One of my favorite things to do each year is visiting the beautiful Texas Hill Country. If you haven’t taken a Texas Hill Country road trip, you’re missing out on the best that Texas has to offer, in my opinion!
I genuinely believe it’s the loveliest destination in Texas – and that’s coming from a Texan! You’ll definitely be happy to personally see the rolling hills and all the great things this side of Central Texas has to offer – I know I was.
In this post, I’ve compiled a list of the very best things to do when visiting the Texas Hill Country. For your convenience, I’ve arranged it into an itinerary-style guide for a road trip that is based on our personal experience, having had countless visits to the area in the past.
This itinerary contains the best of all the activities we’ve done and the destinations we’ve gone to, which always resulted in a very fun and fruitful visit. So if you’re looking for ideas on where to see gorgeous nature spots and explore charming downtowns, look no further than this guide!
I’ve also added some suggestions for places that aren’t included in the itinerary but are worth exploring nonetheless.
Our most recent trip to the Hill Country was done in partnership with Texas Hill Country Trails. Check out my story of our adventure here!
Texas Hill Country Road Trip Logistics
This Texas Hill Country itinerary I’ve prepared for you is good for a road trip spanning a total of six days. It details visiting five(ish) Country towns in a somewhat circular pattern. If you’re short on time, feel free to cut entire days and just focus on those places you want to see first. If you have more time, however, then feel free to explore each place longer! This itinerary is packed with activities, so spending more time to dwell on each is totally doable.
The beauty of this road trip is that it can easily suit your needs if you’re flying into Austin (as pictured above) or driving from Dallas or Houston.
Here’s how this Texas Hill Country road trip itinerary will go depending on where you’re coming from:
Texas Hill Country Road Trip from Austin
If you’re from Austin and are looking for a Texas Hill Country road trip itinerary, you’ll only need to follow this one as is, which starts from Spicewood and ends in Wimberley.
Texas Hill Country Road Trip from Dallas
If you’re from Dallas, you’ll want to spend the night around the Austin area and then follow the itinerary as is, which starts from Spicewood and ends in Wimberley.
Texas Hill Country Road Trip from San Antonio
Now, if you’re coming from San Antonio, you may modify this Texas Hill Country road trip itinerary so you can start in New Braunfels and end in Castroville (start your trip on Day 5, do Day 6, then go through days 1-4).
Texas Hill Country Road Trip from Houston
Wondering if you can use this itinerary if you’re from Houston? No problem! You’ll want to drive and spend the night in San Antonio first, then start in New Braunfels and end in Castroville.
Now let’s get into it! Here’s the ultimate itinerary of Things To Do in the Texas Hill Country!
Day 1: Spicewood & Dripping Springs
Krause Springs
If you’ve come to visit Texas in the summer, you’ll definitely want to visit Krause Springs. It’s a beautiful campsite and also a natural swimming spot, with a lot of gorgeous springs to enjoy that are an average of 68° all year long.
As of January 2023, entrance to Krause Springs costs $10 for adults and children ages 12+, $6 for children ages 4-11, and free for children under 4 years old. Its gates open at 9:00 am and promptly close at 8:00 pm.
Krause Springs is privately owned, which I love – and we’ve never needed a reservation to get in! Learn more about why I love this place so much here!
Lunch Option: Opie’s Barbecue
Opie’s Barbecue opens daily at 11 am and serves up their legendary ribs and generous heapings of sides, which is a great place to go to after your visit to Krause Springs – or if you just want to stock up on energy for the remainder of your trip!
It’s housed in a large metal building and decorated with a retro sign on the door. Actually, it looks exactly like how you’d imagine a barbecue joint to look. Better not miss it while you’re driving around!
Hamilton Pool
Another great swimming spot for you to dip in is the Hamilton Pool. However, there’s a catch: it can be very difficult to get a reservation here, especially during the summertime, or even on weekends. You’ll definitely need to get a reservation way ahead of time and believe me, I’ve yet to get one despite several attempts. Every time I try, I find out that they’re already booked weeks in advance!
