13 Things To Do In Round Rock, Texas

Round Rock, Texas, derives its name from an actual rock that sits in the middle of Brushy Creek—a reliable landmark for settlers in the 19th century finding their way along the old Chisholm Trail.

Nowadays, it’s pretty hard to miss this booming Austin suburb, which has been attracting growing numbers of families seeking its spacious parks, hometown sports teams, and quaint downtown —not to mention some truly legendary donuts. I’ve lived near Round Rock for more than a decade and have loved watching the city grow and change over the years. Here are a few of my favorite places to recommend to visitors.

What to Do

Sink your teeth into a donut or a kolache.

Round Rock Donuts has gained a spot on the radar of many a foodie with its signature orange-colored fresh yeast donuts, topped with your choice of glaze. For larger appetites, go for the over-footlong “Texas-sized” donut. Or order a fruit or sausage kolache, another Texas breakfast favorite.

roundrockdonuts.com, 106 W. Liberty Ave., Round Rock, TX

Head to the ballpark.

Round Rock’s minor league Triple-A Affiliate team, the Round Rock Express, hosts exciting ball games at Dell Diamond, which are a guaranteed good time for all ages. There’s a Fun Zone near Center Field with kids’ activities, and players are usually happy to offer up their autographs for fans. Look for theme nights with special family-friendly activities, fireworks, and laser shows.

milb.com/round-rock, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, TX

Hit the trails.

Owing to Round Rock’s location in Texas Hill Country, you might be surprised by the natural beauty you can encounter just outside downtown in public parks, hike and bike trails, swimming holes, and even small waterfalls. More than 20 miles of tree-lined trails meander alongside creeks, such as the Brushy Creek Regional Trail. Walking these is spectacular in the spring and fall. 

traillink.com/trail/brushy-creek-regional-trail

Scoop up some deals.

Round Rock is one of Central Texas’s main shopping destinations, with its retail hub situated along I-35 North including Round Rock Premium Outlets (home to brands such as Coach, Lacoste, and Vans), as well as IKEA and Bass Pro Shops nearby. For a more locally-owned experience, head to downtown Round Rock and fill your shopping bags with unique finds from Merry’s Mud Pottery House, clothing from Rhae, and unusual treats from 3 Star Candy Shop.

Get the buzz.

Learn the ins and outs of honey making at Round Rock Honey, which offers honey factory tours, beekeeping classes, and samples of their locally made wildflower honey.

roundrockhoney.com, 1308 Chisholm Trail Rd. Suite 107, Round Rock, TX

Where to Eat

Round Rock’s proximity to Austin has helped to elevate its dining scene to new heights, with chefs cutting their chops in a community eager for diverse food options. You’ll find everything from casual, family-friendly restaurants (with outdoor playscapes to occupy the kids while their parents enjoy some alone time) to great date spots. 

Enjoy BBQ with a view.

Barbecue connoisseurs will enjoy visiting the northern outpost of a tried-and-true BBQ joint from Driftwood, Texas: Salt Lick BBQ, which is located right next to Dell Diamond, offers a casual, welcoming environment for all ages, with a tree-shaded playground out back for kids.

saltlickbbq.com, 3350 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, TX

Enjoy a perfect wine pairing.

A lively neighborhood gathering place, Wine Sensation sells by-the-glass wines from across the world paired with a simple but elegant menu of house-made flatbreads, pasta, and shareable plates.

winesensation.com, 409 N. Mays St., Round Rock, TX

Drink in the historic vibes.

Beer fans will love what’s on tap at Cork and Barrel Craft Kitchen and Microbrewery, which offers cozy interior seating with “Irish snugs” and fireplaces, as well as spacious outdoor seating under a covered patio. Order the Irish stew or the fish and chips, or share a Nosh Board, filled with house-made pretzels and charcuterie for a fun evening out with friends. Don’t miss the nods to the Titanic—the owners’ ancestors were riveters of the storied vessel, and the women’s restroom replicates some of the design elements of the ship’s staterooms.

corkandbarrelpub.com, 4000 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, TX

Sample some authentic Venezuelan eats.

Head to Arepitas for a menu filled with Venezuelan greatest hits like tostones, empanadas, pabellón criollo (a tender, shredded beef dish served with rice and beans), and arepas overstuffed with a variety of fillings.

3200 Greenlawn Blvd., Round Rock, TX

Enjoy date night with a view.

For date night, Urban makes for a great setting—either inside its downtown restaurant with local vibes or on its nearby rooftop bar overlooking the city. Favorites from the lunch and dinner menu include bacon-wrapped quail, mushroom risotto, and a hot honey chicken sandwich.

urbaneatdrink.com, 110 S. Harris St., Round Rock, TX

Where to Stay

Ruby Hotel & Bar

Round Rock’s only true boutique hotel, the Ruby Hotel & Bar is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood among the trees and embraces the mid-century mod movement, with rooms styled in rich teal and green velvet. Wake up to wildlife, like grazing cattle and ducks floating along the riverbank. An on-site bar serves up hearty charcuterie boards along with craft cocktails—the Ruby Old Fashioned is one of the best around. There’s also a pool shaded by old live oak trees. 

therubyhotel.com, 400 Fannin Ave., Round Rock, TX

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Round Rock

Families flock to Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Round Rock, one of the largest indoor waterparks in the country at 223,000 square feet, including a lazy river, slippery slides, an adults-only zone, and seasonal outdoor pools. The fun continues with Tom Foolery's Adventure Park, filled with arcade games, a ropes course, and even mini-amusement park rides like a roller coaster and pendulum ride. Dine in six on-site restaurant venues, from fast casual to upscale.

kalahariresorts.com/texas, 3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock, TX