hill country travel guide

A first-timer’s guide to the Texas Hill Country: wineries, watering holes and wildflowers

Feb 13, 2024 • 8 min read

The Texas Hill Country’s iconic bluebonnets make the region picture-perfect © Grossinger / Shutterstock

One of the most appealing parts of giant Texas , the Hill Country offers travelers a break from life’s daily grind with loads of wineries, rivers for floating, endless trails to hike and live music around every corner. 

Sprawling across 31,000 sq miles (80,290 sq km) of gently rolling hills, the region abounds with small towns and wide-open spaces meant for exploring. As you head west from Austin , the state capital that’s an increasingly world-class metropolis, you’ll arrive at charming towns such as Marble Falls, Blanco, Wimberley, Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs, Johnson City and more. These towns have small populations, sure – but they’re large on Texas spirit.

And Texas spirits , as well: distilleries and wineries dot the roads here. You’ll also find a lively art scene; restaurants both casual and refined; and cool swimming holes, miles of nature trails and dazzling night skies you won’t find in the big city.

When you venture to the Hill Country, you’ll discover why it’s so popular with Texans and outsiders alike. 

When should I go to the Texas Hill Country?

March through May are great months to visit, as colorful wildflowers – including Texas’ state flower, the bluebonnet – come into bloom throughout the rolling hills. This is also when you can sample Hill Country wines in the area on the Wine and Wildflower Journey . The weather in spring is mild, with average temperatures around 60–85°F (15.5–29°C).  

In June through August, the height of summer, temperatures can reach into the triple digits Fahrenheit. Even amid the sweltering weather, this is the Hill Country’s high season, as visitors arrive to enjoy the region’s rivers and lakes for floating, paddling and swimming. Fall is a great time to visit as well, as the summer crowds retreat and pleasant temperatures prevail.

In the winter, the weather is generally mild enough to spend time outdoors golfing, hiking and touring wineries. Yet winter also does bring the occasional freeze, along with ice and snow. Toward the end of the year, small towns across the Hill Country twinkle with Christmas lights as they celebrate the holidays. 

How long should I spend in the Texas Hill Country?

Most people tackle the Hill Country on a three-day jaunt, wandering from town to town for wildflower views, winery visits and outdoor pursuits. I suggest three or four days – perhaps a long weekend – to experience it all. 

If you only have three days, spend some time exploring the town of Fredericksburg and the surrounding area. Start with a stroll through downtown, shopping on Main St and in the Warehouse District for home decor, clothing, furniture, pottery and souvenirs. Grab dinner at Vaudeville , where elevated options include Akaushi beef with Parmesan polenta, and yellowfin tuna with a ginger broth.

Saturday, fuel up for the day with a German breakfast (Texas has lots of German heritage) at Old German Bakery & Restaurant before heading out to area wineries. Beautiful Signor Vineyards has a wine barn, patio, sprawling lawn and market, while Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten , which occupies an adorable cottage on Main St, is a must-see. Rest up at Inn on Barons Creek , where shuttle rides for the 290 Wine Trail commence, before heading home on Sunday. 

If you can add a couple more days onto your trip, consider exploring other Hill Country towns such as Johnson City, Blanco, Marble Falls, Dripping Springs, Kerrville or Boerne, which together offer plenty of downtown squares, country hikes and cool waters to enjoy. 

Is it easy to get in and around the Texas Hill Country?

It’s easy to access the Hill Country from the international airports in Austin or San Antonio . Once you arrive, renting a car is your best bet for exploring a region without great public-transport options. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can use rideshare companies to get you to and around the Hill Country, though you’ll pay a premium for this. 

For those looking to visit area wineries, the 290 Wine Shuttle is a safe and reliable option. On Saturdays, the shuttle picks up and drops off at 19 wineries and distilleries every 15 minutes from 10am to 6pm; hop on and off as you wish throughout the day. Friday and Sunday shuttles are available as well, though these days include stops at “only” 12 wineries. 

Top things to do in the Texas Hill Country

Be surprised by texas wine .

A warm climate almost all year long – similar to those in northern Spain and southern France – means great conditions for growing grapes. Indeed, Texas wine production has ramped up tremendously within the past 20 years – and Texas is today the third largest American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the country. Winemakers are working to refine their craft with each crop, growing tempranillo, sangiovese, viognier, syrah, roussanne and other varietals that have taken well to the soil here.

Vineyards and wineries throughout the Hill Country welcome visitors for tastings, private events and lazy weekend sipping. Wedding Oak Winery in San Saba offers 100% Texas-grown wines on its patio and terrace, as does Duchman Family Winery  in Driftwood, together with charcuterie boards, pizzas and light bites. In Hye, Ron Yates Wines offers Spanish-, Italian- and Rhône-style wines at a tasting pavilion that’s open seven days a week. Slate Theory Winery in Fredericksburg has an awesome underground cellar for tastings (reservations required), plus a tasting room open to the public. In Stonewall, Pedernales Cellars has a beautiful deck with Hill Country views, and in Johnson City, Lewis Wines sits on 100 acres and offers tastings, tours and fun events. 

The website Texas Hill Country Wineries has loads of information, including a winery map and event happenings. While planning, be sure to make reservations for wineries that require them, and be sure to bring snacks, as not all stops have food. The 290 Wine Shuttle will get you to and from many wineries in the area.

Immerse yourself in nature 

The Hill Country is full of places to unplug and unwind. Refreshing rivers weave throughout the region. Natural pools and springs dot the terrain. And numerous state parks offer camping, horseback riding, hiking and stargazing, including Pedernales Falls State Park , Inks Lake State Park and Longhorn Cavern State Park , which also has caves for exploring.

In Garner State Park , access the Frio River for floating, or check out the Guadalupe, Comal or San Marcos Rivers for additional float spots. Hamilton Pool is a natural swimming hole surrounded by a canyon and waterfall (reservations required), while the Blue Hole in Wimberley is a gorgeous natural swimming area fed by the blue-hued Cypress Creek (reservations required to swim). The privately owned Krause Springs has swimming areas, campsites and a butterfly garden that are all open to the public. Perfect for families, the Cibolo Center for Conservation has children’s activities, family night hikes and birding workshops. During spring, stop by Wildseed Farms , a 200-acre working wildflower farm that bursts with colors, and which also has a vineyard, beer garden, walking trail and more. 

Go on a barbecue adventure 

Between outdoor pursuits and wine adventures, you’ll work up quite an appetite. Happily, Lockhart is the “official barbecue capital” of this grilling-mad state. Stop by Kreuz Market , Smitty’s Market or Black’s Barbecue for mouthwatering brisket, ribs, sausage and all the sides (think potato salad, coleslaw and pinto beans) you can handle.

Lots of barbecue joints are upping their game these days to cater to the craft-barbecue crowd, which means you can expect elevated side dishes, creative cocktails and global flavors infusing Texas classics. Eaker Barbecue in Fredericksburg serves gochujang pork ribs and kimchi fried rice, along with traditional barbecue offerings. Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue in Pflugerville cranks out brisket boudin links and Texas banh mi sandwiches made with its spectacular brisket, while Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor delivers with dino beef ribs among other tasty classics. In San Marcos, Hays Co Bar-B-Que pairs pork belly, brisket, pork chops, sausage and other meats with sides like Hatch-green-chile mac ‘n’ cheese and jalapeño creamed corn.  

My favorite things to do in the Texas Hill Country? A little of everything

I love starting the morning off with a hike uphill at Enchanted Rock State Park : admiring views of the Hill Country landscape from the pink granite dome, and all the wildflowers and cactus along the way. For lunch, I love a massive juicy burger with onion rings and a frozen margarita at Alamo Springs Cafe , in between Fredericksburg and Comfort. I might stop in at a couple of the wineries along nearby Hwy 290 – and never miss a stop at Luckenbach , where there’s live music almost every day.

For overnight stays, I love Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, which has colorful decor, modern amenities, a relaxed atmosphere and a fabulous on-site New American restaurant, Tillie’s . For a health-focused stay with a heavy dose of zen, I like Lake Austin Spa Resort , which has soothing rooms and a full calendar of activities, with everything from hydrobiking, kickboxing and tai chi to cocktail classes. 

How much money do I need for a trip in the Texas Hill Country?

A trip to the Texas Hill Country can range from affordable to expensive, depending on where you stay; spending on meals and shopping; and how far and wide you plan to drive. There are lots of inns, hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals in the area, ranging from budget prices around $60 a night to upward of $500 a night. Plan on spending around $50 to $150 per person, per day for meals. 

A guide to average daily costs in Texas Hill Country

• Lunch for two: $40
• Mid-range dinner for two: $60
• Basic room for two: $150–200 per night
• Average Airbnb: $200 per night
• Glass of wine: $10
• Winery tour and tasting: $15

Explore related stories

Wildlife & Nature

Apr 24, 2024 • 10 min read

Each of Austin's neighborhoods showcases a different aspect of Austin's character – the political, historical, academic, techy and funky.

Apr 24, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 23, 2024 • 9 min read

Mar 15, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 1, 2024 • 12 min read

Feb 29, 2024 • 4 min read

Feb 1, 2024 • 7 min read

Dec 27, 2023 • 8 min read

Sep 7, 2023 • 4 min read

Aug 31, 2023 • 6 min read

Epic Texas Hill Country Road Trip – A Complete Guide and Itinerary

Fancy a road trip? The Texas Hill Country has your answer. My Texas Hill Country road trip has a little something for everyone. Whether you want to jump into swimming holes, taste fine wines, craft beer, and spirits, or hike at beautiful State Parks – my guide has everything you need to know for an epic Texas Hill Country road trip.

The Texas Hill Country is vast. You can spend a full week in the region and only just scratch the surface. So, if you only have four days, use my guide at your leisure to find what works best for you. Choose from the many fun things to do in the Texas Hill Country and create your epic road trip.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Take a Texas Hill Country Road Trip

The best time to take a Texas Hill Country Rod Trip is during the spring and the fall because the weather is perfect! Moreover, springtime brings beautiful wildflowers and bluebonnets along the road for a scenic drive. Surprisingly, you can also find a little fall foliage in the Texas Hill Country.

During the summer, Texas is very hot! However, the summertime is also a great time for a Texas Hill Country road trip because you can cool off in one of many swimming holes.

Texas Hill Country Road Trip Itinerary

As a born and raised Texan, the Texas Hill Country is all about the smaller cities, State Parks, craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and hidden gems that make this region special. This is why I will be focusing on all of the above in my Texas Hill Country road trip itinerary.

This 4-day Texas Hill Country road trip itinerary includes: chasing four waterfalls, hiking at three State Parks, exploring a cavern, swimming in natural pools, drinking wine, craft beer, and spirits, and more.

The most central location for this itinerary is Marble Falls. So I recommend finding a hotel in this city as your Texas Hill Country hub. Another fun option is to stay in an epic treehouse in the Texas Hill Country .

On the third day, I recommend checking out of your Marble Falls hotel and checking into a hotel in Fredericksburg. That way you can wake up and easily begin your day of wine-hopping in Fredericksburg!

Please remember to book and reserve your tickets for all of the parks and places below ahead of time.

Texas Hill Country Road Trip – Day 1

Colorado bend state park.

Colorado Bend State Park is well known for its beautiful 70-foot Gorman Falls – a true Texas hidden gem. People travel near and far just to hike to this waterfall.

Ideally, you want to save two hours to complete this hike and admire its rewarding scenery. The 3-mile hike to Gorman Falls is considered moderate because of the steep and slippery descent at the end of the trail. However, a majority of the hike is fairly easy because the trail is flat in a desert-esque setting.

Please note, due to the fragile ecosystem surrounding Gorman Falls, you will have to admire the waterfall from a distance. Nevertheless, it is an awe-aspiring waterfall that you would never imagine existed in the middle of the hill country.

I suggest taking your time in this majestic landscape with a small picnic lunch while admiring the landscape.

Longhorn Cavern State Park

After a long hike in the heat, cool off inside one of the most spectacular and cool (no pun intended) caves at Longhorn Cavern State Park. I have visited several caves in Texas and around the world – this cave is by far the BEST. No wonder why it is named the National Cave of Texas. Be prepared to be amazed and feel like you are on the set of an Indiana Jones movie.

Longhorn Cavern State Park has two different tours for guests to enjoy – a cavern walking tour and a wild cave tour. The cavern walking tour takes guests on an incredible 90-minute journey through several “rooms” of different geological features. Whereas, the wild cave tour takes guests on a 3-hour adventure deeper into the cavern by using special equipment to crawl through undeveloped areas.

Estimated driving time: Colorado Bend State Park → Longhorn Cavern State Park → Marble Falls = 1 hour and 36 minutes

If you have more time:  Inks Lake State Park is another wonderful Texas State Park just a few minutes from Longhorn Cavern State Park.

Texas Hill Country Road Trip – Day 2

Krause springs.

Start your day fresh by making a big splash at Krause Springs’ crisp natural pool. I mean this literally because there is an epic rope swing! Additionally, it’s also advised to arrive early because as the day progresses it gets very busy here.

Krause Springs is a wonderful natural wonderland for several reasons. There is a beautiful butterfly garden, at least 32 springs that feed into a manmade pool, and a natural pool with a waterfall. The manmade pool is best-suited for families with young children, whereas the natural pool is more for advanced swimmers.

As you can see, there are so many fun things to do at Krause Springs, and it’s the perfect destination for all ages.

Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery

Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery is one of the best distilleries in the Texas Hill Countrybecause it has several different types of crafted spirits. From vodka, gin, rum, bourbon, or whiskey – Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery has a drink for everyone.

Guests can enjoy a tasting tour which includes ALL of the spirits, order specialty made cocktails or both!

Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery is a great stop during a Texas Hill Country road trip because it’s family-friendly. As the name states, the property both a ranch AND a distillery. The ranch has a kid’s playground, Bocce ball, corn hole, washers, life-size “Bourbon Pong”, 9 hole PDGA disc golf course, fire pits, scenic hill country views, food trucks on-site, and a stage for live music.

So though you might visit for the crafted spirits, you will stay for the fun atmosphere.

Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls State Park is another great place to swim and hike in the Texas Hill Country. The Pedernales River runs throughout the park cascading over slabs of limestone creating several little waterfalls and wading pools.

Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails throughout the park, but the one you cannot miss is the Pedernales Falls Trail. This trail will take you to one of the most beautiful overlooks of the river. One glance and you will quickly know why this park is named Pedernales Falls State Park.

After you break a sweat from your hike, cool off by swimming, wading, or tubing in the river at designated areas within the park.

Estimated driving time: Marble Falls → Krause Springs → Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery → Pedernales State Park → Marble Falls = 1 hour and 48 minutes

Texas Hill Country Road Trip – Day 3

Hamilton pool preserve.

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a Texas oasis. It is one of the best things to do in Dripping Springs and a popular destination in the Texas Hill Country. Rightfully so, it is a true natural wonderland.

Your adventure at Hamilton Pool Preserve begins with a quarter-mile hike on a narrow trail before arriving at paradise. Then you will feast your eyes upon a beautiful 50-foot waterfall plunging into a natural pool surrounded by a box canyon.

After you soak in the majestic waterfall and scenic views, swim in the crisp pool or enjoy a picnic. Please note, swimming at the pool is not always guaranteed!

Reservations are required to visit Hamilton Pool Reserve and they fill up quickly. So I highly recommend booking your reservation at Hamilton Pool Preserve as soon as possible. There are two time slots available per day – morning (9:00 am – 12:30 pm) and afternoon (2:00 pm – 5:30 pm).

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is a beautiful 76-acre preserve with both lush greenery and a savannah landscape. One step on this preserve and you will feel transported to another part of the world.

Guests can enjoy two different guided tours at Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center – the Uplands Trail or a Walk Through the Grotto. Both tours are wonderful and offer a unique experience.

The Uplands Trail is an opportunity to walk through a savannah landscape with wildlife sightings, bird watching, and expansive views of the Texas Hill Country. A Walk Through the Grotto is the most popular tour and provides guests with a breathtaking journey. A guide takes you through a  sheltered canyon to find a beautiful waterfall with a grotto pool below it. 

Jester King Brewery

Finish your day at one of the BEST breweries in Texas, Jester King Brewery. I recommend visiting Jester King Brewery before sunset, so you can enjoy a glass of beer with a delicious slice of pizza and gorgeous views.

Jester King Brewery sits on 165 acres of property, which includes craft beer production, nature trails, a farm, a restaurant, accommodations, an event hall, Texas Hill Country views, outdoor seating, and more. Needless to say, you might visit Jester King Brewery for the craft beer, but you will find yourself staying for much more.

So let’s talk beer. Jester King Brewery is by far one of the coolest craft breweries you will ever visit. They produce several different types of beer – culture IPAs, lagers, stouts, and spon. The beers are fermented in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels and are all mixed with a culture of native yeast and bacteria. Moreover, the spon beers are inspired by Belgian lambic beers and are 100% spontaneously fermented.

Every beer produced at Jester King Brewery is unique. In fact, they have some of the craziest flavor combinations you could ever imagine, but they all work beautifully! Moreover, the master brewers are always working on something new. So the beer menu is always changing. What you find one weekend may not be there the next weekend.

Jester King Brewery is also one of the best kid-friendly breweries in Dripping Springs . Kids can explore the cool wooden fort, play in the open-fields, and hang out with the farm goats.

Estimated driving time: Marble Falls → Hamilton Pool Preserve → Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center → Jester King Brewery → Fredericksburg = 2 hours and 14 minutes

Texas Hill Country Road Trip – Day 4

Wine hopping in fredericksburg.

On the last day, it is time to “wine” down by visiting some of the best wineries in Fredericksburg . Fredericksburg, Texas is the epicenter of the Texas Wine Country and the second-largest wine region in the nation! As one of the fastest wine regions in the nation, it is certainly a destination you cannot miss during your Texas Hill Country road trip.

When you wine-hop in Fredericksburg, you can do a self-guided tour by driving yourself or book a wine shuttle . A self-guided experience will allow you to pick and choose wineries you want to visit, whereas a wine shuttle has a route with specific winery stops.

With over 50 wineries in Fredericksburg, it is hard to choose a handful to visit for one day. So I will share my favorite wineries and offer a variety of options for every palate.

Fiesta Winery

Fiesta Winery is one of my all-time favorite wineries in Fredericksburg. This fun winery has a lively atmosphere with live music and plenty of shaded outdoor seating. It is the perfect place to casually enjoy a full bottle of wine with family and friends.

Fiesta Winery is known for its sweet red and white wines, but also produce fantastic dry reds and whites, rose, sparkling, and dessert wines. 

My Favorite Wines:  Skinny Dippin (absolute favorite!), Back Porch Sittin’, and Savannah Rose.

Grape Creek Winery

Grape Creek Winery is the first winery in Fredericksburg, Texas. It is also one of the largest with over 100 acres of land. Guests can enjoy a grand tour of the winery on the tram which also includes a wine tasting.

Moreover, Grape Creek Winery is one of the most beautiful wineries in Texas. When you enter the estate, you will immediately feel like you have left the Texas Hill Country and escaped to Tuscany, Italy.

My Favorite Wines:  Cuvee Blanc, Rose of Malbec, Cabernet Blanc, and Grand Rouge.

The Wine Garage

If you love cars or have a man on this Texas Hill Country road trip, then this winery might be perfect. The Wine Garage is Texas’ best-kept secret because it is not only a winery but a classic car collection too.

So instead of sipping wine with outdoor views, you can sip wine next to a blue 1955 Ford Thunderbird or a yellow 1972 Volkswagon Van. Moreover, you can enjoy a guided tour inside the classic car collection with a progressive wine tasting. Throughout the tour, a guide will pair a glass of wine with a specific car, while also providing its history and significance. How cool is that?!?

My Favorite Wines:  Rat Rod Rust Bucket Red, Apache Pick up Orange Mimosa, and Orange Muscat.

Estimated driving time: depends on how many wineries you visit!

If you have more time:  enjoy a lovely hike or go stargazing at Enchanted State Park.

I hope you have enjoyed my guide on an epic Texas Hill Country road trip. Drive safe, and enjoy!

Sign me up for the newsletter!

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Destinations

Travel Videos

• Around Houston
• Historic Forts in Texas
• Historic Sites on the Texas Gulf Coast
• Historic Homes in Texas You Must Visit
• Where to Go Stargazing in Texas
• Texas Revolution Historic Sites
• Texas State Parks in South Texas
• Texas State Parks near Abilene, Amarillo & Midland

Texas State Parks near Austin

• Texas State Parks near Dallas
• Texas State Parks near El Paso & Big Bend
• Texas State Parks near Houston
• Texas State Parks near San Antonio
• Texas State Parks near Tyler

Beaches of Texas

Things to Do in Texas

• Attractions
• Featured Events
• Texas Road Trips
• Places to Stay
• Browse Free Brochures
• Shopping Cart
• Texas State Historical Sites
• Texas State Parks

Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Rolling hills, spring fed rivers and lakes, diverse art and music offerings, specialty shopping, and the state's capital city make the Hill Country a favorite destination for Texans and out-of-state visitors alike. Discover the beauty of the Texas Hill Country Region.

Click here to Filter Results

Annual Easter Pageant in Junction - APRIL

(Junction) - Witness the story of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection at the annual Easter Pageant in Junction, Texas, one of the state's most unique outdoor plays.

(Austin) - Visit Austin, Texas for its stunning live music scene, vibrant nightlife, remarkable dining, major annual events, and wealth of ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

Austin Parks & Recreation

(Austin) - Experience culture, history, and the abundant beauty of nature at any of the Austin Parks & Recreation's historic sites, museums, parks, and other attractions.

(Austin) - Explore Austin Zoo, where every visit promises a one-of-a-kind experience immersed in joy, learning, and meaningful connections with our animal residents. Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Hill Country, Austin Zoo stands out as a beacon of compassion and care.

(Bandera) - Dude ranches, Western charm, gorgeous Hill Country scenery, and a wealth of recreational opportunities abound in Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World.

(Bastrop) - Bastrop, one of the most historic towns in Texas, is an art, shopping and outdoor fun hub for visitors.

(Blanco) - Blanco is a charming town located in the scenic Texas Hill Country. An ideal location and wealth of outdoor fun makes Blanco a year-round traveler hot spot.

Blanton Museum of Art in Austin

(Austin) - Visit the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, a world-class art museum with a collection of works from across the globe – including Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin.

(Boerne) - Visit Boerne, an inviting town with a rich German heritage and great shopping and dining surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Texas Hill Country.

(Brady) - Brady offers excellent barbecue, world-class deer hunting, rich historical experiences, and beautiful scenery deep in the heart of Texas.

(Brownwood) - Discover the best of the Texas Hill Country when you visit Brownwood, a charming and inviting small town with plenty to offer hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

(Buda) - The Outdoor Capital of Texas, Buda is a charming Hill Country town home to excellent shopping, dining, and events like the famous Wiener Dog Races.

Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin

(Austin) - Bullock Texas State History Museum is the premier state history museum of Texas, featuring interactive displays, an IMAX Theater, a cafe, and a gift shop.

Burnet County, Texas

(Burnet) - The real beauty of the area lies in the location itself; convenient enough to get here in minutes, but far enough that you're surrounded by nature for miles and miles in every direction.

Cailloux Theater in Kerrville

(Kerrville) - Catch an amazing show at the Cailloux Theater, one of Kerrville's top attractions that attracts world-known acts and is the home of the Symphony of the Hills.

Canyon Lake Area

(Canyon Lake) - Visit the Canyon Lake Area to get away to one of Texas most scenic lakes. Whether you're kayaking or casting a fishing line, you'll find plenty to enjoy here.

Castroville

(Castroville) - Experience Castroville, a quaint Texas town with a unique French heritage nestled on the bank of the Medina River in the gorgeous Texas Hill Country.

(Cedar Park) - Discover Cedar Park, an inviting community with much to see and do situated at the crossroads of the rugged Texas Hill Country and upscale Greater Austin.

(Comfort) - Comfort is a charming Texas Hill Country town situated on the glistening banks of Cypress Creek. Located minutes outside of San Antonio, it is one of the state’s best preserved historic districts. Visit Comfort to experience its German heritage dating back from the mid-1800s, along with a variety of antique shops, wine tasting rooms, and historic landmarks.

Dixie Dude Ranch

(Bandera) - The Dixie Dude Ranch in Bandera, a Texas dude ranch, offers horseback riding, fantastic dining, stunning Hill Country views, and unforgettable Western vacations.

Dripping Springs

(Dripping Springs) - Visit Dripping Springs, the “Wedding Capital of Texas,” for memorable experiences like touring Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery and swimming at Hamilton Pool Preserve.

DriveTanks.com

(Uvalde) - Fire off into high gear at DriveTanks.com! Located on Ox Ranch in Uvalde, Texas, this living military history museum is the only location in the world where visitors can drive and shoot real U.S. and German military tanks, artillery, and machine guns. An experience of a lifetime, you won’t find anywhere else.

Fredericksburg

(Fredericksburg) - Visit Fredericksburg, Texas to discover a charming Hill Country town known for its German heritage, stunning museums, and abundance of wineries.

(Georgetown) - Swim in a scenic lake, sip a glass of Texas-made wine, and explore a vast cavern. Welcome to Georgetown, a small town full of Hill Country charm.

Hill Country Arts Foundation

(Ingram) - Actors, singers, directors, musicians, and technicians enjoy performing on the Hill Country Arts Foundation’s Smith-Ritch Point Theatre, a 500-seat outdoor amphitheater with the Guadalupe River as the backdrop and the moon and stars as the ambient house lighting.

Hill Country Challenge Triathlon in Junction - NOVEMBER

(Junction) - Using what the hill country has to offer, the trail run and road bike legs include challenging climbs and rolling hills while the paddle leg takes you on a trip down the lovely South Llano River, ending in town at Schreiner Park.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Hill Country Resort

(Canyon Lake) - Spacious villas and family-friendly amenities overlooking scenic Canyon Lake are waiting at Holiday Inn Club Vacations® Hill Country Resort.

(Hutto) - Hutto, Texas, is a quirky town known as the Hippo Capital of Texas. A bustling downtown and a convenient location near Austin makes it a great place to visit.

(Junction) - At the intersection of highways 83, 377, and Interstate 10 where the North and South Llano Rivers merge lays the small, rural community of Junction Texas bursting with warmth, friendliness, and welcoming spirit. This historical town is rich with heritage and tradition.

Kerr Arts and Cultural Center

(Kerrville) - Admire works of art by artists from the Texas Hill Country and beyond at the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, one of the top attractions in Kerrville, Texas.

(Kerrville) - Kerrville is a relaxing vacation destination with a vibrant arts community and a rich Texas history in the beautiful Guadalupe River Valley.

Kerrville Chalk Festival - OCTOBER

(Kerrville) - Watch as talented chalk artists create sidewalk masterpieces at the Kerrville Chalk Festival, an annual event in the Texas Hill Country held in mid-October.

Kerrville Folk Festival - MAY ~ JUNE

(Kerrville) - Ready to jam out? This Texas Hill Country festival is basically an 18-day concert. If you love music, you’ll have a rockin’ time at the Kerrville Folk Festival.

Kerrville-Schreiner Park

(Kerrville) - Visit Kerrville-Schreiner Park for a little slice of heaven! Head to the Guadalupe River to swim, kayak, or fish. Hit the trails to see wildlife and stunning views of the Texas Hill Country. At day’s end, camp under an endless canopy of stars.

Kimble County Kow Kick & BBQ Cook-off in Junction - SEPTEMBER

(Junction) - Join us in Junction for the Kow Kick Family Fun Festival & BBQ Cookoff to Celebrate Labor Day

Kingsland/Lake LBJ, Texas

(Kingsland) - Less than two hours from Austin and San Antonio in the Highlands Lakes region, Kingsland Lake LBJ is the ultimate getaway. Enjoy lakefront dining, live music, pristine state parks, water activities, and a welcoming vibe that will make you feel right at home.

(Kyle, Texas ) - Visit Kyle, the Pie Capital of Texas, in the Texas Hill Country for a sweet time filled with history, family-friendly attractions & day trips to Texas wineries.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

(Austin) - Explore the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, a showcase featuring nine acres of beautiful native Texas gardens and a 16-acre arboretum.

(Leander) - Historic Leander is a go-to destination when planning a trip to the Texas Hill Country! Visit the community’s unique collection of shops, distilleries, breweries, wineries, and restaurants in the Old Town district.