It’s very popular for a good reason, however. It’s a fantastic spot that looks and feels almost otherworldly with its astonishing cave-like setting. While it’s a swimming spot, sometimes swimming in the pool is prohibited due to the danger of falling rocks. There are hiking trails around the area, however, so visiting it won’t be a complete waste.
Hamilton Pool’s morning reservation period is from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, while their afternoon reservation period is from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. If you do get a reservation, know that you’ll need to pay $12 per vehicle (8 persons max) with a credit card. You’ll also need to pay an additional $8 per adult and children ages 13+, and $3 for seniors (62 years and older). Children 12 and younger are free of charge.
Make your reservation for Hamilton Pool here.
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
If Hamilton Pool was already completely booked while you were still planning your Texas Hill Country visit (unless you managed to get in!), lucky for you this nearby gem is a little less likely to be sold out, though you’ll still need a reservation beforehand to get in.
The Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is a canyon with a beautiful waterfall, outdoor trails, and even lots of wildlife, making it worth your visit. Prices depend on what activity you want to do. A guided canyon tour that lasts for 1.5 hours, for example, costs $20 per adult and $10 per child, while a wellness walk for 1.5 hours costs $20 per guest ($15 per member).
Currently, their hours of operation may vary, so check their availability and book the activities you want to do in advance before visiting Westcave.
During our trip, we actually booked a tour of Westcave. Unfortunately, it rained cats and dogs on the day we were scheduled to go, so our tour was canceled. I hope you’ll have better luck on the day of your visit than we did!
Texas Hill Country Olive Co.
Looking for an unusual souvenir to bring home with you from Texas? Then the Texas Hill Country Olive Co. is certainly worth popping into! They sell a wide range of delicious olive oils, ranging from Extra Virgin to oils infused with garlic and various herbs that can do a lot of tasty magic if you include them in your recipes.
You can also do a guided orchard tour to see the glorious olive trees lining the grounds as well as browse through their many products.
Lunch Option: Rolling in Thyme & Dough
Unable to secure reservations at either Hamilton Pool or Westcave? Don’t worry, it happens! Modify your itinerary so that after your visit to Krause Springs, you can spend the rest of the day exploring downtown Dripping Springs. As for a recommendation of a restaurant you can have lunch in, definitely stop by Rolling in Thyme & Dough.
They have a great selection of food that will suit even the pickiest of palates. Their lunch menu includes sandwiches and salads, and even has options for vegetarians and other special diets. Don’t forget to try their delicious cakes, too!
Pedernales Falls State Park
If you’re in the mood to go for a hike, then Pedernales Falls State Park, located within Johnson City, is definitely worth including in your itinerary. It’s one of the most popular state parks in the area and well worth checking out!
Here, you can camp, go picnicking, bird-watch, and even ride horses. You can walk up to the unique falls, which are less like your typical waterfall and more like a river of sorts. The Pedernales River is as tempestuous as it is gorgeous, so you need to be aware of the water conditions at all times!
Their scenic Hill Country trails can range from easy to challenging, so beginner hiker or not, there’s definitely something for you to do at Pedernales Falls.
The entrance fee is $6 for people 13 years and older, while younger children can enter free of charge. Make your reservations online for guaranteed entry for day visits or if you’re planning to do camping, as park gates are closed from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am.
Dinner: Tillie’s
In the mood for a fun dinner venue? Tillie’s is the answer. It’s right on the site of Camp Lucy, which, for convenience’s sake, is where I would recommend lodging for the night. But if you’re staying somewhere else, you can (and should!) still eat here! It’s such a fun spot to add to your Texas Hill Country road trip!
Tillie’s dinner menu offers a huge range of food from risotto to salmon and vegetables, all cooked to perfection. And to cap off a perfect day spent outdoors, try their delicious dessert menu as well! (PS. There are llamas that graze right outside the restaurant! We got to see them from our table’s window. It was so charming!)
Stay at Camp Lucy
Do you want to experience first-hand just why Dripping Springs is considered the Wedding Capital of Texas? Then stay at Camp Lucy so you’ll get to discover the answer for yourself.
This gorgeous resort is a popular Hill Country wedding venue with excellent accommodation options. Every room here is designed to perfection and impeccably decorated with unique antiques, creative wallpapers, and flawless furniture. You’ll definitely be sleeping in style if you choose to stay here for the night!
