bigtravelbuzzRound Rock is a city located in the state of Texas, United States. It is a suburb of Austin, the capital city of Texas, and is part of the Greater Austin metropolitan area. As of my last update in September 2021, Round Rock had a population of over 120,000 residents.
The city got its name from a large, round, anvil-shaped rock located in Brushy Creek, which runs through the city. Round Rock has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years to ancient indigenous cultures.
Round Rock is known for its vibrant community, excellent schools, and family-friendly environment. It has experienced significant growth over the years due to its proximity to Austin and its thriving economy. Several technology companies and major employers have a presence in the area, contributing to its economic development.
Additionally, Round Rock is home to Dell Technologies, one of the world’s largest technology companies, which has a significant impact on the local economy.
The city offers various recreational opportunities, parks, shopping centers, and cultural events for residents and visitors to enjoy. The Dell Diamond, a baseball stadium in Round Rock, hosts minor league games and serves as the home stadium for the Round Rock Express, a Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers.
As with any rapidly growing area, please note that new developments and changes may have occurred since my last update. For the latest information about Round Rock, I recommend checking more recent sources.
Places to Visit in Round Rock
Round Rock offers a variety of attractions and places to visit for residents and tourists alike. Here are some popular places worth exploring in Round Rock:
Dell Diamond: This baseball stadium is home to the Round Rock Express, a Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Catching a game here can be a fun and exciting experience for sports enthusiasts.
Round Rock Premium Outlets: If you enjoy shopping, head to the Round Rock Premium Outlets, which offers a wide range of stores and brands, providing great deals on designer and name-brand merchandise.
Old Settlers Park: A vast and beautiful park featuring sports fields, playgrounds, a fishing lake, walking trails, and a water park called Rock’N River Family Aquatic Center. It’s an excellent place for picnics and outdoor activities.
Round Rock West Park: This park has a lovely disc golf course, basketball courts, picnic areas, and a splash pad for hot days.
Round Rock Donuts: A must-visit spot for foodies! This bakery is famous for its oversized, delicious glazed donuts and has become an iconic landmark in Round Rock.
Chisholm Trail Crossing Park: An interactive historical park that offers insights into the city’s pioneer history, featuring authentic log cabins, a blacksmith shop, and interpretive displays.
Round Rock Public Library: If you’re a book lover or want a quiet place to relax, the Round Rock Public Library is an excellent destination.
Inner Space Cavern: Located just outside Round Rock, this fascinating underground cave system offers guided tours, providing a glimpse into the area’s geological history.
Flix Brewhouse: A unique movie theater that also serves food and craft beer, making it a fun and entertaining experience for a night out.
Brushy Creek Lake Park: This park features hiking trails, a lake for fishing and kayaking, as well as beautiful scenery, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
These are just a few highlights of what Round Rock has to offer. Depending on your interests, you can find plenty of other local attractions and activities to enjoy in this vibrant Texas city.
Best Time To Visit Round Rock
The best time to visit Round Rock, Texas, largely depends on your personal preferences and what type of weather and activities you prefer. Here are some considerations for each season:
Spring (March to May): Spring is a popular time to visit Round Rock. The weather is generally pleasant with mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and green landscapes. It’s a great time for outdoor activities like hiking, visiting parks, and exploring the city.
Fall (September to November): Similar to spring, fall offers mild temperatures and comfortable weather. The fall foliage can be beautiful, especially in nearby parks and nature areas. This is a great time to explore outdoor attractions and enjoy local events and festivals.
Winter (December to February): Winters in Round Rock are relatively mild, but there can be occasional cold spells and some rainfall. If you prefer cooler weather and want to avoid crowds, winter can be a good time to visit. It’s also a great time for shopping and indoor activities.
Summer (June to August): Summer in Round Rock can get hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the upper 90s°F (mid-30s°C) and sometimes even higher. If you can handle the heat, summer can still be an enjoyable time to visit, especially if you plan to spend time at water parks, lakes, or indoor attractions with air conditioning.
Keep in mind that Texas weather can be unpredictable at times, and it’s always a good idea to check the local forecast before your trip. If you want to avoid peak tourist seasons and potentially high hotel rates, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Round Rock depends on your interests and tolerance for weather conditions. Each season has its advantages, and you can find enjoyable activities and experiences year-round in this vibrant Texas city.
Things to Do in Round Rock
Round Rock offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors and residents. Here are some of the top things to do in Round Rock:
Visit the Round Rock Donuts: Indulge in the famous oversized glazed donuts at Round Rock Donuts, an iconic local bakery.
Explore Old Settlers Park: This expansive park offers sports fields, playgrounds, walking trails, a fishing lake, and the Rock’N River Family Aquatic Center, a water park perfect for a day of family fun.
Watch a Baseball Game at Dell Diamond: Catch a game at Dell Diamond and cheer for the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers.
Shop at Round Rock Premium Outlets: Enjoy discounted shopping at the Round Rock Premium Outlets, featuring numerous stores and popular brands.
Learn at the Round Rock Public Library: Spend some quiet time or participate in community events at the Round Rock Public Library.
