This guide was put together by our Spoon Mountain Glamping team, drawing on direct experience managing properties in this area, combined with a review of local tourism resources, recent guest conversations, Google Reviews, Tripadvisor, Expedia, and traveler discussions on Reddit and travel forums. All information reflects our best knowledge as of July 2026. We update this content periodically as things change on the ground.
We book anniversary weekends for a living, and the question we hear most from guests is some version of “where else should we look besides here?”
So we put together the list we actually give people when they call us: the anniversary getaways near Austin our own guests have driven through, stayed at, or asked about most, ranked with real numbers instead of guesswork.
Most of these towns sit within a two-hour radius of downtown Austin, which means you can leave Friday after work and be soaking in a tub, sipping wine, or watching the sun drop behind the hills before dinner.
We manage a glamping property in one of them, so we will not pretend to be neutral about Wimberley. But we have tried to be honest about where it fits and where another town suits a couple better.
What Makes an Austin Getaway Actually Work for an Anniversary
Not every pretty town makes a good anniversary trip. Here is what we look for when a couple asks us to help them plan.
- Drive time under two hours. Anything longer eats into the time you actually spend together.
- A stay with privacy, not a room next to an ice machine and three bachelorette parties.
- At least one thing to do that is not shopping. A river, a winery, a trail, a dark sky.
- Flexible plans. The best weekends leave room to change course if the weather shifts or you just want to stay in bed.
Keep those filters in mind as you read through the list. They will tell you fast whether a couple getaway near Austin fits your anniversary or is just a nice day trip.
Quick Comparison: 10 Anniversary Getaways Near Austin
Here is the short version, useful if you are trying to narrow things down on your lunch break.
| Destination | Distance from Austin | Drive Time | Typical Price per Night | Best For |
| Wimberley (Spoon Mountain Glamping) | 45 miles | 50 to 60 minutes | $300 to $500 | Privacy, stargazing, milestone anniversaries |
| Dripping Springs (Camp Lucy) | 25 miles | 30 to 35 minutes | $400 to $600 | Ranch-chic wine country, design lovers |
| Fredericksburg (Stay Onera) | 78 miles | 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours | $300 to $700 | Treehouse stays, longer wine country weekends |
| New Braunfels (The Resort at Schlitterbahn) | 50 miles | 50 minutes to 1 hour | $150 to $300 | Active couples who want river and water park time |
| Marble Falls and Lake LBJ (Horseshoe Bay Resort) | 50 miles | 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes | $200 to $450 | Golf, marina days, full-resort amenities |
| Johnson City (Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa) | 50 miles | 55 minutes to 1 hour | $150 to $300 | Vineyard views, quieter wine country base |
| Blanco (Tillman Resort) | 48 miles | 55 minutes to 1 hour | $150 to $280 | Riverfront casitas on a budget |
| Bastrop (Basin RV Resorts) | 30 miles | 35 to 45 minutes | $75 to $260 | Last-minute, budget-friendly escapes |
| Llano (Bliss On The River) | 78 miles | 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes | $229 to $400 | Couples who want to unplug completely |
| Round Top (The Frenchie Boutique Hotel) | 90 miles | 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours | $270 to $400 | Art lovers and antique hunters |
Prices reflect typical nightly rates as of July 2026 and shift with season and demand, so treat them as a planning range rather than a quote.
1. Wimberley, Texas: Our Home Base and the Quietest Hill Country Escape
Wimberley sits about 45 miles from downtown Austin, roughly a 50 to 60 minute drive depending on traffic through San Marcos. It is the town we know best because it is the one we live and work in every day.
Unlike Fredericksburg or New Braunfels, Wimberley does not really have a nightlife scene, and that is exactly why couples come here for anniversaries.
Spoon Mountain Glamping: A Luxury Anniversary Stay in Wimberley
We built Spoon Mountain on a hilltop about ten minutes outside downtown Wimberley, and each of our three safari tents is spaced out so guests do not hear or see each other.
The property is adults-only, so there are no kids running past your deck at seven in the morning.