(Llano) - The Real Texas Hill Country…The Llano River winds through fields of bluebonnets and boulders of granite, leading you to the charming Texas Hill Country town of Llano.

Lone Star Court | Austin

(Austin) - In a world of marbled hotel lobbies and lookalike guest rooms, Austin’s Lone Star Court stands apart. Located in The Domain, this boutique hotel combines luxury amenities with the fun and retro cool of a 1950s motor inn.

Marble Falls

(Marble Falls) - Lovers of beautiful landscapes, lakeside tranquility, delicious wine, and heart-pounding adventure will find much to enjoy about Marble Falls, Texas.

Mason County

(Mason) - Discover Mason County, the gem of the Texas Hill Country, offering modern amenities, plenty of shopping, wineries and delicious cuisine, and outdoor adventure.

Museum of Western Art

(Kerrville) - The Museum of Western Art in Kerrville presents cowboy art, paintings, sculptures, and artifacts dedicated to preserving the heritage of the American West.

National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg

(Fredericksburg) - The National Museum of the Pacific War is a hidden gem in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. It is the only museum in the nation dedicated entirely to the story of WWII in the Pacific.

New Braunfels

(New Braunfels) - History loves company in picturesque, New Braunfels, TX. This stylish Hill Country destination with Old World flair is a magical spot to visit. New Braunfels showcases its rich German heritage alongside a heavy dose of modern Texas charm.

(Ozona) - Visit Ozona, a quaint town with unique attractions set among the rolling hills and limestone canyons in the western edge of the Texas Hill Country.

Playhouse 2000 in Kerrville

(Kerrville) - Experience local theater at its finest at the Playhouse 2000 in Kerrville, where you'll enjoy fan-favorite productions performed by talented actors.

Rancho Cortez in Bandera

(Bandera) - Learn how to throw a lasso, ride horseback along scenic trails, and experience life as a cowboy at Rancho Cortez, a working dude ranch near Bandera.

Riverside Nature Center

(Kerrville) - Riverside Nature Center is a place for children of all ages to learn about, experience and care for the wonders of the natural world.

Rodeo in Junction - AUGUST

(Junction) - August heats up in the Junction, Texas, Hill Country with Summer Classic Events that include the annual Rodeo and Dance.

(Round Rock ) - Visit Round Rock, a quaint Texas Hill Country charmer with verdant parks, first-rate golf courses, an abundance of shops, and even a minor league baseball team.

(San Marcos) - Visit San Marcos, a charming town located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country known for its spectacular river and its sprawling outlet shopping mall.

(San Saba) - Visit San Saba, the "Pecan Capital of the World," for some of the best of the Texas Hill Country. Beautiful parks, a charming historic downtown, and more await.

(Sonora) - Visit Sonora, Texas, a friendly small town on the western edge of the Hill Country home to one of the most beautiful caverns in the world.

(Taylor) - Not just any small Texas town, Taylor has a rich history filled with legendary innovators like Bill Picket and Texas Governor Dan Moody. Steeped in the glory days of the railroad, when cotton was king, Taylor offers historic buildings and other unique landmarks waiting to be explored. Be prepared for a trip of a lifetime as you peruse local art and culture, set your sights on spectacular birds at Murphy Park, stroll Heritage Square Park, and catch air (or watch others!) at the huge 10k-square-foot skatepark.

Texas Hill Country Olive Co. in Dripping Springs

(Dripping Springs) - The Texas Hill Country Olive Co. is an award-winning maker of authentic olive oils and balsamic vinegars, offering tastings, tours, events and more.

Texas Hill Country Trail Region

(Austin) - Stretching from Austin and San Antonio to Crystal City and Lampasas, the Texas Hill Country Trail Region has an endless supply of bucket-list worthy adventures.

(Austin) - Longhorn Cavern State Park, McKinney Falls State Park, Blanco State Park, and Mother Neff State Park are just a few of the many Texas state parks near Austin.

Texas Whiskey Festival - APRIL

(Bee Cave) - The Texas Whiskey Festival invites whiskey enthusiasts to join the party! Enjoy live music, feast on mouth-watering food, mingle with fellow whiskey lovers, and meet craft distillers as you savor the distilled spirits they create in the Lone Star State.

The Coming King Foundation Sculpture Prayer Garden

(Kerrville) - The unique contemporary cross sculpture has become a major Kerrville landmark to millions of people across the USA and world. 77 Bible verses from the Old and New Testaments leading to the cross are inscribed on 16” Scripture Tiles, in three languages. Four Prayer Plaques can be found inside the massive cross, where people pray and are changed forever.

The Escape Game Austin

(Austin) - Amid Austin’s vibrant downtown, you’ll find The Escape Game. Immerse yourself in one of five themed adventures. Your freedom depends on finding clues, solving puzzles, getting hints from your guide, and beating the clock! What are you waiting for?

Up & Back Boat Race in Junction - AUGUST

(Junction) - The Up & Back Boat Race event in Junction, Texas, is a competition of kayaks and canoes that offers a cash prize and loads of outdoor fun.

Uvalde County

(Concan) - Uvalde County, also known as the Texas Hill Country River Region, boasts gorgeous scenery, exciting adventuress, and events that are fun for the whole family.

Visit Wimberley

(Wimberley) - From sophisticated charm to rustic adventures, Wimberley has something for everyone. This delightful Texas Hill Country destination offers an exemplary arts scene, gorgeous outdoor activities, and inventive local cuisine.

West 1077 Guest Ranch

(Bandera) - West 1077 is on a mission to provide guests access to some of the most beautiful, challenging, and matchless trail systems in Texas. Whether you want to go for a run in the early light of a fresh morning, ride the rugged and challenging mountain bike trails, or just drive the back roads of Texas, the doors are always open for any sport enthusiast who simply wants to get away from it all, but still enjoys staying active.

Wonder World Park in San Marcos

(San Marcos) - Welcome to Wonder World Park, a one-of-a-kind Theme Park, known as the 1st show cave in Texas. Visitors have enjoyed touring the Balcones Fault Line Cave for over 105 years, and now, the park has many other attractions for family fun and entertainment.

(Woodcreek) - Nestled in the beautiful Hill Country, Woodcreek, Texas is just 3 miles north of Wimberley, 40 minutes Southwest of Austin, and 50 minutes from San Antonio.

Video Modal

Travel Destinations

State Fair of Texas

Texas Big Bend Country South Texas Plains Texas Gulf Coast Texas Hill Country Texas Panhandle Plains Texas Prairies and Lakes Texas Piney Woods Texas Statewide Attractions

Order Brochures

Other Travel Brochures you may be interested in that are nearby your selection:

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country is a region that stretches across central Texas, known for its natural beauty, charming small towns, and rich history. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s something for everyone in the Hill Country. And that’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to exploring this breathtaking region. From outdoor adventure to wineries, we’ll cover it all.

Outdoor Activities

The Hill Country is a nature lover’s paradise, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Visit Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, one of Texas’ most iconic natural landmarks, for an unforgettable hiking experience. Or go kayaking or tubing down the famous Guadalupe or Comal River. Explore Texas’ underground treasures by taking a cave tour at Natural Bridge Caverns or Cascade Caverns. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hot air balloon ride to see breathtaking views of the landscape from above.

Small Town Charm

The Hill Country is home to several charming small towns, each with its own unique character and history. Fredericksburg is the largest town in the Hill Country and is famous for its German heritage and vineyards. Visit the quaint towns of Wimberley or Bandera for a taste of true Texas hospitality. Explore the artsy town of Marfa or the historic town of Gruene for a truly unique experience.

Wine and Dine

Texas is known for its BBQ, but the Hill Country offers so much more than just that. The region has a booming wine and craft beer scene, with over 100 wineries and vineyards to choose from. Spend your day wine tasting at Becker Vineyards, Pedernales Cellars, or Messina Hof, just to name a few. Or try some craft beer at a local brewery, like Real Ale in Blanco or Hill Country Craft Beer in Kerrville. And don’t forget to try some of the amazing local cuisine, like Tex-Mex at Hondo’s in Bandera or German cuisine at Otto’s in Fredericksburg.

History and Culture

The Hill Country has a rich history and culture, dating back to the days of the early settlers and Native American tribes. Visit the LBJ Ranch and the state park in Stonewall for a glimpse into the life of former president Lyndon B Johnson. Explore the Cowboy Capital of the World in Bandera, where you can take a horseback ride and experience the old west. Or visit the historic town of Johnson City, where you can step back in time at the PEC Historical Park.

Festivals and Events

The Hill Country is home to several festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from wine and beer to music and history. Check out the Kerrville Folk Festival, the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival, or the Wimberley Arts Fest for a taste of culture and entertainment. And don’t forget the famous Texas Hill Country Wildflower Trail in the spring, where miles of wildflowers attract visitors from all over the world.

The Texas Hill Country is a region that truly has it all. From outdoor adventure to wine and dine, there’s something for everyone. Explore the charming small towns, rich history, and diverse culture, and you’ll fall in love with this beautiful region. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next trip to the Texas Hill Country now.

Recent Posts

• Sizzling Hot and Steeped in Tradition
• Birdwatching Bliss
• Hidden Trails
• Celebrating Traditions
• Discovering the Hidden Gems of Texas Hill Country

Change Location

Find awesome listings near you.

Over the Hills

A travel guide to Texas Bluebonnet Country, without the Bluebonnets

by Alexandra Kennon Shahin

March 22, 2023

Alexandra Kennon

Jacob’s Well Natural Area, just northwest of Wimberley, Texas

This story was supposed to be about bluebonnets.

For those who have not spent considerable time visiting or romanticizing rural Texas, bluebonnets are the small, wispy, purplish-blue-colored wildflowers that drape the state’s highway medians and cow pastures in regal robes of indigo each spring. The “Yellow Rose of Texas” may have been responsible for saving the Alamo, but it’s the bluebonnets that wildly contribute to the Hill Country’s natural beauty, and keep tourists and locals alike pulling cars over to snap photographs, year after year.

The biggest show of bluebonnets we saw on this Hill Country excursion was not on the roadside, unfortunately, but at the lovely Wildseed Farms near Fredericksburg.

The bluebonnets were what brought us to Texas a couple of days before our friends’ wedding south of Austin, and kept us a couple of days after they exchanged vows. But at the time of our excursion, the lingering impacts of an unseasonable drought rendered the bluebonnets all but non-existent. Spotting one or two drooping speciments on the roadside, I’d jump with excitement, eagerly alerting my Austin-raised partner Sam, “There!” Each time, he would sigh: “Yeah, but it’s not the same. They’re normally everywhere this time of year. Seas of them.” We heard the sentiment again and again from locals, especially those invested in tourists like us who flock to these hills each spring.

Where we missed the bluebonnets, we found plenty of pit barbecue, country music history, unexpected natural wonders, chicken fried steak, local libations, and colorful characters—making it a much more than worthwhile adventure.

[Read about another Texas excursion taken by writer Alex and her partner Sam, which landed them in the serendipitous position of being judges at a chili cook-off in Marble Falls.] 

Lone Star Court

The Hill Country is plenty worthwhile on its own accord, but admittedly, the close proximity to Austin is a major asset.

Though Lone Star Court, the boutique hotel where we were staying, is part of North Austin’s upscale shopping area The Domain, its design foreshadowed our more rural Hill Country experience to come. A Tiffany blue vintage Buick Roadmaster (or that’s my guess based on Googling, so don’t come for me, car people) with Texas plates and a sixties motel-style neon sign brandishing “Lone Star Court” greeted us out front. After we checked in inside the smartly cowhide-accented office, a fragrant waft of woodsmoke beckoned from a barbecue smoker on the sprawling covered courtyard: “Welcome to Texas”.

Lone Star Court in Austin

As if a remote southwest highway motel received a metropolitan education, the accommodations at Lone Star Court have each their own outdoor entrances overlooking the courtyard, outfitted with a pair of rocking chairs and a ceiling fan. The retro motel atmosphere carried into our room, which greeted us with cold Lone Star beers in the vintage-style Smeg refrigerator (the same shade of blue as the Buick) and local salsa and snacks. A sliding barn door to the sleek, pristine bathroom and leather chair with the exposed-wood desk conjured a ranch house feel—the cloud-soft mattress and smooth, cool Egyptian cotton sheets reminded us we were in a luxury hotel in recently-reimagined North Austin.

Fredericksburg & Enchanted Rock

We started out early the next morning with the under two-hour drive to Fredericksburg . The further out we got, the subdivisions and shopping centers gave way to long stretches of pasture speckled with cows and cacti, occasionally broken up by ranch houses—longhorn-adorned iron gates protecting their long gravel driveways.

Then, rising up like a Western movie set, came the town of Fredericksburg. Though founded on land originally occupied by Comanche Native Americans, the town received its name, derived from Prince Frederick of Prussia, upon its founding by German settlers in 1846. Today, the downtown length of Main Street stretches flat and picturesque, lined with over 150 locally-owned shops, restaurants, and galleries in historic buildings bearing Texas and German flags.

The Marketplatz Fredericksburg

After a stop by the tourism office, we met Sam’s cousin Gary, a local peach farmer, for breakfast at Caliche Coffee . We were impressed by the wide-ranging menu options that nodded to the Southwest and beyond—Sam went for the earthy red chile-sauced Chilaquiles; I had some kind of yogurt and granola parfait laced with a gingery, citrusy ribbon of fruit; and Gary generously let me snap a photo of his thick avocado toast, loaded with colorful veggie garnishes and boiled egg. As we sipped our coffee on the sunny back deck, Gary told us about the many changes increased tourism has brought to Fredericksburg, and a few things that have stubbornly and gloriously remained the same (like the General Store). It wasn’t lost on me how my being there to write about my visit for a magazine, photographing his avocado toast, was fairly emblematic of the things that Gary cited were fueling this change; he was warm, friendly, and matter-of-factly hospitable regardless.

[Add Marble Falls to your Hill Country itinerary, using this travel guide by Managing Editor Jordan LaHaye Fontenot]

Next, we headed for Enchanted Rock . The massive, orangey pink granite dome’s name comes from the considerable lore associated with it—local Comanche, Apache, and Tonkawa tribes believed the rock possessed spiritual and magical powers. Legends range from the rock making Native people invisible to aid them in hiding from Anglo settlers, to the Tonkawa believing ghost fires light the top of the dome, and reporting it creaking (which geologists believe is a result of the stone contracting at night after being heated by the sun during the day).

