Discovering Enchanting Hill Country Towns: Ideal Day Trips from Austin
Buckle up and get ready to cruise the incredibly scenic Texas Hill Country. We’ve rounded up 10 towns worth a day trip for browsing charming shops, touring historic landmarks, dining on true Texas barbecue, floating on pristine rivers and catching a live show at a dance hall.
1. Driftwood
Chow down on 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 the ranch with a beer in hand at Vista Brewing. Stop by Hays City Store & Ice House for live music, local eats and 50+ beers on tap.
2. Dripping Springs
Step into the 1850s at The Pound House Farmstead 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 two-acre resort nestled on a bluff overlooking Onion Creek. At Dreamland, play mini-golf and pickleball, see outdoor art installations and watch a live concert.
3. 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 #1 destination spa resort in North America by Condé Nast Traveler. Also near Lakeway is Miraval Austin, sprawled across 220 rural acres, offering wellness packages that include spa services and gourmet meals.
4. Fredericksburg/Luckenbach
Climb the iconic pink granite dome at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Make your way along Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 and visit 22 award-winning wineries. Learn the history behind WWII in the Pacific at the National Museum of the Pacific War. Shop for chic boutique finds and dine in the bistro at Vaudeville. Explore a working wildflower farm, complete with a wine tasting room and beer garden, at Wildseed Farms. Drive about 15 minutes southeast and pick up a T-shirt to prove you made it to the legendary Luckenbach Texas General Store, a combination souvenir shop/saloon housed in an 1800s trading post. Catch a country concert and do some lively two-steppin’ at Luckenbach Dance Hall.
5. 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 trails that lead to the twin waterfalls at Pedernales Falls State Park. Taste wines, dine at a brewery, listen to live music and enjoy 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 whiskey distillery. Kids will have fun learning as they play with the technology-based exhibits and games at the Science Mill.
6. Bee Cave
At the Sonesta Bee Cave Austin hotel, take in the views from the rooftop bar, relax by the pool or hike and bike nearby trails. The Wayback offers elegant yet cozy cottages; visit its Cafe for tasty breakfasts and lunches daily, and dinner Thursday to Saturday. Go to the Hill Country Galleria to explore 75 shops and restaurants. Admire the sculpture collection at the shady Bee Cave Sculpture Park and let the kids use their imaginations at the Playarium.
7. Boerne
Check out the charming locally owned 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.
8. San Marcos
Kayak or float on a tube along the San Marcos River that winds through the center of town. Tour a cave and ride the train through a wildlife park at Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park. Just try to resist the designer deals at two area outlet malls: San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets.
9. New Braunfels
Spring-fed river water fuels the thrilling slides and coasters at Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort. Raise a glass at 19 unique breweries on the scenic Hill Country Craft Beer Trail. Grab an inner tube and ride the currents of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers that pass through New Braunfels.
10. Gruene
While not technically its own town, Gruene (pronounced “green”) is a 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, Lucinda Williams and Garth Brooks have commanded the original small stage.