7 Quietest Small Towns Near Austin

When the hustle and bustle of Austin, Texas, becomes too monotonous, finding solace in nearby towns is just the ticket. With plenty of small towns within a two-hour drive or less, there are several prime destinations offering a weekend of peace, whether you are looking for nature encounters, sampling local food and spirits, seeking retail therapy, or hoping to discover regional artists.

Learn more about seven of the quietest small towns near Austin, offering a calming retreat filled with new experiences to discover.

Wimberley

Just 40 minutes from Austin in peaceful Hill Country, Wimberley offers the perfect balance of quiet nature trails, contemplative art walks, and indulgent accommodations for a relaxing weekend retreat.

Settle in at the Blair House Inn, where you can choose between light-filled cottages, suites, and rooms. Fresh-cut flowers and complementary chocolates are the little touches that add to the top-tier amenities, such as cozy fireplaces and stunning views.

Book a relaxing massage at the inn’s spa before heading out to The Ranch Brand Wine & Spirits Tasting Room. This well-rounded tasting experience is suited to wine aficionados and avid spirit tipplers alike. Sample bespoke cocktails and a selection of local and international wines paired with tempting small plates as the perfect laid-back lunch.

After lunch, head back to the inn for a refreshing dip in the pool or pre-dinner cocktails while taking in the hillside views. Dine on chef-prepared meals in the elegant yet comfortable inn restaurant before retiring to your plush room.

After breakfast at the inn, follow the Wimberley Gallery Trail to discover eclectic galleries showcasing regional work. Nature lovers can order an inn picnic basket before heading to the serene trails at nearby parks. The summit at Old Baldy Park is particularly impressive with panoramic views of the surrounding woodlands and rolling hills.

Smithville

Smithville is a short 42-mile drive from the city, leading to a pastoral setting where you can unwind. The Katy House Bed & Breakfast is a carefully restored turn-of-the-century home with comfortable French country décor perfectly suited to a peaceful getaway. Spacious guest rooms feature private baths and include a hearty, southern-style breakfast, earning it the title of Best Bed & Breakfast by the Bastrop County Best Contest three years running.

After you check in, spend a few hours exploring the town’s galleries and displays at the Mary Nichols Arts Center and the Lost Pines Artisans Alliance. Rom-com fans might fancy a town tour hitting all the locations used in the Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. hit, Hope Floats.

Complete your day with a tapa-style dinner at The Front Room Wine Bar, where the coziness of a traditional pub is enhanced with beautifully prepared food, creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Fall asleep in your comfy room at Katy House and enjoy your complimentary breakfast in the morning. Finish your getaway shopping at Smithville’s eclectic shops, and be sure to stop in at Hope Floats Café for a sweet treat before you head home.

Blanco

Located on the picturesque Blanco River, Blanco is just over an hour from Austin. A stay overlooking the river is a must, and the Blanco River Hotel is just the place for a peaceful getaway. This boutique hotel is not your average chain stay, where vintage finds and handcrafted touches offer a distinct look to the comfortable rooms.

Take a stroll along the river at Blanco State Park and watch great blue herons diving for fish along the dams. Spot turtles, river cooters, and frogs basking in the sun, and enjoy the tranquility of the flowing waterway.

After your hike, sample beer and spirits at Blanco’s Real Ale Brewing Company. Tour the brewery and distillery, then take in the Hill Country views while sampling classic and small-batch original brews or cocktails made from spirits distilled on-site.

Have dinner at Uptown Blanco, boasting traditional American cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building. The Main Street landmark’s charming stone façade gives way to soaring ceilings and original character details, creating a lovely backdrop for a satisfying meal.

After a restful sleep at your hotel, head to Main Street Donuts & Kolaches for a quick and yummy breakfast. Grab some Kolaches to go as the perfect end to a final stroll along the banks of the river.

Marble Falls

This High Lakes region gem sits along the banks of the Colorado River about 58 miles from Austin. Although the town’s namesake, the actual Marble Falls, was covered when the Colorado River was dammed.

The calming water and picturesque shores of Lake Marble Falls offer an idyllic spot for a weekend adventure. Hidden Falls Inn's upscale boutique guest rooms offer your choice of lake, city, or courtyard views. The comfy rooms, lakeside pool, and deck overlooking the water offer a welcoming base for your visit.

The charming downtown is made for leisurely window shopping, relaxing by the gurgling fountain, or discovering outdoor art exhibits. Sculpture On Main's self-guided tour takes you to compelling works along Main Street and sites scattered throughout the town.