Chilaquiles at Caliche Coffee in downtown Fredericksburg.

As is true of most Texas State Parks and Natural Areas, reservations at Enchanted Rock are highly recommended since the park closes when it reaches capacity. The park offers around eight and a half miles of hiking trails throughout—experienced hikers can opt to take the full 4.6 mile loop trail, and more leisurely sight-seers can take the 0.1 mile Scenic View Trail or easy 0.3 mile Frontside Trail. With limited time and over-confident estimations of our hiking capabilities, we opted for the fairly challenging 0.8 mile Summit Trail, which takes visitors directly to the top of Enchanted Rock.

The hike up to Enchanted Rock

The incline was steep enough to be quite invigorating—at least at first—as we galumphed ahead, stopping every hundred yards or so to turn around and marvel at the increasingly-impressive view of the surrounding Hill Country as we ascended. About a third of the way from the top, I had to stop to sit down on a rock. I don’t normally struggle with vertigo, but something about a hike that gradually steep (and my continuous turns to look back down and admire the view) had me a bit lightheaded. After a grounding little water break, we pressed forward to the top—and from the very peak of the mysterious not-quite-mountain, the lofty perspective of the vast, arid landscape around us was well worth the effort. The descent was a quick and pleasant reward for our efforts on the way up.

Feeling accomplished, we headed back into town to meet Gary and his partner Kaye for lunch at Hill & Vine . The “Texas table and wine hall” offers creatively-laid-back, locally-inspired-and-sourced dishes like chicken schnitzel with chimichurri and grilled lemon, a watermelon and green tomato salad with spiced pecans and herbed goat cheese, a Texas cheeseburger with local Wagyu and house-brined pickles, and pimento mac & cheese you can add pulled pork to. We all thoroughly enjoyed our entrées, and I was surprised that when I hesitated to order the Roadside Fried Pies—hand pies made with local peaches and spiced pecans—Gary intervened. He wanted to try them, too. Even having spent much of his life on a peach orchard, he still appreciated the deliciousness of the local bounty—particularly decadent wrapped in its crispy-thin pastry, Texas rum sauce, and local Clear River ice cream.

Hill & Vine in Fredericksburg

After lunch, we moseyed around Fredericksburg’s historic downtown area. We made our obligatory stop in the Marketplatz, the historic park at the center of town that surrounds the Vereins Kirche—an octagonal building that has been rebuilt on the site of Fredericksburg’s first church and school, that today houses a museum of Fredericksburg’s history.

[Planning summer travels? How about Florida? Here's our travel guide along the coast.]

Down the street, Rustlin’ Robs overwhelmed and excited us, with its absurdly varied selection of hot sauces, dip mixes, spices, and more stretching from the floor all the way to the vintage-knick-knack-covered ceiling. Other stores we perused offered everything from women’s clothing, to cowboy boots, to home goods, to chocolate truffles, to gag gifts. Clear River Ice Cream and Bakery touted a huge list of small batch flavors, and claimed to have the “Best Peach Cobbler in Texas” (still full from the hand pies, we were unable to verify).

Speaking of peaches, a little further out from Main Street, Das Peach Haus is worth a visit. The family-owned company Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods’ jams, jellies, and sauces are long-standing staples of area grocery stores; the current shop sits in the same location as the family’s historic peach stand from 1870, which remains on site. It’s surrounded by tall pine trees, which were planted by a previous generation and remain towering over the sweet wooden shop and Adirondack-surrounded pond out back.

The Adirondacks just behind Das Peach Haus

Bolstered by its German heritage, Fredericksburg has always been a leader in this country’s craft beer scene— Fredericksburg Brewing Company right on the Main Street stretch has been open since 1994, giving it the distinction of the “Oldest brewpub in Texas”.

Serious beer connoisseurs will also want to prioritize a visit to Altstadt Brewery , opened in 2018 on an impressive Bavarian-inspired campus further out from the downtown stretch. Altstadt’s brewers implement principles of Reinheitsgebot, German beer purity laws that date back to the 1500s, and brew Altstadt’s beers using a copper-plated rolec brewhouse imported from Germany. The restaurant on-site continues the trend of elevated Texas-meets-German-inspired dishes, brewer-led tours are available, live music acts frequently play the Grand Hall, and there’s even a museum of vintage tractors that’s free for visitors to check out.

Beyond beer, the hills surrounding Fritztown propagate a rich vineyard scene—with ample tour options.

We were steered toward Becker Vineyards Estate Tasting Room , one of the more impressive, with its imposing stone facade and fifty-six acres of vineyards on an over-three-hundred-acre estate. While founders Dr. Richard Becker and his wife Bunny were in France studying the Viognier grape (which they would be the first to commercially plant in Texas), they observed the abundance of lavender plants thriving in that dry and arid climate. In 1998, they enlisted their daughter and friends to assist in planting 10,000 lavender plants at their estate vineyard, which has grown to three acres and now includes poppies, bluebonnets, sunflowers, and zinnias. Becker even hosts an annual Lavender Festival , whose twenty-fourth edition will take place the weekend of April 15–16, 2023.

Down 290, Wildseed Farms also offers stunning wild floral displays, with bluebonnets and other wildflowers (when in season) stretching to the horizon, a Brew Bonnet Biergarten, and a cute associated gift shop (we bought a couple of shot glasses with little bluebonnets painted on the side, to drown our sorrows over the drought).

Luckenbach, Willow City Loop & Llano

A full day exploring Fredericksburg under our belts (and still so much left on the table for next time), we headed southeast toward one of the more legendary destinations on our itinerary (in a landscape full of legends, jutting out of the desert like Enchanted Rock). In under twenty minutes, we arrived at Luckenbach : an autonomous zone where country music history and reverence thereof surpass all else on that beer-soaked acreage. It started as a trading post in 1849 that is said to have never broken a peace treaty with the Comanche Native Americans who utilized it alongside German settlers. The small community grew to include a cotton gin, a blacksmith, and a school, and the population increased to nearly five hundred residents at its highest in 1904, before steeply declining over the course of the next several decades. In 1970, an advertisement in a local paper touted “town — pop. 3 — for sale,” which earned the attention of rancher and Texas folklorist/writer Hondo Crouch, rancher Kathy Morgan, and actor Guich Koock, who together bought Luckenbach in 1970 for $30,000. In 1973, Jerry Jeff Walker recorded the groundbreaking country rock record Viva Terlingua in the local Dancehall—that was three years before Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson would launch Luckenbach to worldwide fame with the hit “Luckenbach Texas (Back to the Basics)” .

The Post Office and General Store in Luckenbach.

With its dancehall and funky tree-branch-draped outdoor stages, Luckenbach continues to host regular live country acts for audiences who also enjoy sipping local beer and pursuing the kitschy items in the historic Post Office and General Store . We sat at a picnic table in the shade sipping Altstadt Pilsner watching the weeknight pickers’ circle guitarist play and crack jokes as the sun teased at setting.

Wanting to maximize our remaining daylight and take advantage of already being so far out, we impulsively decided to knock the Willow City Loop off of our itinerary that evening. Willow City Loop is a thirteen-mile meandering drive through some of the most scenic countryside in the Hill Country—the narrow ranch road brought us over creeks, past craggy rock formations, plenty of “loose cattle” signs and what they warn of, and other wildlife. Even though we were too early for the bluebonnets and other wildflowers that make Willow City Loop “the iconic Texas Hill Country scenic drive,” I was captivated by the ruggedly remote landscape.

[Read another travel guide by Arts & Entertainment Editor Alex Kennon, this time closer to home in Mandeville.]

And then, like a beautiful Texan beacon on that lonely ranch road (one perk of our random evening drive out of season was that we entirely avoided the traffic that can come with such a famous route), there was the road sign, matter-of-factly telling us that Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Q in Llano was less than twenty miles north. Having been raised by a Texas barbecue reviewer, Sam extolled the virtues of the legendary joint, and we took off. A young man lording over a vault-like pit holding links of sausage, massive pork chops, quarters of chicken, a sizable brisket, and racks of ribs greeted us. Sam pointed out the exact pork chop and sausage links we wanted and asked him to slice from the fattier side of the brisket. Then we took our tray inside to round up sides of simple ham-hock flavored pinto beans, potato salad, and mac ‘n’ cheese. As we moaned through each smokey, fatty bite of simply-seasoned perfection dunked in thin, porky sauce, a dozen sets of mounted deer eyes upon us,  we were reminded of the delicious rewards that often come with willingness to go a few extra miles for something truly special.

Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Q

Blanco & Wimberley

The next day, departing from our Austin launchpad one last time, we grabbed migas for breakfast at one of Sam’s no-frills Tex-Mex favorites, Enchiladas Y Mas . Then, back into the Hill Country we went—this time with our sights set on Jacob’s Well Spring at the head of Cypress Creek, northwest of Wimberley . What makes Jacob’s Well notable is its impressive underwater cave that descends vertically for about thirty feet. The crystal clear water allows visitors to see pretty far down the well, which is a popular natural swimming destination. Arriving after a short walk from the parking lot, we found a family enjoying the swimming hole and opted to sit on the walkway and stick our bare feet in the water, as icy cool and clean as its crystal blueness promised, contrasted by the midday sun beating against the back of our necks.

Next, we set our sights on Blanco State Park —only to be seduced along the way by a small red building with a rusty tin roof promising “Homemade Apple Pie”. Like out of a nostalgic dream, the Deutsch Apple Bakery displayed apple pastries of any and every variety, lovingly shaped by hand, beautifully rustic; piled high in the case alongside blackberry pie bars, some local delicacy called butter bars, lemon lavender cookies, and so much more. A kind-eyed older lady piled too many sweets to justify on a road trip into boxes for us, and asked about where we were from. “This might be my favorite bakery ever,” I said incoherently through bites of the thick and crumbly blackberry pie bar back in the car, an assessment I stand by as only slightly hyperbolic. Four days later, when we had returned home to New Orleans, I broke into a loaf of apple pecan bread and marveled anew at how it could still be so moist, so rich in buttery spice.

The Deutsch Apple

Blanco State Park covers a one-mile stretch of the Blanco River’s banks, where visitors enjoy swimming, picnicking, camping, and bountiful fishing with no license required. We watched as kids and their parents enjoyed walking along the top of a dam and exploring safe and shallow waters nearby, before departing for our lodging near Wimberley.

The restored 1956 Airstream that would be our home for the weekend emerged at the center of a private clearing in the woods—a hammock draped invitingly beside it. We used the provided wagon to deliver bags from the car, and marveled at the Airstream’s restoration—with warm wooden interior details and ‘60s inspired white furnishings, party games, and a cocktail shaker in the window. A separate tin structure housed the bathroom, and a surrounding deck came equipped with a propane grill and hot tub.

[Read this : A Travel Guide to Birmingham—French Bistros, Local Brews, and Botanical Gardens in Birmingham]

The next day was our friends’ big wedding day, and Sam was in the groom’s party. So, while he hustled off to fulfill his groomsman duties of tie-tying and whiskey swigging, I was left to get better acquainted with the hammock and explore downtown Wimberley’s shops on my own. We’d done a bit of preliminary roaming as we drove the winding, tree-shaded country roads coming in the previous day, admiring the homes along the Blanco River and pointing out stray cattle and deer. While the scenery surrounding Fredericksburg and Johnson City was so striking in its open, desert landscape; Wimberley with its plentiful trees and swimming holes evoked a more whimsical, wooded feel.

Shadowland Ranch’s restored 1956 airstream, near Wimberley

I was eager to peruse the funky smattering of shops that seemed to split their allegiance between Western and hippy aesthetics; plenty chaotically incorporating both. Some carried cowboy boots and kitschy coffee mugs, some kept stock a bit more colorful (literally, in some cases—I bought a pair of bright orange socks printed with expletives for a friend). The next morning, I would drag Sam back to show him Los Olivos Market : a Texas wine, craft beer, and olive oil market that sold charcuterie boards and other bites, where I bought a bottle of Texas Hill Country Olive Co. olive oil infused with Harissa and another with white balsamic. Continually on a quest for the elusive bluebonnet, I also grabbed a couple of Texas-shaped wooden magnets with the purplish flowers printed on them at a print shop. “Yeah, that drought has been hard on ‘em this season,” the salesman sighed, wrapping my consolation prize in tissue paper. “You should really come back in a couple weeks.”

The next morning, after some more cloying, crumbling bites of Deutsch Apple delicacies on our deck, we headed to Cypress Falls Swimming Hole —a site we’d noticed advertised on a roadside sign a few days prior. We parked along the blueish green water and ambled up to the open bar/deck/boat rental operation that had clearly received the “funky-fun” memo Wimberley operates on. $8 gives visitors access to the deck and swimming hole all day, and only $10 gets you a canoe, paddle board, or tube rental. I asked the guy who handed us our paddles and helped carry our canoe to the water if we’d need life vests. “You’re overthinkin’ it,” he laughed at me. “It’s like, four feet deep.”

Cypress Falls Swimming Hole in Wimberley

Comforted, we shoved out onto the sun-reflective water and paddled around leisurely for around an hour, stopping across the way to climb a big natural rock formation before returning the boat. We could have been quite happy sipping local beer and watching the boats and families splash about from a wicker chair on that deck the rest of the afternoon, but it was our last day in the area, and we had more ground to cover.

Suckers for Tex-Mex and particularly susceptible when in the land of it, we grabbed lunch at Durango’s in Wimberley—a bright orange building that called with its promise of “Homemade tortillas” painted on the window. We ordered a plate of huevos smothered in a green chile sauce next to spicy carne guisada, refried beans, hashbrowns, and bacon, and a cup of menudo in the naive hope that we would both forget our disdain for tripe long enough to enjoy the spicy red soup. We agreed that if we were to enjoy menudo, that would have been a good one.

While we were eating, Sam’s buddy Calvin invited us to join him and his dad at nearby Devil’s Backbone Tavern in Fischer. It’s named for The Devil’s Backbone, a limestone ridge in the area that’s known as a scenic-if-incredibly-haunted drive, beloved as a backdrop in Western films.