Address: 210 Masonic Lodge Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676
What guests get in each tent:
- King-size bed with a proper mattress, not a camp cot
- Private soaking tub for two, either on the deck or under a covered patio
- Mini kitchenette for coffee, snacks, or a light breakfast
- Air conditioning and heat, so summer and winter stays are equally comfortable
- Private outdoor games and seating area
- Wifi, for the guests who are not fully unplugging
We offer three tents, and guests usually pick based on vibe rather than price, since rates land in a similar range.
A note from your hosts
Come stay with us at Spoon Mountain
Hi, we're Yvette & Ken. We built Spoon Mountain as a romantic hilltop escape 30 miles from Austin. Each of our three safari tents has a private pool, soaking tub for two, and king bed. Adults only. We'd love to host you.
If you love the idea of luxury outdoor stays, exploring the Best Camping and Glamping Sites Near Austin for Couples can help you compare other romantic, nature-first setups in the region.
| Tent | Signature Feature | Best For | Typical Nightly Rate |
| Shaka | Private plunge pool, white and light wood interior | Couples who want to swim without leaving the tent | $400 to $500 |
| Kingfisher | Oversized deck, wheelchair accessible layout, soaking tub | Stargazing and mobility needs | $350 to $450 |
| Chisum | Rustic leather furnishings, wood tones, fire pit | Couples who want a grounded, cabin feel | $300 to $400 |
We hold a 4.9-star rating across more than 100 reviews on Google, which reflects how consistently guests rate the privacy and setup here.
Before You Book: Confirm your exact dates before calling, since weekend availability books out weeks ahead in spring and fall.
Ask about add-ons when you reserve, not the week before, since in-tent massages and private chef dinners need lead time.
Tell us if it is a milestone year, and we can arrange small touches like fairy lights or a chilled bottle waiting.
Things to Do Around Wimberley for Couples
- Swim at Blue Hole Regional Park (seasonal, best April through September)
- Explore Jacob’s Well Natural Area, one of the deepest fully submerged springs in Texas
- Taste wine at Wimberley Valley Winery or drive fifteen minutes to Driftwood Estate Winery
- Drive the Devil’s Backbone, a scenic ridge road with pull-off overlooks
- Book dinner at The Leaning Pear or Trattoria Lisina for a proper anniversary meal
Trattoria Lisina holds a strong local reputation for date night dinners and books up on weekends, so reserve at least a week out.
2. Dripping Springs: The Closest Wine Country Escape
Dripping Springs sits about 25 miles southwest of Austin, a 30 to 35 minute drive that makes it the fastest true getaway on this list.
It has grown fast in recent years, now home to more than 50 wineries, breweries, and distilleries within a short drive of Main Street, and it works well when you decide on a trip on Tuesday and want to leave Friday.
Camp Lucy: A Ranch-Chic Wine Country Retreat
Camp Lucy sits on roughly 275 acres of ranchland at 3509 Creek Rd, just west of town, and it is one of Texas’s busiest wedding venues, which also means the grounds and service are built for special occasions.
Several architectural pieces on the property, including Tillie’s restaurant, were imported from Southeast Asia and reconstructed on site, so it reads more like a design magazine than a typical inn.
What guests get here:
- Guest rooms, suites, and private cottages, several with hand-carved stone soaking tubs and rain showers
- Two outdoor pools, one with a swim-up bar, plus the new Folklore Spa
- An alpaca pasture and a small chicken coop, an easy pre-dinner walk
- Tillie’s, the on-site restaurant built inside a reconstructed Vietnamese church
- A communal fire pit and hiking trails woven through the ranchland
Rates start around $409 a night and climb toward $600 or more for suites and cottages during peak wedding and wine season.
More than 90 travelers on TripAdvisor have awarded Camp Lucy a 4.4-star rating, recognizing its beautiful grounds, upscale accommodations, and exceptional service.
Things to Do Around Dripping Springs for Couples
- Tasting flights at Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery or Solaro Estate
- Lunch or a slow afternoon at Texas Hill Country Olive Co. on Fitzhugh Road
- Sunset dinner at one of the ranch-style restaurants along Fitzhugh Road
- Short scenic drive out to Hamilton Pool Preserve (reservations required in advance)
Hamilton Pool consistently ranks among the most photographed natural pools in Central Texas on Google Maps, and its timed reservation slots sell out fast during summer weekends.
