16 Exciting Things To Do In Buda Texas
Are you looking for some exciting things to do in Buda, Texas? Wondering what to see in Buda, TX?
Awesome! You are in the right spot. We were able to get the complete tour of the city of Buda Texas from my sister who has lived in the area for over 20 years.
We have visited Buda more times than we can count but it was so fun being a Buda, TX tourist!
We loved visiting downtown Buda and trying out all the delicious Buda restaurants. There are some fun places to eat in Buda Texas! We also explored the town of Buda, TX, and had so much fun!’
In this post, we are going to list out some of the best things to do in Buda Texas. This will include some of the best places to eat in Buda, historic sites in Buda Texas, and fun things to do near Buda TX!
Let’s explore all of the fun and extremely cute things to do in Buda Texas!
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Where is Buda Texas?
Buda Texas (not pronounced like the Buddha but buuuDA. Buda is located just south of Austin, Texas about 14 miles or an 18-minute drive and north of San Antonio.
You might be thinking about moving to this area. Maybe buying land or buying a house in Buda? Probably not thinking about a vacation to the little small town!
Well, either way, this may help you decide if visiting Buda or perhaps living here is the right choice for you!
This area is close to what is known as Hill Country and when I say country I mean country. Let’s explore some of the things to do in Buda Texas.
1. Breakfast Taco Tour
One thing you need to know is breakfast tacos are a staple religion in Texas. Everyone eats them and loves them! There are many locations around the Austin area that claim to have the best around.
Helen’s Casa Alde
Helen’s Casa Alde located in Buda makes the cut with their amazing breakfast taco called the “FATTIE” and it is definitely worth the drive to try one of these delicious Texan specialties.
As part of your day, tour, or hot breakfast date in Buda, Texas make sure to stop by multiple locations and do a taste testing and decide which location you like the best! If you do this let us know in the comments!
We always visit Helen’s we are visiting Buda, TX. It is so good and worth stopping by! If you are looking for tasty food and exciting Things to Do in Buda Texas, start with a taco tour!
2. Downtown Buda – Things to Do in Buda Texas
Downtown Buda, Texas is really cute. It has a very historical charm that you don’t find very many places. Buda is a growing city but still keeps the downtown area as quaint as ever.
It really will not take you more than a couple of hours to walk along in the downtown area. I love that it is close together and has easy access to all the stores without having to travel far. It is one of my favorite things to do in Buda Texas
3. Water Towers
Check out these water towers (pictured above and below). I grew up in Oklahoma with water towers, but in Utah where I live now, they do not exist. When I travel and see them I really love them!
If you are wondering what to see in Buda, just look up!
This is one of the best things to see in Buda!
4. Buda Texas Antiques
If you love to antique shop, Buda, Texas has lots of antique shops. Antique Shop on Main is an outdoor store with a variety of old-timey signs and handmade crafts.
Antique shopping is a great thing to do in Buda Texas!
The Little House on Main/ Little BlueBird
You will probably want to check out The Little House on Main and Little BlueBird as well. These stores not only have antiques but are more boutiques with cute crafts and decor. You will fall in love with it!
5. Mockingbird Furniture Maker
Mockingbird is a furniture maker located in downtown Buda, Texas. How cool is that?!
I guess I don’t live in an area where you can have furniture handmade. I also just loved the sign and couldn’t resist taking a picture!
6. Carrington House
I love touring historical homes. In the late 1800s this house, which is now known as the Carrington house, was a hotel where train passengers could get a meal and board for the night.
According to popular legend, two sisters who had lost their husbands ran the Carrington Hotel. They were known for cooking the best food in central Texas. Many people would stop on their way to San Antonio.
A Little Buda Texas History
The name Buda evolved from the Spanish word for widow, viuda. Buda was supposedly named after the sisters who started the Carrington Hotel, if you would like to read more about Buda Texas History it is very interesting.
7. Food Trucks and Fun
As you walk downtown you will come to an area with cute food trucks called the Rail Crossing.
