Quick Facts: Your Bastrop Day Trip at a Glance
Ready to escape Austin for the day? Here’s everything you need to know in a nutshell for your perfect getaway in 2025.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Austin | ~33 miles / 53 km |
| Drive Time | 45-60 minutes |
| Estimated Cost | $50 – $120 per person (excluding shopping) |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring (March-May) & Fall (October-November) |
How to Get to Bastrop from Austin
Getting to Bastrop is a breeze, making it one of the easiest day trips from Austin. While there are a few options, driving is by far the most practical and recommended way to go, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Just hop on TX-71 E and enjoy the short, scenic drive!
| Method | Travel Time | Estimated Cost (Round Trip) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving (Car) | 45-60 min each way | $10-$15 (Gas) | Flexibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. The clear winner. |
| Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft) | 45-60 min each way | $100 – $160+ | Convenience for those without a personal car, but it’s a pricey option. |
| Public Transit (CARTS) | 2+ hours each way | ~$10 | Budget travelers with a very flexible schedule (not recommended for a day trip). |
Top 5 Unmissable Things to Do on Your Bastrop Day Trip
Bastrop packs a surprising amount of history, nature, and charm into a small package. To make the most of your visit, here are the five things you absolutely can’t miss.
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Step Back in Time in Historic Downtown Bastrop
As soon as you arrive, you’ll understand why Bastrop was designated the “Most Historic Small Town in Texas.” Take a leisurely stroll down Main Street, where over 130 historic sites and pre-Civil War buildings stand as a testament to its deep Texan roots. Pop into quirky antique shops like Lost & Found, browse local art galleries, and admire the beautifully preserved architecture. Your first stop should be the Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center to grab a map and get a quick history lesson. Best of all, street parking is free and widely available!
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Hike Through the Resilient Lost Pines at Bastrop State Park
Just a few minutes from downtown lies a true natural wonder: the Lost Pines Forest. This unique grove of loblolly pines is geographically separated from its East Texas relatives by over 100 miles. While the 2011 wildfire was devastating, visiting Bastrop State Park today is a powerful lesson in resilience. You can see the charred trunks of old giants standing next to thriving new growth. For a fantastic view of the recovery, take the short but rewarding Scenic Overlook Trail. The park entry fee is about $5 per person, and we highly recommend booking your day pass online in advance, especially for weekend visits.
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Walk Across the Iconic Old Iron Bridge
No trip to Bastrop is complete without a walk across the iconic Old Iron Bridge. This beautiful steel truss bridge was built in 1890 and is now a pedestrian-only crossing that offers stunning views of the Colorado River. It’s the perfect spot for photos, connecting the historic downtown area to the lovely Fisherman’s Park. It’s a peaceful, picturesque moment you won’t want to miss.
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Enjoy the Colorado River
The Colorado River is the lifeblood of Bastrop, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. For the adventurous, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from a local outfitter like Bastrop River Co. and see the town from a different perspective. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, head straight for Neighbor’s Kitchen and Yard. Grab a delicious pizza, a cold drink, and a seat on their sprawling patio for one of the best river views in town.
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Experience a True Texas Original: Southside Market & Barbeque
You can’t come to Central Texas without eating world-class BBQ, and Bastrop is home to a legend. Southside Market & Barbeque proudly claims the title of the oldest continuously-operating BBQ joint in Texas, dating back to 1882. Step up to the counter, order your brisket, ribs, and famous sausage by the pound, and find a seat at a long communal table. It’s more than a meal; it’s a quintessential Texas cultural experience.
Sample Itinerary: A Perfect Day in Bastrop
Want a foolproof plan? Follow this step-by-step itinerary to see the best of Bastrop without the stress.
9:00 AM – Arrive and Caffeinate
Action: Arrive in Bastrop and easily find a free parking spot downtown. Start your day like a local by grabbing a fantastic coffee and a fresh pastry at Coffee Dog Roastery.
10:00 AM – Explore Historic Main Street
Action: With coffee in hand, wander through the charming shops and art galleries as they begin to open for the day. Make sure to pop into the Museum & Visitor Center for some local history.
12:30 PM – Lunch with a View
Action: Time for lunch! Head over to Neighbor’s Kitchen and Yard and snag a table on their patio. Enjoy a delicious meal with a perfect view overlooking the Colorado River.
2:00 PM – Afternoon Hike in the Lost Pines
Action: Drive the short distance to Bastrop State Park. Work off lunch by hiking a trail like the Scenic Overlook loop and take in the powerful views of the recovering forest.
4:30 PM – Golden Hour at the Iron Bridge
Action: Return to town and take a relaxing stroll across the Old Iron Bridge. The late afternoon light is perfect for photos of the bridge and the river below.
