Home to three National Register Historic Districts, Georgetown serves as the seat of Williamson County, just a short drive north of Austin. It was founded around Texas’ oldest university, Southwestern University, which still exists today and is renowned for its Fountainwood Observatory. Georgetown is named after a businessman who donated land for the town, George Washington Glasscock.
Things to do in Georgetown
Spend an afternoon wandering around the Williamson County Courthouse Historic District, which is named after the Beaux-Arts-style building at its heart. Designed by Charles Henry Page in 1909, the courthouse is fronted by the Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Also within the district are the Williamson County Jail and the High Victorian-style M.B. Lockett Building.
For a dose of local history, visit the Williamson Museum, which is housed within a beautiful old Farmers State Bank building. Browse the cultural artefacts and historic photographs on display or coincide your visit with one of the monthly hands-on events. The Williamson Museum also serves as the departure point for tours of the Williamson County Courthouse.
Hugging the bank of the San Gabriel River is the Pickett Trail, a scenic walking path that winds its way through Blue Hole Park. The green space is named after a picturesque lagoon framed by limestone bluffs where you can swim in the summer months. Further south is Chautauqua Park, which features a children’s playground, basketball courts and a picnic pavilion.
Getting around Georgetown
Georgetown is a 45-minute drive from Austin and 40 minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America and Europe. Buses connect to Georgetown, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the city. The Williamson County Courthouse Historic District is ideally navigated on foot.