Durango's in Wimberley

After pulling up to the legendary dive bar and honky tonk dancehall, we walked past the conglomeration of bikers and cowboys and their big slobbery dogs holding court at picnic tables out back. Inside, we were greeted by a dimly-lit world of Lone Star beer, the twang of country music, and allegedly the oldest shuffleboard in Texas (regulation length). Saloon-style vintage light fixtures crusted with dust, lit-up domestic beer signs, a skeleton in a cowboy hat, and hundreds of tattered dollar bills affixed to the ceiling completed the atmosphere. We grabbed glass bottled Lone Stars and moseyed into the dancehall portion, where we listened to the Michael O’Connor band play for a few songs, couples occasionally getting up to dance on this Sunday afternoon. “You didn’t pay nothin’, the least you can do is dance,” O’Connor prodded the crowd. When Calvin and his dad arrived, we joined them for a game of shuffleboard, feeling part of the singular local scene as we took our shots at knocking each other’s pucks off the long, sandy board, cursing between pulls of beer.

Only a quick drive away from Old Baldy, we tackled the short but vigorous hike up a set of stone stairs to the top of what some refer to as “Lookout Mountain”. We aren’t the most skilled hikers, but we do like a nice view—and sure enough, the added elevation from the top provided a beautiful panorama of the surrounding Hill Country, which was worth being a little winded by the two-hundred-twenty steep steps.

Cypress Falls Swimming Hole in Wimberley.

Still working to squeeze as much natural beauty as possible into our last day, we headed to Canyon Lake . A reservoir of the Guadalupe River constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s to provide flood control and water for communities south of the Canyon Dam, the massive blue body of water looks pretty out of place in the middle of this dry Texas countryside. That doesn’t stop it from being picturesque, lined with its sandy beaches dotted by sunbathing tourists. We walked along the top of the imposing dam, marveling at the blueness of the water and the rolling hills on the opposite shore.

Chicken Fried Steak at Gristmill in Gruene

Just as we felt our skin turning pink, we hopped in the car and started towards the last Hill Country town on our agenda, which made our list primarily for its legendary chicken fried steak and historic dance hall: Gruene . We passed historic buildings and an eclectic stretch of quirky shops overseen by a big old water tower bearing the town’s name. After making a sweep of the shops, we headed to Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar , where we sought the Hill Country delicacy rivaled only by barbecue: chicken fried steak.

Housed in the historic Gruene Cotton Gin with a back deck overlooking the Guadalupe River, the Gristmill building is worth seeing all on its own—but when our cheery waitress brought out the reason we’d come, I could tell from the shatter-crispy coating and thick, creamy and peppery gravy that Gristmill’s chicken fried steak had been worth the wait. We finished every bite, the expertly-breaded-and-fried meat paired dreamily with the homemade-tasting mashed potatoes and gravy.

Gruene Historic Dance Hall

Afterwards, we passed the famous Gruene Hall —the oldest continually-operating dancehall in Texas, which has been hosting honky tonks since 1878, and takes pride in the fact it hasn’t changed a bit. Through the wooden boards of the old hall, country superstar Lyle Lovett’s guitar chords and deep, twangy voice floated out into the Texas night air. Though we hadn’t had the foresight to buy tickets to the sold-out show, just being in close enough proximity to hear him play such an iconic hall was a real thrill. As we drove away from the little town of Gruene that night, Sam played Lyle Lovett’s songs over the car speakers, and one in particular felt like the perfect note on which to end our trip ambling around the Hill Country:

“That’s right, you’re not from Texas

But Texas wants you anyway.”

There is so much to see and do in the sprawling Texas Hill Country, that our experience barely scratches the surface. 

Disclaimer: This trip was hosted in part by Lone Star Court and Visit Fredericksburg , though the opinions of the writer are entirely her own.

Note: Gary Marburger, Sam’s second cousin who owned the peach farm outside of Fredericksburg, sadly passed away a week after our visit. We are so grateful to him and his partner Kaye for their warm hospitality. In his obituary, next to a photo of him smiling wide holding a bowl of peaches and following his extensive local volunteer work, it notes that, “he found himself happiest among dear friends and his peach trees in the Texas Hill Country.”

• Issue Archive
• Find a Copy
• Privacy Policy
• Contact Sales Team
• Country Roads Offerings
• CR Auto Pay Signup Form
• Send Us Your Event
• Baton Rouge Events
• New Orleans Events
• Acadiana Events

Keep in Touch

• Print Subscription
• Digital Archive

Current Issue

© 2021 COUNTRY ROADS MAGAZINE

2023 Country Roads Magazine

Texas Hill Country Lodging, Restaurants, Attractions, and Events

Explore the Texas Hill Country

Welcome to TexasHillCountryVisitor.com, your travel guide to the best places to stay, restaurants, attractions, activities, and events in the Texas Hill Country.  Whether you’re a long time resident of our area looking to get out and enjoy all our region has to offer, or planning your first trip to the hill country- you’ll find everything you need to get started right here. Use the menu and search bars above to find the information you are looking for, or check out our featured news, events, lodging, restaurants, and attractions below.

NEWS, ARTICLES, & REVIEWS

SCROLL THROUGH OUR MOST RECENT NEWS AND POSTS

Tour The Texas Hill Country: Part 2

Part 2: Kerrville, Texas Our Tour the Texas Hill Country series will guide you through some of the best destinations the hill country has to offer. The beauty of this self-guided hill country tour is that it can be a series of shorter trips or weekend getaways; or you can knock it out all at once if you have the time. It can be customized entirely to suit your preferences, timeline, and starting point. You’ll find more resources on what to do along the way, restaurants, and places to stay at the end of each series of the article, or you can stop by our Texas Hill Country Visitor home page to start planning the specifics of your trip. The first leg of our trip was a stop in Bandera TX. If you stayed in Bandera for a night or two, I recommend leaving town just a bit before lunch time and heading toward Kerrville. This will give you the opportunity to grab lunch on the way to Kerrville, or something in town once you arrive. Before you leave Bandera you’ll have to make a choice. You can take Hwy 173 to Kerrville or stay on 16 to go the […]

Celebrate Texas: Event Review

Fredericksburg is pretty much always one of the best places to find things to do in the hill country, but last weekend was a particularly eventful weekend, even by Fredericksburg standards. Bluebonnets were at their peak, drawing many visitors from around the state. Area wineries and vineyards were celebrating wildflower season with special winery events, and a couple of festivals took place that drew thousands of visitors.   We attended two of these events- the “Best of Texas Food & Wine Festival”, and “Celebrate Texas”. We had a great time at both events, and recommend them both highly for next year if you didn’t get the chance to attend this time around. We talked about “The Best of Texas Food and Wine Festival” in a separate article (check it out in our Articles, News, and Reviews” section), but wanted to highlight Celebrate Texas here.     Celebrate Texas was held at the Texas Rangers Heritage Center in Fredericksburg. This was the second time they’ve held the annual event, but the first time we’ve had the opportunity to attend, and we’re glad we did. The Texas Rangers Heritage Center is located on Hwy 290 just next door to the historic Fort […]

The Best of Texas Food & Wine Festival: Event Review

Fredericksburg is pretty much always one of the best places to find things to do in the hill country, but last weekend was a particularly eventful weekend, even by Fredericksburg standards. Bluebonnets were at their peak, drawing many visitors from around the state. Area wineries and vineyards were celebrating the peak of wildflower season with special winery events, and a couple of festivals took place that drew thousands of visitors.   We attended two of these events- the “Best of Texas Food & Wine Festival”, and “Celebrate Texas”. We had a great time at both events, and recommend them both highly for next year if you didn’t get the chance to attend this time around. We’ll talk about “Celebrate Texas” in a separate article, but for now we want to discuss the Best of Texas Food and Wine Festival, and give our overall review. This was a first-time event, but was very successful, and is likely to become an annual event going forward- at least we hope it does. A press release after the event said it drew approximately 2,700 visitors from around the country, and even a few foreign visitors. That is impressive, especially for a first-time event. The […]

Win Tickets: Best Of Texas Food & Wine Festival

Enter To Win- Follow The Instructions Below and you Could Win Tickets to the Best of Texas Food and Wine Festival If you live in the Texas Hill Country, and have been on Facebook at all lately, there’s a decent chance you’ve seen people talking about the Best of Texas Food & Wine Festival that is being held in Fredericksburg from Friday, March 31st thru Sunday, April 2nd.  The Best of Texas is much more than just a food and wine event.  The weekend long event has been created to showcase the growing number of local vineyards, breweries, distilleries, retailers, artists, local musicians, and gourmet food fares blessing the Texas Hill Country, and beyond- basically a whole lot of what makes our region incredibly special, and some great opportunities to socialize as well.  This is going to be one of the best events in the hill country this year, and definitely something you should be attending if you have the ability to get to Fredericksburg that weekend.  The folks at The Best of Texas Food & Wine Fest have offered us a few tickets to give away to our site fans.  These are general admission passes that will give you access […]

Texas Hill Country Bluebonnets: Spring Has Sprung

Texas Hill Country Bluebonnets: Spring Has Sprung If you’ve taken the time to blink in the last few months, you probably missed winter. We are rapidly approaching spring, and leaving the almost non-existent cooler weather squarely in the rear view mirror.  Even by Texas Hill Country standards calling it “mild” would have been a bit of an understatement.  Winter’s lackluster showing left a bit of room for spring to step in ahead of schedule, and step in it has.  The grass is growing, weeds are shooting up, trees are budding, and spring flowers are beginning to bloom around our region.  Better than average weather conditions and properly timed precipitation have resulted in the potential for a great wildflower season. The most obvious signs spring has sprung are the fields of bluebonnets popping up across Texas.  At this point, the areas east of TX Hwy 16 in the hill country are popping blue at respectable levels, with peak season expected sometime in the next week to 10 days.  That all means one thing:  You still have time to get out and enjoy a bluebonnet sightseeing tour of the hill country.  Here are a couple of the spots we recommend, with some […]

Tour the Texas Hill Country: Part 1

Tour the Texas Hill Country Part 1: Bandera, Texas Our Tour the Texas Hill Country series will guide you through some of the best destinations the hill country has to offer. The beauty of this self-guided hill country tour is that it can be a series of shorter trips or weekend getaways; or you can knock it out all at once if you have the time. It can be customized entirely to suit your preferences, timeline, and starting point. We’ve set this trip series to begin in Bandera and end in Fredericksburg, but you can start on either side or hop in at any point. This trip guide will take you through some of the best scenery and most interesting towns in the hill country, hitting many of the highlights along the way. You’ll find more resources on what to do along the way, restaurants, and places to stay at the end of each series of the article, or you can stop by our Texas Hill Country Visitor home page to start planning the specifics of your trip. Bandera, Texas The first leg of our suggested tour of the Texas Hill Country will take you to Bandera. If you’re coming […]

Photographing the Texas Hill Country: Winter Photography

The Texas Hill Country is one of the most ruggedly beautiful regions in the country. When traveling outside our state, I have tried to convey that point to those unfamiliar with our region on a handful of occasions, but have often met resistance. Many outside the Lone Star State don’t think of Texas as beautiful. They think of Texas as flat, barren, and boring. Certainly there are parts of our state that resemble those remarks to some degree or another, but the hill country is not one of them. The beauty may not always jump out and slap you in the face the way it will in some of the most popular scenic destinations around the world. You aren’t going to view the northern lights here, or see snow-capped mountains reflected in alpine lakes. You aren’t going to see a striking sunset on a white sand beach, or witness a downpour in a tropical rain-forest, but that is not what the hill country is about. Rolling hills, towering limestone bluffs, meandering rivers, and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets can be found here year round. Each season paints those features with a different look and feel, and each one is worth seeing […]

5 Things To Do In The Texas Hill Country This Winter

5 Things To Do In The Texas Hill Country This Winter: It’s that time of year again- winter has come to the Texas Hill Country, or so the calendar says. Halloween and Thanksgiving already seem like a distant memory, and Christmas and New Years have come and gone. Of course winter weather in Texas tends to be a bit unpredictable and bipolar- that is nothing new. It isn’t abnormal to experience temperature variances from lows in the teens or 20s to highs in the 80s, all in the same week, or even the same day. With that kind of variation in the weather, it can be difficult to make plans for outdoor activities too far in advance, especially if you aren’t a fan of cooler weather. That being said, winters in Texas do tend to be pretty mild, which is one of the reasons we attract so many “Winter Texans” trying to avoid the harsh weather of states further north. Winter in Texas can be one of the best times to get out and enjoy nature, absent the summer heat. It is also a great time to enjoy an abundance of activities and attractions that are less weather dependent. Here […]

Visit our News, Articles, and Reviews Page for more great information about the Texas Hill Country!

THINGS TO DO IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

SCROLL THROUGH A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE TX HILL COUNTRY

Grape Creek Vineyards is one of the most picturesque vineyards and wineries in the Texas Hill Country. Visitors can take a tour of the beautiful 100 acre estate and romantic Tuscan Village tasting rooms nestled among the oaks and vines in Fredericksburg. 

Grape Creek Vineyards- Fredericksburg TX

The Guadalupe River takes center stage at Guadalupe River State Park in Spring Branch.  With four miles of river frontage, visitors will have ample opportunity to get on the water and enjoy the Texas Hill Country at its best.  Beautiful scenery and a variety of activities await visitors at this popular park. 

Guadalupe River State Park- Spring Branch TX

Garner State Park is a great place to visit for a swim or hike, or to enjoy a relaxing weekend.  The park features 2.9 miles of Frio River frontage winding through over 1,700 acres of scenic hill country terrain. 

Garner State Park- Concan TX

Schlitterbahn is frequently rated as one of the top waterparks in the world, and it is located right here in the Texas Hill Country.  The park is nestled along the beautiful banks of the Comal River and features world-famous attractions, epic river adventures, kid’s water playgrounds, and plenty of beautiful posts to relax and share a picnic.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark- New Braunfels TX

When you’re in the Fredericksburg Area don’t forget to stop by Luckenbach, Texas! Everybody’s Somebody in Luckenbach, and while there isn’t really all that much to the little town, it is definitely worth the trip to visit the Post Office and General Store

Luckenbach, Texas: Fredericksburg, TX

Most people know Lost Maples State Natural Area for its fall color. This 2,174 acre park protects a cluster of Uvalde bigtooth maple trees that create a pocket of color in the Texas Hill Country people typically associate with areas much further north.

