Georgetown, Texas

Sip a glass of Texas-made wine on the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.” Explore the dark depths of one of the few show caves in Texas or kayak a scenic lake. . These are just some of the things you’ll experience in the city of Georgetown, a quaint place that offers a little bit of everything that defines the Hill Country. Travel to Georgetown and you’ll find charming restaurants, boutique shops, tantalizing scenery, and a relaxed small-town ambiance, all just 30 miles north of the bustling metropolis of Austin.

The history of Georgetown dates back to 1848, when the city’s namesake, George Washington Glasscock, donated land for the town site with his partner Thomas B. Huling. Clean and clear water and the abundance of timber played a large role in attracting settlers, who in the next 50 years would arrive from the United States, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the modern-day Czech Republic, and Mexico. This diverse heritage lives on to this day; to see it, all you need to do is look at the Victorian-era storefronts in the Georgetown downtown square, the ornate columned courthouse, and the more than 100 historic homes throughout the city. Much of Georgetown’s history is retold in The Williamson Museum in, you guessed it, the downtown square.

Georgetown’s square is one of the city’s top attractions. Within all the magnificently restored buildings that line the square, you’ll find antique and clothing shops, coffee shops, restaurants, and three wineries (Georgetown Winery and Grape Creek Winery) as well as Kork Wine Bar. There’s also the Georgetown Palace Theatre, a community performing arts venue adorned with mid-20th century art deco flair that conducts musicals and plays throughout the year.

If you’re the type of person who prefers rugged adventure over modern comfort, there’s much about Georgetown that you’ll love. For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, go on the Wild Cave tour at the Inner Space Cavern, a four-hour adventure that takes you through primitive areas of a large cave system. For some fun in the sun, make your way to Lake Georgetown, a popular place to go swimming, fishing, camping, or boating. Hiking and biking are popular things to do in Georgetown as well. There’s a 28-mile trail, the Goodwater Loop, which surrounds Lake Georgetown, as well as a 9-mile trail that follows the river from San Gabriel Park to the lake or visit Garey Park which has its own set of trails, pavilions, and fishing ponds.

Fantastic architecture, plenty of outdoor recreation, and a convenient location just north of Austin make Georgetown a compelling destination for your next Texas vacation. Plot your next trip here and you’ll see why this is a must-see place in the Lone Star State.