Find acres of lush parkland in an urban setting in this scenic city just a 20-minute drive from Austin.
Just outside of Austin, Buda feels worlds away from the pace of city life. Visit and discover why the Texas State Legislature dubbed this small city in Hays County the “Outdoor Capital of Texas.”
Take a walk through time along the six blocks comprising Historic Downtown Buda. Visit independent shops, boutiques and restaurants. Note the quaint original buildings, many of which date back to the town’s founding in the late 1800s. Stop by the 1898 Building, an antique store that features a 100-year-old working elevator.
Learn more about the area’s history at the charming McElroy-Severn House. This Texas Historic Landmark served as a stagecoach stop for those traveling between Austin and San Antonio in the late 1800s. Walk just behind the little house to the even smaller one-room Onion Creek Post Office, which was established in 1876.
Buda earned its nickname because of its extensive parks. Visit one or all of its 13 parks and enjoy the surprisingly lush nature of Central Texas. See what you reel in while fishing in Bradfield Park. This sprawling park has two ponds stocked with catfish. Walk along the meandering trails in Cullen County Park. Nearby Garlic Creek Park has a playground, pavilion and basketball courts.
Go to Buda Sportsplex to enjoy a variety of recreational activities. The complex features several sports fields, miles of trails, picnic facilities and more.
Experience nature in the heart of downtown Buda at City Park. Have a picnic or play a game of basketball. Plan your springtime visit to coordinate with the annual Buda Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races. This event features dachshund racing, arts and crafts and barbecue cook-offs.
Cabela’s is one of the main stores in town. This large sporting goods store has all the supplies you’ll need for your outdoor activities, as well as an indoor archery range, an aquarium and lots of interesting wildlife-themed exhibits.
Bring your sneakers and your sunscreen to enjoy all of Buda’s outdoor attractions. Add more performing arts, museums and other cultural attractions to your visit with a 20-minute drive north to Austin.