Day 2: Fredericksburg
Becker Vineyards
The road to Fredericksburg is pretty well-known for the many vineyards lining it. If you’re a wine connoisseur, you’ll definitely love this stretch as you can choose multiple vineyards to visit. But for the sake of this specific itinerary, I’m including two of my favorites – the first one being Becker Vineyards.
At Becker Vineyards, you can walk around 56 acres of vineyards and, most importantly, sample their delicious wine. General tasting at one of their bars costs $25 per person and you can select six wines from their tasting list. If you want, you can even purchase charcuterie-cheese plates for $25 per person to accompany your wine. Private tours and tasting, meanwhile, include a tour of the Estate Winery production area, six preselected samples of Becker Vineyards wine, and a souvenir Riedel wineglass for $40 per person.
Becker Vineyards is open Mondays to Thursdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Fridays to Saturdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sundays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Wildseed Farms
Curious to see a wildflower farm and vineyard all in one? Then visiting Wildseed Farms is a good plan for you! It’s a vast 200-acre wildflower farm and vineyard that includes a half-mile walking trail plus gardens. It’s the largest wildflower farm in the US too, so including a stop at the farm in your Texas Hill Country Road Trip is a must!
Here, you can enjoy the sight of bright, colorful flowers while taking a walk through carefully designated walking paths around the farm. You can even taste their estate grapes in the on-site tasting room, or grab a beer in the Brewbonnet – your choice! They also offer wine tasting at $20 per person, while sweet wine tasting is up to $17 per person.
Wildseed Farms is open Sundays to Saturdays from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Barons Creek Vineyards
Another option to get a feel of Texas’ Best Wine Experience is by visiting Barons Creek Vineyards. While they welcome walk-ins, they strongly recommend reserving a spot, especially during weekends.
For those who love wine, you may like their Ultimate Wine Experience Fredericksburg where, for $45/person plus taxes and gratuity, you can enjoy 6 wines paired with 5 different small bites. Traditional wine tasting, meanwhile, costs $25/person plus taxes and gratuity which includes 5 consecutive wine pours.
Barons Creek Vineyards is open Sunday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Pioneer Museum & Downtown Fredericksburg
Now that you’ve arrived in the heart of Fredericksburg, here’s your chance to enjoy and visit plenty of shops, museums, and restaurants downtown.
The Pioneer Museum is always a good place to visit if you’re in the mood for a self-guided tour of 9 historic buildings. Each details the architectural 19th-century history of Fredericksburg as well as contains authentic artifacts that are interesting to see by yourself or with family and friends.
It’s open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission costs $12 for adults, $7 for seniors and military, and $5 for students. Children under 5, meanwhile, are free of charge.
Dinner: Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant
Is it time for dinner already? Then head on to Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant if you want to try the classic and unforgettable combo of Texas Country food and wine! Cabernet Grill serves up wine from the local vineyards alongside their legendary steaks and seafood, so you know you’re in for something delicious for dinner.
Another option we loved was August E’s. They offer amazing appetizers, soups, and salads, and their entrees are definitely spectacular. Don’t forget to order your slice of heavenly cake for today, too!
Stay: Hill Country Herb Garden (formerly Fredericksburg Herb Farm)
And to rest your weary bones for the day, you can choose to stay at Fredericksburg Herb Farm – which now goes by the name Hill Country Herb Garden.
With perfectly-equipped Sunday house cottages providing all of your much-needed home comforts, this is definitely a unique and refreshing place to stay while you’re in the area. They even have a spa where you can get your well-deserved massage packages, facials, or body scrubs, as well as a restaurant on-site that serves up fresh, local cuisine.
We also stayed at the Wine Country Cottages on Main, which I highly recommend! They even had an entire strudel waiting for us in our room!
Another good option is the Fredricksburg Inn & Suites, which is where we stayed as well. It’s not as historic or charming as the previous spots, but they do have two pools and rooms with all the necessities which somewhat makes up for it.