3. Fredericksburg, Texas: Wine Country for a Longer Weekend
Fredericksburg sits about 78 miles from Austin, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the route.
This is the town to pick when you want two full nights and a real wine country weekend rather than a quick overnight.
German settler history, a walkable Main Street, and dozens of tasting rooms give it a different feel than Wimberley’s quiet hills.
Stay Onera: A Treehouse Resort in Texas Wine Country
Stay Onera sits on a wooded stretch of Hill Country just off Highway 87, close enough that Main Street Fredericksburg is about a mile away.
The property is built around custom-designed units, treehouses, container homes, geodesic domes, and canvas-style retreats, tucked into live oak and juniper cover rather than lined up like standard hotel rooms.
What guests get here:
- Private heated soaking tubs or hot tubs in most units, some cedar-lined
- Full efficiency kitchens, Wifi, air conditioning, and heat in every unit
- Shared communal pool, hot tub, and fire pits for guests who want to mingle
- Dark sky views, since the property sits in a low-light pollution area
- A short walk or drive to Main Street’s wineries, shops, and restaurants
Nightly rates run roughly $300 to $700, depending on the unit and season, with the treehouses and dome units toward the top of that range.
Verified Expedia guests have given Stay Onera an Exceptional 9.4/10 rating, based on 100-plus verified reviews, highlighting its distinctive treehouses and serene natural surroundings.
The drive out here is half the fun, especially during peak bloom season. You can easily turn your drive into one of the top Spring Wildflower Road Trips Near Austin for Couples by taking the scenic highway routes.
Things to Do Around Fredericksburg for Couples
- Tasting flights at smaller family-run vineyards outside downtown
- Sunset dinner overlooking hill country vineyards
- Slow evening walk down Main Street once the shops close
- Hike Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, about 18 miles away, for sunrise or sunset views
Because Fredericksburg draws heavy weekend traffic, book your table and room three to four weeks ahead for spring and fall dates.
4. New Braunfels: Adventure by Day, Romance by Night
New Braunfels sits roughly 50 miles from Austin, about 50 minutes to an hour on I-35. It blends river tubing with old town charm, a good fit for couples who want an active day before a relaxed evening.
The Comal and Guadalupe Rivers both run through town, and tubing season runs roughly from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Because of the easy access to cool, refreshing spring-fed waters, this town is a staple on list of Summer Romantic Getaways Near Austin when the Texas heat hits its peak.
The Resort at Schlitterbahn: Water Park Access with River Town Charm
The Resort at Schlitterbahn sits at 305 West Austin Street, close enough to walk into Schlitterbahn Waterpark and about a mile from downtown New Braunfels.
Rooms, suites, and apartment lofts here range from standard hotel-style layouts to fully equipped units with kitchens, and several accommodations back right up to the park.
What guests get here:
- Direct or near-direct access to Schlitterbahn Waterpark’s rides and rivers
- Multiple outdoor pools, a kids pool, and free Wifi throughout
- Fully equipped kitchens available in the loft and vacation home units
- Free parking and a BBQ or picnic area on the grounds
- An 18-hole golf course nearby for a slower-paced morning
Nightly rates typically fall between $150 and $300, with the lower end of that range showing up midweek and outside peak summer months.
The Resort at Schlitterbahn maintains a 4.3-star rating on Google, with guests frequently praising its direct water park access and family-friendly accommodations.
Things to Do Around New Braunfels for Couples
- Float the Comal River, one of the shortest and coolest rivers in Texas
- Live music and dinner in the historic Gruene district
- Evening walk along the riverwalk downtown
New Braunfels holds a reputation as one of the more family-heavy stops on this list, so if quiet is the goal, weekday visits work far better than summer Saturdays.
5. Marble Falls and Lake LBJ: Water Views Without the Crowds
Marble Falls sits about 50 miles from Austin, a 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minute drive through the western hill country.
It gives couples the Lake Travis experience with noticeably less boat traffic, waterfront dining, sunset boat rentals, and quiet balcony mornings.
