When most of my motorcycle buddies talk about target riding destinations, they typically discuss regions on the East or West coasts. They discuss most notably California and areas across the Southeast, such as the areas where Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina meet.
But how about Texas, and specifically, Austin? I’ve traveled there multiple times for motorcycle launches, most occurring at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), which hosts the only American round in MotoGP. And although I love that track, my favorite memories of Austin motorcycle were while touring the city and the general regions.
Austin delivers everything a rider could want: twisty Hill Country backroads, challenging off-road sections, and a nightlife scene that keeps the energy going long after the bikes are parked for the evening.
Throw in legendary Texas BBQ, biker-friendly spots like The Salt Lick, and iconic stretches like Lime Creek Road or the Willow City Loop, and you've got the ultimate riding destination that is the gateway to the Southwest.
Whether you're ripping through the Hill Country on a BMW GS or soaking up the Austin skyline on a Harley Street Glide, there’s no better way to experience Texas than on two wheels.
Austin is also one of our top motorcycle rental locations; many fly in for events like the Grand Prix of the Americas at COTA and rent a bike to make life easier.
The following are some of the must-do routes, BBQs, and motorcycle-friendly spots to visit while riding in Austin.
Best Motorcycle Routes Around Austin
This section presents eight motorcycle routes around Austin with some quick details. Each ride includes the distance, key highlights, and recommended start-and-stop points, helping you plan a ride that fits your schedule and interests. Use your GPS or Google Maps and create your own customized route with each.
Whether you prefer short, twisty roads or longer rips through the desert landscapes, these routes offer a straightforward guide to exploring the Texas Hill Country by motorcycle.
1. Lime Creek Road
- Distance: 20 miles
- Highlights: Tight corners, scenic hill country views, and lakeside roads
- Why Ride It? An exhilarating short ride featuring dynamic turns and elevation changes—perfect for a quick spin before enjoying some Austin BBQ.
- Best Start & Stop Tip:
- Start: Begin at the well-marked parking area at the northern entrance of Lime Creek Road (near the intersection with the main highway in the western Austin suburbs).
- Stop: Conclude your ride at the lakeside viewpoint, where you can safely park, take a breather, and enjoy the scenic water vistas.
2. Willow City Loop
- Distance: 55 miles
- Highlights: Rolling hills, spring wildflowers (especially bluebonnets), and smooth pavement
- Why Ride It? A typical Hill Country loop that transforms every spring into a vibrant display of wildflowers.
- Best Start & Stop Tip:
- Start: Begin at the designated parking lot off a primary feeder road (often accessed via Ranch Road 31), where you can gather a quick map or local tips.
- Stop: End your loop at the same parking area to make the most of a leisurely afternoon, allowing extra time to wander through wildflower fields.
3. The Twisted Sisters (Ranch Roads 335, 336, 337)
- Distance: 100+ miles
- Highlights: Sweeping curves, significant elevation changes, and a true Texas backroad experience
- Why Ride It? A full-day adventure that challenges your riding skills and rewards you with expansive views of Texas Hill Country.
- Best Start & Stop Tip:
- Start: Kick off your journey at a local hub (often recommended is a small community parking area where these ranch roads converge) to get route insights and a safety briefing from local riders.
- Stop: Conclude your ride at the same starting point, ensuring you complete the loop fully—this makes for an ideal spot to grab a hearty meal at a local diner and swap stories with fellow riders.
4. Park Road 4 to Inks Lake
- Distance: 40 miles
- Highlights: Smooth pavement, beautiful hill country scenery, and a relaxing ride
- Why Ride It? A balanced mix of twisty segments and open stretches, perfect for unwinding after high-energy rides.
- Best Start & Stop Tip:
- Start: Begin at the Park Road 4 entrance near the Inks Lake State Park parking lot—this allows for a pre-ride inspection and a quick refresh before setting off.
- Stop: Finish near the Inks Lake trailhead, where you can take a walk along the lake’s edge, enjoy a picnic, or simply reflect on the ride.