Lost Maples State Natural Area- Vanderpool, TX

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is one of the most unique parks in the state of Texas. The park is named for Enchanted Rock, a tall pink granite dome rising approximately 425 feet above the base elevation of the park’s surrounding Texas Hill Country landscape.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area- Fredericksburg, TX

Pedernales Falls State Park just ten miles east of Johnson City is one of the most unique parks in the Texas State Park system. The signature park attraction is Pedernales Falls, an area of the park where the Pedernales River drops about 50 ft in elevation over a distance of 3,000 feet.

Pedernales Falls State Park- Johnson City, TX

Find more activities and attractions in our things to do in the texas hill country section, texas hill country events.

SCROLL THROUGH OUR UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE TX HILL COUNTRY

Visit our Texas Hill Country Event Calendar for more great events!

Texas hill country lodging.

SCROLL THROUGH OUR RECOMMENDED PLACES TO STAY IN THE TX HILL COUNTRY

La Quinta Inn & Suites in Fredericksburg is a comfortable and convenient place to say on your trip to Fredericksburg.

La Quinta Inn & Suites- Fredericksburg TX

Barons Creekside is one of the most unique places to stay in Fredericksburg. The property is described as a “Swiss Inspired Hill Country Resort” sitting on 26 acres in the heart of the hill country.

Barons Creekside- Fredericksburg TX

The Fredericksburg Herb Farm features one of the best restaurants in the hill country, a full service spa, gardens, a retail shop, and a collection of fourteen “Sunday Haus Cottages” for guests to enjoy.

Fredericksburg Herb Farm- Fredericksburg TX

The Trois Estate at Enchanted Rock is an exclusive, old world European style village in the heart of the Texas Hill Country overlooking Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

Trois Estate At Enchanted Rock- Fredericksburg TX

Cotton Gin Village isn’t your run of the mill B & B village. Cotton Gin offers a handful of rustic cabins perfect for a weekend getaway. All cabins feature heavy, rustic style queen sized beds, wood burning fireplaces, and a kitchenette.

Cotton Gin Village- Fredericksburg TX

Comfortable and convenient accommodations just steps from some of the best attractions in downtown Fredericksburg.

Sunday House Inn- Fredericksburg TX

Great service & comfortable accommodations just a few blocks from downtown Fredericksburg.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites- Fredericksburg TX

The Inn On Barons Creek in Fredericksburg Texas offers guests a total of 90 suites, including seven cozy creek-side suites separate from the main hotel with direct access to Barons Creek.

Inn on Barons Creek- Fredericksburg TX

The Peach Tree Inn & Suites is one of the most popular motels/inns near Main St in downtown Fredericksburg, TX.  The Peach Tree Inn is a family friendly inn offering a variety of amenities. With only 2 blocks between the Inn and downtown Fredericksburg, this is one of the best places in Fredericksburg if you want to be near some of the city’s best attractions.

Peach Tree Inn & Suites- Fredericksburg TX

Fredericksburg Inn & Suites is a family friendly hotel with two resort style pools, featuring waterfalls and a hot tub overlooking a covered cabana and outdoor fireplace.

Fredericksburg Inn & Suites- Fredericksburg TX

Visit our texas hill country lodging/ places to stay section for more lodging options, featured texas hill country restaurants.

SCROLL THROUGH OUR FEATURED TX HILL COUNTRY RESTAURANTS

Grape Juice is all about great wine, unique beer, and simple, delicious food.  Grape Juice has become one of the most popular and unique places in Kerrville to enjoy a meal or socialize with friends over a glass of wine or a pint of beer.

Grape Juice- Kerrville TX

Pint & Plow Brewing Company was founded with a passion to develop community by connecting people, place, and history through beer and food crafted from real ingredients.  As the first and only craft brewery in Kerrville, P&P has created a new industry and gathering place the Kerrville community can be proud to call their own.

Pint & Plow Brewing Co- Kerrville TX

The Cafe at the Ridge is a place to gather, not just around a plate of great food, but around each other. The Ridge offers a place to share stories over a glass of sweet tea and a chicken fried steak, or some of the best meat loaf you’ll taste anywhere.

Cafe at the Ridge- Kerrville, TX

1011 Bistro sits right on the bank of the Guadalupe River, offers the most spectacular river views of any restaurant in Kerrville. The restaurant features French and American specialties, along with some classic Italian dishes, all with just a touch of Texas.

1011 Bistro- Kerrville, TX

Rails Cafe is located in the fully restored historic 1915 Kerrville Train depot. This cozy little spot was the winner of the 2004 Texas Downtown Association for its authentic historic flavor and beautiful decor

Rails- A Cafe at the Depot- Kerrville, TX

The Fredericksburg Herb Farm is home to the Farmhouse Bistro, one of the best restaurants in the hill country.

August E’s Restaurant in Fredericksburg is a fine dining restaurant specializing in steaks, seafood, and sushi.

August E’s Restaurant- Fredericksburg, TX

The Auslander Biergarten and Restaurant in Fredericksburg, TX, has been one of Fredericksburg’s most popular places to eat for over 20 years.

Auslander Restaurant- Fredericksburg TX

Discover more texas hill country restaurants in our restaurant section.

30 Things to Do in Texas Hill Country, Bucket List Experiences

Top things to do in the texas hill country.

If you are planning a trip to the Texas Hill Country and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place.  Hill Country is known for its rolling hills, bluebonnets, pastures, dude ranches, BBQ, rodeos, historic town squares, peaches, dance halls, wineries, beer halls, rivers, waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails, but there’s more! Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Texas Hill Country bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Hill Country trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Enjoy your time out of the office!

Read Things To Do In San Antonio Texas Read Things to Do in Austin Texas

Things to Do in and Around the Texas Hill Country

Eat BBQ at the Salt Lick in Dripping Springs

Visit the Stinson Distillery

Drive the Hill Country Trail

Listen to music at Aldstadt Brewery

Hike to Gorman Falls or the Hamilton Pool waterfall

Go tubing on the San Marcos River

Go fly fishing in the Guadalupe River

Catch the rodeo in Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World

Visit the LB Johnson Ranch National Park

Listen to music at Cheatham Street Warehouse

Dance the night away at Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in America

Tour the Natural Bridge Caverns

Check out the drive-through safari at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Go for a swim at Blue Hole Regional Park

Eat pie at the Bluebonnet Café in Marble Falls

Shop for souvenirs along High Street in historic Comfort

Watch the bats take flight for the night from the Old Tunnel in Alamo Springs

Go winery hopping in Fredericksburg and shop for souvenirs in the historic downtown

Pick peaches at Marburger Orchard or buy them from a roadside stand

Spend a day relaxing at Krause Springs in Spicewood

Listen to music in Luckenbach Texas

Winery hop along Hwy 290

Go stargazing at Tres Lunas

Kayak the Medina River

Visit the Lavender Farms of Blanco

Dig for Topaz at Lindsey Ranch

Watch the sunset from Enchanted Rock

Check out the wildflower bloom in Kerrville

Go for a swim at Jacob’s Well in Wimberley

See the bluebonnets at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center

Be sure to check the Texas Hill Country Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Bookmark and Pin Things to Do in Texas Hill Country

Plan Your Trip to Texas Hill Country

Texas travel guide.

Pick up a Texas Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.

Book Your Accommodation in Texas Hill Country Now

Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!

Texas Hill Country Attractions and Day Tours

The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.

Travel Essentials

Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.

Have a great vacation!

Salt Lick. Be still my heart. I judge all barbecue by Salt Lick’s standards. None so far can compare. I miss Texas so much. The rest of the post is on point. I grew up in South Texas and went to school in West Texas. But I spent lots of time in the Hill Country. It’s really underrated.

Thanks for posting!

I would fly back just for Salt Lick, it’s so good

I just drove 1400 miles to enjoy salt lick with my boy

I’m jealous!

I’ve never known where to start when I visit Texas – its so big!

Listen to music in Luckenbach Texas, winery hop along Hwy 290 and dig for topaz at Lindsey ranch are my top three from your list. Thanks for this article, I thought Texas is only about and ranches rodeos 🙂

It would be easy to spend an entire day hanging in Luckenbach!

A winery hop and star gazing sounds like my kind of day – Inbetween eating lots of BBQ food of course!! Sounds like a great place to explore!

I’m drooling just thinking about the barbecue — that sounds really good right now! And dancing in the oldest dance hall? That sounds fun, right? So far, my only visits to Texas have been to airports. I’d really like to spend some time exploring like you’ve done.

It’s a really fun state

That picture of Salt Lick bbq took me back to last August where we had a delicious time enjoying that Texas barbecue. It was our first time in the Texas Hill Country and there is truly so much to do. We didn’t do even half of what you have you on the list, but we did enjoy fantastic bbq. These are more reasons to go back and visit!

Hi there! So if you have only a few days to travel for Spring Break but Austin is nuts right now and any beach is outta the questions, where would you go?

New Orleans!!!

Seems like quite a lot to do in Texas Hill Country. I’ve heard good things about the wine in this area and the caverns sound like they could be interesting.

Wow Texas Hill Country! You caught my interest on the first photo bbq at the Saltlick that’s a perfect excuse to visit a place for the food after an all day sight seeing

Salt lick is soooo good. AND there’s a winery directly across the street

I have never been to Texas, but it seems there is more to see than I imagined. Would have loved to hear more about the stargazing and bats-watching activities.

Bats are a big thing in Southern Texas!

You had me at eat BBQ!! Though a lot of the things on this list appeal to me. Like the Winery hop! Thanks for putting this together. I will use when visiting Texas.

Best BBQ ever!!!

We haven’t travelled through nearly enough of Texas, but I definitely want to. That first photo of the barbecue reminds me of asado in Argentina.

I haven’t been to Argentina

Comments are closed.

4 Terrific Texas Hill Country Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

Planning a Texas Hill Country road trip?

You’re in for a magical experience!

The Hill Country is one of my favorite places on the planet and incorporates everything from whimsical small towns to magical swimming holes, from magnificent rivers to a national historic site, from fantastic wildflowers to some of the absolute best food on the planet.

I’ve spent countless days on road trips in the Texas Hill Country when living in both San Antonio and Austin.

Here are the best Hill Country road trip itinerary ideas to help you start exploring this magical corner of Texas!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

How We Structured These Texas Hill Country Road Trips

There are truly limitless numbers of ways to design a Texas Hill Country road trip, and once you account for all of the lakes, small towns, swimming holes, barbecue joints, waterfalls, and beyond, it can easily take a lifetime to discover all of the secret corners and hidden gems that the region has to offer.

That being said, we’ve designed these road trips in the Hill Country to show off the most remarkable corners of the region.

These road trips are targeted to first-time visitors to the region, but even locals (myself included) are bound to find plenty to love here.

We’ve structured each road trip to last for 5 days, though of course, you can easily add or subtract days depending on how long you have available to road trip the Hill Country.

Each route begins in either Austin or San Antonio, and at the beginning of each itinerary, we’ve noted which.

However, since the drive from Austin to San Antonio is both short and (if you take the scenic route) beautiful, you can easily adjust each road trip to your preferred starting point.

Each of these Texas Hill Country road trips is fairly geographically compact, and it’s rare for a point-to-point drive to last longer than 2 hours.

Additional Texas Hill Country Travel Resources

We’ve intentionally kept this guide to road trips in the Texas Hill Country fairly high-level, and avoid getting bogged down into too many details about how to spend time in a particular place.

When you are ready to plan your stays in certain destinations in detail, though, we have you covered!

We’ll link our guides to specific cities, towns, state parks, and more throughout this travel guide, such as our guides to the best things to do in Fredericksburg , Wimberley , and Boerne .

Other guides, like our suggestions on the best things to do in the Hill Country or our guide to visiting Enchanted Rock , will also be included.

You can also use the search bar in the top-right hand corner of the screen (or on mobile, as part of the main menu) in order to search for any destination that we’ve covered here on Lone Star Travel Guide!

The Best Road Trips in the Texas Hill Country

The classic texas hill country road trip.

Starting Point: Austin

Day 1: Dripping Springs + Waterfalls

Start your Hill Country road trip in Dripping Springs, the self-declared “Gateway to the Hill Country” and home to the famous Hamilton Pool!

On your way, stop in Driftwood for Salt Lick BBQ, then set off to go chase waterfalls.

In addition to Hamilton Pool, Westcave Preserve is also nearby and is home to one of the most–if not  the most–stunning waterfall in Texas . 

Day 2: Pedernales Falls State Park + LBJ National Historic Area

A mix of history and beautiful nature awaits on the second day of this Texas Hill Country itinerary!

Start your morning enjoying beautiful river views and subtle waterfalls in popular Pedernales Falls State Park, and then head to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park to visit the former president’s birthplace, ranch, the famous Texas White House, and more.

On your way to the main park, be sure to stop in Johnson City to briefly check out the Johnson Family Homestead (the home of LBJ’s grandparents and part of the national historical park).

You’ll also find a wine castle in Johnson City if you’d like to break up your day.

Day 3: Fredericksburg + Wine Road 290

The ultimate classic Texas Hill Country itinerary destination is the beautiful town of Fredericksburg .

Known for its German heritage (complete with German food!), many museums, access to dozens of the best wineries on Wine Road 290, and proximity to popular stops like Enchanted Rock and Luckenbach, it makes a fantastic central attraction to your road trip.

Check into a beautiful bed and breakfast in Fredericksburg , head to Main Street, and start exploring immediately!

Day 4: Boerne + Guadalupe River State Park

From one beloved Hill Country town to the next: from Fredericksburg, head to charming Boerne to shop the Hill Country mile and to visit one of the most beautiful caves in Texas .

Both Cascade Caverns and Cave Without a Name are located in Boerne and are a great way to experience a totally different side of the Hill Country.

In the afternoon, head over to beautiful Guadalupe River State Park for a little hiking and–depending on the season– tubing or even leaf-peeping .

Day 5: Wimberley and/or Canyon Lake

To wrap up your Hill Country vacation, head to the delightful town of Wimberley !

While you’re there, browse the many galleries and shops, enjoy views from Mount Baldy , and (during the summer) go for a swim in one of the town’s legendary swimming holes.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the many painted boot statues around town, either!