Day 3: Boerne
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
For this road trip, I’ve included a visit to Enchanted Rock as a morning activity – at sunrise, if you’re willing! The fantastic view you’ll have at this time will definitely make up for being an early riser for this specific day. However, if you prefer a sunset trip, you can also opt to visit this place the day before this one.
Enchanted Rock is a state natural area that consists of a large dome you can climb to see the natural beauty it offers at that height. You’d definitely need to reserve your passes online ahead of time to guarantee your entrance, so take note!
There are lots of hiking trails in the area, the main being the Summit Trail. The entrance fee costs $8 for adults while children 12 years and under are free. They are open daily from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm.
Springtime option: Willow City Loop
If you choose to do this road trip around springtime, you may wish to add a drive through the Willow City Loop to your itinerary. Here you’ll see tons of wildflowers blooming as well as the prettiest bluebonnets in the area! You’ll definitely enjoy this magical moment.
Brunch: Woerner Warehouse Cafe + Catering
When you’re in vacation mode, brunches are a must. That’s why if you’re looking for someplace wonderful to quench your need for munchies, check out Woerner Warehouse Cafe + Catering! This is a popular bakery that serves up classic breakfast and lunch menus like avocado toast, soups, and salads. Don’t forget to order coffee too!
Cave Without A Name
And now it’s time to visit my favorite cavern in the area – the Cave Without A Name. It’s a national natural landmark that somehow feels completely non-touristy, which I just adore. You can do a tour around the inside of the cave to check out the otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites, which look amazing – like they’re absolutely frozen in time. The site is really something else!
The standard rate for adults is $22, $20 for military/senior, and $11 for children ages 6-12, while those younger than 6 can come in for free. If you can, avail of their cheaper group rates – 12 or more paying guests will only pay $17 for adults and $9.25 for kids!
To ensure tour availability, make sure to reserve for individual or group visits, including identifying your preferred tour time (choose from 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, or 4 pm) as well as the number in your party.
After your tour, gem-panning is definitely one of the best things to do here. It’s a ton of fun for all ages. During our gem-panning, we got a couple of geodes and some gorgeous gemstones as souvenirs!
Cibolo Center for Conservation (formerly Cibolo Nature Center & Farm)
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll definitely want to stop by Cibolo Nature Center, now called Cibolo Center for Conservation. It’s a conservation project that aims to keep nature alive and accessible for everybody.
Here, you can choose to visit either their Cibolo Nature Center or Herff Farm. Either way, you’ll be able to walk around and enjoy the natural beauty of Texas Hill Country up close, or even participate in some of their farm activities!
Cibolo Nature Center is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, while on Saturdays they’re open from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Herff Farm, meanwhile, is only open on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Stay: The Bevy Hotel Boerne, a DoubleTree by Hilton
For tonight’s rest, we would recommend staying at The Bevy Hotel Boerne, a luxury Hilton resort-style hotel.
Its rooms are modern and comfortable, with all of the mod cons that you’ll need for the night. There is also a bar and restaurant on-site which is very convenient if you also want to have your dinner where you’ll be staying. We ate dinner on-site and enjoyed the yummiest spread!
Day 4: Bandera & Castroville
Breakfast: The Dienger Trading Co
If you don’t have a complimentary breakfast included in your room rate, fret not! It’s time to check out the best places for breakfast.
Head out to The Dienger Trading Co. which is a bistro, bakery, and boutique all in one. Get your usual serving of pancakes, cooked breakfast, and coffee in the place patrons call a must-stop for breakfast in Boerne!
Horseback Riding with Bandera Historical Rides
If horseback riding is something you’re already comfortable doing or even something you want to try as a beginner, then the people at Bandera Historical Rides are the right people to contact. They specialize in taking their guests to the most beautiful destinations with their private riding tours.
These tours go through the cowboy capital of the world and also make stops at all of the great historical attractions for a bit of sightseeing. They also have a couple of options regarding the places you may want to ride to, which can suit even first-time riders!
The owner, Harrieth, personally took us on our tour and it was incredible. Not only did we ride through the Medina River a few times, but we also rode up to the Cowboy Bar in downtown Bandera. It’s definitely the closest I’ve ever felt to being an actress in a Western film… or to being a real cowgirl! 🙂
Option: instead of horseback riding, simply enjoy Bandera City Park
If horses are not your thing, then you can definitely skip horseback riding and just enjoy some quiet moments savoring the sights at Bandera City Park.