5. Lake Travis Loop
- Distance: Approximately 70 miles
- Highlights: Lakeside curves, desert-edge vistas, and brilliant sunsets over Lake Travis
- Why Ride It? Encircling one of Texas’ most iconic reservoirs, this route offers a memorable mix of fast straights and scenic twisties.
- Best Start & Stop Tip:
- Start: Begin your loop in the Lakeway area, where several scenic pull-offs are accessible, and the roads are well-marked for riders.
- Stop: Conclude your ride in the Vista area along Lake Travis—perfect for watching a sunset and perhaps stopping at a local café for refreshments.
6. Hill Country Explorer: Austin to Fredericksburg
- Distance: About 80 miles one-way (with round-trip options)
- Highlights: Varied terrain, quaint small-town vibes, vineyards, and historic sites
- Why Ride It? Combining a scenic ride with cultural enrichment, this route lets you experience both the natural beauty of the Hill Country and the charm of historic Fredericksburg.
- Best Start & Stop Tip:
- Start: Set off from Austin’s west side near the intersection with US-290—a smooth transition into the countryside.
- Stop: End your ride in Fredericksburg’s historic downtown, where local wineries, eateries, and shops invite you to unwind and savor the day’s adventure.
7. Mansfield Dam Loop
- Distance: Approximately 45 miles
- Highlights: Scenic river views, gentle curves, and expansive rural landscapes
- Why Ride It? A quieter route that’s ideal for riders looking for a relaxed outing with subtle curves and breathtaking natural scenery.
- Best Start & Stop Tip:
- Start: Begin at the Mansfield Dam parking area, which offers ample space for a pre-ride check and a clear route layout.
- Stop: Finish at the same dam.
8. Enchanted Rock Scenic Ride
- Distance: Roughly 70 miles round-trip from Austin
- Highlights: Rugged granite formations, expansive hill country vistas, and a touch of adventure
- Why Ride It? Ideal for those seeking a blend of challenging curves and natural wonder, leading to one of Texas’ most unique landmarks.
- Best Start & Stop Tip:
- Start: Begin at the designated parking lot at the entrance of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area—ideally early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and beat the crowds.
- Stop: Wrap up your ride at the same parking area after exploring the park’s trails on foot, giving you time to reflect on the day's adventure and maybe snap some photos of the dramatic landscape.
Best BBQ & Motorcycle Friendly Stops
After a long ride, nothing beats legendary Texas BBQ or a cold drink at a biker-friendly joint. Here are some of the best spots in Austin where motorcyclists are always welcome.
1. Franklin Barbecue
- Why Go? Frequently rated one of the best BBQ spots in the country. Expect long lines, but it’s worth the wait.
- Must-Try: The brisket—arguably the best in Texas.
2. The Salt Lick BBQ (Driftwood, TX)
- Why Go? A Texas BBQ institution, just a short ride from Austin in Driftwood. It’s a scenic ride with plenty of space for bikes.
- Must-Try: The sausage and beef ribs.
3. Javelina
- Why Go? This bar and grill on Rainey Street has great food, strong drinks, and a chill biker-friendly atmosphere.
- Must-Try: The pulled pork sliders.
4. The Mean Eyed Cat
- Why Go? A dive bar dedicated to Johnny Cash with a biker-friendly crowd and live music.
- Must-Try: The local craft beers and BBQ sliders.
5. Hill Country Motorheads Motorcycle Museum (Burnet, Texas)
- Why Go? A must-visit for any motorcycle enthusiast. This museum showcases classic bikes and vintage memorabilia.
- Must-See: Rare and vintage motorcycles, including classic Harleys and Hondas.
Whether you’re in Austin for MotoGP or just looking for the best motorcycle rides in Texas, this city has it all. Scenic routes, world-class BBQ, and biker-friendly spots make it a top destination for any rider.
Ready to ride? Book your perfect motorcycle now with and experience Austin like never before!