Discover Chisholm Trail Crossing Park: Immerse yourself in Round Rock’s pioneer history with authentic log cabins, a blacksmith shop, and educational displays.
Take a Tour of Inner Space Cavern: Explore the fascinating underground world of Inner Space Cavern with guided tours of the cave system.
Enjoy Nature at Brushy Creek Lake Park: Hike the trails, go fishing or kayaking on the lake, and appreciate the scenic beauty of Brushy Creek Lake Park.
Watch a Movie at Flix Brewhouse: Experience a unique movie-watching experience with food and craft beer served directly to your seat.
Visit Play for All Abilities Park: A fully inclusive park that caters to children of all abilities, offering accessible play structures and features.
Attend Local Events and Festivals: Check out Round Rock’s calendar for various events, festivals, and concerts held throughout the year.
Try Local Restaurants: Explore the diverse culinary scene in Round Rock by trying out various local eateries and restaurants.
Experience Round Rock Express Train: Take a ride on the miniature train located at Old Settlers Park, offering fun for the whole family.
Play Disc Golf: Round Rock has several disc golf courses in its parks, providing a fun and challenging outdoor activity.
Explore Round Rock West Park: Enjoy the park’s amenities, including a disc golf course, basketball courts, picnic areas, and a splash pad.
These are just a few of the many things you can do in Round Rock. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, shopping, dining, or cultural experiences, Round Rock has something to offer for everyone.
How to get around in Round Rock
Getting around in Round Rock is relatively easy and convenient, with various transportation options available. Here are the primary methods of transportation you can use to navigate the city:
Car: Like many cities in Texas, Round Rock is car-oriented, and having a car can provide the most flexibility in getting around. The city has well-maintained roads and highways, making it easy to access different areas. If you’re visiting, you can rent a car from various rental agencies.
Public Transportation: Round Rock offers public transportation services through Capital Metro. The city is served by several bus routes that connect to nearby areas, including Austin. You can check the Capital Metro website for route maps, schedules, and fare information.
Ride-Sharing Services: Services like Uber and Lyft operate in Round Rock, providing an alternative option for getting around the city without a car.
Biking: Round Rock has a growing network of bike lanes and multi-use trails, making it bike-friendly. If you enjoy cycling, biking can be an enjoyable and eco-friendly way to explore the city.
Walking: Many areas in Round Rock, especially the downtown district, are pedestrian-friendly, making walking a viable option for shorter distances.
Round Rock Express Train: As mentioned earlier, you can enjoy a ride on the miniature train located at Old Settlers Park. While it’s more of a recreational activity than a means of public transportation, it can be a fun experience for families with young children.
For visitors, having a car or using ride-sharing services might be the most convenient way to explore Round Rock and its surrounding attractions. However, if you’re staying close to the city center or prefer public transportation, the bus system and biking/walking options can also be practical choices.
Remember to plan your transportation method based on your itinerary and the places you intend to visit in Round Rock.
Where to eat in Round Rock
Round Rock offers a diverse culinary scene with a wide range of dining options to satisfy various tastes and preferences. Here are some popular restaurants and eateries in Round Rock that you might want to try:
Greenhouse Craft Food: A farm-to-table restaurant that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and offers a delicious selection of burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Salt Traders Coastal Cooking: This seafood-focused restaurant serves fresh, Gulf Coast-inspired dishes, including oysters, fish tacos, and shrimp dishes.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen: Known for its Southern-inspired cuisine, this restaurant offers a mix of comfort food and modern twists on classic dishes.
Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q: If you’re craving Texas-style barbecue, Rudy’s is a must-visit spot, offering brisket, ribs, sausage, and more.
Fire in the Hole Pizza: Enjoy wood-fired pizza and craft beer in a casual and friendly atmosphere.
Palermo Pasta House: An Italian restaurant serving authentic pasta dishes and pizzas.
The Scarlet Rabbit: This charming restaurant offers a unique menu with globally inspired dishes and craft cocktails.
Santorini Café: Experience Mediterranean flavors with Greek and Lebanese dishes in a family-owned restaurant.
Tarka Indian Kitchen: If you’re in the mood for Indian cuisine, Tarka serves flavorful curries, biryanis, and naan bread.
Pho Saigon: A popular Vietnamese restaurant known for its delicious pho and other Vietnamese dishes.
Mama Jack’s Burger Shack: This local spot serves juicy burgers and creative milkshakes in a laid-back atmosphere.
Round Rock Donuts: As mentioned before, Round Rock Donuts is a local favorite known for its famous oversized glazed donuts.
These are just a few of the dining options available in Round Rock. Whether you’re craving Texas barbecue, international cuisine, or want to explore local eateries, Round Rock has something to offer for every food lover. Before visiting, you can check reviews and menus online to find the perfect spot to satisfy your taste buds.
Famous street stalls in Round Rock
Here are a few food trucks and stalls that have gained popularity in Round Rock:
Cheesus: This food truck specializes in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with creative combinations and flavors.
Kebabalicious: A popular food truck serving delicious Mediterranean-style kebabs and falafel wraps.