It’s a huge green space with the gorgeous Medina River running through it. There are picnic areas with BBQ pits, rope swings to jump into the lake from, and even fishing areas if you’re in the mood to catch something!
The park opens at 8:00 am and closes 30 minutes before sunset. While entrance from Mondays through Thursdays is free (unless there’s a holiday), if your road trip brings you to the park on the weekend or on a holiday, then you’ll need to pay $10 each for adults and children 12+.
Kayaking/tubing with The Medina River Company
Another must-try, especially for water-loving thrill seekers, is a kayaking and tubing experience down the stunning Medina River courtesy of The Medina River Company. It’s quite an experience you won’t soon forget!
Kayak rentals cost $50 per kayak for single kayaks, while tube rentals cost $20 per tube. These prices already include the shuttle ride, but if you have your own kayak or tube, then you’ll only need to pay for the shuttle ride – $10 per person if you have your own tube, and $15 per person if you have your own kayak.
Kayak trips may last from 2 to 3.5 hours, while tube trips can go for as long as 6 hours! Get in touch with them for their proposed times.
Lunch: The Laurel Tree
I have to be honest, this lunch option is a bit out of the way. But it’s so dang good, y’all! We absolutely loved our lunch here, and I’m sure you’ll love yours too!
The Laurel Tree is a charming rustic treehouse restaurant and bar, which also has lovely herb and vegetable gardens that you can wander through. It’s open for both lunch and dinner reservations on Saturdays and serves delicious locally sourced meals and features only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Their menu changes every week, but it showcases the best fusion of the cook’s French training and his Texas Hill Country roots! Definitely farm-to-table at its finest!
Lunch option: stay in Bandera and eat at O.S.T.
If you don’t feel like going out of your way for lunch, or The Laurel Tree just so happens to be fully booked at the time of your visit – no worries! You can still enjoy a great and fun western-style lunch downtown at O.S.T (Old Spanish Trail). They are a classic American-style eatery offering your favorite comfort foods like meatloaf, fried chicken, and pork chops. They’re also the longest-running restaurant in Bandera, which I think is a testament to their quality!
Tour Landmark Inn State Historic Site
At this point, you can head on to Castroville where you’ll get to enjoy the rest of your day. The Landmark Inn State Historic Site is a great place to go to learn about migration, preservation, and heritage in the area. It’s located in Castroville, also known as “The Little Alsace of Texas”, just 25 minutes away from San Antonio.
Guided tours cost $4 for adults and $3 for seniors, college students, and children. It’s open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Castroville Regional Park
While you’re in the area, stop by The Castroville Regional Park. This scenic area spreads over 126 acres by the Medina River. It also has a walking trail that allows you to savor the natural beauty surrounding you.
We particularly loved the park at golden hour right before sunset. The lighting then was just absolutely perfect! I would recommend bringing or wearing water shoes, however, as there are rocks and tree roots on the ground.
Contact the city hall for reservations from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Stay: Landmark Inn State Historic Site
Head back to the Landmark Inn State Historic Site, which also offers bed and breakfast accommodations.
We stayed here for the night and it truly felt like a prime position in the heart of Castroville!
Day 5: New Braunfels
Magnolia Filling Station
Before leaving Castroville, you may want to check out Magnolia Filling Station. This coffee shop is an ideal breakfast joint to start your day right!
Natural Bridge Caverns
Now it’s time to explore nature once again, and the Natural Bridge Caverns is the perfect spot for this day’s adventure. It’s an epic cave system where you can climb, zipline, and even cave trek! They also offer different tours depending on which area you want to explore.
Cavern Tours, particularly the Discovery Tour, cost anywhere from $25 to $29 or more for a single adult depending on your selected date of visit. They are open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.
The Natural Bridge Caverns are much bigger than the Cave Without A Name in Boerne, making this spot feel more touristy to me. But the visit is ultimately worth it, as the experience of touring the gigantic expanse under the ground is simply magnificent!
