Austinites adore their Texan heritage, but this fair city doesn't always feel like the wild west. If you're yearning to kick up your heels and spend time on the range, head out to Bandera, Texas. This gorgeous place sits just outside of San Antonio, and it's loaded with history. Explore the ranches, learn about its frontier days, and maybe even purchase a pair of boots. The cowboy capital of the world is near Austin, and it's a thrilling weekend adventure.

Bandera was once the starting point for a massive cattle drive. Hundreds of cowboys passed through this area, which helped this city earn its beloved nickname.

Today, people flock to The Cowboy Capital for the ranches and wide open spaces. If you're craving the authentic experience, pay a visit to The Dixie Dude Ranch.

You can stay the night in rustic comfort and spend your days riding horses. After a lovely day outdoors, you can ease your tense muscles with a luxurious massage.

You'll find this amazing place at 833 Dixie Dude Ranch Road.

You can't come to Bandera without a pair of cowboy boots! If you need to liven up your wardrobe, head over to the Bandera General Store.

This down-home shop is packed floor-to-ceiling with amazing leather goods. Here, you'll find authentic cowboy hats, rare antiques, and gorgeous jewelry. They also have tons of locally made salsas and jams.

The Bandera General Store is located at 306 Main Street. They're open from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday - Thursday and 10 am to 6 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

You can dive deeper into Bandera's rich history at The Frontier Times Museum.

This cozy museum is home to amazing relics from the past. Come and gape at 1800s photographs, fascinating artifacts, and stunning pieces of art.

The Frontier Times Museum is located at 510 13th St. They're open from 10 am to 4:30 pm every Monday - Saturday.

Silver Spur Guest Ranch is also full of Texas fun. Get your family together for a scenic horseback ride or dig for arrowheads in the fossil pit. There's so much to discover at this exciting attraction.

You won't want to miss out on Silver Spur Guest Ranch's historical hay rides. This unique excursion takes you through the stunning State Natural Area. At the end of the trip, you'll stop to feed the longhorns. It doesn't get any more Texas than this!

Come see why Texans adore the Cowboy Capital Of The World.

Bandera, Texas is only a two hour drive away from Austin. For detailed directions, check out this map.

Looking for more day trip destinations? These are the 10 very best places you can visit near Austin.