5 Fantastic Things You Can Do in Georgetown this Fall

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Georgetown, TX 78626
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Cool afternoons, brilliant sunsets, and the changing of leaves from lush greens to shades of orange and red announce autumn’s arrival. As summer cedes to fall, now is the time to head to Georgetown. Located just north of Austin in the Texas Hill Country, this welcoming Williamson County city has all the charm of a small town, along with everything you need for a remarkable getaway in any season.

Yet fall is something special, as the still abundant sunshine sets the stage for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Home to such attractions as Inner Space Cavern, Lake Georgetown, and the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas, Georgetown is an easily reached getaway with an identity all its own.

Ready to plan your next fall road trip? Read on to discover some of the best ways you can enjoy autumn in Georgetown, then plan your visit here.

Diners enjoy an evening meal on a warm-lit covered wooden patio at a Georgetown restaurant, with patio umbrellas and greenery under a dusky blue sky.

Indulge in Outdoor Dining

With its abundance of locally owned restaurants, Georgetown is an amazing destination for foodies. Although it’s easy to find something delicious anywhere you go, autumn’s cooler weather makes it the ideal time to enjoy a meal on an open-air patio. Dig into a meaty (or even a vegan) pizza as you sip on your choice of one of more than 30 beers on tap at 600 Degrees Pizzeria. The outdoor space here is set in a shady spot on the side of the building, a historic structure located on the outer edge of downtown Georgetown.

For just as much of a sophisticated vibe, check out The Golden Rule. Settle into the backyard patio shaded by a towering oak tree and munch on fried Texas Gulf shrimp or sweet-glazed brussels sprouts with an extensive selection of cocktails and whiskeys. Hungry for more? Check out all of Georgetown’s restaurants here.

A family of four rides bikes along a tree-lined dirt trail surrounded by lush green foliage, with two children in helmets leading the way.

Hike Along the San Gabriel River

With its crystalline waters and tree-lined banks, the picturesque San Gabriel River offers a tranquil oasis just a short distance from Georgetown’s bustling downtown square. Escape to the river, and work up a sweat in the process, as you hike, jog, or bike along the San Gabriel River Trail. A National Recreation Trail, the path loops for 1.6 miles around San Gabriel Park before following both forks of the river. Travel along the north section for one mile to reach Rivery Park or meander along the south fork and you’ll find yourself at Blue Hole Park, Georgetown’s top swimming hole.

While the San Gabriel River Trail is an urban oasis, it’s by no means the only place you can get outdoors in Georgetown. Explore more than seven miles of trails that wind and weave throughout the 525-acre Garey Park or uncover a bit of local history as you relish the beauty of the Texas Hill Country at Berry Springs Park and Preserve. There are many other ways to enjoy nature in Georgetown, so make sure you pack your hiking shoes.

The San Gabriel House, a two-story white and yellow historic home with a wraparound porch, second-floor balcony, and manicured hedges, framed by a large bare-branched tree in the front yard.

Treat Yourself to a One-of-a-Kind Stay

Kick back in a historic mansion, unwind in a beautifully restored early 20th-century cottage, and dive into a refreshing pool. Get the most out of your vacation in Georgetown by staying at one of the town’s unique bed and breakfast and guest houses. The 1914-built San Gabriel House affords luxurious stays across the avenue from Texas’ oldest university, Southwestern University. Each of the main house’s five upstairs guest rooms features lush king beds, large windows, and private bathrooms. In the common area, you’ll find a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, and a poker/dining table.

Want to spend some time outside? Catch some fresh air on the second-floor balcony or in the backyard, home to a deck, gazebo, and a fire pit. The backyard is shared with San Gabriel House’s other lodging option, a second-floor studio apartment in the Carriage House that features your own entrance, living area, and all the privacy you could ask for. Regardless of your room of choice, your stay includes a daily two-course breakfast served on china and crystal in the main house’s dining room.

If you’re looking for some privacy, or you’re traveling with a few friends, stay at The Harty House. This two-bed, one-bath home combines a charming façade and modern décor with an ideal location just a few blocks from Georgetown’s downtown square.

While all three of these places are great choices, there are plenty of other options. Check out your other choices here.

A man in a cowboy hat and Daytripper t-shirt stands behind the counter at The Daytripper World Headquarters in Georgetown, surrounded by Texas-themed merchandise, stuffed animal toys, and a Lone Star Beer sign.

Stop by The Daytripper World Headquarters

Along with being home of the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas, Georgetown is the headquarters of another of the Lone Star State’s treasures: The Daytripper World Headquarters. The base of the nine-time Emmy Award-winning PBS travel show, the headquarters is a shop where you can find all things The Daytripper. Grab a beer (on draught) and browse for souvenir shirts and other show-related merchandise, as well as soaps, candles, shirts, hats, beard oils, and more made right here in Texas. After visiting the store, get a glass of wine from Georgetown Winery, Grape Creek Winery, Barons Creek Wine Room, or Kork Wine Bar and stroll through the downtown area to admire all the remarkable Victorian-era architecture.

The 309 Coffee shop in Georgetown at night, a small cottage-style building with warm light glowing through its windows, a metal roof, and a lit sign out front beneath a large tree.

Warm Up with a Cup of Coffee

When the sun rises on a chilly autumn morning in the Texas Hill Country, there’s nothing better than a nice cup of locally made coffee. Fortunately, there are several places you can get your coffee fix here in Georgetown, starting with 309 Coffee. Take your pick from an enticing selection of all your favorites, from cold brews to espresso shots and cortados, all of which go perfectly with the coffee shop’s array of mouthwatering pastries.

Of course, Lamppost Coffee’s Georgetown location is also an outstanding purveyor of all things caffeinated. Beyond its nitro cold brew and espresso milkshake, you’ll have your choice of hot drinks made with coffee beans roasted in the Austin area. You can even buy a few bags of your own. Just make sure to get enough to tide you over until the next time you come back to this corner of the Texas Hill Country.

While these adventures are more than enough to keep you busy this fall in Georgetown, there’s far more to see and do here than what we've talked about. Discover everything else this destination has to offer, and plan your visit, here.