Snowball’s Chance
Snowball’s Chance is a snow cone stand that serves up velvety smooth shave ice that is just as delicious as what I’ve had in Hawaii! You can even buy a couple of snowballs to throw at the targets!
Snowball Targets
If you have been to Texas in the summer you know it gets hot! Visiting a snowcone stand is where it is at! My kids love them! This is one of the best things to do in Buda Texas in summer!
8. Buda Mill and Grain – Things to Do in Buda Texas
Buda Mill and Grain is a business district in Buda. I love the exterior décor of all the buildings and shops.
Elipsis Boutique and Nate’s
Stop by for some shopping at the Elipsis Boutique and then over to Nate’s for a cold drink and a sandwich. This development is filled with fun stores, a salon, and even a yoga studio. The design and architecture is gorgeous!
This Buda Mill and Grain website has some really cool history and pictures.
9. Buda Drugstore and Soda Fountain – Things to Do in Buda Texas
I love this cup because if you read closely it says wiener dog races. (You can find it at Buda Drug Store.)
Thie Wiener Dog Races are a huge event in Buda. It is perfect for the whole family to join. If you live nearby or just happen to be traveling through this is a must-do in Buda. Check out this video at Buda City Park in Hays county!
The original Soda Fountain has old-time candy and yummy Blue Bell Ice Cream. If you are not from Texas or the area and you haven’t tried Blue Bell you are in for a treat. In Utah we do not have it, so we love to indulge in Texas! This is the perfect activity for a warm day in Buda!
This is the best place to get some delicious sweets!
10. Buda Texas Train Tracks
Located right outside the Drug Store and Soda Fountain is the original train tracks that have been bringing people to Buda since the 1800s.
There’s no longer a train stop in Buda but you will see lots of trains pass through and hear them blowing their horns as you stroll around downtown. This is a big hit for some of the train lovers in our family!
Penny on the Track
What better way to spend your time in a small town than to put a penny on a train track and wait for it to get smashed! (Don’t worry we were really really safe! We left while the train crossed and drove back by later on to pick up our pennies)
11. Award Winning Buda Library – Things to do in Buda Texas
The Buda, Texas library is new and has just been awarded the Urban Land Institute Best Public Place Award. This alone may convince you to move to Buda. Such a great resource for a small town!
If you get a chance, go check it out and be sure to admire its beautiful architecture!
12. Maverick’s Dance Hall – Things to Do in Buda Texas
Image courtesy of Maverick Dance Hall
I’m so excited to add this to my top things to do in Buda post! This venue is officially open!
George Straight hosted a pre- opening event for first responders at the Buda location! I’m excited to go and check it out next time I am in town and when I do I will give you more information!
13. Cabela’s In Buda, Texas – Things to Do in Buda Texas
Image courtesy of Buda Tourism
Cabela’s in Buda, Texas is worth checking out. If you are unfamiliar with Cabela’s it is an outdoor superstore. Cabela’s offer’s more than just a shopping experience, there is an aquarium, taxidermy museum, and a shooting range game area.
We love stopping at Cabela’s with our kids because they love looking around and seeing all the animals. We also love to eat some of the delicious snacks they offer. Cabela’s fudge is so yummy! Visiting Cabela’s is a must if you are in Buda Texas!
Things to Do Near Buda Texas
We decided to drive a few short miles to some surrounding towns. This tour was so fun and could easily be added to your day in Buda. Let’s check out these great locations.
14. Driftwood Texas
If you love finding small-town treasures and mouth-watering Barbeque you are going to love what we found as we headed west of Buda into Driftwood, Texas.
These sites are quaint little historical sites and some are still in operation.
15. The Salt Lick BBQ
Located in Driftwood, Texas this may be one of the most famous BBQ joints around Austin, Texas. It is a drive into the country to get the best food around.
Salt Lick has been around since 1967. It has earned a great reputation for its moist brisket, ribs, sausage, and even homemade blackberry cobbler (ala mode..bluebell of course!)
The grounds around Saltlick are beautiful. We had a chance to walk around and enjoy ourselves!
