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Georgetown is a fast-growing city of about 90,000 people in Williamson County, Texas, about 30 miles north of downtown Austin. Founded in 1848 and named for George Washington Glasscock, who donated the land, it is the county seat and calls itself the Red Poppy Capital of Texas for the bright poppies that bloom across town each spring.
The heart of Georgetown is its Victorian courthouse square, anchored by the 1911 Williamson County Courthouse and lined with restored buildings full of shops, restaurants and wine bars. Southwestern University, chartered in 1840 and the oldest university in Texas, has a handsome campus nearby, and the historic Palace Theatre stages musicals and plays.
Nature is close at hand: Blue Hole Park and San Gabriel Park line the San Gabriel River, Garey Park offers hills and trails, and Lake Georgetown has the Good Water Loop trail. Inner Space Cavern, discovered during highway construction in 1963, sits right beside Interstate 35, and Austin and the Texas Hill Country are an easy drive.
A Neoclassical courthouse completed in 1911 and restored to its original look in 2007, with a tall dome and columns at the center of the downtown square. The building also hosts exhibits and events. Walk all four sides of the square and come back at night when it is lit up.
The historic square around the courthouse, lined with restored Victorian commercial buildings housing boutiques, antique shops, wine bars and restaurants. It hosts Market Days, holiday lighting and the Red Poppy Festival. Free parking is available in nearby garages and lots.
A limestone cave discovered in 1963 when highway crews drilled into it while building Interstate 35. Guided tours follow lit walkways past stalactites, flowstone and Ice Age fossil sites, with temperatures around 72 degrees all year. Book tours ahead on weekends and wear shoes with good grip.
A Corps of Engineers reservoir on the North San Gabriel River just west of town, with boating, fishing, swimming areas, campgrounds and limestone shoreline. Its parks provide access to the Good Water Loop trail. Summer weekends are busy; check lake levels and park fees before you go.
A scenic park on the South San Gabriel River near downtown, with clear blue-green water below limestone cliffs and a popular natural swimming area in summer. Trails connect it to San Gabriel Park and the river trail system. Swimming is at your own risk, and no glass is allowed.
A large historic park where the North and South San Gabriel rivers meet, with shady picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, a spring-fed area and access to the San Gabriel River Trail. It is a favorite family spot and festival site. Walk or bike the trail along the river to Blue Hole Park.
A large city park on former ranch land along the South San Gabriel River, opened in 2017 with hiking and equestrian trails, a big splash pad and playground, a historic ranch house and scenic event lawns. There is a small entry fee for non-residents. Bring water and sun protection in summer.
A rugged trail of about 26 miles circling Lake Georgetown, passing limestone bluffs, canyons, waterfalls after rain and primitive campsites. Most visitors hike shorter sections such as the stretch near Tejas Camp. Carry plenty of water, start early in summer and wear sturdy shoes on rocky ground.
A private liberal arts university that traces its charter to 1840, making it the oldest university in Texas. Its campus of limestone buildings includes the striking Roy and Lillie Cullen Building with its towers. Visitors can stroll the grounds and visit the Sarofim School of Fine Arts galleries.
A restored 1925 movie palace just off the courthouse square, now a lively community theater staging musicals, plays and children's shows throughout the year. The neon marquee is a downtown landmark. Book tickets early for popular musicals and holiday shows, which often sell out.
A spring festival held each April around the courthouse square, celebrating the red poppies that have bloomed across Georgetown since seeds were brought home after World War I. Expect live music, a car show, arts and crafts and food. Look for poppies in yards and along the Poppy Trail.
A local history museum on the courthouse square in the historic Farmers State Bank building, with exhibits on Native peoples, the Chisholm Trail, ranching and life in Williamson County. Admission is free or low cost, and it is easy to combine with a walk around the square. Check hours ahead.
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