Savor classic comfort food infused with local flavors while sampling icy craft brews at Double Horn Brewing Company. Head back to the hotel for a refreshing swim or relax overlooking the water.

In the morning, enjoy your complimentary breakfast, then head to Darci’s Deli to order freshly-made sandwiches for a relaxing picnic at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. Located about 20 miles from Marble Falls, the expansive green space is the perfect spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the area on your way back to Austin.

Salado

Salado is located in the peaceful hills of Bell County, just under an hour from Austin. Book a room at the historic Stagecoach Inn, where weary travelers have found hospitable accommodations for over 160 years. Many of the rustic, cozy rooms offer private walkouts to a tranquil greenspace, and amenities include a pool, lounge area, a newly opened restaurant, and fresh baked goods at Bibbs Bakery.

Salado offers something for everyone. Antiquers will find hours of shopping at plenty of quirky little consignment shops, antique boutiques, and vintage stores. If you want a more convenient spot to shop for hidden treasures, the vendors at Salado Antique Mall offer impressive collections, including salvaged architectural items.

Sofi’s at the Stagecoach is a unique music lovers' destination, where you can listen to the extensive vinyl collection on the shop’s record player or explore goods from around the world. Wine enthusiasts can unwind at welcoming spots like Local Vine, sampling a selection of fine wines and beers.

After a day of exploring, feast on chicken-fried steak served with a selection of creative cocktails at the inn. Wake up to a tempting breakfast or fresh-baked goods before exploring Salado’s gardens and art tour. The enchanting stroll takes you through quiet, beautifully maintained gardens where you can discover charming sculptures like the Native American mermaid, Sirena, or the troll and billy goat of childhood literature fame at Dodd’s Creek pedestrian bridge.

Round Top

With a population under 100, Round Top is a quiet town with much to offer, including the town’s acclaimed annual antiques and design shows and very swanky stays at The Frenchie. This boutique hotel set against the pastoral countryside features six bougie rooms in a newly renovated 1800s farmhouse overflowing with chic, top-tier amenities.

Round Top’s design and antique events are a trendsetter’s dream and offer bragging rights for design celeb spotting. Visit 65 venues dotting a one-mile stretch and take home the find of the century.

After an exhausting shop-til-you-drop day of discovery, book a massage at the hotel’s tranquil spa to ease into your evening. Slip into a comfy, edgy outfit and head to Ellis Motel Lounge & Emporium for drinks inside an 1800s dogtrot home. Refreshing cocktails and an eclectic mix of art and furniture offer even more shopping at this funky yet fashionable spot. Finish the evening with a chef-prepared gourmet dining experience at The Frenchie.

If you visit during a non-show week, spend some time at Antiques & Vintage, where the owners scour Europe for salvaged architectural treasures from crystal chandeliers to mansion doors and custom vintage-inspired greenhouses to upcycled gems. Complete your visit with lunch at Royers Round Top Café for top-notch country comfort food with a notable gourmet twist. Save room for pie!

Bandera

You should reach Bandera within two hours, give or take a minute or two. Hailed as the Cowboy Capital of the World, the town gets quite rowdy during rodeo season. However, the rest of the year, it offers a picturesque setting on the Medina River, ideal for a relaxing weekend.

Check into the rustic-chic Vaquero Motel located just off Bandera’s Main Street. This boutique-style motel offers an elevated “cowboy stay” in comfortable cabins sporting rustic tin roofs and welcoming shady porches made for setting a spell.

For the true cowboy experience, enjoy exploring the town's history and area on horseback. Bandera Historical Rides offers a 2-hour tour along the river and City Park Nature Trails right into town, where you can tie up your horse at town hitching rails.

Have dinner at TJ’s @ The Old Forge, located in a restored Blacksmith Shop, dining on exceptional cuisine with a western flair. Spend your evening in front of a roaring fire at your private fire pit, or join fellow guests down by the rive,r sharing stories about your day.

Have breakfast at the Old Spanish Trail, or OST, where the family-run business has been serving hearty meals since 1921. Head to an authentic dude ranch at Rancho Cortez for a day of horseback riding, lunch, lasso lessons, and fun feeding Texas longhorn cattle. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the pool and hot tub and stay to toast marshmallows by the campfire.

There are enough small towns within an easy drive from Austin to please just about anyone, from the rolling landscape of Hill Country to riverside towns and pastoral countryside to expansive ranches. Whether it is time for a little pampering at a bougie boutique hotel, you find exploring art and culture soothing, or you are in the mood for drinks and new foodie experiences, you can load up the car and be at one of the seven quietest towns near Austin in under two hours.