Georgetown, Texas, which is known for having the most beautiful town square in Texas, has an authentic, small-town vibe that’s perfectly worthy of a weekend stay. The quaint, award-winning town is less than 30 miles north of Austin and makes a nice weekend getaway from San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas/Fort Worth. With several delicious local restaurants, three wine rooms on the square, art galleries, great shopping, and historic preservation, Georgetown might be Texas Hill Country’s best-kept secret.
Not only does Georgetown have a beautiful town square, but in 1990, according to Texas Highways, the Texas Legislature crowned the town the Red Poppy Capital of Texas. That right there would put this town on my travel bucket list for sure! My favorite color is red, and it’s everywhere at certain times of the year.
Georgetown is packed with ample family-friendly and outdoor activities throughout the year. Here is your guide on how to spend a fantastic weekend in gorgeous Georgetown.
Things To Do In Georgetown
Whether you are an outdoorsy person, an artsy individual, or enjoy live performances, Georgetown has fun experiences for your weekend agenda. And shopping is always part of the fun!
Shop In The State’s Most Beautiful Town Square
Every small town has something it is known for and unique places to shop, and Georgetown is no exception. Since its town square is the most beautiful one in Texas, I recommend anyone that comes here to start their weekend wandering through the town square and visiting the unique shops and restaurants that have given Georgetown its name. With mostly local-owned shops, you’re sure to find something unique and one of a kind.
And, for more shopping from local artisans, put the Downtown Georgetown Market Days on your calendar. The second Saturday of each month from March to November, this market features arts and crafts booths, clothing, ironworks, festive foods, collectibles, and more.
Catch A Live Show At The Palace Theatre
Located in historic downtown, The Palace Theatre offers year-round live performances including musicals, comedies, and dramas. Make it a romantic night to remember! Or, grab your girlfriends for a magical evening outdoors for a Steel Magnolias production. They’re held in the Palace Courtyard behind the theater after sunset. Now, that would be my pick.
Take An Inner Space Cavern Adventure Tour
Georgetown’s great natural wonder, Inner Space Cavern, offers three exciting guided tours. The Adventure Tour is their classic tour on a well-lit paved trail. You’ll see amazing formations and hear stories of how the cave was discovered. The Hidden Passages Tour provides guests with a flashlight to explore formations on a rugged view of the cave. And, their tour for the adventurer is their Wild Cave Tour, which offers participants a challenging adventure for sure! You’ll crawl, climb, and squeeze your way through remote parts of the cave with the best and most experienced guides.
Swim In The Blue Hole Scenic Lagoon
During the summer months, the Blue Hole is a popular place inside Blue Hole Park. Family and friends can gather here for some fun in the sun and enjoy the waterfall. Bordered by the San Gabriel River, this area is a nice place for locals and visitors alike to picnic, fish, hike, walk, and look for wildlife. The lagoon offers a nice wading area, which is a perfect setting for the whole family to enjoy the water.
Pro Tip: Blue Hole Park is walking distance from the town square and has restrooms.
Hike Or Bike The San Gabriel Trail
Take your time hiking or biking on the 9-mile trail along the river all the while looking for birds that call the river their home and viewing the wildflowers. For convenience, there are benches and water foundations along the way as well as restrooms. Then, after a nice time on the trails, head for San Gabriel Park and enjoy a picnic underneath one of the 200-year-old oak trees.
Check Out The Art Center In A Historic Firehouse
The newly restored Georgetown Art Center is the place to see and appreciate art on all levels. Each month, the Art Center hosts the works of nationally renowned artists and features arts and crafts created by local artisans in its gift shop.
Experience A Georgetown Sculpture Tour
The Georgetown Sculpture Tour is a juried, year-long outdoor exhibition in Georgetown’s Historic Downtown Cultural District and surrounding areas sponsored by the City of Georgetown. Fifteen sculptures will be chosen for display by the Board. I believe the stories and the thought process behind these one-of-a-kind sculptures deserve just as much attention as the art itself. Exhibits are changed out in November and stay up until the end of October the following year. There’s an interactive map on the website that shows the location of the sculptures.
