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    Outside Area Top Picks

    Great finds just outside our area

    Cities:ConcanUvaldeMasonJunctionAustinWacoTemplePleasantonSonoraDevine

    Day Adventures

    Get Wet

    Balmorhea State Park

    Balmorhea State Park

    A desert oasis featuring one of the world's largest spring-fed swimming pools — built by the CCC in the 1930s, with crystal-clear 72–76°F water, snorkeling, and historic motel rooms.

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    Barton Springs Pool

    Barton Springs Pool

    Austin's iconic 3-acre natural spring-fed pool stays a refreshing 68–70°F year-round — a beloved swimming destination in the heart of Zilker Park.

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    Concan Swimming Hole

    Concan Swimming Hole

    A natural swimming sanctuary along the Frio River with deep spots perfect for jumping, shallow areas for little ones, shady bluffs, and crystal-clear water. This privately owned oasis is one of the most beloved swimming holes in the Texas Hill Country.

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    Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

    Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

    Home to America's Largest Indoor Waterpark as voted by USA TODAY, Kalahari Round Rock features 350,000 square feet of waterpark fun, dining options for every craving, and endless entertainment including arcades, mini golf, and a full-service spa.

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    Tonkawa Falls City Park

    Tonkawa Falls City Park

    A stunning natural waterfall and swimming hole tucked inside the tiny town of Crawford — $10 weekend parking, free swimming, and RV camping available.

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    Family Fun

    Rodeo

    Gun Ranges

    Parks

    Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area

    Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area

    A National Natural Landmark featuring a massive vertical cavern — home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats whose spectacular evening flights draw visitors from across Texas.

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    Garner State Park

    Garner State Park

    Generations of Texans have spent summers floating the Frio River and dancing to jukebox tunes.

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    South Llano River State Park

    South Llano River State Park

    A serene Hill Country escape featuring tubing, kayaking, fishing, and birding along the crystal-clear South Llano River. Known for exceptional stargazing, abundant wildlife, and peaceful camping under towering pecan trees.

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    Zilker Metropolitan Park

    Zilker Metropolitan Park

    Austin's beloved 351-acre urban oasis along the Colorado River — home to Barton Springs Pool, the Zilker Botanical Garden, disc golf, a miniature train, and miles of hike-and-bike trails.

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    Hiking

    Off-Roading

    Whiskey

    Racing

    Clubs

    BBQ & Smokehouse

    Unique Resorts

    Cibolo Creek Ranch

    Cibolo Creek Ranch

    A 30,000-acre luxury ranch resort in the heart of Big Bend Country at the foothills of the Chinati Mountains. Established in the mid-1800s, this historic destination offers 19th century atmosphere with modern luxury — featuring lakeside rooms, premium suites, historical forts, acclaimed regional cuisine, and endless ranch adventures.

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    Gage Hotel

    Gage Hotel

    Welcome to the legendary Gage Hotel, a storied 1927 landmark surrounded by the pristine beauty of Big Bend country in Marathon, Texas. The Gage offers unique accommodations across its Historic Hotel, Los Portales, Captain Shepard House, and private Casitas — all with laid-back luxury and gracious West Texas hospitality. Guests enjoy superior dining, one of the most iconic bars in Texas, a wellness program, and endless adventure in nearby Big Bend National Park. For generations, travelers have created lasting memories at this one-of-a-kind desert retreat.

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    Geronimo Creek Retreat

    Geronimo Creek Retreat

    A unique glamping destination near New Braunfels featuring waterfront teepees, treehouses, safari cabins, and a homestead along a spring-fed creek. Modern amenities meet rustic charm with kayaks, paddleboards, fire pits, and star-filled Texas skies.

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    JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

    JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

    Spanning 13,000 acres of majestic Texas Hill Country, JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is a 5-star luxury all-inclusive destination with its own private FBO airport. The resort offers 32 luxurious accommodations across two lodges — the Main Lodge and Lonesome Creek Lodge — each embodying rustic elegance at its finest. Guests enjoy world-class hunting, spa treatments, gourmet dining, and endless ranch adventures. Designed for leisure travel, corporate retreats, and special celebrations, JL Bar delivers incomparable service and hospitality in one of the most unique, intimate properties in the Southern United States.

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    Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

    Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

    Home to America's Largest Indoor Waterpark as voted by USA TODAY, Kalahari Round Rock features 350,000 square feet of waterpark fun, dining options for every craving, and endless entertainment including arcades, mini golf, and a full-service spa.

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    Glamping

    Cameron Ranch Glamping

    Cameron Ranch Glamping

    Unplug, reset, and reconnect in designer cabins and geo domes at Cameron Ranch Glamping. With locations near Bastrop (Lake Bastrop) and Coldspring (Lake Livingston), this luxury glamping destination offers beautifully designed accommodations surrounded by nature — perfect for couples, families, and weekend getaways from Austin or Houston.

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    Geronimo Creek Retreat

    Geronimo Creek Retreat

    A unique glamping destination near New Braunfels featuring waterfront teepees, treehouses, safari cabins, and a homestead along a spring-fed creek. Modern amenities meet rustic charm with kayaks, paddleboards, fire pits, and star-filled Texas skies.

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    Magical Forest Resort

    Magical Forest Resort

    A peaceful pine forest cabin retreat just outside Houston, perfect for a weekend getaway. Featuring cozy waterfront cabins, a pool, zip line, kayaking, fishing, and hammocks under the pines — ideal for families, couples, and outdoor lovers seeking a relaxing nature escape.

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