6:00 PM – Classic Texas Dinner
Action: Cap off your perfect day trip with an early dinner at Southside Market & Barbeque. Fill up on legendary smoked meats before making the easy drive back to Austin.
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants in Bastrop
From quick bites to celebratory dinners, Bastrop’s food scene has you covered. Here are our top picks for every budget.
Budget-Friendly Bites ($)
- Coffee Dog: The go-to spot for excellent local coffee, pastries, and light breakfast/lunch fare.
- Base Camp Deli: Perfect for grabbing delicious, hearty sandwiches to take on your hike or enjoy in the park.
- Buc-ee’s: Not just a gas station, it’s a Texas institution. Great for cheap snacks, drinks, and a truly unique experience.
Mid-Range Meals ($$)
- Neighbor’s Kitchen and Yard: A crowd-pleaser with great pizza, burgers, salads, and unbeatable river views from their huge patio.
- Paw Paw’s Catfish House: Serving up Southern comfort food just like grandma made it. Famous for their fried catfish and hushpuppies.
- Southside Market & Barbeque: The legendary BBQ joint you can’t miss. A must-do for any meat lover.
A Special Occasion ($$$)
- Store House Market + Eatery: A charming spot offering a seasonal, farm-to-table menu in a beautifully restored historic building.
- Piney Creek Chop House: For a classic upscale experience, head here for perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list.
Planning Your Visit: Insider Tips for Bastrop
A little planning goes a long way. Keep these tips in mind to make your 2025 trip smooth and memorable.
- Check the Calendar: Look up the First Friday Art Walk or the Saturday morning Bastrop Farmer’s Market to experience some wonderful local flavor.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking between the historic downtown, the riverwalk, and the park trails.
- Book Your Park Pass Online: Bastrop State Park is popular and can reach capacity, especially on nice weekends. Secure your spot in advance on the Texas State Parks website.
- Check for Burn Bans: Wildfire safety is taken very seriously here. Before your visit, especially in dry summer months, check the Bastrop County website for any active burn bans.
- Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: The Texas heat can be intense, even in the shoulder seasons. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Shop Hours: Remember that this is a small town. Many downtown shops close around 5 PM and may be closed entirely on Mondays. Plan your shopping accordingly.
What to Pack for Your Day Trip
Pack light, but pack smart. Here’s a simple checklist of essentials for your day in Bastrop.
- [ ] Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- [ ] Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- [ ] Reusable water bottle
- [ ] Camera or smartphone for photos
- [ ] Insect repellent (especially for the park)
- [ ] A light jacket or sweater (for cool evenings or strong A/C)
- [ ] Texas State Parks Pass (if you have one)
Estimated Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
Your Austin to Bastrop day trip can be as affordable or as lavish as you like. Here’s a sample breakdown to help you plan.
| Expense Item | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler |
|---|---|---|
| Gas (shared) | $5 | $5 |
| Park Entry Fee | $5 | $5 |
| Lunch | $15 | $25 |
| Coffee/Snacks | $5 | $10 |
| Dinner | $20 | $35 |
| TOTAL | ~$50 | ~$80 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Bastrop worth visiting?
Absolutely! Bastrop is more than worth visiting. Its unique combination of deep Texas history, the beautiful and resilient Lost Pines Forest, a charming walkable downtown, and its incredibly easy access from Austin make it a perfect and rewarding day trip destination. It offers a refreshing change of pace from the city.
What is Bastrop, TX famous for?
Bastrop is famous for several key things:
- Its official designation as the “Most Historic Small Town in Texas.”
- The unique and ecologically important “Lost Pines Forest.”
- Its scenic location on the banks of the Colorado River.
- Being a popular filming location for movies like Hope Floats, Bernie, and the Friday the 13th remake.
What is the place 1 hour from Austin, Texas?
Bastrop is one of the best and most diverse options for a destination within an hour’s drive of Austin. While other great choices exist, like Wimberley in the Hill Country or Georgetown with its historic square, Bastrop’s special mix of significant history, unique nature in the Lost Pines, and river activities makes it stand out from the crowd.
What major city is Bastrop, Texas close to?
The major city Bastrop is closest to is Austin, Texas. It is located just 33 miles southeast of downtown Austin, which translates to a 45 to 60-minute drive, making it the ideal getaway for residents and visitors of the state capital.
TLDR: Your Quick Guide to Bastrop
In a rush? Here’s the super-short version for your Austin to Bastrop day trip:
- Morning: Park downtown for free, grab coffee at Coffee Dog Roastery, and walk along historic Main Street.
- Midday: Have lunch on the river at Neighbor’s Kitchen and Yard.
- Afternoon: Drive to Bastrop State Park ($5 entry) for a short hike to the scenic overlook.
- Don’t Miss: Walking across the Old Iron Bridge and eating at Southside Market & Barbeque.
