Central Texas

Central Texas

 

 

Central Texas

Central Texas is characterized by prairies and lakes, two lane roads that twist and climb, green valleys and limestone cliffs. It's rich in German heritage, wineries, abundant wildflowers, crystal clear rivers lined with cypress and oak, music, cafes offering ample country cooking, and history.

It's also a great outdoor destination for hiking, tubing, swimming, and camping.

Map of Central Texas Points

Things to See & Do in Central Texas

Central Texas

Grey-Crowned Crane, San Antonio Zoo

The grey-crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) is a bird in the crane family Gruidae. It occurs in dry savannah in Africa south of the Sahara, although it nests in somewhat wetter habitats. They can...

Central Texas Hill Country

Brenham

Brenham, the county seat of Washington County, is on U.S. Highway 290 seventy-two miles northwest of Houston. The Hickory Grove community changed its name in 1843 to Brenham in honor of Republic of...

Central Texas

Salado

The Village of Salado is the best small town in Texas! With several bed and breakfasts and only a short drive up I35, between Waco and Austin.

Central Texas Hill Country

Lady Bird Lake in Austin

Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) is a reservoir on the Colorado River in Downtown Austin. It was created in 1960 by the construction of Longhorn Dam and is owned and operated by the City of Austin...

Central Texas

Navasota

Navasota was founded in 1831 as the stagecoach stop of Nolansville. Its name was changed in 1858 to Navasota, a name perhaps derived from the Native American word nabatoto (“muddy water”).

Central Texas

Giddings

Giddings, county seat of Lee County, is on U.S. highways 290 and 77, fifty-five miles east of Austin and 100 miles west of Houston. The land was originally part of Stephen F. Austin’s colony...

Central Texas

Bluff Dale

Bluff Dale, on U.S. Highway 377 and the North Paluxy River in northeastern Erath County, was originally called Bluff Spring by the pioneers who settled near the site’s artesian wells. Bluff...

Central Texas Hill Country

Piano Bridge near Dubina

This fine old iron bridge was built in 1885 by the King Bridge Company of Cleveland, Ohio. Called the “Piano Bridge,” some say the name was derived from the twanging sound made while...

Central Texas

Driftwood

Driftwood, seventeen miles northwest of San Marcos in central Hays County, grew up in the 1880s as a supply center for neighboring ranches and farms. Pioneers settled in the area, then known as...

Central Texas

Carmine

Originally called Sylvan, the name was changed to honor Newton Carmean, the first postmaster in 1892.

Central Texas Hill Country

Lake Buchanan Lighthouse

The Lake Buchanan Lighthouse is a privately owned lighthouse that is near Buchanan Dam. It can be seen as you drive along at the south end of Lake Buchanan on Hwy 29. Photo Jeffrey Spencer

Central Texas

Tow

Residents pronounce the name of the town, Tow, as if it rhymed with “cow,” rather than “toe” as might be expected. Tow is located on Ranch Road 2241, approximately 61 miles...