During your drive from Boerne to Wimberley, consider also stopping to spend some time at gorgeous Canyon Lake .

Waterfalls + Swimming Holes Road Trip

Day 1: dripping springs + hamilton pool.

This TX Hill Country road trip is all about waterfalls and swimming holes–two things the region does exceptionally well.

Like the above itinerary, start your trip in Dripping Springs, the self-declared “Gateway to the Hill Country” and home to the famous Hamilton Pool.

On your way, stop in Driftwood for Salt Lick BBQ, then set off to go chase waterfalls, starting with Hamilton Pool.

Day 2: Westcave Preserve + Pedernales Falls State Park

On the second day of your road trip, get started with a visit to Westcave Preserve, home to one of the most magnificent hidden gems in Texas!

You’ll need to plan ahead and make a reservation to visit this waterfall, but it’s worth it.

From there, spend the afternoon at Pedernales Falls State Park.

In addition to the main falls, you can also take a short hike to visit the beautiful Twin Falls (though fair warning, you can’t get too close to this one).

Day 3-4: Wimberley

Wimberley is one of the most popular small towns in the Hill Country for good reason.

With tons of art galleries, great food, and two of the most popular swimming holes in Texas ( Jacob’s Well and the Blue Hole ), a couple of days in Wimberley is bound to leave you smitten.

Be sure to take the time (you won’t need much of it) to climb Mount Baldy , too!

Day 5: Canyon Lake and/or McKinney Falls

Whether you want to dive into one of the most beautiful lakes in Texas or go swimming amongst the delightful McKinney Falls, the final day of your Texas Hill Country road trip is bound to charm!

Looking for something a little different and visiting during lavender season ?

Blanco , AKA the lavender capital of Texas, would also make a great stop and boasts a swimming hole of its own!

State Parks + Horseback Riding Road Trip

Starting Point: San Antonio

Day 1-2: Bandera Dude Ranch

What could be more iconic on a Texas Hill Country itinerary than spending a couple of nights at a dude ranch?

The self-declared Cowboy Capital of the World is home to several world-class dude ranches where you can stretch your riding skills, learn about the care and keeping of the ranch, and eat excellent home-cooked meals while staying in cozy cabins.

Day 2-3: Garner State Park

As one of the most beloved state parks in Texas , stunning Garner State Park is known for tubing and swimming in the gorgeous Frio River, as well as for its hikes like the popular Mount Baldy.

Float the river one day and hike the next at this beautiful park!

Day 4-5: Lost Maples State Natural Area

Known for having some of the most stunning fall foliage in Texas, Lost Maples State Natural Area is a magnificent addition to any Texas Hill Country road trip!

Don’t miss quirky Monkey Rock or the sweeping views from the East Trail during your visit!

Highland Lakes Hill Country Road Trip

Day 1: spicewood + lake travis.

Rather than heading southwest of Austin, this road trip turns north!

Start your day by heading to Spicewood , where you’ll find Krause Springs (one of the best swimming holes in Texas), delicious Opie’s Barbecue (order the sausage + cobbler), and beautiful Lake Travis views.

If it happens to be bluebonnet season, don’t miss Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, and if you want great views, don’t miss Pace Bend Park (bring cash for the entry fee).

Alternatively, you could start your morning with a boat rental on Lake Travis and head to Spicewood once you wrap up!

Day 2: Marble Falls + Longhorn Cavern State Park

The small town of Marble Falls is known for its excellent bluebonnet blooms, the incredible pie at the famous Blue Bonnet Cafe, and its proximity to Lake LBJ and Longhorn Cavern State Park.

As one of the most unique-looking caves in Texas, touring Longhorn Cavern is a great way to mix up this lake-heavy Texas Hill Country itinerary.

Day 3: Inks Lake State Park

Popular Inks Lake State Park is perfect for swimming, hiking, or enjoying a boat day–all of which are excellent options for this day on your itinerary for the Texas Hill Country.

Consider taking a short hike to visit (and swim at) the beautiful Devils Waterhole while you’re there!

Day 4: Llano + Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Start your morning with a visit to downtown Llano , where you’ll find everything from one of the most beautiful courthouses in Texas to gorgeous views of the Llano River to lots of interesting street art on Shakedown Street!

After having an excellent barbecue lunch at Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ or nearby Inman’s Kitchen, head over to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to climb the most famous piece of granite in Texas.

Day 5: Burnet + Lake Buchanan

Above all, the small town of Burnet, Texas is known for its Bluebonnet Festival each spring–but it’s a delight to explore year-round!

Be sure to visit Fort Crogan for some hands-on 19th century Texas history, and then potentially visit either the Highland Lake Squadron Commemorative Air Force to see historic aircraft or the Hill Country Motorheads Motorcycle Museum.

In the afternoon, hop on a boat tour to visit the Falls Creek Waterfall in Lake Buchanan, which just may be one of the best hidden gems in the Hill Country!

Texas Hill Country Road Trip Tips

Don’t change hotels every night..

We’ve intentionally designed these road trips in the Texas Hill Country to be geographically compact, so there’s no reason to move hotels every night!

Depending on your itinerary, we recommend staying in 1-3 hotels (or bed and breakfasts, or cabins, or treehouses) throughout your 5 day trip.

Plan your activities around the season.

From bluebonnet season to peach season to swimming hole season to fall foliage season , there’s always something special happening in the Hill Country, and your road trip will be greatly enhanced by planning your visit around when you’re visiting!

In April, for example, we’d absolutely choose to head to the Highland Lakes for their legendary bluebonnet blooms.

Meanwhile, in late October, Lost Maples State Natural Area’s famous foliage is the clear winner.

Be very cautious when driving at night.

Driving in the Hill Country at night means lots of dark country roads, limited street lights, and plenty of wildlife that like to wander into the road.

Pay close attention when driving at night!

You may need reservations.

Popular swimming holes like Hamilton Pool, Jacob’s Well , and the Blue Hole all require reservations to swim in (and in the case of Hamilton Pool, even to visit).

Other attractions like Enchanted Rock and some wineries may require reservations as well, so be sure to book in advance when planning your road trip in the Hill Country!

Don’t spend your whole Texas Hill Country road trip on the road!

While the Hill Country is a fairly compact region, you can still end up overstretching your itinerary if you try to see the whole region from end to end in less than a week!

We highly recommend focusing on one small corner of the region during a fairly short Texas Hill Country road trip to ensure that you spend most of your time exploring rather than on the road.

1 thought on “4 Terrific Texas Hill Country Road Trip Itinerary Ideas”

i would lov to do a 4 day road trip leaving san antonio & back on backroads please advise if you can

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Arts, History & Culture
• Attractions & Family Fun
• Texas Beaches
• Food & Drink
• Music & Film
• Outdoor Adventure
• Texas Road Trips
• The Western Experience
• Texas Cities
• Big Bend Country
• Hill Country
• Panhandle Plains
• Piney Woods
• Prairies & Lakes
• South Texas Plains
• Texas Travel Guide
• Hotels, Resorts and B&Bs
• Campgrounds
• Guest Ranches
• The Great Texas Eclipse
• Where to Stay in the Prairies & Lakes
• Getting Outdoors in the Prairies & Lakes
• Online Travel Guide

Texas Hill Country Road Trip

A  Texas Hill Country  road trip isn’t always about where you’re headed. The true beauty of this land can be found in the journey through it. Rolling hills, natural springs, meandering rivers and, come springtime, vibrantly painted landscapes of wildflowers up and down the highways and backroads. The destinations on this road trip are simply some of the perks when it comes to traveling around Texas.

Austin, Texas

Austin’s  mixture of natural beauty and relaxed city life sets the tempo for this trip before you even hit the road.  The State Capitol building  sits in the heart of the city, surrounded by lush grounds where you can soak up the sun. A few blocks south is the bustling downtown lined with bars, great restaurants and endless live music.

Austin is also home to the largest collection of art in Central Texas at the  Blanton Museum of Art .  The Contemporary Austin , with locations downtown and at Laguna Gloria, showcases an eclectic collection of contemporary works.  The Mexic-Arte Museum  is located just blocks from the downtown Contemporary Austin and promotes the preservation and appreciation of Mexican, Latino and Latin American art.

One piece of Austin’s natural beauty runs right through the middle of the city:  Lady Bird Lake . Also known as Town Lake, it’s a wildly popular spot for kayaking, rowing and paddleboarding or for jogging and biking along its banks.

Before you head out into the Hill Country, you’ll want to fuel up. Austin’s incredible food scene has you covered, from BBQ to food trucks or fine dining to local favorites. And, if you look hard, you might just find it all in one stop.

Fredericksburg, Texas

As you head west toward  Fredericksburg , you’ll begin to see the landscape open up before you, with rolling tree-covered hills, exposed limestone cliffs and an array of colorful wildflowers. If you’re around during spring, pencil in a 13-mile detour down Willow City Loop to witness millions of Texas wildflowers in bloom.

After about an hour, you’ll hit  Johnson City , home to the  Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park . Here you can tour the family ranch and view artifacts such as his boyhood home and first school. This is also the final resting place of LBJ, our 36th president.

Johnson City is also the heart of the Hill Country wine region. Why not stop for some of the best wineries in Texas on the 290 Wine Trail?  Ab Astris Winery  and  Kuhlman Cellars  are a couple community favorites.

Once you reach the quaint town of Fredericksburg, you'll want to recharge with a pretzel and beet at the   Fredericksburg Brewing Company before visiting two unique museums: the  National Museum of the Pacific War , honoring those who served in the Pacific Theater of World War II, and the  Pioneer Museum , dedicated to the lives of early German settlers in  this region.

Follow the signs about 10 miles southeast to  Luckenbach . It’s a stretch to call it a town, but for country music fans, it’s a mecca. It was made famous in the ’70s by outlaw country musicians like Willie Nelson. You can still regularly catch country acts performing on the outdoor stage.

New Braunfels, Texas

Continue on the backroads south around Canyon Lake on your way toward  New Braunfels . Just outside the city, stop at Texas’ oldest continually operating dance hall,  Gruene Hall . Families will love a stop at  Schlitterbahn Waterpark , but check their schedule online as they’re open seasonally. Families will also love exploring the vast caves at  Natural Bridge Caverns  and the exotic animals at  Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch  about 20 minutes west of New Braunfels.

A  Texas Hill Country  road trip is one you never want to end no matter which route you take. Stunning landscapes, exciting activities and hip, welcoming cities can all be found in this region of Texas. So hit the road, and remember to drive friendly, the Texas way.

More Texas Inspiration

Road Trip Austin to Marfa

Take on Big City Texas

We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy .

• Travel & Meeting Pros
• Accessibility
• Privacy Policy & Terms Of Use

All Material © 2024 Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism 1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 463-2000

10 Things To Do In Texas Hill Country: Complete Guide To The Most Beautiful Region In The State

With picturesque rock formations, hidden swimming holes, and curious underground caverns, Hill Country offers adventurers countless things to do.

Texas Hill Country truly embodies the unparalleled beauty of the American Southwest. Famous for its rugged and diverse landscapes, it is the perfect getaway to unprecedented outdoor adventures in the Lone Star State. From majestic mountains, rolling hills, and sprawling flat lands covered with wildflowers to some of the best swimming holes in Texas , it doesn’t get any better for outdoorsy travelers.

But this is only the tip of the iceberg! The region is also home to big cities and cute little towns with unique history and vibrant cultural attractions. Its bustling craft brewery/wineries scene and numerous restaurants serving the best BBQ in the state ensure there is something for everyone.

Whether a thrill seeker, culinary connoisseur, or outdoor adventurer, set the stage for a riveting rendezvous with a visit to Texas Hill Country.

Things To Do In Texas Hill Country

There is no shortage of adrenaline-filled adventures and laid-back fun activities to indulge in Texas Hill Country. With so much to see and do, first-timers will easily be overwhelmed by the eclectic mix of attractions. To get started, sample some of the top-rated things to do in Texas Hill County:

Related: 10 River & Lakeside Swimming Holes That Make Austin The Perfect Oasis

1 Swim In a Natural Pool

Hill Country houses numerous natural wonders, but its natural swimming holes are some of the coolest places travelers will come across in Texas . One of the more popular options is Hamilton Pool, a huge crater formed when an underground river dome caved in. It stands out for its serene surroundings and isolated wildlife trails, which draw visitors from all over the state.

Alternatively, vacationers can jump into Jacob’s Well , a gorgeous artesian spring found inside the second-biggest submerged cave in the state. Sinking to a 140-foot depth, it is a breathtaking sight to behold, and dipping in its icy waters offers one of the most awesome things to do in the Lone Star State .

To skip the crowds, tourists should check out Krause Springs in Spicewood. This isolated swimming spot presents a tranquil setting enclosed in the lush environment of a privately owned 115-acre park.

2 Dive Into The Underworld At Natural Bridge Caverns

Texas Hill Country is laden with spectacular limestone caves and caverns stemming from the action of waters over hundreds of years. These otherworldly formations are like a scene out of an Indiana Jones movie and offer explorers an opportunity to discover a true hidden gem.

Natural Bridge Caverns is among the more accessible caverns that travelers can check out. It is a magnificent attraction with endless fun opportunities for the whole family, including adventurous tours that thrust vacationers into the depths of the mysterious caves.

• Admission : Adults $40.89. Kids $29.64
• Hours : 10 am – 4 pm (Sat 5 pm)

Stop by the Discover Village Trading Post after the tour to shop for a souvenir or gift to take home.

3 Explore The Open Spaces At Pedernales Falls State Park

Set on the banks of the scenic Pedernales River, this sprawling state park is the ultimate adventurer’s playground, thanks to its numerous outdoor opportunities. From stunning waterfalls and quiet camping areas to some of the best hikes and trails in Texas , vacationers will have plenty of fun things to do in Texas Hill Country's state parks.

Perdenales Fall State Park is an excellent choice for a day outdoors. Most of the attractions are within a stroll of each other and conveniently close to the parking lot. Whether guests prefer adventurous thrills or easy-going activities, expect no let-downs at this beautiful destination.

• Admission : $6 per day
• Hours : 8 am -1 0 pm

Although visitors can swim in Pedernales River, the Pedernales Falls Area is out of bounds as the water levels can rise spontaneously, transforming the once-placid stream into a raging torrent, posing the risk of flash floods.

