Round Rock

The crack of a home run hitting a baseball bat followed by the roar of a crowd. The tranquility of a clear-water creek flowing past verdant mesquite trees. The taste of a sugar-glazed donut melting in your mouth. The thrill of zooming down a waterslide with your family and friends. These are among the many sensations that await when you visit Round Rock, a quaint Texas Hill Country City situated an easy 20-mile drive north of Austin. Known as the “Sports Capital of Texas,” Round Rock boasts its own minor league baseball team and a state-of-the-art stadium along with hundreds of acres of lush parks that give you plenty of space to play.

Yet Round Rock isn’t just for outdoorsy folks. Stroll its historic downtown area to see its unique shops, restaurants, and live music. Indulge in the titanic two-pound Texas-sized donut at Round Rock Donuts (once featured on Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food), and get some retail therapy at the Round Rock Premium Outlets. With something for everyone, Round Rock is a convenient getaway with a charm all its own.

Although now one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, Round Rock had much humbler beginnings. It started as a small village on the banks of Brushy Creek near a “round rock” that marked a low water crossing. That rock formation would eventually inspire the name for the City, and it’s something you can still see today if you head to Chisholm Trail Crossing Park. Look closely enough and you may even see imprints from wagon wheels that once transported stone across the creek.

Since you’re already outdoors, you may as well take in Round Rock’s natural splendor. Pack a picnic basket and a football to toss or a soccer ball to kick and head over to Old Settlers Park, a 645-acre green space with tennis courts and a wide variety of sports fields. When you need to cool off, make your way to America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark at Round Rock’s Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. This authentically-African themed resort boasts a 223,000-square-foot waterpark and has a variety of attractions to keep you and your family entertained! Slide down 30 thrilling water slides, jump the waves at the wave pool, and put your surfing skills to the test on the wave simulator. You can also float in the lazy river and soar down the slides at Rock’N River Water Park. Fun for all ages, this family-friendly attraction features a sprayground with more than 50 features, including water cannons and a rock-climbing wall with waterfalls.

As the “Sports Capital of Texas,” it’s only fitting that Round Rock is home to two first-rate golf courses: Forest Creek Golf Club and Teravista Golf Club. Both public courses showcase all the breathtaking beauty of the Texas Hill Country while serving up a round of golf that will challenge all of your skills. If you’d rather watch the pros show off their talents, catch a Round Rock Express baseball game at The Dell Diamond. The minor league affiliate of the Texas Rangers, The Round Rock Express has fostered the talents of future star players like Roy Oswalt and Hunter Pence. You can even practice your own swing with a view of Dell Diamond’s center field at Home Run Dugout’s virtual batting cage experience.

While Round Rock is a great place to get outdoors, there is far more going on here. Visit downtown Round Rock and stroll its Main Street lined with old-fashioned stone storefronts. Step into the boutique shops or get a drink at a local coffee shop or one of the several bars in the area. Get your fill, then hit up the plethora of high-end shops at the Round Rock Premium Outlets or visit the self-contained destinations known as Bass Pro Shops and IKEA Round Rock.

In addition to all its sports fields, golf courses, shopping, and dining, Round Rock is the place to be for art events and festivals like Music on Main Street and Chalk Walk and Festival.

Lush outdoor parks with plenty of space to play, a vibrant downtown area, and an abundance of shops make Round Rock a great place to visit no matter your interests. What are you waiting for? Plan your trip today.