Grounds at Saltlick
The restaurant itself is very nice with gardens and a rustic feel but, if you drive down the street a little more there is a beautiful property owned by Salt Lick. It is where they host weddings and other events. There is a waterfall and park.
Of all the fun things to do in Texas with kids, we like this one a lot. It is such a great place to run around and have fun.
16. The Hays City Store in Driftwood
Are you Ready For Some Exciting Things to Do in Buda Texas?
Hopefully, this helps you plan a fun day in Buda TX! We loved our visit. There are some great things to do in Buda Texas!
If you are looking for other great day trips in Central Texas check out my Family Fun things to do in Austin , Largest Gas Station in the World Buc-ee’s, Canyon Lake Texas Hill Country, and My Magnolia Market posts!
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We love small towns and the interesting finds you can usually stumble upon. We will keep Buda, Texas in mind if we ever find ourselves in that part of the country!
Oh good!
Sounds like a great area – with lots to do! Definitely my kind of place.
It was a fun town to visit!
Wow. Buda, TX looks amazing! You had me at Breakfast taco! ha! 🙂
Breakfast Tacos are amazing! I wish we had them in Utah!
I love small towns and I love that you found so much to do! Great post!
It helps that my sister has lived there for a really long time and took us on an amazing tour!
Love discovering all the charming things to do in small towns (and thanks for the pronunciation)…those bakery goods look amazing!
They were yummy, the frosting was really good!
Show there is more to do than you know in a small town! Chocolate cake liked really good!
It was really good! Especially after being on a low carb diet all summer!
Those breakfast tacos look legit! What a quirky town with cute name too. I enjoy hidden gems with yummy food like this
Texas has the best food!
You had me at cake! Yum…
I know those sweet cakes are delicious!
We plan on going to Austin in the near future, looks like we need to add a day or two to visit Buda, such charm. Will keep this post for reference.
I would drive out to the Salt Lick for Dinner. You will love it!
Amazing what interesting places you can find if you just look. I’ll have to try that with the towns around me!
Yes, finding the little things!
I’ve never heard of Buda Texas before but it sounds like a pretty great small town. Love the look of those breakfast tacos. Yum!
The breakfast taco’s are very good!
Always fun exploring new places!
Yes, I love exploring new places!
So much to do. Looks like a trip is in order.
Who would have thought! This is a fun day trip from Austin!
I like small towns. I’d go there just for the food trucks. And the breakfast tacos. And the ice cream. I may find time for the antique shopping while I’m eating.
I am with you! I love finding good food choices!
Texas Hill Country is amazing! Those tacos make us want one now. Buds may have just made our travel list.
What a charming town! And with all that good food too.
Such an adorable town! I would love to visit there! Those breakfast tacos look amazing, and all of those shops are just soooooo right up my alley! Great post!
I know it is so adorable and there is some yummy food!
Girl! You had me at Breakfast taco tour!! WHAT?? I absolutely love that!!! well cactus in a boot is pretty cute too!
Thanks!I know a taco tour is awesome!
Small town are the best to go check out. This looks like it would be a lot of fun.
It was a fun trip!
What a great little town! I can’t wait to have tacos in Texas!! Thank you for sharing, I always appreciate small towns.
Yes, you need those tacos!
So many people are going to Waco these days, but this looks like a really fun place to go!
It is only about 2 hours away from Waco!
Coming from a small town, I love to see other small towns and add them to my travel list! Thanks for sharing!
No Problem!
What a sweet destination–made even more so by all those cakes! I love small towns and local businesses; they’re often where you have the very best experiences. This place can go on our RV travel route–when we ever get an RV!
Worth a stop! It’s in between San Antonio and Austin!
Looks like a cute little town. If it has tacos, ice cream and wiener dog races – that makes is awesomely cute!
I know! I want to see the wiener dog races!
What a cute town!! Tacos, bakeries, the old Texaco station!! Love it all!!
I know such a cute town!
