Austin Day Trips: Bee Cave

Written By Habiba Abdou

Situated just minutes away from Austin, Bee Cave offers a perfect retreat for those in search of nature, fresh air, and thrilling outdoor activities. This charming town boasts plenty of fun-filled pursuits, making it a top day trip destination for Austinites and out-of-towners alike. Whether you're looking for an adventurous hike, a quiet picnic spot, or a family-friendly excursion, Bee Cave has something for everyone.

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the best activities to enjoy in Bee Cave and make the most of your day trip to this delightful corner of Texas.

Bee Cave Activities

Explore the Great Outdoors

With its rolling hills, lush greenery, and sparkling lakes, Bee Cave is a nature lover's paradise. One of the top spots to immerse yourself in the great outdoors is the Hamilton Pool Preserve, a stunning natural pool formed by a collapsed grotto. Visitors can take a refreshing dip, admire the picturesque waterfall, or hike through the scenic park trails. If you're looking for more adrenaline-pumping adventures, head to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, which offers miles of rugged terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. In the fall, Bee Cave becomes a bird-watcher's delight, with migratory birds flocking to the area during their journey south.

Experience Family-Friendly Fun

Bee Cave is a fantastic destination for families with kids who are looking for playful activities. The Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is a great spot to pick your own produce, take a hayride, or indulge in delicious strawberry treats. The Bee Cave Sculpture Park is a fascinating collection of public art pieces set amid the tranquil natural surroundings; don't forget to capture stunning family photos as well! If you're up for adventure, head to the iFLY Indoor Skydiving for an electrifying experience; After all, it's Austin - Adventure is a must-do.

Indulge in Luxury

Bee Cave is also known for its upscale amenities, making it a popular spot for pampering getaways. Many resorts, spas, and golf courses can provide a luxurious escape from the hustle-and-bustle of city life. The Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa offers a range of world-class services and amenities, including championship golf courses, a serene spa, and fine dining. Meanwhile, the Lake Austin Spa Resort is an intimate retreat that offers a wide range of relaxing treatments and yoga classes, in addition to stunning views of the lake.

Bee Cave Shopping

The city may be known for its live music scene, foodie culture, and hiking trails, but it's also a shopper's paradise. Just 20 minutes west of downtown Austin lies the charming suburb of Bee Cave, a haven for high-end shopping experiences. So, pack your bags, grab your wallet, and join us as we explore Austin's best day trip for shopping in Bee Cave.

Hill Country Galleria

Our first stop on this day trip is the Hill Country Galleria, an outdoor shopping complex that combines luxury retail, entertainment, and dining into one beautiful location. With over 115 shops and restaurants, you can find everything from fashion and beauty to home and decor. Don't miss out on local favorites, such as Austin General Store and Beehive Boutique.

Hill Country Galleria
12700 Hill Country Blvd
Bee Cave, TX 78738
United States

Phone: +1 512-263-0001

The Shops at the Galleria

Next, we move on to The Shops at the Galleria, a collection of artisan shops that offer a unique shopping experience. Whether you're looking for handmade jewelry, art pieces, or personalized gifts, this charming spot has something everyone will love. And don't miss the adorable and delicious Amy's Ice Cream for a sweet break during your shopping spree.

The Shops at the Galleria
12770 Shops Pkwy
Bee Cave, TX 78738
United States

Phone: +1 281-970-3300

Whole Foods Market

Are you a foodie? You can't miss Whole Foods Market, one of the largest and most innovative food markets in the United States. Not only can you find locally produced goods and organic products, but you can also indulge in their food court, which offers soups, pizzas, sushi, and sandwiches. And if you're feeling adventurous, grab a grab-and-go pack and head out to explore the nearby nature trails.

Whole Foods Market
525 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78703
United States

Phone: +1 512-542-2200

Homestead

Next up, Homestead, a stylish home decor and gift shop that offers customers an exceptional shopping experience. Homestead has a range of curated products, from furniture to kitchenwares and linens to jewelry. They carry a variety of themes, from modern farmhouse charm to Texan heritage pride.

If you want some inspiration for your home or want to buy unique, meaningful gifts, Homestead is the place for you.

Homestead
14010 US-183 Hwy
Austin, TX 78717
United States

Phone: +1 512-482-0094

Bee Cave Attractions

Bee Cave, a suburb in the western part of Austin, is an excellent destination that has a lot to offer to visitors of all ages. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures or indoor entertainment, Bee Cave has it all.

Hamilton Pool Reserve - Nature at its Finest

Looking for a natural wonder that will take your breath away? Hamilton Pool Reserve is a must-visit spot for nature lovers. This natural pool formed by thousands of years of erosion is surrounded by a lush forest and a stunning waterfall.

You can hike down to the pool and take a refreshing swim, or simply enjoy the view from the observation deck. Keep in mind that since this is a protected reserve, you need to make a reservation in advance.