If you want to join a smaller tour group, go to the site early – as in, right when they open. Alternatively, join one of the last tours of the day. Also, weekdays are less crowded than weekends, so the chances of joining a smaller tour group are better then!
Learn more and get your tickets here!
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
An African Safari at the Heart of Texas? It’s made possible by Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.
It’s a Texas safari where you can see animals like buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and ostriches – all from the comfort of your own vehicle! You drive through the designated roads and feed the animals straight from your car window (using the animal food you purchase at the entrance!). The safari trek covers over 6 miles taking 1-2 hours to travel, so chances are you’ll definitely see a lot of animals here.
Admissions cost $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children. They’re open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm during summer, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in the fall and spring, and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in winter.
They also offer guided safari tours where you’ll get to ride with and learn from an actual animal specialist. Check out their guided tours here.
Hinman Island Park
Hinman Island Park is located on the side of the Comal River and offers plenty of activities for visitors, including hiking, boating, and cycling.
But in my opinion, the most fun activity to do here is tubing! Tubing along the Comal is actually one of the most popular things to do in this spot, which just proves how exciting it is.
Tubing to Hinman Island costs $22 per person. This rental includes 1 round-trip shuttle with the regular tube as well as free parking. It’s open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (with the last tube rentals at 4:00pm).
Gruene Hall & Gruene Historic District
Don’t miss out on what I believe is Hill Country’s most charming town! Gruene Historic District has plenty of quaint shops and cafes along with music and outdoor markets that will surely make your shopping spree spectacular.
And don’t forget to check out Gruene Hall, which is only Texas’s oldest dance hall that dates back to 1878. I’ve even included a picture of it as the first photo on this post! Gruene Hall plays host to live music every day, so check them out and see what they can offer while you’re in town. This is definitely a great spot to wind down before or even after dinner.
Dinner: Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
Considering this may be your last dinner for this road trip, why not have it at a fun place? Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar is located in an 1878 cotton gin and offers its visitors a true Texas Experience with its food. It’s definitely famous for its menu which includes fresh fish, thick steaks, and juicy burgers.
Stay: Gruene Mansion Inn
One of the most ideal places to spend the night in Gruene is the Gruene Mansion Inn. It’s a historic property that sits right beside the river. We loved staying here; it almost feels like we were sleeping in a time capsule but with all the modern conveniences that we’re used to! It’s right at the heart of the historic downtown and just steps away from both Gruene Hall and the Gristmill River Restaurant, so its location is perfectly convenient.
Day 6: Wimberley
The Leaning Pear
It’s your final day already! Time sure flies when you’re having fun.
For your last day in the Texas Hill Country, head back up towards Austin, stopping by the adorable town of Wimberley on the way. Don’t forget to eat at The Leaning Pear which is an excellent spot for lunch, dinner, or even Sunday brunch. They serve Hill Country-inspired food made with fresh seasonal and local ingredients.
Jacobs Well
For your last stop on this road trip, Jacob’s Well is a great place to head to. It’s a famous natural artesian spring that’s a popular tourist spot. It’s also the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas and the headwaters of Cypress Creek, which goes through the Blue Hole Regional Park and right into the Blanco River.
Currently, visitors cannot swim in Jacob’s Well as the drought caused the flow from the spring to be unsuitable for swimming, but you can still hike around the area and view the spring for free. It’s open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
Get all the details about Jacobs Well (including tales of its intriguing past!) here.
Texas Hill Country Road Trip Map
This map includes every spot on this itinerary and is sorted by location! You can easily open it and save it to your Google account so that you can open it in your own Google Maps at any time you want.
I’ve colored dining options in orange and lodging in red; everything else is blue.
