Two Texas Hill Country classics—Longhorn Cavern and Inks Lake—make a perfect day out from Austin when you have wheels. Reserve your car rental at AUS (or look for car hire if that’s your term), then point your GPS to Burnet County for caves, lake views, and granite outcrops.
Route overview
From Austin, head US‑183/US‑281 toward Burnet. Longhorn Cavern State Park lies just south of Inks Lake State Park, so you can tour the cave before cooling off by the water. Most travelers spend 60–90 minutes at the cavern and 2–3 hours at Inks Lake, making this an easy full‑day loop with time for a barbecue stop in Marble Falls on the way back.
Stop 1: Longhorn Cavern State Park
This otherworldly limestone cave is known for flowstone galleries and Texas‑sized legends. Guided walking tours operate on set schedules—arrive a bit early or pre‑book your preferred time. Wear closed‑toe shoes; pathways can be damp, and temperatures stay cool underground even on hot afternoons. Above ground, short trails and a historic CCC‑era structure make quick photo stops.
Stop 2: Inks Lake State Park
Just up the road, Inks Lake offers mellow trails, fishing piers, and the famed Devil’s Waterhole. Day‑use entry is charged per adult and reservations are recommended on weekends and holidays. Bring water shoes if you plan to scramble on granite outcrops, and pack a picnic for sunset colors on the lake.
What to drive
- Couples and solo travelers: a compact is easy to park near lake access points.
- Families: a spacious minivan makes room for towels, coolers, and snacks.
- Sightseers: an SUV rental in Austin adds cargo height for camera gear and comfort on rolling Hill Country roads.
Logistics & safety
- Fuel up before leaving Austin; smaller towns can have limited pumps late at night.
- Check tour times for Longhorn Cavern and lake capacity notices, especially during peak seasons.
- Mind the sun. Even in fall, UV can be strong—bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
- Wildlife crosses at dusk; keep speeds moderate on US‑281.
Easy returns at the end of the day
Follow “Rental Car Return” signs back at AUS and allow a few extra minutes to photograph fuel and mileage before you hand over the keys. With Hola Car Rentals you’ll see transparent pricing at checkout, optional All‑Inclusive+ coverage, and Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up—ideal if weather or plans change.
Ready to go? Book your dates with Hola Car Rentals and make the most of your Austin day trip.
Sample day plan
- 08:30 Pick up your car at AUS. Load snacks and plenty of water.
- 10:15 Arrive at Longhorn Cavern; join the next available guided tour.
- 12:00 Picnic or quick lunch; explore the CCC‑era lookout.
- 13:00 Short drive to Inks Lake; swim, paddle, or walk lakeside trails.
- 16:30 Drive toward Marble Falls or Burnet for a casual dinner.
- 18:30 Sunset light on the granite outcrops; head back to AUS.
What to pack
- Closed‑toe shoes for the cave and grippy sandals for lake rocks.
- Light jacket—the cavern stays cool even when it’s hot above ground.
- Dry bag or large zip‑top for phones and keys near water.
- Sun protection: hat, SPF lip balm, sunglasses.
Flexible booking and partners
Not sure which day will be sunny? Keep your options open with Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up. Check availability with trusted partners in one view—Enterprise Austin and Hertz Austin—then lock in your preferred time.