Austin Zoo - Get up Close and Personal with Wildlife

If you love animals, you won't want to miss a visit to Austin Zoo. This rescue zoo is home to over 300 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, monkeys, and reptiles.

Unlike traditional zoos, Austin Zoo offers a hands-on experience where you can interact with some of the animals and learn about their habitats and conservation efforts. The zoo also has a petting zoo and a playground, making it a great destination for families with kids.

Austin Zoo
10808 Rawhide Trail
Austin, TX 78736
United States

Phone: +1 512-288-1490

Lake Travis - Boating, Fishing, and More

For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Travis is a paradise that offers a wide range of activities. You can rent a boat or a kayak and explore the lake's crystal-clear waters, go fishing for bass or catfish, or simply pack a picnic and enjoy the serene surroundings. Lake Travis also has several parks and campgrounds where you can spend the night under the stars.

Bee Cave Sculpture Park - Art in the Outdoors

If you are in the mood for some art appreciation, Bee Cave Sculpture Park is a hidden gem that you should add to your itinerary. This park features 7 acres of outdoor sculptures created by local and international artists. You can stroll through the pathways and admire the artworks, which range from abstract metal structures to whimsical animals and figures. The park is free to visit and open all year round.

Bee Cave Live Music

When it comes to live music, Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. But you don't have to stick to the city center to enjoy some great tunes. Bee Cave is home to a range of live music venues. From cozy listening rooms to open air amphitheaters, Bee Cave has something for everyone.

The Backyard at Bee Cave

One of the most popular live music venues in the area, The Backyard at Bee Cave has hosted some of the biggest names in music such as Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The venue has a capacity of 7,000 and features an open-air amphitheater that has welcomed countless visitors to its outstanding concerts.

The Backyard at Bee Cave
13801 Bee Cave Pkwy
Austin, TX 78738
United States

Phone: +1 512-846-6036

Mercer Street Dance Hall

Mercer Street Dance Hall is a classic country western dance hall that offers a variety of live music on weekends. Don your boots and hat, learn the latest two-step, and enjoy live music performances that will keep you wanting more. The venue is known for its great ambiance and friendly crowd.

Mercer Street Dance Hall
23490 Ranch Road 12
Driftwood, TX 78619
United States

Phone: +1 512-858-4314

One-2-One Bar

*Permanently closed

One-2-One Bar is a legendary spot for music lovers that enjoys its reputation as one of Austin's top places to enjoy great live music performances. The venue offers intimate settings where you can enjoy up close and personal performances from local and international touring artists alike.

One-2-One Bar
1509 S. Lamar Blvd. suite 600
Austin TX, 78704

Nutty Brown Amphitheatre

*Permanently closed

Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, the Nutty Brown Amphitheatre is a unique venue that offers shows on its sprawling grounds with multiple bars and dining options amidst the brewery. The venue has hosted many great performances and is perfect for families to enjoy.

Nutty Brown Amphitheatre
12225 US-290
Austin, TX 78737
United States

Phone: +1 512-301-4648

Hill Country Galleria

The Hill Country Galleria is a fantastic venue in Bee Cave that hosts a range of free outdoor concerts. Apart from enjoying great music performances, visitors to the Galleria can enjoy shopping, dining, and an array of entertainment options for a fun-filled day.

Hill Country Galleria
12700 Hill Country Blvd
Bee Cave, TX 78738
United States

Phone: +1 512-263-0001

Bee Cave Restaurants

Bee Cave is home to some of the best locally-owned restaurants in Texas. If you’re a foodie, you won’t want to miss out on dining at Jack Allen’s Kitchen, where you can indulge in the Southern food infused with Tex Mex spices. Or head to the neighborhood hangout The League Kitchen and Tavern to taste Southern American dishes with a Texas twist. For pizza lovers, Pieous is not to be missed, and for a truly unique ice cream treat, journey to Amy's Ice Creams.

Where To Stay

If you’re searching for a luxurious place to stay in Bee Cave, you can't go wrong with the Sonesta Bee Cave in the heart of the Hill Country Galleria. This contemporary hotel features spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and outdoor pool. And if you prefer something a little more rustic, reserve a cabin at the nearby La Hacienda RV Resort and Cottages. Whatever your accommodation preference, there’s truly something for everyone in Bee Cave.

Conclusion

Bee Cave is a prime destination for exploring the best day trips in Austin. Whether you're looking to enjoy the great outdoors, indulge in local cuisine, shop 'til you drop, or experience family-friendly activities, you'll find plenty of options in this charming town.

Whether you're an Austin resident or a visitor, Bee Cave offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure alight with an eclectic vibe that's unique to Austin. So, pack a picnic, grab your camera, and discover all that this fabulous destination has to offer!

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Habiba Abdou
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