Named after a large stone marking a creek crossing, Round Rock is a bustling city that forms part of the Greater Austin metropolitan area. It was once a sleepy commuter town that has been transformed into a “super suburb” following the arrival of big-name tech companies and shopping malls.
Things to do in Round Rock
If you’re interested in the local history, pay a visit to Chisholm Trail Crossing Park, which is dotted with plaques detailing the area’s cattle-driving past. Relax with a picnic beside Brushy Creek and admire its small waterfall or stretch your legs on the park’s walking trail. It is lined with bronze sculptures created by Texan artist Jim Thomas depicting pioneer settlers and a resting longhorn.
On the eastern edge of Round Rock lies Old Settlers Park, a 260-hectare green space home to baseball fields, a disc golf course and the Joanne Land Playground. Cast a fishing line in Bright Lake to lure bass, catfish and perch or take advantage of the illuminated tennis courts. Old Settlers Park is also home to the family-friendly Rock'N River Water Park with its lazy river and giant tipping buckets.
Fancy a round of golf? Head to the Forest Creek Golf Club, which boasts one of the finest public golf courses in Central Texas. It features rolling fairways fringed by native foliage and meticulously maintained greens offering Hill Country views. In addition to the club’s putting green and driving range, it also features a grill restaurant where you can dine after your round.
Getting around Round Rock
Round Rock is around 25 minutes’ drive from the centre of Austin and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North America. Buses travel through Round Rock while renting a car is the best way of exploring the city.