Bastrop, Texas is a charming city that is established on the banks of the Colorado River.
Bastrop has a rich history that’s worth exploring. It was founded in 1804 as a defense fort on the Old San Antonio Road.
Beginning in 1823, it further grew as a German settlement in Mexican Texas.
Today, the city has evolved from a small Spanish settlement to a charming town that retains much of its old-world charm.
Aside from its history, there are many reasons to visit Bastrop.
Nature lovers can explore the nearby Bastrop State Park or kayak along the river.
Bastrop also has many dining options, from casual to upscale restaurants, featuring both Texas-style and international cuisine.
Here is an ultimate guide to visiting Bastrop, Texas.
Things to do in Bastrop, TX
Bastrop is a charming Hill Country town.
It has stunning architecture, preserved landmarks, and charming local shops and restaurants.
Located just 30 minutes southeast of Austin, Bastrop is the perfect weekend getaway in Texas.
Also Read: 32 Best day trips from Austin, Texas
Explore the buildings in Downtown Bastrop
Old Town Bastrop is like stepping through the pages of history.
Visitors can take a stroll through the historic district, which boasts more than 100 historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The striking Victorian buildings are a testament to the city’s enduring past.
Significant buildings include Film Alley Bastrop movie theater, Bastrop Opera House, the Courthouse, and First National Bank.
Visitors can also stroll through the charming Main Street, filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Downtown Bastrop is also a Texas Cultural Arts District and has a great arts scene.
See the exhibits at Bastrop County Museum
The Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center is one of the best Bastrop attractions.
Located in the heart of town, it houses a collection of artifacts and memorabilia that tell the story of Bastrop’s past.
The museum also offers interactive displays, photographs, and hands-on activities related to local history.
Additionally, visitors can learn about the unique habitats that make up Bastrop County’s diverse landscape.
Admire the art pieces at Lost Pines Art Center
For those who love art and culture, the Lost Pines Art Center has a collection of works from local artists.
The center also offers art classes, workshops and exhibitions throughout the year.
The center has a well-stocked gift shop with handmade items from local creators.
See a show at the Bastrop Opera House
The Bastrop Opera House is one of the oldest theaters in continuous operation east of the Colorado River.
The opera house hosts an array of events including plays, music performances, storytelling nights and stand-up comedy shows.
The Bastrop Opera House building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a magnificent structure.
It is located at 711 Spring St, Bastrop, TX 78602.
Enjoy wine tasting at Colorado River Winery
The Colorado River Winery is located in Bastrop and is popular to visit.
It offers wine-tasting tours, live music performances, and special events throughout the year.
The winery produces a range of award-winning wines made from grapes grown in its vineyard.
The winery also has a very pretty tasting room.
Update: In Dec 2022, the winery has closed and in its place you will find Kana Winery.
Enjoy breakfast at Coffee Dog
Coffee Dog is a charming local cafe offering friendly atmosphere and great music.
It also has a selection of gourmet coffee drinks and freshly baked pastries such as scones and muffins.
You can also find a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes including burritos, tacos, sandwiches, and kolaches.
The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it one of the most popular restaurants in town.
Coffee Dog is located in Colorado Crossing Shopping Center in Bastrop, Texas
Try the smoked meats at Southside market & BBQ
Southside market & BBQ is a renowned barbecue joint in Bastrop.
It offers a range of smoked meats cooked to perfection, from brisket and sausage to pork ribs and pulled pork.
The restaurant also serves sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese.
You won’t want to miss out on the delicious barbecue that Southside Market & BBQ has to offer!
Go for a date night at Copper Shot Distillery
Copper Shot Distillery is a great place for a romantic date night.
The distillery offers an array of handcrafted spirits, including whiskey, vodka, gin and rum.
You can also find craft cocktails using house-made syrups and mixers.
The atmosphere here is laid back yet inviting; they also have live music on weekends.
Try the beer at Iron Bridge Icehouse
Iron Bridge Icehouse is a local pub that offers an extensive selection of craft beer and cider.
The pub also serves up delicious pub grub such as burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and more.
It’s a great spot for groups to hang out, watch sports and enjoy a nice cold drink.
Hike the trails at Bastrop State Park
Bastrop State Park is one of our favorite Texas parks near Houston, Texas.