La Pera: Known for their refreshing and flavorful aguas frescas and fruit cups.
Cuban Sandwich Café: Offering authentic Cuban sandwiches and other Cuban-inspired dishes.
Scoops Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor: Not exactly a street stall, but it’s a nostalgic ice cream parlor that serves delicious ice cream treats.
Micklethwait Craft Meats: While not located in Round Rock itself, this well-regarded food truck in nearby Austin is worth mentioning for its mouthwatering barbecue.
Remember that food truck locations can vary, and some may participate in local events and food truck gatherings. Additionally, the food truck scene can change, and new vendors may emerge. So, don’t hesitate to explore and ask locals for their recommendations on the best food trucks and street stalls to try during your visit to Round Rock.
Where to stay in Round Rock
Luxury accommodation
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation options in Round Rock, Texas, there are several upscale hotels and resorts that provide top-notch amenities and services. Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Round Rock:
Austin Marriott North: Located in Round Rock, this upscale Marriott property offers elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a stylish on-site restaurant.
Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center: While not directly in Round Rock, this luxurious Sheraton property is nearby and features modern rooms, a beautiful pool area, and a full-service spa.
Hyatt Place Austin/Round Rock: This Hyatt Place hotel offers spacious rooms with modern decor, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.
Hilton Garden Inn Austin/Round Rock: This Hilton property provides comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.
Aloft Austin Round Rock: A trendy and modern hotel, Aloft offers loft-inspired rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a vibrant lounge area.
Courtyard by Marriott Austin Round Rock: With contemporary rooms and upscale amenities, this Marriott property includes a fitness center, outdoor pool, and a stylish lobby area.
Residence Inn Austin Round Rock: This extended-stay hotel features spacious suites with full kitchens, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.
These luxury accommodations offer a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Additionally, some of them are conveniently located near popular attractions, dining options, and shopping areas in Round Rock and the surrounding areas. Before booking, be sure to check the hotel’s website or contact them directly to confirm their current offerings and availability.
Where to stay in Round Rock
Budget accommodation
If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation options in Round Rock, Texas, you’ll find several hotels and motels that offer affordable rates without compromising on basic amenities. Here are some budget accommodation choices in Round Rock:
Red Roof Inn Austin – Round Rock: This budget-friendly hotel provides simple and comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and is pet-friendly.
Days Inn by Wyndham Round Rock: Offering affordable rooms, this hotel features an outdoor pool, free breakfast, and easy access to nearby attractions.
Motel 6 Round Rock: Known for its budget-friendly rates, Motel 6 provides straightforward accommodation with modern amenities.
Extended Stay America – Austin – Round Rock – North: Suitable for extended stays, this hotel offers kitchenettes in the rooms, laundry facilities, and complimentary grab-and-go breakfast.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Round Rock: This budget hotel provides comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and an outdoor pool.
Super 8 by Wyndham Round Rock: With affordable rates, this hotel features basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast.
Comfort Suites Round Rock: While not the most budget-friendly option on this list, it occasionally offers competitive rates for a comfortable stay, including an indoor pool and hot tub.
When booking budget accommodation, it’s essential to check reviews and ratings from other guests to ensure that the place meets your expectations. Additionally, consider the location’s proximity to your planned activities and the availability of public transportation or parking options if you have a car.
Keep in mind that room rates may vary depending on the season and local events, so it’s always a good idea to compare prices and book in advance for the best deals.
Travel Tips Round Rock
Traveling to Round Rock can be an enjoyable experience. Here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your trip:
Weather Considerations: Round Rock experiences hot summers, mild winters, and occasional rain throughout the year. Be prepared for the weather, especially during the summer months, by dressing appropriately and staying hydrated.
Accommodation: Consider booking your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or if there are local events happening in the area.
Transportation: If you plan to explore the city and its surroundings, having a car or using ride-sharing services can provide flexibility and convenience. Public transportation options like Capital Metro buses are available for those without a car.
Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local food, including Texas barbecue and other regional specialties. Round Rock offers a diverse culinary scene with options for all tastes and budgets.
Outdoor Activities: Round Rock has several parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy. Pack comfortable shoes and clothing if you plan to explore nature trails or participate in outdoor activities.
Events and Festivals: Check the local event calendar before your trip to see if any festivals, concerts, or community events are happening during your stay. Attending local events can provide a unique and enriching experience.
Safety: Round Rock is generally a safe city, but it’s always wise to exercise caution and keep your belongings secure. Take normal travel precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Explore Nearby Areas: Round Rock is conveniently located near Austin and other interesting destinations in Central Texas. Consider taking day trips to nearby attractions for a well-rounded travel experience.
Plan for Rainy Days: While Texas is known for its sunny weather, rain can occur unexpectedly. Bring an umbrella or rain jacket, just in case.
Local Etiquette: Respect local customs and practices, and be courteous to residents and fellow travelers.
Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest travel advisories and local guidelines, especially in times of ongoing events or situations that might affect your trip.
Remember to be open to new experiences and embrace the local culture and lifestyle during your time in Round Rock. Enjoy your trip and make lasting memories!