A stay at The Hideout Golf Club & Resort comes with plenty to enjoy without ever leaving the property. It’s easy to settle in with our Championship golf course, Lake Brownwood nearby, comfortable accommodations, and exciting amenities. At the same time, The Hideout also puts many of the best things to do in Central Texas within reach. Historic landmarks, Hill Country towns, scenic parks, and well-known attractions are all close enough for a day trip before heading back for a relaxing evening. It's one more reason there are so many fun things to do in Central Texas, no matter which direction you decide to explore.
If you're ready to explore beyond the resort, here's where the road can take you.
Start Close to The Hideout
Lake Brownwood is less than 20 minutes from The Hideout, so it’s an easy spot to add to your itinerary. You can spend time on the water fishing, boating, kayaking, and enjoying the lakeside picnic areas. Lake Brownwood State Park also has hiking trails with scenic overlooks and opportunities to spot local wildlife. It's a great introduction to the natural beauty that defines this part of Texas.
Head Into the Hill Country
About two hours from The Hideout, Fredericksburg makes an excellent day trip and is a gateway to some of the region's most popular Texas Hill Country attractions. The town lean into its German heritage through architecture, restaurants, bakeries, and local shops along Main Street. Wine lovers will also find dozens of wineries throughout the surrounding Hill Country, which has become one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the country. With over 75 wineries to check out, a tasting or two is always good to add to your itinerary.
Just outside town, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area brings in visitors from across Texas. The enormous pink granite dome rises above the surrounding landscape, and the summit rewards hikers with stunning views of the Hill Country. Reservations fill up quickly on weekends, so it's worth planning ahead.
Marble Falls is another worthwhile stop in the same area. It’s known for its lakes, scenic roads, and small-town charm, and is also home to the famous Blue Bonnet Café. Ask almost anyone familiar with the area about pie, and there's a good chance this place comes up before you finish the question.
Spend the Day in Waco
Waco has become one of Central Texas's most popular destinations, and there's plenty to see beyond the television-famous storefronts.
Magnolia Market at the Silos attracts visitors with shopping, food trucks, seasonal events, and beautifully designed outdoor spaces. Even people who don't leave with a shopping bag usually spend a while looking around.
Just a short drive away, the Waco Mammoth National Monument protects the remains of Columbian mammoths discovered right here in Texas. Guided tours explain how the site was uncovered and why it's one of the country's most significant paleontological discoveries.
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum rounds out the day with exhibits that explore one of the state's most recognizable law enforcement agencies through artifacts, photographs, and decades of Texas history.
Waco is about two and a half hours from The Hideout, and it offers a variety of experiences for everyone in your group.
Explore Austin
Austin is roughly two and a half hours from The Hideout and has plenty of opportunities to experience the state's capital city. It’s a standout Texas city with a lot to explore.
The Texas State Capitol is one of Austin's most recognizable landmarks. Free guided tours provide a closer look at the building's history, architecture, and role in state government. And the surrounding grounds are a great place for a walk before exploring the rest of downtown.
If time allows, continue through South Congress Avenue, where local boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and colorful murals give visitors another side of the city. It's one of Austin's most recognizable neighborhoods for good reason.
Experience San Antonio
San Antonio is a little farther from The Hideout at about three and a half hours, but several of Texas's best-known attractions are all in one city. It’s a relaxing and welcoming city with a rich Spanish-colonial history.
The San Antonio River Walk winds through downtown with restaurants, shops, and public art lining the water. River cruises offer another way to explore the area, especially for first-time visitors.
A short drive away, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park preserves four Spanish frontier missions that helped shape the region. It's the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas and is a fascinating look at the state's early history.
Cool Off Along the Water
Central Texas has quite a few places to cool off once temperatures begin to climb.
The Guadalupe River has earned a reputation as one of Texas's favorite destinations for tubing, kayaking, and rafting. About three hours from The Hideout, it's a popular stop throughout the warmer months.
Just beyond that, the Comal River offers one of the shortest tube floats in Texas, but don't let the length fool you. Its spring-fed water stays refreshingly cool year-round, which explains why so many visitors return every summer.
If your travels take you toward Austin, Barton Springs Pool is worth adding to the itinerary. Fed by natural springs, the three-acre pool stays between 68 and 70 degrees year-round and has become one of the city's most recognizable places to cool off.
For something a little different, Hamilton Pool Preserve near Dripping Springs features a natural grotto, a 50-foot waterfall, and one of the most photographed swimming spots in Texas. Reservations are required, so plan ahead before making the drive.
Back to The Hideout
One of the best parts about exploring Central Texas is how many different experiences are within a few hours of The Hideout Golf Course & Resort. From Hill Country towns and scenic parks to historic landmarks and iconic Texas attractions, there are a bunch of spots you can add to your list.
When the day's adventure comes to an end, head back to The Hideout to relax, recharge, and start planning the next stop.
Ready to experience Central Texas for yourself? Book your stay at The Hideout today.