What a charming town! I really want to go see the wiener dog races!! My daughters go to school at Baylor, so it’s not too far away! Other than the university, I’d rather go be in Buda than Waco any day!
That is funny! I am a fan of Joanna Gaines so I love going to Magnolia Market!
This place looks amazing. I’d love to visit Texas someday. Those cakes! ?not sure I could do a taco for breakfast, though! Lol
The breakfast tacos had potato’s, sausage,bacon and cheese. It was delicious!
I love old fashion drug stores with soda fountains. I grew up with one in my home town. My dad took my sisters and I every Tuesday night. The town looks charming. Oh and that cake! I had to chuckle at the Seahawks flag at the antique store,
I know! Texans love Seattle I guess!
I love it when people share beautiful stories about small towns like this. Buda seems a perfect place to visit as it has that small town feel. Easy to walk around, you can talk to the locals and visit their quaint shops.
On a side note, that breakfast burrito is making me hungry 🙂
I agree 100%!
I love unknown/unpopular destinations. There is just something wonderful about going somewhere that not many people have been too. I have never heard of Buda, TX. What was a little funny to me was that the Antique store had Seatle Seahawks flags….that was interesting – in TEXAS!
I didn’t even notice! That is funny!
Great information! I’ve lived in Texas in the past and definitely miss it some times! (on another note…now I want cake! lol)
Me too!
Small towns hold the most treasures 🙂 Love the penny on the tracks…coming from small towns most of my life had me chuckling remembering some of the antics we did out of boredom. Love it!
My kids loved doing that!
Cute little town – though you had my attention with those breakfast taco’s and all those delish cake flavours!
I know right! Food speaks!
I’ve never heard of Buda, but what a cute town! Snowball’s Chance is just too funny of a name 🙂 And Weiner Dog races?!? We just rescued a mutt that is part Weiner Dog, so I have to go visit (and maybe pick up a mug)! Thanks for the write-up.
It is a great day trip from Austin!
What a cute little town. You wouldn’t think there would be that much there to do and eat. Wow.
I know right!
This is so sweet! I really want to come see all of this! Wonderful.
It is a great day trip from Austin.
What a great little town! Those cakes look amazing and delicious.
So good!
What a fun small town! Makes me want some breakfast tacos!!
I want to go back and gets some too!
One if my favorite small towns is in Texas. I think small towns just have a special something, probably because it’s not loud or busy. That bar looks fun.
I love the feel of the whole town!
Small towns are so charming! I’ve never heard of Buda Texas but it looks like a fun place to spend the day.
It was a fun visit but it is even better with cousins!
I have always seen Buda on the map, but never knew much about it. We visit Austin often and will have to add Buda to the list now. Thank you!
It will be a fun little day trip from awesome!
Great post! We look forward to visiting Buda the next time we are in that area of Texas.
The food is worth it!
OMG! The WEINER DOG RACES! I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants! LOL! Now you got me putting Buda, TX on my bucket list to go visit! What a quaint little small town! Thanks for posting!
I know I want to see those races!
I love little towns like this – so much history and so many unique things to explore. That snowcone stand, though – AWESOME! I love it. LOL. Thanks for sharing this part of your Texas travels with us!
No problem!
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I’ve never heard of Buda Texas, but it sounds like a great place to visit. I think I would head right towards the Salt Lick BBQ. I’ve been craving some good BBQ lately!
That place is famous! You would love it!
Buda looks like a lovely little town. I am always enamored by Texas. And of course, the desserts look amazing!
Bring on the dessert! Love eating at cute places like that!
Never been to Texas, this looks like a good place to start! I will have to add Texas to my list! Thanks!
Texas is a great place! Buda is a cute little town!
Wiener dog races are so much fun. It’s hysterical to watch. Buda, Texas seems to be a great small town to explore.
I want to go to the wiener dog races! My sister has one!
You had me at breakfast taco tour and BBQ!
I know Texas Barbeque is amazing! Taco tour was incredible as well!
Love Texas for sure! Desert is so good. Thanks for sharing.
I love the good food in Texas!