Hill Country Road Trip Approximate Drive Times
For reference, I’ve also listed down the approximate drive times from one place to the other. This is so you will have an idea of how long you’re going to spend driving, and can also make adjustments to your trips if needed:
- Krause Springs to Camp Lucy: 1 hr 37 mins
- Camp Lucy to Fredericksburg: 1 hr 22 mins
- Fredericksburg to Enchanted Rock to The Bevy in Boerne: 2 hr 12 mins
- Boerne to Landmark Inn in Castroville (including The Laurel Tree): 2 hr 23 mins (otherwise 1 hr 31 mins)
- Landmark Inn to Gruene Mansion Inn: 1 hr 47 mins
- Gruene Mansion Inn to Jacobs Well: 41 mins
Other Things To Do In Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country has so many wonderful areas to visit that even 6 jampacked days aren’t enough to cover them all. Here are some other activities that you may wish to include in your trip.
Visit Luckenbach Texas General Store, Bar & Dancehall
For a place where you can unwind and relax, Luckenback Texas General Store, Bar & Dancehall has your back. This place was previously a post office and trading post, and its journey from having been established in 1849 up to now as a popular venue for private parties is astonishing! Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the Fredericksburg area.
Go Tubing at the Guadalupe River
Generally known as one of the best tubing rivers for the spring and summer months, Guadalupe River is a great destination in the Texas Hill Country if you’re after water activities like swimming and fishing. Meanwhile, at Guadalupe River State Park, you can enjoy horseback or mountain bike riding through their 5.3-mile equestrian trail!
Enjoy Nature at Outdoor Parks
Garner State Park is a great place to visit for a relaxing afternoon. This is a spot you can spend hiking, camping, or even swimming in the crystal-clear and spring-fed waters of the lovely Frio River.
Lost Maples State Natural Area, meanwhile, offers a fantastic view of abundant wildflowers, steep canyon walls, and the scenic Sabinal River. It’s definitely a great place to visit and catch perfect photos for your next IG post!
The Colorado Bend State Park is the ultimate outdoor park. Here, you can stop by to marvel at the beauty of Gorman Falls, swim in Spicewood Springs, go fish or paddle the river, take a cave tour, or even test your limits on 35 miles of hike and bike trails!
Swim at the Devil’s Waterhole
How many people can say they’ve actually been to and even swam in the Devil’s Waterhole? This spot is along the northeast branch of Inks Lake State Park near Burnet. There is a lot of lore as to why it’s named as such, so if you’re curious to find out if the place is deserving of its name, then here’s a chance to find out for yourself!
Eat at The Salt Lick B.B.Q
Itching to eat at a spot known as a Texas legend since 1967? Then The Salt Lick B.B.Q over at Driftwood, Texas, is your ideal destination! It’s open from Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Try their Driftwood Menu, particularly the Family Style – you won’t regret it!
Stay at A Dude Ranch
If you want to live a day in the shoes of a cowboy, you can do so by staying in one of the many dude ranches in the area! They provide you with authentic experiences like horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and they even provide you with lodging and meals to complete the package.
Visit a Lavender Farm
Ever wondered what an herb farm looks like? Fortunately, there are many lavender farms in the Texas Hill Country that you can visit to satiate your curiosity, such as the Hill Country Lavender. Here you can see lavender fields as well as visit their shop for some take-home treats!
In conclusion…
I hope you’ve found this list of things to do in the Texas Hill Country helpful! We have personally done most of the activities included in this itinerary, so if you have any questions, comment below!
And if you’re familiar with the Texas Hill Country and have another spot you think is worth adding to the list, also let me know in the comments!
Lastly, if you’re heading to the Texas Hill Country, here are a few more posts you might enjoy:
- 20 Hidden Gems in Fredericksburg and the surrounding Texas Hill Country
- A Guide to Krause Springs
- 51 Most Instagrammable Places in Austin
- 40 Most Instagrammable Places in San Antonio
- Dallas vs. Houston vs. Austin: Which Should You Visit?
Safe travels!
Jasmine
4 Responses
A trip to the Texas Hill Country each year, where I get to marvel at the beauty of the landscape, is something I thoroughly enjoy as a Texan. This is honestly the most lovely area in Texas! This is my best Texas Hill Country road trip itinerary after all my visits, and I hope you find it useful if you’re trying to find the perfect route.
You take lovely pictures. You must be a model! I have been to some of these places and being a 68-year-old single adult man I don’t know when I’ll likely be able to do this but it sounds wonderful.
That is so kind, thank you! I hope you get to do a trip like this someday!
This is a great post