Mustang Ridge TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mustang Ridge, Texas.
1. Texas Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Texas Capitol is a magnificent historic building constructed in 1885, covering an area of 51 acres and designed to resemble the Washington Capitol Building. Visitors can explore government offices and appreciate the exterior architecture of this century-old landmark that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Despite its age, the Texas Capitol maintains its pristine appearance and original internal structure, making it a must-visit attraction near Mustang Ridge.
2. McKinney Falls State Park
NATURAL WATERFALL PARADISE
McKinney Falls State Park is a beautiful outdoor destination located about 14.4 kilometers from Mustang Ridge, perfect for camping and hiking adventures. A clear stream runs through the park, creating two unique waterfalls that cascade over massive rock formations. The flowing water has carved interesting patterns and holes in the rocks over time, creating a distinctive natural landscape that attracts nature enthusiasts.
3. Hamilton Pool
NATURAL SWIMMING GROTTO
Hamilton Pool is a stunning natural water feature ranked as the #3 attraction in Travis County, located within driving distance of Mustang Ridge. The pool features a picturesque swimming area formed by the collapse of an underground river dome, creating a unique natural grotto. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters surrounded by limestone cliffs and a 50-foot waterfall when conditions permit.
4. Mount Bonnell
SCENIC HILLTOP VIEWPOINT
Mount Bonnell offers breathtaking panoramic views of Austin and the surrounding Hill Country from its 775-foot summit. Visitors climb approximately 100 stone steps to reach the observation deck, which provides stunning vistas of the Colorado River and Austin's skyline. This historic landmark has been a popular sightseeing destination since the 1850s and remains one of Austin's most photographed locations.
5. McKinney Roughs Nature Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
McKinney Roughs Nature Park is a fantastic outdoor destination near Mustang Ridge that offers activities for hikers, horseback riders, and nature enthusiasts. The park encompasses over 1,100 acres of diverse terrain including pine forests, box canyons, and meadows along the Colorado River. Visitors can enjoy 18 miles of hiking trails, guided horseback rides, and environmental education programs in this natural wonderland.
6. Phantogram Running Through Colors Tour
LIVE MUSIC EXPERIENCE
The Phantogram Running Through Colors Tour brings the popular electronic rock duo to venues near Mustang Ridge, offering an electrifying live music experience. Concert-goers can expect an immersive audiovisual show featuring the band's signature blend of dream pop, electronica, and hip-hop influences. The performance venue is approximately 23.8 kilometers from Mustang Ridge, making it an accessible entertainment option for residents and visitors.
7. Salt Lick BBQ
LEGENDARY TEXAS BARBECUE
Salt Lick BBQ is an iconic Texas barbecue destination located a short drive from Mustang Ridge in the nearby town of Driftwood. The restaurant is famous for its open pit barbecue, where meats are slow-cooked over an oak wood fire using family recipes dating back to the 1800s. Visitors can enjoy the rustic Hill Country atmosphere while sampling their renowned brisket, ribs, and family-style dining options in this BYOB establishment.
8. Circuit of the Americas
PREMIER RACING FACILITY
Circuit of the Americas is a world-class motorsport facility located near Austin and within reach of Mustang Ridge residents. The venue hosts prestigious international racing events including Formula 1's United States Grand Prix, MotoGP, and various concert performances at its Germania Insurance Amphitheater. Visitors can experience high-speed thrills through track days, driving experiences, or by attending one of the many sporting and entertainment events held throughout the year.
9. Southpark Meadows
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Southpark Meadows is a massive open-air shopping center located in South Austin, offering one of the largest retail experiences in the vicinity of Mustang Ridge. The development features over 90 stores and restaurants, including major retailers, specialty boutiques, and a diverse array of dining options. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, entertainment options, and frequent community events in this sprawling 425-acre complex.
10. Lockhart State Park
HISTORIC RECREATION AREA
Lockhart State Park offers visitors a serene natural setting with recreational activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, and a historic 9-hole golf course. The park was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which built many of the rustic structures still in use today. Located near Mustang Ridge, this 263-acre park provides a peaceful retreat with Clear Fork Creek running through its wooded landscape.
11. Kreuz Market
HISTORIC BBQ INSTITUTION
Kreuz Market is a legendary Texas barbecue institution established in 1900 that continues to serve traditional Central Texas-style barbecue in the BBQ Capital of Texas. The restaurant is known for its no-sauce, no-fork policy and meat served on butcher paper, staying true to its original market-style service. Visitors from Mustang Ridge and beyond make pilgrimages to experience their perfectly smoked brisket, sausage, and ribs prepared in massive brick pits using post oak wood.
12. Bastrop State Park
HISTORIC FOREST RETREAT
Bastrop State Park is a 6,000-acre natural area featuring unique "Lost Pines" ecosystem, a remnant pine forest isolated from the East Texas Piney Woods. The park offers camping, hiking, fishing, and scenic drives through terrain that has been recovering from the devastating 2011 wildfire that affected 96% of the park. Visitors from Mustang Ridge can explore historic CCC-built cabins and facilities that earned the park National Historic Landmark status while witnessing the remarkable forest regeneration process.
13. Black's Barbecue
OLDEST FAMILY-OWNED BBQ
Black's Barbecue holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously family-owned barbecue restaurant in Texas, serving authentic Texas barbecue since 1932. The restaurant is renowned for its perfectly smoked beef brisket, pork ribs, and homemade sausage, all prepared using the same techniques and recipes passed down through four generations. Visitors from Mustang Ridge can experience this iconic piece of Texas culinary history while enjoying sides like their famous black-eyed peas, creamy mac and cheese, and homemade cobbler.
14. Palmetto State Park
TROPICAL WOODLAND OASIS
Palmetto State Park is a unique natural area characterized by its tropical-like environment with dwarf palmetto plants that give the park its name. The 270-acre park offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and a spring-fed swimming area along the San Marcos River. Visitors from Mustang Ridge can enjoy the park's distinctive ecosystem that feels like a slice of the tropics in Central Texas, complete with swampy terrain, diverse wildlife, and CCC-constructed facilities from the 1930s.
15. Downtown Bastrop
HISTORIC MAIN STREET
Downtown Bastrop features a charming historic district with more than 130 historic buildings and homes dating back to the 1800s along Main Street. Visitors can explore unique boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and local restaurants housed in beautifully preserved structures. The picturesque area along the Colorado River provides a perfect day trip from Mustang Ridge, offering small-town Texas charm with its brick-paved streets and historic architecture.