Horseshoe Bay Resort: A Full-Service Lake LBJ Resort
Horseshoe Bay Resort sits on more than 7,000 acres along Lake LBJ, with rooms and suites in The Tower offering lake and hill country views, plus villas and condos for guests who want more space.
It is a large, amenity-heavy property built around golf, water, and dining.
What guests get here:
- Three outdoor pools, including North America’s only floating pool on the lake itself
- A marina with boat, jet ski, and paddleboard rentals, plus sunset cruise options
- A full-service spa and four on-site restaurants
- 36 holes of golf and a private beach on Lake LBJ
Rates commonly run $200 to $450 a night, depending on room type and season, plus a daily resort fee that covers parking, Wifi, and beach and pool access.
Verified Expedia guests rate Horseshoe Bay Resort Very Good at 8.6/10, reflecting consistently positive experiences at this lakeside golf and spa destination.
Things to Do Around Marble Falls and Lake LBJ for Couples
- Sunset boat rental on Lake LBJ
- Waterfront dinner with a lake view
- Scenic drive along the Colorado River Loop
6. Johnson City: The Quiet Alternative to Fredericksburg
Johnson City sits about 50 miles from Austin, roughly 55 minutes to an hour.
It works as a quieter alternative for couples who like the idea of Fredericksburg but not the crowds, close enough to reach wine country for an afternoon while returning to a calmer overnight base.
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa: A Vineyard Stay Between Johnson City and Fredericksburg
Carter Creek sits along US Highway 290, right on the 290 Wine Trail between Johnson City and Fredericksburg.
The property is built around 78 residential-style villas set steps from its own working vineyard and tasting room.
What guests get here:
- Spacious villas with separate sitting areas, electric fireplaces, and deep soaking tubs
- An on-site winery, tasting room, and the only microbrewery in the region, attached to a winery
- Old 290 Brewery, the on-site restaurant, plus a live music pavilion on weekends
- A seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, and full-service spa
- Free parking and Wifi throughout the property
Nightly rates typically run $150 to $300, depending on villa type and season.
Guests frequently describe it as an ideal romantic retreat, and reviewers consistently call out the tranquil grounds, though a handful mention requesting a villa away from the highway for a quieter night.
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa has earned a 4.7-star rating on TripAdvisor from more than 300 traveler reviews, highlighting its winery, comfortable villas, and relaxing atmosphere.
Things to Do Around Johnson City for Couples
- Short drives out to nearby wineries without the Fredericksburg traffic
- Stargazing, since light pollution here is minimal
- Visiting the LBJ National Historical Park for a slower, historic afternoon
7. Blanco: A Slow River Weekend on a Budget
Blanco sits about 48 miles from Austin, close to a one-hour drive, and it is one of the more underrated picks on this list.
The Blanco River runs straight through downtown, and Blanco State Park offers swimming holes without the summer lines you will find at Blue Hole.
This is one of the genuinely cheap romantic weekend getaways near Austin if budget is the deciding factor.
Tillman Resort: Riverfront Casitas on the Blanco River
Tillman Resort sits on ten acres directly along the Blanco River at 1705 Farm to Market 165, roughly halfway between Austin and San Antonio.
The property offers ten fully furnished casitas and one larger luxury house, all built around river access rather than a parking lot view.
What guests get here:
- Casitas with full baths, kitchenettes, and down comforters on queen beds
- A sand beach on the river with lounge chairs
- Two fenced pickleball courts and a covered pavilion with a gas grill and fire pit
- Private furnished patios or balconies at most casitas
Nightly casita rates typically run in the $150 to $280 range, in line with other Blanco stays, while RV sites start closer to $75 a night for guests bringing their own rig.
Tillman Resort holds a 9.6-star rating on Expedia, with guests complimenting its modern cabins, riverside location, and peaceful setting.
Things to Do Around Blanco for Couples
- Swim or wade in Blanco State Park
- Browse the small antique shops around the courthouse square
- Picnic along the riverbank at sunset
8. Bastrop: Nature-Filled and Close to the City
The Best Kept Secret in Texas | City of Bastrop, TX
Bastrop sits about 30 miles from Austin, one of the shortest drives on this list at 35 to 45 minutes.
