Throttle Out of Austin: 5 Legendary Weekend Motorcycle Rides Across Texas

Austin isn’t just a music capital—it’s a rider’s paradise. With scenic routes branching out in every direction, it's the perfect launch point for weekend escapes into Texas’ diverse landscapes. Whether you're carving curves through limestone hills or chasing salty air toward the Gulf, these five handpicked rides deliver maximum freedom on minimum timelines.

1. Willow City Loop – Wildflowers, Wine & Texas Two-Laners

Distance: ~190 miles round-trip

Ride Style: Scenic loop | Ideal for cruisers and relaxed touring

Time Needed: Day ride

Leave Austin westbound on US-290, past Dripping Springs and Johnson City, and coast into Fredericksburg for coffee and fuel. From there, the legendary Willow City Loop winds north through a gated ranch road flanked by rugged cliffs, spring-fed creeks, and—if you time it right—wildflowers exploding in color.

Highlights:

• Breakfast at Nury’s (Fredericksburg): Tex-Mex meets Hill Country classics
• Willow City Loop: Narrow, scenic, no shoulder—go slow and enjoy
• Wine tasting at Lost Draw Cellars
• Dinner at Crossroads Saloon: Live music + mesquite-grilled steaks

2. Llano, Enchanted Rock & Marble Falls Loop – Granite, BBQ & Hill Country Sweepers

Distance: ~215 miles round-trip

Ride Style: Full-day scenic loop | Sweeping roads + rural charm

Time Needed: Full day

Start with a sunrise ride to Enchanted Rock, where you can stretch your legs with a hike up the pink granite dome. Head west to Llano for some of the best BBQ in the state, then loop back through Kingsland and Marble Falls. Park Road 4 is a hidden gem with fast sweepers and epic views over Lake LBJ.

Highlights:

• Enchanted Rock Hike: Park early—bikes get priority parking
• Lunch at Cooper’s BBQ (Llano): Famous pit-smoked meats
• Park Road 4: Scenic and lightly trafficked, a local favorite
• Coffee at Blue Bonnet Cafe (Marble Falls): Classic pie & charm

3. Port Aransas Overnight – Gulf Coast Escape with BBQ & Beachfront Riding

Distance: ~430 miles round-trip

Ride Style: 2-day out-and-back | Fast highways + coastal cruising

Time Needed: Weekend overnight

Cruise southeast through Lockhart (BBQ stop optional... but come on), cross the open plains, and descend toward the warm breezes of Port Aransas. Spend the night just blocks from the beach, then roll back through Yoakum and Cuero for a scenic and historic return.

Highlights:

• Breakfast at Island Café (Port Aransas): Classic beach-town diner
• Sunset at Mustang Island State Park
• Dinner at Virginia’s on the Bay: Seafood and sailboats
• Return via Cuero and Lockhart: Old towns with photo stops and brisket

4. Shiner & Painted Churches – A Ride Through Texas History

Distance: ~180 miles round-trip

Ride Style: Historical loop | Rural roads + heritage stops

Time Needed: Day ride

This eastbound loop mixes smooth farm roads with rich Texas-German-Czech heritage. Ride through Schulenburg to visit the famous painted churches—ornate interiors tucked in country chapels—then head to Shiner for a cold one at Spoetzl Brewery.

Highlights:

• Breakfast at It Don’t Matter Café (Schulenburg): Country staples
• Tour the Painted Churches: Dubina, High Hill, and Ammannsville
• Spoetzl Brewery Tour (Shiner): Home of Shiner Bock
• Dinner at Kloesel’s Steakhouse (Moulton): Classic Texas fare

5. Twisted Sisters – The Holy Grail of Texas Motorcycle Roads

Distance: ~340 miles round-trip

Ride Style: Expert route | Tight curves, steep grades, pure adrenaline

Time Needed: Full day (start early!)

RR 335, 336, and 337—better known as the Twisted Sisters—are not for the faint-hearted. These remote ranch roads west of Kerrville are packed with switchbacks, steep drop-offs, and heart-pounding elevation changes. Start early from Austin, hit Leakey for lunch, and take breaks often. This is Texas’ most famous and technical motorcycle route.

Highlights:

• Breakfast at Bear’s Den in Medina
• RR 337 to Leakey: Curve after curve—watch for cattle guards
• Lunch at Bent Rim Grill (Leakey): Rider hub + gear shop
• Devil’s Backbone (on return): Optional scenic detour via Wimberley

Final Thought

From coastal chill to canyon carving, these five rides prove why Austin is Texas’ motorcycle epicenter. Load your saddlebags, pick your route, and throttle out—there’s an unforgettable weekend waiting in every direction.