The park has over 6,000 acres of beautiful wilderness with miles of trails, perfect for hiking, biking or horseback riding.
There are also two lakes and several campsites to enjoy a weekend getaway in the Texas Hill Country.
Also Read: 14 Best State Parks in Texas Hill Country
Visit the dinosaur park in Cedar Creek
Cedar Creek Dinosaurs Park is a great destination for family outings.
The park features over 100 life-size dinosaur sculptures, including a T-Rex, Triceratops and Stegosaurus.
The park also offers educational exhibits and activities such as fossil digs, interactive quizzes and tours of the dinosaurs.
It’s a great destination to explore prehistoric times!
Also Read: 14 Best Places to see dinosaurs in Texas
Enjoy the views at McKinney Roughs Nature Park
McKinney Roughs Nature Park, located on the banks of the Colorado River, is a must visit for nature lovers.
The park has miles of trails for hiking and biking, as well as canoe access to the Colorado River.
You can also find camping sites, scenic overlooks and several picnic areas throughout the park.
It’s a great place to spend a day outdoors surrounded by nature.
Take the kids to the Texas Reptile Zoo
The Texas Reptile Zoo is a great destination for kids who love interesting animals.
The zoo has an amazing collection of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards, turtles and frogs.
You can also find other animals such as sloths, iguanas and skunks.
Visit the Bastrop Buc ees
Bastrop Buc-ees is one of the most popular destinations in town.
The convenience store and gas station offer a wide selection of snacks, drinks and other items.
You can also find Buc-ees merchandise such as t-shirts, hats and mugs.
It’s a great place to grab snacks and drinks for a road trip or just to enjoy while exploring Bastrop.
Also Read: Houston to Austin Road Trip
Enjoy the fall festivities at Barton Hill Farms
Barton Hill Farms is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities for the whole family.
In fall, the farm hosts an annual Fall Festival that includes a corn maze, hayride, pumpkin patch and more.
You can also find food vendors, live music and plenty of other fun activities to enjoy.
Play arcade games at Bastrop Beer Company
Bastrop Beer Company is an arcade and brewpub located in the heart of downtown Bastrop.
The pub offers a variety of craft beers, as well as classic arcade games such as Pac-Man, Pinball and Galaga.
It’s a great spot to hang out with friends and challenge each other to some friendly competition.
Shop for antiques in the historic downtown area
The historic downtown area of Bastrop is a great place to explore and shop for unique finds.
The area has antique stores, vintage shops, art galleries and more. You can find everything from furniture to jewelry to collectables.
It’s also a great spot to enjoy a meal or grab a coffee and people watch.
Enjoy zip lining over the pine trees
Zip Lost Pines is a great destination for adventure seekers.
The zip line course spans over 1,500 feet and offers stunning views of the Lost Pines forest.
You can also take part in other activities such as tree climbing, ropes courses and more. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with family or friends.
Spend a day on Lake Bastrop
Lake Bastrop is a great spot for fishing, boating and swimming.
The lake offers plenty of boat ramps and picnic areas to enjoy a day out in the sun.
You can also find hiking trails, bird watching spots and nature reserves around the lake.
It’s a great destination for spending time with your family.
Want to stay in the area?
You can enjoy camping at Lake Bastrop South Shore Park in the Colorado River Basin area.
Enjoy golfing at Pine Forest Golf Club
Pine Forest Golf Club is a great destination for golfers of all levels.
The course features 18 holes with views of the Lost Pines forest and plenty of challenging greens.
The club also offers practice areas, pro shop and a cafe to enjoy after your round.
Go boating on the Colorado River
The Colorado River is a great destination for boating, fishing and swimming.
You can find several boat ramps along the river, as well as picnic areas to enjoy a day out in the sun.
Fisherman’s Park is a great spot to launch your boat and enjoy some great fishing spots.
Bob Bryant Park is another great spot with plenty of wildlife to observe.
Be sure to bring your life jackets and follow all safety regulations when enjoying the river.
Located in Central Texas, Bastrop is a hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed by any visitor exploring The Lone Star State.
It offers visitors an enchanting mix of history, natural beauty, and southern hospitality.
What are your favorite things to do in Bastrop, Texas? Let us know below.