Loblolly pine forest surrounds the town, a landscape that looks nothing like typical hill country and works well for a spontaneous weekend trip from Austin for couples who did not plan far ahead.
Basin RV Resorts, Bastrop: A Riverside Base for a Budget Weekend
Basin RV Resorts sits directly on the banks of the Colorado River in Bastrop, primarily built for RV travelers but also home to two custom-built cabins for guests without a rig of their own.
It is the most budget-friendly stay on this list.
What guests get here:
- Two custom cabins for couples who want a bed rather than an RV site
- A swimming pool, hot tub, and splash pad on the grounds
- Direct riverfront access for fishing, kayaking, or a quiet evening walk
- A large covered pavilion and camp kitchen for shared use
Cabin and RV site rates typically run $75 to $260 a night, depending on the accommodation, making this the most affordable stay on the list by a wide margin.
Guests have awarded Basin RV Resorts a 4.6-star rating on Google, recognizing its clean facilities, spacious sites, and welcoming staff.
Things to Do Around Bastrop for Couples
- Kayak the Colorado River as it runs through town
- Walk the riverside path near Fisherman’s Park
- Coffee shop hopping through downtown Bastrop
9. Llano: The Most Unplugged Option Near Austin
Llano sits about 78 miles from Austin, 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes depending on your route. Cell service gets spotty in places, either a selling point or a dealbreaker.
This is one of the more unique getaways near Austin, TX, for couples who genuinely want to disconnect for a weekend.
t ranks high among the most peaceful Quiet Getaways Near Austin because it completely trades city noise for the gentle rush of river water.
Bliss On The River: A Riverside Bed and Breakfast on the Llano River
Bliss On The River sits directly on the Llano River, with rooms and suites arranged around wraparound porches and private balconies that face the water.
It runs as a bed and breakfast rather than a standard hotel, with a full Southern-style breakfast served each morning.
What guests get here:
- Rooms with private balconies overlooking the river and pool
- A swimming pool, a hot tub, and a Pool House common area with fireplaces and a bar
- A full breakfast is included with every stay
- Direct river access for fishing or wading, with kayaks available through a local partner
Nightly rates start around $229 for a riverside room and climb toward $719 for the larger multi-room family suites.
Bliss On The River maintains a 5-star rating on Google, with visitors praising its riverfront cabins, quiet surroundings, and scenic Hill Country views.
Things to Do Around Llano for Couples
- Riverside picnics along the Llano River
- Fishing together at sunrise or sunset
- Slow scenic drives with almost no traffic
10. Round Top: Art, Antiques, and Countryside Charm
Round Top sits about 90 miles from Austin, the longest drive on this list at 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
It is famous for its twice-yearly antiques fair and a year-round creative community, a distinct pick among unique getaways near Austin, TX, for couples who share an interest in art and design.
The Frenchie Boutique Hotel: A Farmhouse Stay in Round Top
The Frenchie sits at 311 N. Live Oak St., an easy walk from downtown Round Top, built across a circa-1890s farmhouse, a matching cottage, and a newer art studio building with pool bungalows.
Guests can book individual rooms or combine several for a group.
What guests get here:
- Access to a shared pool, hot tub, and pickleball court
- A resident chef offering room service and poolside dining
- On-property massage therapy and wine tour booking through local partners
- Common spaces, including a full kitchen, living room, and dining room in the main house
Nightly rates generally run $270 to $400, depending on room type and season.
The Frenchie Boutique Hotel has earned a 9.2/10 rating on Expedia, with guests highlighting its stylish accommodations, thoughtful hospitality, and convenient downtown location.
Things to Do Around Round Top for Couples
- Browse antique shops and art studios around the square
- Countryside walks between converted farmhouses
- A slow, unhurried dinner at one of the small local restaurants
Because of the drive distance, Round Top works best as a two-night trip rather than a quick overnight.
The Question We Get Asked Most
The single most common question we get is “How far in advance do we need to book?” For weekends in April, May, October, and November, we tell couples to book at least three to four weeks out, sometimes longer around Valentine’s Day or New Year’s.
