Home to the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas,” this Central Texas town boasts a range of picturesque landscapes that certainly do not disappoint. From its rich history to the variety of lush, wide open spaces, Georgetown has an alluring combination of small-town charm and outdoor recreation, only highlighting its natural beauty and welcoming locals that make this city so unique.
A historic city that appeals to both the young and young at heart, the first residents of Georgetown were members of the Tonkawa tribe. They nicknamed the area “takatchue pouetsu,” meaning “land of good water.” Centuries later, this nickname still stands true, and you can now add its long list of other appealing qualities. The recipient of many prestigious awards, Georgetown Square not only won the Great Public Space award in 2017 but the city received a Parks Gold Medal in 2017, the Safest Cities in Texas in 2015, and was the first city in Texas to win the Great American Main Street City in 1997.
Visitors are spoiled for choice with the range of family-friendly attractions in Georgetown, where you can fill your itinerary with a stroll down the city’s historic streets, visit fascinating art galleries, and listen to live music that spills out from the city’s local restaurants and shops. Serving as the crown jewel of Georgetown’s historic area, learn about Georgetown’s history at the Williamson County Museum and Historic Courthouse. This Neoclassical Revival structure sits beautifully in the city center.
This city was designed to create family memories that last a lifetime. You can go skiing, boating, and camping at the 1,200-acre Lake Georgetown and find some of the best fishing in the region. Take a refreshing dip at the legendary Blue Hole, a scenic lagoon surrounded by limestone bluffs and the perfect escape on a hot summer day. For something truly unique, head to the Inner Space Cavern to explore over 80,000 years of formations underground, and if you need some one-on-one time with nature, head to San Gabriel Park to appreciate the colorful landscapes along the handful of scenic walking trails.
Only 25 miles north of Austin, nature enthusiasts will revel in the array of outdoor adventures in Georgetown, as the city has over 9 miles of hike and bike trails along the North and South San Gabriel Rivers. With 52 properties on the National Register of Historic Places, if you’re a history buff, you’ll be captivated by the preserved Victorian and Pre-WWI buildings found in the downtown historic district, where you can visit the Grace Heritage Center that dates back to 1881 and the Old Williamson County Jail built in 1888. Home to the oldest university in Texas, Southwestern University dates back to 1840 and is one half-mile from the historic square.
While local Texans have long regarded Georgetown as a livable city, it is now on the radar for people around the nation, as it was awarded the Fastest Growing City in the U.S. (cities population 50,000 or more) by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2015. It’s easy to see why, as its captivating qualities and charming attractions make it an appealing destination for all travelers. Movie executives noticed the city’s charm many years ago, as What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Varsity Blues, Dazed and Confused, and Friday Night Lights were all filmed here.
Georgetown is also known for its array of lively annual festivals. In April, the Red Poppy Festival celebrates the city’s title of the “Red Poppy Capital of Texas” with parades and entertainment, while visitors from around the state flock to the town in December to experience the famous Georgetown Christmas Stroll and see the city transform into a magical wonderland with twinkling lights and festive decoration.
