1. Enchanted Rock:

Just two hours outside of Austin, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area makes for the perfect day trip or overnight camping destination. The hiking is short but sweet — round trips generally last under two hours — for incredible over-the-top views of the beautiful Hill Country and the night skies are the darkest in all of Central Texas. The park also boasts rock climbing and rock climbing lessons. The only downside is the park's popularity: This is not the place to go to escape the crowds, and the park often closes its gates to visitors when it reaches capacity. Those not wanting to camp with the crowds can try Oxford Ranch Campground, a privately owned ranch whose friendly owners allow visitors to set up camp on their property for just $7 a person. As a bonus, multi-day road trippers can make the most of the journey by taking one of the most beautiful loops Texas has to offer, heading through Johnson City and Fredericksburg one way and Llano and Burnet the other way, visiting wineries, barbecue pits (I recommend both Cooper's and Opie's), antique shops, art galleries and breweries all along the way.

2. Surf Side Beach, Texas.

With its clean and quiet sandy beaches and warm ocean, Surf Side Beach is the absolute perfect place for a weekend getaway with friends for those who want to miss the crowds and hotels of South Padre Island — and it's closer to home, too. Here, your legs will turn to jello from rolling waves, your sand castles will stay intact and your seashell collection will grow. Rent a house or condo through HomeAway or AirBNB and have yourself a memorable time — just don't forget to drink plenty of water and bring plenty of sun block. I'd bring food to cook, too; there aren't many restaurants nearby.

3. Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls State Park. Photo cc Maria Sprow/Artinistic

The Milky Way over Pedernales State Park. Photo cc Maria Sprow/Artinistic

Located less than an hour outside of Austin, Pedernales State Park has just about everything an outdoor lover could want: waterfalls, rocks, woods, excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities, swimming, camping and proximity. Though the skies don't get as dark as Enchanted Rock, they do beat out the nearby Pace Bend State Park by a long shot. Just don't get swept up by the river and avoid the park after large storms; the area is prone to flash floods.

4. Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns. Photo cc Maria Sprow/Artinistic

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. Photo cc Maria Sprow/Artinistic

The scale and intricacy of the grandiose and delicate Natural Bridge Caverns is not something that can be explained by a photograph; the cathedrals, chandeliers, thrones and temples inside this underground cave transport visitors to an ancient and fantastic world where Time is the greatest architect of all. The only downside is that the caves (like pretty much all caves) can't be explored at your leisure; tours start at $22 per ticket and can be purchased online or at the visitor center. For those wanting a bit more fun during the day, the nearby Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch offers visitors the chance to get relatively close to giraffes, elk, zebras and other wild animals and the San Antonio Zoo is just another 30 minutes south.

5. Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park. Photo cc Maria Sprow

Anyone with some money in their pockets and time on their hands — at least four days — would be remiss not to spend them at Big Bend National Park, whose mountain views and rewarding hikes are worth every minute of the 8-hour drive there from Austin. Make sure to stay up late to enjoy the unbelievable night sky and don't forget to fill up the gas tank at every opportunity — the openness and vastness of West Texas is no joke.

6. McKinney Falls

McKinney Falls State Park. Photo cc Maria Sprow/Artinistic

Much closer to town, McKinney Falls State Park is just south of the airport and offers great walking, biking and camping and other opportunities for enjoying the outdoors while still staying within minutes of the city.

7. Town Lake

Kayaking down Town Lake. Photo by Maria Sprow.

Located just south of downtown, Town Lake offers a hike and bike trail with scenic views of the city and nearby Butler and Zilker Parks, as well as opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddle-boarding on the lake. Those with access to a kayak or canoe might want to think about heading out at sunset, when those renting equipment must return to the trail. That's when the real magic happens, as the lights from the city dance on the water below.

8. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo cc Maria Sprow.

Dragonfly at Zilker Botanical Garden. Photo by Maria Sprow/Artinistic.

Anyone just wanting to get out of the hustle and bustle of Austin for a lovely and tranquil walk through fields of wildflowers can't do any better than a visit to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. If wildflowers and butterflies don't make your heart sing, try the bronze sculptures at Umlauf Sculpture Garden or the dragon flies at Zilker Botanical Garden, both located just minutes from downtown.

Honorable mentions: Wading in Barton Springs during the summer, particularly after a good hike; Onion Creek Park, which has excellent trails for hiking, mountain bike and horseback riding but which is currently being developed; rock climbing at Reimer's Ranch; mountain biking at Muleshoe Bend Recreational Area.

Still to do: Kayaking in Caddo Lake.