Off-peak midweek stays are far more flexible and can often be booked within a week. If you are planning a milestone anniversary on a specific date, book as early as you can, since that date will not move.
Cheap Romantic Weekend Getaways Near Austin: Budget Planning
If cost is the deciding factor, here is a realistic weekend spend for two people, including lodging and gas but not meals.
- Under $500 total: Bastrop, Blanco, Llano
- $500 to $800 total: Wimberley, New Braunfels, Marble Falls, Johnson City
- $800 and up: Fredericksburg, Round Top, Dripping Springs on a wine-heavy weekend
Gas runs $15 to $45 round trip, depending on distance. The bigger swing in cost comes from lodging choice and how many add-ons like wine tastings or massages you book.
Best Time of Year for These Austin Trips
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) give the most comfortable daytime temperatures across this region, typically mid 70s to mid 80s Fahrenheit.
Summer highs regularly reach the high 90s to low 100s, which makes river towns like New Braunfels and Blanco more appealing than exposed hilltop stays. Winter stays mild, usually 50s and 60s during the day, and suits fireside, cozy-focused trips.
Book Your Dream Anniversary Getaway Before Your Dates Fill Up
Every destination on this list can genuinely work for an anniversary, but the right one depends on what you want out of the weekend.
If privacy, dark skies, and slowing down completely are the goal, Wimberley and Spoon Mountain Glamping are built for that.
If you want wine country energy or river adventure, Fredericksburg and New Braunfels serve you better.
Whichever town you choose, book earlier than feels necessary, especially for spring and fall weekends.
We would be glad to help you plan a stay with us in Wimberley, and if our place is not quite the fit, we hope this guide points you toward the one that is.
FAQs | Anniversary Getaways Near Austin
1. What is the best anniversary getaway near Austin for a first milestone?
Most couples want something intimate rather than action-packed for a first anniversary, which points toward Wimberley or Dripping Springs, given their short drives and privacy.
2. How far in advance should we book a romantic weekend getaway from Austin?
Book three to four weeks ahead for spring and fall weekends, and as early as possible around Valentine’s Day and major holidays.
3. What is the closest romantic getaway to Austin?
Dripping Springs is closest at about 25 miles, roughly a 30 minute drive from downtown.
4. Are there romantic getaways near Austin with private hot tubs?
Yes. Several glamping and treehouse stays in Wimberley, Fredericksburg, and Marble Falls include private soaking tubs on the deck or patio.
5. What are some cheap romantic weekend getaways near Austin?
Bastrop, Blanco, and Llano typically run the lowest total weekend cost while still delivering genuine privacy and scenery.
6. Is Wimberley or Fredericksburg better for an anniversary?
Wimberley suits couples who want quiet and privacy, while Fredericksburg suits those wanting a livelier wine country weekend with more restaurants and shopping.
7. What should we pack for a Hill Country anniversary trip?
Layered clothing for cool evenings, swimwear for a river or natural pool, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen even in cooler months.
8. Can we do a same-weekend, last-minute anniversary getaway from Austin?
Bastrop and Dripping Springs are the most realistic options given their short drive times, though weekend availability still varies.
9. Are these getaways good for a longer, multi-night anniversary trip?
Fredericksburg and Round Top both work well for two-night stays, since each has enough activities to fill more than a single day.
10. Do any of these anniversary getaways near Austin allow pets?
Pet policies vary by property and change often, so confirm directly with each stay before booking rather than assuming either way.
Sources Consulted:
- Official property websites for Camp Lucy, Stay Onera, The Resort at Schlitterbahn, Horseshoe Bay Resort, Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, Tillman Resort, Basin RV Resorts, Bliss On The River, and The Frenchie Boutique Hotel
- Official attraction and venue websites, including Blue Hole Regional Park, Jacob’s Well Natural Area, and area wineries
- Local tourism and visitor bureau resources for Wimberley, Fredericksburg, and surrounding Hill Country towns
- Google Reviews
- Tripadvisor
- Expedia
- Yelp
- Reddit travel discussions, including r/Austin and r/travel
- Our team’s direct operational experience managing stays in Wimberley, Texas