Visit In Spring For The Red Poppy Festival
The best time to visit Georgetown (in my opinion) is during the red poppy season. Around the middle of March, red poppies start popping up everywhere and the red flowers can be seen throughout the Historic Old Town area. It’s quite the show. Each year in April, Georgetown has its Red Poppy Festival complete with music, a car show, a town parade, and of course, a red poppy tour and many more activities. From what I’ve heard, this three-day event is a must-do.
Pro Tip: If you love murals, Georgetown has about eight very colorful ones, including the infamous Red Poppy mural. You might want to wear red!
Best Restaurants In Georgetown
From downtown dining to fine dining to grab-and-go and many options in between, Georgetown’s restaurants will please everyone — and the pickiest palettes. If you’re looking for American classics, Mexican favorites, or French specialties, consider my favorites. If you’re on the go and don’t have time for a sit-down meal, don’t worry; there are plenty of places with drive-thrus and takeout!
600 Degrees Pizzeria And Drafthouse
Pizza, wings and beer oh my! Those trios just go together in my book. How about a slice of pizza larger than your plate? Okay, maybe not, but this restaurant is famous for its giant pizza slices. When a pizza place calls their pizzas “pies,” it’s gotta be good or at least worth trying out! Located on East Eight Street.
Wildfire
A steakhouse and saloon restaurant that’s been around a while in the Town Square, Wildfire is a favorite among locals. Enjoy a variety of meats cooked any way you like.
El Monumento
Three of my favorite things to look for when I go on road trips: Mexican food, fine dining, and affordability. A bonus would be outside dining on a deck or patio. El Monumento’s got it all. Plus, they make their frozen margaritas using an old-fashioned ice shaver, making the drink much like a slushy! Yum!
The Bistro At Lark And Owl Booksellers
Grab a book and order a healthy lunch at the bistro. After lunch, take a walk down to the Grape Creek on the Square Tasting Room for a glass or two of your favorite wine.
The Baked Bear
Ever undecided if you want cookies or ice cream? Hold that thought — at The Baked Bear, you can have both. End the day or, heck, start your day with one of their homemade custom ice cream sandwiches. There are vegan options, too. Located on East 7th Street.
Best Places To Stay In Georgetown
Small towns and charming places to stay go hand in hand. Though you’ll find plenty of hotels and motels in Georgetown, for a cozy and warm feel, opt for a quaint bed and breakfast or even a bedroom in someone’s home. If this appeals to you, you’re in luck because Georgetown has it all.
San Gabriel House Bed And Breakfast
Located in walking distance from the town square, the only bed and breakfast in town, San Gabriel Bed and Breakfast, offers their guests a place to relax and unwind in one of its six perfectly manicured guest rooms, plus a fresh two-course breakfast served each day. Enjoy lingering in their beautiful garden.
Going Solo? Book A Private Bedroom On Airbnb
Some of the best places to stay in small towns are found on Airbnb. Homes in small towns, in my opinion, offer the best accommodations and hospitality. I don’t mind renting a private bedroom in someone’s home who offers the amenities I’m looking for, like the use of their kitchen, a TV in the bedroom, and free Wi-Fi. That’s really all you need if your plans are to be out and about enjoying fun adventures. I actually found an adorable luxury private bedroom on Airbnb that I’m renting at the end of the year so my grandson and I can enjoy the holidays in Georgetown. The homeowner even offers her own guide to making the most of your time in town.
Camp Under The Stars
Pitch a tent at Tejas Park, a secluded area with just 12 primitive campsites located near the banks of the San Gabriel River. Sleeping out in nature is the perfect way to end a busy day of sightseeing and doing all the tourism stuff.
Pro Tip
Since Georgetown is known for having the most beautiful town square in Texas, definitely start there. You may even want to end your weekend there, too! If the grandkids are coming along, pack a picnic and take them to Garey Park to play on the beautiful playground.