It’s Summer! 15 Texas Hill Country Day Trips to Take
Immerse yourself in the charm of small Texas towns, explore historic landmarks, savor local flavors, unwind at a spa retreat, and discover breathtaking outdoor wonders.
Dripping Springs
Step into the 1850’s at Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead Museum and trace the history of Dripping Springs. Take an orchard tour and taste olive oils at Texas Hill Country Olive Co. Get pool passes for the day or stay overnight at Camp Lucy, a sprawling luxury resort nestled on a bluff overlooking Onion Creek. At Dreamland, play mini-golf and pickleball, see outdoor art installations and watch a live concert.
Driftwood
Savor slow-cooked pork ribs at The Salt Lick BBQ and sample wines at neighboring Salt Lick Cellars. Follow the Driftwood Wine Trail and try wines at six scenic wineries. Sample sotol, an earthy Texas spirit, at Desert Door Distillery. Stroll around at Vista Brewing. Stop by Hays City Store & Ice House for live music, local eats and 50+ beers on tap.
Lakeway
Stay at the family-friendly Lakeway Resort and Spa, the only resort on Lake Travis. Just outside Lakeway, experience the all-inclusive Lake Austin Spa Resort, named the #3 destination spa resort in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler. Also near Lakeway is the 220-acre Miraval Austin, offering wellness packages that include spa services and gourmet meals.
Johnson City
Tour the LBJ Ranch and see the 36th president’s childhood home at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Hike or bike the many trails with water views at Pedernales Falls State Park. Taste wines, dine at a brewery, listen to live music and plan for some pampering at Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa. Or take a tour of the Garrison Brothers Distillery and taste sweet mash right from the stills at the state’s oldest bourbon distillery. Kids will have fun learning as they explore technology-based exhibits and experience the outdoor Science & Art Park at the Science Mill.
Luckenbach
Pick up a T-shirt as a memento of your visit to the legendary Luckenbach Texas General Store, a combination souvenir shop/saloon housed in an 1800s trading post. While in town, catch a country show and do some serious two-steppin’ at Luckenbach Dance Hall.
Fredericksburg
Enchanted Rock in Dripping Springs, Texas.
Climb the massive pink granite dome at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Sip your way along Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 and visit 22 scenic wineries and tasting rooms. Learn the history behind WWII in the Pacific at the National Museum of the Pacific War. At Vaudeville, shop at the chic boutique and dine in the New American bistro. Explore the nation’s largest working wildflower farm, complete with a wine tasting room and the Brewbonnet Deli (be sure to try the locally famous peach ice cream), at Wildseed Farms.
Boerne
Check out more than 80 charming shops and restaurants along the Hill Country Mile in the heart of historic Boerne. Enjoy live music and try a pint of beer brewed on-site at The Dodging Duck Brewhaus. See underground wonders on a guided cave tour through Cascade Caverns.
San Marcos
Kayak or lazily float on a tube along the San Marcos River, which winds through town. Sample an American farmhouse ale or cave-aged craft beer at the family-run Roughhouse Brewing. Snag a designer deal at two area outlet malls: San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets.
New Braunfels
Experience the thrill of water slides, rides and chutes at Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort. Or relax on an inner tube as you follow the spring-fed currents of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers that pass through New Braunfels.
Gruene
Gruene (pronounced “green”) is a charming historic district within New Braunfels that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Browse antique and specialty shops housed in 19th-century brick storefronts in the Gruene Historic District. See live bands at Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall, where stars like Willie Nelson and Lucinda Williams have performed on the small stage.
Wimberley
Splash in the cool, clear waters of Jacob’s Well Natural Area, home to one of Texas’ longest underwater caves. Or take a dip in the spring-fed Blue Hole Regional Park swimming hole, lined with towering cypress trees. Swimming reservations are required at both Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole. Watch a glassblowing demonstration at Wimberley Glassworks. Dine on seasonal Hill Country-inspired fare at The Leaning Pear. Pick up a bottle of fresh-pressed olive oil at the family-owned Bella Vista Ranch.
Visitors surveying the Vintage Market at Texas's Wildest Antique Fair
Round Top
Round Top is a shopper’s dream. Head to Henkel Square Market, where stores and eateries are housed in buildings that date back to the mid-1800s. Find vintage treasures at The Original Round Top Antiques Fair, held every spring, fall and winter.
Marble Falls
Reel in a catfish or go paddling on picturesque Lake Marble Falls. Jump on a dirt bike or ATV and tackle the trails at Hidden Falls Adventure Park. Indulge in a slice of homemade pie from the quaint Blue Bonnet Cafe, open since 1929.
Bastrop
Check out the life-size dinosaur statues and dig for fossils at Dinosaur Park. Hike and fish at Bastrop State Park. Explore the indoor-outdoor marketplace at Community Gardens, complete with a coffee shop and live music. At night, fill up on pizza and craft beer while watching live bands along the Colorado River at Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard. Or take a seat in the 1889 Bastrop Opera House for musicals and vaudeville shows.
Lockhart
The Barbecue Capital of Texas is known for legendary barbecue joints like The Original Black’s Barbecue, family-run since 1932. Visit the charming shops, galleries, restaurants and historic theater that dots Lockhart’s town square. Peek inside the stately Caldwell County Jail Museum and landmark Caldwell County Courthouse.
Whether you're seeking historical immersion, culinary delights, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, there's a destination on this list that will pique your curiosity. From stepping back in time at historic museums to savoring slow-cooked barbecue and sampling wines from local vineyards, each destination offers a unique blend of experiences.
This content was originally published on visitaustin.org.