5 Day Texas Itinerary

Howdy, partner! Are you seeking a vacation in the Lone Star State? You've come to the right place. We've laid out an itinerary for spending five days in Texas. You can maximize your time while exploring Waco, Austin, San Antonio, and Texas Hill Country.

The journey begins in Waco, Texas, a city halfway between Austin and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. All of our Austin and Dallas area resorts are within a two hour drive of Waco.

Plan your stay and get ready for a great time in Texas!

Itinerary For 5 Days in Texas

Day 1: Day Trip to Waco, Texas

Once a sleepy town, Waco has seen a surge in popularity from the HGTV show, "Fixer Upper," hosted by Chip and Joanna Gaines, who live in Waco. Start your trip in this up-and-coming city, as you can day trip north to Waco from our resorts in Austin, or make it a pit stop on your way south from Dallas.

Magnolia Market

A nationally-known hub for home and garden goods, Magnolia Market is owned by the Gaines family. Chip and Joanna's signature touches are all over the store, which is more of a destination, as it includes food trucks, gathering spaces, a bakery, and more. Be sure to stop here if you're an HGTV viewer!

Waco Suspension Bridge

Built in 1870, the Waco Suspension Bridge is the oldest of its kind in Texas. This stunning architectural icon is open to pedestrians and cyclists, creating an ideal spot for a stroll while watching the Brazos River flow by.

Waco Mammoth National Monument

Have a family member who loves fossils? The Waco Mammoth National Monument is one of the most important paleontological sites in the U.S. Here, you'll be able to see Ice Age-era mammoth bones still in the bone bed, a rare sight in today's world where fossils are often seen only in museums.

Day 2: Downtown Austin

On the second of your five days in Texas, take some time to explore Austin's urban center. Downtown Austin is a quirky, modern district with attractions you won't find elsewhere. Find the unusual at the Museum of the Weird and get nostalgic at the Texas Toy Museum. Other small attractions include the Mexic-Arte Museum, the Old Bakery and Emporium, and public art pieces like Tau Ceti.

Along with those small stops, be sure to explore the primary attractions listed below.

Texas Capitol

An ornate structure of granite and marble, the Texas Capitol serves as an old-fashioned backdrop to Austin's skyscrapers. Free tours of the Capitol are offered on weekdays.

You can also visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum, located three blocks north on Congress Avenue. This collection is an excellent complement to the historic Capitol.

The University of Texas at Austin

A core part of the city is The University of Texas at Austin. Set on hilly terrain, the campus is a great place for a stroll. Be sure to snap a picture in front of UT Tower.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

Austin's emerald jewel is Zilker Metropolitan Park. Get active on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, take a dip in Barton Springs Pool, or tour the Zilker Botanical Garden at this urban retreat.

Day 3: Shopping and Dining in Austin

As Austin's popularity has grown, it's become known as a hub for shopping and dining. Check out some of these lively business districts on day three of your five days in Texas.

Rainey Street

Once a neighborhood of bungalows, Rainey Street has transformed into a hip strip of pubs and casual eateries. This compact area is nestled in southeast downtown, next to Interstate 35 and Lady Bird Lake.

South Congress Avenue

Crossing Lady Bird Lake will bring you to South Congress, a bohemian neighborhood with shops and restaurants. This avenue is paired with South First Street, another lively drag with many murals. Along these streets, you'll find Insta-worthy haunts like Home Slice Pizza, Elizabeth Street Café, and Lucy's Fried Chicken.

East Austin

The city's premier nightlife district can be found in East Austin. The main action happens along East Sixth Street, but don't sleep on East Cesar Chavez Street. This area is home to eateries including Ramen Tatsu-Ya and Launderette.

Day 4: Day Trip to Texas Hill Country

On day four of your five days in Texas, drive one hour south of Austin and take a day in Hill Country. There are plenty of attractions in the area, as you'll see below. 

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Cool off on a hot day at Schlitterbahn Waterpark. This German-inspired destination features water slides, a whitewater canyon, and more in New Braunfels.

Gruene, Texas

Nestled near New Braunfels, the town of Gruene is a historic hub of German culture. Gruene Hall is a traditional venue for music and dancing, while the Gruene General Store and Pookie Jane's Boutique are popular shops.

Hill Country Bike Paths

With rocky canyons and rolling hills, Texas Hill Country is a great destination for road and trail cycling. Check out our post on the best bike paths in Hill Country.

Texas Bluebonnets

Visiting in spring? Don't miss the famous Texas bluebonnets. We've compiled a list of the best spots to see bluebonnets in Texas Hill Country.

Stars & Stripes Drive-in Theatre

End your day with a sunset showing at the Stars & Stripes Drive-in Theatre, an old-school outdoor cinema in New Braunfels.

Day 5: Day Trip to San Antonio

On your final day, head to the southwestern city of San Antonio. You can spend the whole day at a theme park, like SeaWorld San Antonio or Six Flags Fiesta Texas, or see multiple attractions, like the ones below.

The Alamo

You'll find this attraction easy to remember. The Alamo is the most famous fort in Texas and it's worth a visit. Admission is free, but timed-entry passes are required. You can also purchase tickets for guided tours.

San Antonio River Walk

San Antonio has turned its downtown river into an unforgettable attraction with the San Antonio River Walk. Stroll along waterfront paths lined with restaurants or take a gondola ride on the river.

San Antonio Botanical Garden

The San Antonio Botanical Garden boasts 38 acres of horticultural displays. You can walk the outdoor trails and then head inside to the lush plants of the conservatory.

Plan Your Texas Trip

With this itinerary, you're well prepared to spend five days in Texas. You'll see the best sights in the state while staying at excellent RV resorts as well. Start planning your trip today and get ready for a Texas-sized good time during your vacation. Don't forget to share this post with your fellow travelers too!

Related Posts

• Full List of Sun OutdoorsTexas Resorts
• Texas Road Trip: From Dallas to San Antonio
• 10 Great Reasons to Vacation in the Lone Star State