Day Trip Around Austin 🌊🕊️🚗

We kicked off our day with a 3-hour drive to Rockport Beach — a serene coastal gem perfect for birdwatching, soaking up the sun, and listening to the gentle waves. One magical moment: watching a heron catch and devour a stingray right before our eyes! Nature truly is the best show. Our scenic route back took us through a string of charming towns: Rockport Beach → Refugio → Cuero → Luling 🏰 Refugio – Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church Built in 1793, this Romanesque-Gothic Revival church is a living piece of history. From a Spanish mission station to an Irish immigrant community, and now a parish church — it’s a beautiful dialogue across time and culture. As I stepped out, a sweet grandmother smiled and asked, "Are you watching the birds?" — but I heard "You look like a bird!" 😂🕊️ So wholesome! ⛪ Cuero – The Town of Churches Every corner in Cuero seems to reveal another stunning church — simple, graceful, and full of small-town charm. 🍖 Luling – Modern BBQ Goodness We wrapped up our trip at Luling Bar-B-Q, known for its high-quality Angus brisket smoked with mesquite wood. A flavorful, satisfying end to a day of exploration! A day filled with nature, history, and hearty food — the perfect Texas road trip! #SanAntonio #HiddenGems #AustinDayTrip #SmallTownTexas #TexasBBQ #TravelTexas