Texas Towns to Love: Bastrop

A heron takes flight from the surface of a calm pond, with its reflection visible in the water and tall green grasses in the background.

Austin is known for being a fun town. Whether you like music or tech, outdoor living or indoor excitement, Austin has something for you. Even better, it is surrounded by unique smaller towns that feature a variety of ways to enjoy this Central Texas hotspot. A trip to Austin, as fun in the colder months as it is during the warmer months, means visitors can pick their own adventure and make their own fun.

One of the smaller towns in the Austin area ripe for enjoyment is Bastrop, located just 30 or so miles to the southeast. Bastrop has right around 10,000 residents and is known for its charming downtown and sought-after state park. Bastrop is the perfect destination for all types of visitors, including those seeking outdoor adventure and those seeking a smalltown getaway. If you’re ready for Austin-area fun, look no further than Bastrop.

Five ways to have fun in Bastrop, Texas, in 2026

  • Take a walk with the dinosaurs at The Dinosaur Park. Educational, fun and perfect for all ages, The Dinosaur Park is a great way to spend time in Bastrop. Walk amongst life-sized statutes dedicated to these enormous creatures who once roamed the earth. After you dino stroll, check out the fossil dig, picnic area and general store. 
  • Plan an adventure on the Colorado River with Bastrop River Co. Paddle for the day or embark on an overnight excursion along the river to soak up the great outdoors along the Colorado River. Perfect for fun your whole travel party can enjoy, Bastrop River Co. will get you settled with the right vessel for you to enjoy the water. 
  • Go toad hunting around Bastrop. Explore Bastrop while searching for small bronze toads developed by local artists to educate visitors and locals alike about this endangered species, the Houston Toad. The tour around town is self-guided and a fun way to explore new areas while treasure-hunting these adorable little guys. 
  • Enjoy the great outdoors at Bastrop State Park. Whether you like to bike, fish, swim or hike, you are sure to have fun at Bastrop State Park. With 2,000 acres of land, Bastrop State Park is an ideal destination for recreation seekers. Visitors to this park can enjoy a myriad of activities year-round and even stay on property if they choose. 
  • Stroll, shop and dine in downtown Bastrop. Located on the banks of the Colorado River, downtown Bastrop is a great destination for relaxed fun. Packed with everything from art galleries to quaint boutiques, downtown Bastrop truly has something for everyone. Check the community calendar for excited events hosted downtown throughout the year. 

Bastrop-area lodging

Located an hour southeast of Bastrop is Twin Oaks Resort, the perfect destination for weddings and events in Central Texas. And soon, this spot will also have an RV park on site. Once owned by the former owner of the Houston Rockets, Twin Oaks Resort is a stunning site that offers go karts and more to those looking for a beautiful backdrop for an event that won’t soon be forgotten. Keep your eyes on this space- the RV park is coming soon and sure to be a sought-after destination in Central Texas.