing experiences, then plan your next road trip to Georgetown.

Get Away from it All in Garey Park

Whether you’re looking to get lost for the day or for a scenic place to delight in a picnic, you’ll find plenty to like about Garey Park. Start by traversing the park’s seven miles of hiking trails that take you through grassy fields past prickly pear cactuses and wildflowers to the bank of the South San Gabriel River. One such pathway follows the river through a heavily wooded area that attracts an array of birds during the spring and fall migration seasons. Make sure to stop by the wildlife viewing blind, a refuge that affords a great opportunity to see some of animals that call the park home.

When you reach the river, dip your toes into the water to cool off or spend the afternoon fishing for bass and sunfish. There are two stocked ponds in the park that you can cast your line into as well. If you’re here with your best furry friend, let them run freely at the park’s 4.5-acre off-leash dog ranch. Covering 525 acres (making it larger than Austin’s Zilker Park), Garey Park is just the place to go when you want to feel like you’re miles away from it all. Yet the park is less than 10 miles away from Downtown Georgetown, making spending a day here as easy as can be.

Relax by the San Gabriel River

Roll out a blanket under the shade of a 200-year-old oak tree and dine al fresco as you watch the pristine water of the San Gabriel River trickle on by. Not only is this one of the best ways to relish an afternoon in San Gabriel Park, it’s a must while you’re in Georgetown. The park, placed where the north and south forks of the river converge, showcases some of the town’s finest scenery. Although you could spend the entire day lounging by the river, there’s more to do here.

Try your luck at hooking a fish from the riverbank or explore the 1.6-mile San Gabriel Park Loop, which connects to other pathways like the 5.5-mile Randy Morrow Trail that serve as a easily accessible route to Georgetown’s other top spots. Back in the San Gabriel Park, take on the nine-hole disc golf course set among inviting oaks before returning to your spot next to the river. After all that fun you’ve had in San Gabriel Park, you deserve a bit more rest and relaxation. Where better than in one of Texas’ most beautiful parks?

Enjoy a Day in Downtown Georgetown

Downtown areas aren’t typically known for their natural appeal, and for good reason. Yet Downtown Georgetown isn’t like other downtown areas, as it’s home to the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas. Full of breathtaking architecture, including the magnificent Williamson County Courthouse, the square is a bustling hub full of one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. Get a glass of wine from one of the square’s three wineries and find a spot on the lawn to take it all in. If your appetite has kicked in, get takeout from local eateries like Burger University or Roots and have a picnic, or simply stroll around the square with your wine in hand. With places like The Escape Fine Crafts & Gifts, the Georgetown Antique Mall, and Mikey V’s Hot Sauce Shop, you’ll also find some truly first-class window shopping as well.

Sleep Under the Stars

Looking to get away from it all? Pitch a tent at Tejas Park, a secluded space settled near the bank of the North San Gabriel River. The park is home to only 12 primitive campsites, meaning you’ll feel as if you’ve put down roots for the night in the wilderness of the Texas Hill Country. Once the sun rises, stroll down the hiking trail that takes you to the river, where you can go for a splash or try your luck at hooking a fish. For a more intense adventure, pick up the trail that takes you to Lake Georgetown, a roughly three-mile journey through dense thickets of juniper trees. End the day back at your campsite, where you’ll feel like you’re all on your own.

Discover One of Georgetown’s Hidden Gems

Groves of pecan trees. Fields of wildflowers. The crystal-clear waters of spring-fed pools. Located within five miles of Downtown Georgetown, it’s no wonder Berry Springs Park and Preserve is considered a hidden gem. This 300-acre getaway to nature is a fantastic destination for bird and wildlife watchers. Head to the bird viewing area to watch these friendly flyers flitting from one branch to another, then continue on the 2.5 miles of hiking and biking trails to see even more of the park’s colorful residents. The park is based around two springs that you can see on the Spring Deck, and you can even cast a line from the fishing platform. As you meander between oak and pecan trees and through grassy fields, stop by the historic compound to greet the park’s donkeys.

Want to stay longer? Reserve one of the sites in the primitive or improved camping areas. Wake up the next morning for another full day of adventure.

We could all use some time outdoors. Get away to the beauty of the Texas Hill Country on your next road trip to Georgetown. Plan your visit here.