Want to plan a fantastic family getaway without having to worry about the high cost of airfare? Thankfully our beautiful home state of Texas has everything to offer within a drive from Austin — beaches, lakes, the gorgeous Hill Country, or even deserts and mountains to our west.

When you want to plan the ultimate family vacation, you can look to HomeAway for thousands of rental listings that offer all the comforts of home. Book your stay online then pack up the car and get away from it all (whether for along weekend or a big trip) to explore some pretty amazing destinations right here in Texas.

Check out these available HomeAway rental properties to keep in mind for your next family vacation:

–> Lake Tawakoni
A secluded cabin on the lake is just what your family needs (located approximately 4 hours from Austin). Parents can sleep in the master bedroom downstairs and the kids can sleep in the upstairs loft equipped with one queen bed, two twin beds and room for a queen sized air mattress. Sleeps 8; $188 average/night.

cute cabin on Lake Tawakoni


–> Lake Palestine
Spend your nights gathered around the fire pit overlooking the panoramic views of the Lake Palestine (approximately 4 hours from Austin) and rock on the porch of this waterfront cottage in the morning, taking in the sights of the beautiful East Texas sunrise. Sleeps 6; $163 average/night.

Waterfront home on the shores of Lake Palestine


–> Lake Aquilla
Discover the relaxation at Trinity Trails Ranch, 24 acres of forested land located in the heart of Texas on Lake Aquilla where you can go boating, fishing, and hiking (approximately 2 hours from Austin). Sleeps 10; $199 average/night.

Peaceful cabin at Trinity Trails Ranch, Adjacent To Lake Aquilla


–> Big Bend National Park
Trade in the city lights for starry nights at one of Texas’ most beautiful landmarks: Big Bend (approximately 7 hours from Austin).

— You won’t find a TV in this house. This historic hilltop home is the perfect way to “unplug” and enjoy the unobstructed views and peaceful sounds of the desert. Sleeps 6; $207 average/night.

Historic House On Remote Scenic Hilltop Near Big Bend

—  Make memories and unwind in this Spirit of Texas home custom built in true adobe style. Tell stories by the firepit and get together for a home-cooked meal on the Texas-sized front porch. Sleeps 4, $160 avg/night.

Relax in the Spirit of Texas where everything is Big. Big skies, Big views, Big Bend


–> Boerne
Less than a 2-hour drive from Austin is Boerne, a Texas Hill Country treasure. Don’t leave without browsing the quaint shops on Main Street or exploring the “Cave Without a Name.”

— This restored home is located just steps away from historic Main Street in downtown Boerne. This home is full of character and your kids will love sitting on the porch sipping a glass of iced tea. Sleeps 4, $121 avg/night

Steps from Main Street Boerne

— Sip on some hot cocoa under the outdoor twinkle-light seating area. This charming cottage is only a short walk from downtown Boerne. Sleeps 4,$195 avg/night

Charming renovated cottage with great amenities

 


 


–> San Antonio
After a long day of strolling the Riverwalk or riding the roller coasters at Six Flags Fiesta, relax by the pool in this renovated mid-century modern home (approximately 2 hours from Austin). Sleeps 8; $224 average/night.

Uptown San Antonio home with heated Pool


–> South Padre Island
Take a break from your busy schedule to enjoy the pristine beaches at South Padre Island (approximately 5.5 hours from Austin). You can drive across the scenic Queen Isabella Causeway over to Port Isabel on the mainland where you can take in the spectacular view from the historic lighthouse, do some shopping in Lighthouse Square, or cast a line from the Pirate’s Landing fishing pier!

— This second-story beach house is just minutes from the beach. This home is large enough for six family members and even welcomes your four-legged friend! Sleeps 6, $102 avg/night.

Bring along your furry family member to this dog-friendly beach house

— This South Padre beach house is only a short walk to the ocean and even has its own private pool that your kids will love! Sleeps 10, $230 avg/night

Relax in your private pool at this home just a 1/2 block to the beach


–> Inks Lake
This charming cottage sits right on Inks Lake resides in the most private area of the Highland Lakes chain (approximately 1.5 hours from Austin). Built in 1951 and remodeled in 2012, it is the perfect spot for your next family getaway with access to fishing from the dock or bird watching from the patio. Easy day-trips can also be made to San Antonio, Austin, Llano and Fredericksburg. Sleeps 8, $200 average/night.

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Inks Lake at this home


–> Lake LBJ
This lakefront property sits on the cove side only 100 yards away from the open waters of Lake LBJ (approximately 1.5 hours from Austin). The protected cove behind the property is perfect for recreational activities like swimming, fishing and floating. Being in between Marble Falls and Kingsland allows for this home to be close to shopping, grocery stores and more. Sleeps 14; $375 average/night

Watch the kids swim and the boats go by from the sundeck of this Lake LBJ home

Feeling inspired to plan a getaway? We sure are! No matter where or when you want to escape, HomeAway has SO many awesome listings for the perfect family vacation. You can visit HomeAway.com and search by location and travel dates.

Get out there and enjoy some family fun and make some happy travel memories!