Adventure: I'm taking you to Austin
After our first stop in San Antonio, we made the quick drive to Austin, Texas. In my head, I had envisioned that I would be spending my time taking pictures in front of murals, stopping by all the local owned eateries, and taking a dip in cold waters with a round of tubing.
Instead we enjoyed Austin a completely different way, that also worked perfectly for our family. Our family is very much into state parks, being outside, and sight seeing in the nature around us. Check out the sights, sounds and tastes of Austin (and nearby), and don't forget to check out our quick tips at the bottom of this post.
Sights and Sounds of Austin
In the planning stages of our road trip, I had come across a list on the internet about top places to visit in the United States. Most of these were hidden areas that most tourists wouldn't know about when visiting a particular area, and Hamilton Pool Preserve was on that list. Its important to note that this hidden gem is located in Dripping Springs (Travis County), which is about an hour outside of Austin. I promise you it is well worth the drive! Also, it is important that you make reservations to visit this area FAR IN ADVANCE. We thought that a weeks notice for reservations would be plenty of time, and it was not (especially for the summer months). They were completely booked for two months and we were not going to get a chance to go. There is no cancellation list, and they make sure that all visitors understand that you cannot come without a reservation. This is because they only allow 140 people a day during a morning or afternoon hiking times.
The only reason we were able to visit was because it had rained the day prior. Once it rains, the pool waters must be tested for bacteria. If bacteria levels are too high, then swimming is prohibited and hiking is only available. The quarter of a mile hike is on a well cleared path, but made of large rocks so hiking shoes or recommended. At the end of the trail you begin to hear and see a large waterfall, that is gushing into a crystal blue and green pool. If you are allowed to swim on the day you visit, life jackets are provided for you, and there is a large beach area (made of rock) to lounge on. Continue to follow the path to go under the grotto, where you are able to get a scenic view of the area and also be right near the waterfall. It is said that many film makers have used the Hamilton Pool Preserve for movies, including the 2010 film Predators.
Another way that we experienced Austin differently was by going cave diving! Technically we were outside of Austin again, and in the town of Burnet which is about another hour away. Once again, the drive was absolutely worth it to see the Longhorn Cavern State Park. During the hot summer days in Texas, a walk through a cave that is 68 degrees year round sounds amazing to me. You can only enter the cave two ways: a guided tour that lasts 90 minutes or a wild cave tour (which is for kids who want to go through undeveloped parts of the cave). The guided tour takes you on a 1.1 mile tour, that has a very easy path to walk. The tour is lit, but be sure to not drag your feet on the tour, because once you are done with one section of the cave, the lights go out.
This cave was used by Indians that were native to the area, as a speakeasy during the prohibition days, and there even was church services held in certain areas of the cave. The formations in this cave was much different than any other cave I have been in before. Many of the formations reminded me of the sandstone formations in Arizona. Children are welcome on the tour, and our group actually had several small children.
Their website mentions that strollers are welcome for the tour, but I would recommend carrying your younger children in some type of carrier or hiking backpack. There are low ceiling areas in the cave that may make it difficult to pass with a stroller. The cave is open 363 days a year, children are free until the age of 2, and a discount is offered to military and veterans!
The only reason we were able to visit was because it had rained the day prior. Once it rains, the pool waters must be tested for bacteria. If bacteria levels are too high, then swimming is prohibited and hiking is only available. The quarter of a mile hike is on a well cleared path, but made of large rocks so hiking shoes or recommended. At the end of the trail you begin to hear and see a large waterfall, that is gushing into a crystal blue and green pool. If you are allowed to swim on the day you visit, life jackets are provided for you, and there is a large beach area (made of rock) to lounge on. Continue to follow the path to go under the grotto, where you are able to get a scenic view of the area and also be right near the waterfall. It is said that many film makers have used the Hamilton Pool Preserve for movies, including the 2010 film Predators.
Another way that we experienced Austin differently was by going cave diving! Technically we were outside of Austin again, and in the town of Burnet which is about another hour away. Once again, the drive was absolutely worth it to see the Longhorn Cavern State Park. During the hot summer days in Texas, a walk through a cave that is 68 degrees year round sounds amazing to me. You can only enter the cave two ways: a guided tour that lasts 90 minutes or a wild cave tour (which is for kids who want to go through undeveloped parts of the cave). The guided tour takes you on a 1.1 mile tour, that has a very easy path to walk. The tour is lit, but be sure to not drag your feet on the tour, because once you are done with one section of the cave, the lights go out.
This cave was used by Indians that were native to the area, as a speakeasy during the prohibition days, and there even was church services held in certain areas of the cave. The formations in this cave was much different than any other cave I have been in before. Many of the formations reminded me of the sandstone formations in Arizona. Children are welcome on the tour, and our group actually had several small children.
Their website mentions that strollers are welcome for the tour, but I would recommend carrying your younger children in some type of carrier or hiking backpack. There are low ceiling areas in the cave that may make it difficult to pass with a stroller. The cave is open 363 days a year, children are free until the age of 2, and a discount is offered to military and veterans!
Tastes of Austin
There are so many places to satisfy, to the point where it can be a little overwhelming where to choose. To be honest, we were driving long distances and too busy cave diving and hikes to hidden waterfalls - we did NOT get the chance to indulge in many foods in Austin. I know...complete blasphemy. We did make a few stops that are an absolute must, and we have included suggestions from
our T+G community.
- Buc-ees: Guys, I am serious about this one. Its hilarious to even add this to the list, but once you hit Texas you will begin to see signs for this place. This store is the largest gas station that I have ever seen, and their food is not your regular gas station food. They have snacks galore, but on the way back from the caves we were starving, and this place had fresh barbecue sandwiches made, a pastry and candy section, not to mention shopping on the other end of the store. My husband and I laughed the whole time, because we could not believe how big the store actually was. You had to have a shopping cart for this store!
- Rudy's BBQ: We actually had BBQ twice while in Austin, and this was one place my husband made sure he was going back to. While stationed at Fort Hood, my husband remembers coming to Austin on the weekends just for breakfast burritos and brisket at Rudy's. The BBQ is fresh and is served however you want it, and however much you want of it. Make sure to get the cream corn and banana pudding.
- Suggestions from T+G readers: Rudy's Breakfast tacos (preferably the ones with chorizo and potatoes), The Hightower (the steak frites look divine), Hayley Cakes (ok load up the truck...we are going back to Austin for that carrot cake cupcake)
Did you see your favorite thing to do on our list? Where is your favorite place to get
food in Austin?
T+G's Quick Tips and Tricks for Austin
- Go to the Hamilton Pool Preserve website as soon as you can for a reservation to the pool. Do not wait long. Be mindful that reservations can change due to weather or flooding. If it rains, hiking is allowed, but water will need to be tested before swimming is allowed. Cash only is needed for parking ($15). Save your ticket because it will allow you free admission to any other park available in the Travis County State Parks for the day.
- Scooters from Uber and other companies are available for rental in the city of Austin.
- Be mindful that swimming at Barton Springs will be more crowded in the warmer months and on weekends.
- In the caves, strollers can be used, but we recommend using a baby carrier or hiking backpack. Be mindful that it is a 90 minute walk so bring all the snacks for the little ones. There are no restrooms available (besides the office) in or near the cave. Guided tours are every hour and differs on the weekends, so be sure to be a few minutes early for your guided tour time. No reservation is necessary...just show up and pay. This cave is fairly dry, but there are some areas of the cave where you might get a little dirty.