Austin: Start at the Texas State Capitol, then head south on Congress Avenue to SoCo for hip and eclectic shopping. Next stop, Zilker Park. Then rent a kayak or a scull to explore Lady Bird Lake and have lunch at Chuy’s or Shady Grove on Barton Springs Road. Fill your afternoon with the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the University of Texas Tower, and the Blanton Museum of Art. For great views, trek up the 100-some steps to Mount Bonnell or head out to the Oasis. Austin Duck Adventures is a cool way to cruise the city, and Barton Springs pool, at about 68 degrees, is a cool place to swim. Naturally, in the Live Music Capital of the World, live music is easy to find, so check out Antone’s, the Continental Club, and the Broken Spoke.

Round Rock: The Dell Diamond, home of the Round Rock Express, is a great place to catch a baseball game. On the drive north, it’s easy to stop in at Round Rock Premium Outlets, right on I-35, as is Inner Space Caverns.

Georgetown: Stroll the charming Georgetown square and include Blue Hole, the Sunken Gardens at San Gabriel Park, and Veterans Memorial Plaza.

Boerne: A walking tour of Boerne takes you past Boerne Public Library (ask about the building’s ghost), many historic homes, and a 70-acre greenbelt called the Cibolo Wilderness Trail. Tapatio Springs Resort offers luxury accommodations and a stellar golf course.

Bandera: In Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World, start out with a trip to one of the many ranches or dude ranches—you can take a trail ride for a couple of hours or stay overnight. Hill Country Equestrian Lodge offers week-long horsemanship riding clinics. Take in the historical tours, honky-tonks, and a scenic drive through the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Dripping Springs: Sunrise Exotic Ranch in Dripping Springs is a retirement site for circus animals and a fun spot to tour or spend the night. Near Johnson City, visit the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, Westcave Preserve, and Pedernales Falls State Park.

Wimberley: Wimberley is a great place to wander—in and out of the unique shops, art galleries, and into Wimberley Glass Works for a live demonstration. Feeling adventurous? Get a bird’s-eye view with Wimberley Zipline Adventures. Friday through Sunday during the summer, catch a movie at the outdoor Corral Theatre.

San Marcos: Aquarena Center’s glass-bottom boat tours are a must in San Marcos, as is Wonder World. Go tubing down the San Marcos River or head to the outlet malls or one of the area museums.

Burnet: Burnet’s Canyon of the Eagles has 940 acres of recreation area with boat rentals, nature trails, and lodging. The Waterfalls Paddle takes you on a scenic journey to a unique geological formation on Lake Buchanan. During the winter, watch for eagles on the Vanishing Texas River Cruise, and explore the area wineries year-round.

Stonewall: At Wildseed Farms you’ll find more than 200 acres of beautiful wildflowers and a huge selection of Texas gifts. Stonewall is the birthplace of President Lyndon B. Johnson—and the place to find some of the best peaches in Texas, too!

Fredericksburg: Check into a B&B and stay a spell. After all, hiking Enchanted Rock to cruising the 150-some boutiques and galleries, not to mention the Admiral Nimitz Museum, is going to take a while. Check out a horse race at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds or indulge in a treatment at the Day Spa at Fredericksburg Herb Farm. For wine, fields of lavender, and a great escape, head to Becker Vineyards. Wrap up the evening with live music in Luckenbach.

Kerrville: At Kerrville’s James Avery, watch classic gold and silver jewelry being made. The Museum of Western Art and the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center impart the local flavor, as does the Riverside Nature Center. Take a guided tour of Y.O. Ranch, where you can ride horses, see exotic game, and enjoy a campfire.