4 Float Down The Guadalupe River

There is no better way to spend a Texas summer vacation than hitting the water, and the Guadalupe River is a prime attraction. Located inside the Guadalupe River State Park, this extraordinary oasis offers a chance to escape the urban chaos and bask in nature’s lush bounty.

Tourists enjoy a relaxed cruise downstream on a kayak or tube, with picturesque scenes to soak in along the way. However, other fun opportunities exist away from the water, including birdwatching, horseback riding, fishing, and sightseeing.

The Guadalupe River gets slightly crowded during peak season, and the Medina River is the perfect alternative for those who prefer isolated locations.

5 Hike To The Summit Of Enchanted Rock

Found on the outskirts of the beautiful Fredericksburg town, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is the go-to spot for rock climbers, hikers, backpackers, and campers. Its main attraction, Enchanted Rock, is the second-largest granite dome in the country after Stone Mountain in Georgia. The hike to the top is about half a mile long, offering a decent challenge to novice adventurers.

A generous reward awaits at the top of the rock, with sweeping views of the surrounding area making the effort worthwhile.

• Admission : $8
• Hours : 6:30 am – 10 pm

Native American Tribes like the Tonkawa believed that the Enchanted Rock could talk; visitors will notice a distinct sound at the top of the landmark.

For a remarkable experience, wait about an hour before dusk to trek up the Enchanted Rock; the views of the setting sun are simply irresistible.

Related: These Are The 14 Top-Rated Hiking Trails In Texas

6 Discover Texas’ German Heritage At Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is a charming community where guests can experience a captivating fusion of German heritage through an eclectic mix of cuisine, cultural, and historical attractions. Strolling down Main Street, the neighborhood oozes old-world German vibes with quaint shops selling handmade jewelry and artisanal cheeses.

Food enthusiasts will love the dining scene in Fredericksburg, which offers delectable dishes like traditional German sausages. It also hosts authentic Texas BBQ joints worth trying out. On Sundays, the town is abuzz with activity as the local flea market sees at least 400 vendors displaying all manner of wares for buyers.

Fredericksburg hosts the largest concentration of wineries in Texas Hill Country, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking a local wine-tasting experience.

7 Learn To Spin And Two-Step At A Dancing Hall

Texas Hill Country houses several historic dance halls known for showcasing an adorable German-Texas heritage. These venues stage weekly live shows where guests can enjoy live music and join the locals in an entertaining traditional dance.

A good example is the iconic Gruene Hall in the Historic Gruene District. Constructed in 1878, it is the state’s oldest dance hall still in operation.

The venue features an expansive courtyard with plenty of indoor space to enjoy the music, let loose, and spread out for a two-step session. Other Hill Country dance halls worth visiting include Mercer Dancehall in Driftwood and Twin Sisters Dancehall in Blanco.

Besides two-stepping at Gruene Hall, the Gruene Historic District is full of historical gems from the 1800s that vacationers can explore, including ancient structures that currently house restaurants and boutiques.

8 Drive Along The Scenic Highway 16

Day trippers looking to explore Texas Hill Country region will love what the Scenic Highway 16 offers. One of the most picturesque roads in Texas , this fantastic route straddles 30 miles between the towns of Kerville and Medina, meandering through the rugged scenery of the Hill Country.

Its many twists and turns mean drivers have to slow their pace, which is perfect for taking in the dazzling views. White-flowering yucca plants, ancient live oaks, and dramatic limestone outcrops decorate the sides of the road, culminating in a magical experience in Texas Hill backcountry.

Another must-have road trip in Texas Hill Country is Willow City Loop , a 13-mile stretch with a beautiful exhibition of colorful wildflowers.

9 Savor The Sweet Scents Of Lavender In Blanco

The beautiful town of Blanco, about one hour from Austin, is famous for being the "Lavender Capital of Texas." Almost a dozen sprawling lavender farms cover the town, and when the flowers start to bloom in May, a sweet aroma saturates the air, calling for road trippers to roll down their windows and take a deep breath.

Blanco is strategically placed in the middle of Texas Hill Country, making it an excellent launching pad for day trips to top destinations like Austin or San Antonia.

Be sure to attend the Blanco Lavender Festival , which celebrates the lavender harvest with weekend-long festivities highlighted by live music and many fun activities.

10 Go Leaf Peeping At Lost Maples State Natural Area

Lying along the banks of the stunning Sabinal River, Lost Maples is among the top state parks in Texas , found in the quaint town of Vanderpool. It is an excellent place to visit year-round, offering guests endless fun adventures, including hiking, camping, fishing, and more.

While there are numerous activities to indulge in at Lost Maples, the area is more famous for its fascinating flurry of fall foliage. Every year, between October and November, the park transforms into a storybook setting with vibrant shades of yellow, red, and orange.

• Admission : $6 per adult
• Hours : 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Interested leaf peppers can consult the park's foliage report before heading to Lost Maples to know the best time to visit.

11 Best Time To Visit Texas Hill Country

Texas Hill Country enjoys mild weather around the year, which makes it an enjoyable destination no matter the season. Depending on the preferred attractions and points of interest, here is what travelers can expect from Hill Country in each season.

Hill Country should be on the list of the best places to spend spring in Texas . The blooming Bluebonnets and other wildflower varieties transform the region into a visual spectacle, beckoning adventurers to step out into the open spaces.

With warm temperatures and minimal precipitation, the conditions are perfect for wine tasting along the Wine & Wildflower Wine Trail .

The Wine & Wildflower Wine Trail explores the different wineries in Hill Country, with over 45 outlets participating in the event. Tour tickets cost $100.

Related: Best 10 Texas Beaches Worth Adding To Your Summer List

With temperatures soaring to 90+ degrees Fahrenheit during summer (June to August), visitors can cool off with a dip in the cool waters of the numerous swimming holes in Hill Country. Fortunately, the options are endless and spread throughout.

Water-based activities along the rivers, water parks, and natural swimming pools take center stage, but this is also an excellent time for scenic hikes and other outdoor expeditions.

The flurry of fall (September & November) colors make Hill Country one of the best places to leaf-peep in Texas . Besides the adorable weather tailored to all the fun outdoor adventures in the area, several festivals take the experience to the next level. These include the Wine Festival and the Fredericksburg Oktoberfest .

Day trippers can also take advantage of the changing foliage to embark on exciting tours along the state’s scenic highways.

Winter (December to February) in Hill Country is not as harsh as in other destinations, and visitors can head to Fredericksburg for cozy and cool conditions. Highlights include the Holiday Wine Trail in December and the Wine Lover’s Trail in February, offering a good reason to brave the dipping temperatures.

12 How To Get Around Texas Hill Country

While there are several options to move around Texas Hill Country, renting a car is the best way to access all the spread-out attractions conveniently. The roads are in a good state, with the main connecting routes being San Antonio to Kerrville (I-90), Austin to San Antonio (I-35), and Fredericksburg to Austin (US-290).

Multiple rental car agencies within the region ensure travelers have ready access to a set of wheels upon arrival.

• Rates : $40 -$60 per day for a small car

Taxis are a nice alternative for those who’d rather be driven than drive. This is a great idea if travelers are unsure what to see or where to go, as the drivers can double up as tour guides. The only thing is that cabs can be slightly more expensive than other transportation modes.

• Rates : Approximately $200 from San Antonio to Austin

Public transportation

Hill Country Transit District is the primary public transit provider in the region and operates The HOP, a bus service circulating the Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood metropolitan region and the surrounding rural areas.

• Fares : $1 for a one-way ride, $25 for a monthly pass
• Hours of operation: Mon to Fri, 5:25 am – 6:45 pm.

13 Where To Stay In Texas Hill Country

Texas Hill Country is a sprawling region encompassing around 25 counties near the state’s geographical center. This means it straddles big cities like Austin and San Antonio and some of the most charming small towns in Texas like Fredericksburg and Blanco.

Tourists should have no issues finding comfortable accommodation in whichever area they choose to stay. Here are the top-rated lodging options in Texas Hill Country.

Austin Haus

• Address : 802 E. Austin St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624
• Rates per night : $$$
• Amenities : Kitchen, Terrace/Patio, Outdoor dining area, Air-conditioned, Coffee machine, Washing machine, Tumble dryer, Clothes dryer, Linens, Towels

Hill Country Haven

• Address : 2263 Peyton Colony Rd, Blanco, TX 78606
• Amenities : Adults only, Coffee machine, TV, Wi-Fi, Parking, Microwave, Refrigerator, No smoking, Air-conditioned, Smoke alarms

Best Western Plus Fredericksburg

• Address : 314 East Highway Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624-5010
• Rates per night: $$
• Amenities : Outdoor pool, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Free parking, Business center, Flat-screen TV, Cable or satellite TV, Free toiletries, Meeting/Banquet facilities

Inn on Barons Creek

• Address : 308 South Washington Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
• Amenities : Outdoor pool, Fitness center, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Free parking, Business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV, Cable or satellite TV

Blanco River Hotel

• Address : 2218 Highway 281 North, Blanco, TX 78606-5356
• Rates per night : $
• Amenities : Outdoor pool, Fitness center, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Free parking, Cable or satellite TV, Free toiletries, Laundry facilities, Hairdryer, Express check-out

Blanco County Inn

• Address : 902 Main Street, Blanco, TX 78606
• Amenities : Free Wi-Fi, Flat-screen TV, Parking, Pets allowed on request; charges may apply, Hairdryer, Express check-out, Microwave, Refrigerator, Air-conditioned, Terrace/Patio

Related: Lone Star Luxe: 10 Most Luxurious Resorts To Book In Texas

14 Where To Eat In Texas Hill Country

Hill Country boasts a diverse culinary scene, promising foodies a rollercoaster dining experience. There’s more than enough to devour, with many dishes rooted in Southern-style cooking with Mexican and German influences. From enchiladas to kolaches and schnitzels to BBQ steaks, expect a rich burst of flavors that will tantalize every taste bud.

And after the meal, there is always something to down the food in the “Tuscany of Texas,” thanks to the vast cluster of wineries in the region. Here are the top eateries in Texas Hill Country.

Breakfast :

Hill Country Café

• Address : 806 Main St, Kerrville, TX 78028-5312
• Hours : 6 am – 2 pm

Lunch & dinner:

Opie’s Barbecue

• Address : 9504 E State Highway 71, Spicewood, TX 78669-2166
• Hours : 11 am – 3 pm

Der Lindenbaum Restaurant

• Address : 312 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624-4612
• Hours : 11 am – 11 pm

Tillie’s

• Address : 3509 Creek Rd Camp Lucy, Dripping Springs, TX 78620-4809
• Hours : Wed to Fri (5 pm – 9 pm) Sat & Sun (10 am – 9 pm)

15 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Texas Hill Country

Begin the day’s itinerary by exploring the Gruene Historic District to discover the remains of ancient German heritage in Texas. Stroll through the town's quiet streets, admiring the 19th-century structures lining the roadsides, and pop into the historic Gruene Hall to watch a classic dance show.

Later, head to the beautiful town of Fredericksburg to sample more German vibes and visit the many wineries and vineyards around the area for a swirl and sip. Grab a quick lunch in one of the town’s restaurants before heading to Hamilton Pool to cool off in the stifling afternoon heat.

Afterward, hit the trails of Pedernales Fall State Park to explore the lush Hill Country backcountry before finding a quiet spot to replenish with a quick snack. Discover more hidden gems at the Natural Bridge Cavern, then cap off the day’s adventures with a laid-back cruise down the Guadalupe River.

Lastly, head back to Fredericksburg for dinner at Der Lindenbaum Restaurant, followed by a few glasses of wine to wrap up the day.

Hill Country

• 3 Other destinations
• 4 Understand
• 6 Get around
• 13 Stay safe

The Hill Country is a region of the state of Texas in the United States of America . It has some of the most interesting history of the state. The cities here date to Spanish and Mexican days, with many beautiful Spanish missions dotting the area. The terrain is hilly and dry, cut by spring-fed rivers, with the beautiful Texas live oak providing occasional shade.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• 30.3 -97.733333 1 Austin , capital of the state with plenty of things to keep a traveler interested. Gateway into the Hill Country.
• 30.123056 -98.030833 2 Driftwood
• 30.274167 -98.871944 3 Fredericksburg , about 1.5 hours west of Austin and 1 hour north of San Antonio.
• 30.24 -98.66 4 Stonewall , hometown of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
• 29.879444 -97.938889 5 San Marcos , about half an hour south of Austin, San Marcos is the home of Texas State University and its Aquarena Center, as well as two massive outlet malls that have more than 350 shops.
• 29.7 -98.116667 6 New Braunfels , about one and a half hours south of Austin, this town is best known for its German culture and heritage, not to mention the Schlitterbahn , persistent in being voted the world's best waterpark.
• 30.046389 -99.140556 7 Kerrville , the Heart of the Hills. One hour northwest of San Antonio on Interstate 10.
• 29.725 -99.075 8 Bandera , self-proclaimed "cowboy capital" on Hwy 16.
• 30.181519 -98.757211 9 Luckenbach , very small town known for legend in music.
• 30.758889 -98.226389 10 Burnet , Nestled at the edge of the spectacular Texas Hill Country about 50 miles northwest of Austin, in the Highland Lakes.

Other destinations [ edit ]

• Bastrop State Park , Bastrop , +1 512 321-2101. Has camping (dormitories and shelters are available by reservation), a swimming pool, golf, fishing, and bike trails. Full shower and restroom facilities are on site.
• Pedernales Falls State Park , offers picnicking, camping, hiking, swimming, tubing, fishing, and bird watching.
• Hill Country State Natural Area , A rugged park that offers wilderness, hiking, biking, and horseback riding, camping, swimming, and fishing. It is a primitive park with no amenities provided - no drinking water or restroom facilities.
• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area , 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, +1 325 247-3903. A huge park on Big Sandy creek near Enchanted Rock. Activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, birdwatching, stargazing, rock climbing, and geography research. Restroom and shower facilities are available for a fee.

Understand [ edit ]

The Texas Hill Country is an area around Edwards Aquifer that demonstrates karst topography and a wide range of wildlife. It was originally settled by Mexican and German immigrants, and a visitor will note the distinct influence of both cultures in the local life. Most cities and towns are small, there are many parks and open areas, and an endless list of local experiences.

Get in [ edit ]

The easiest access to the area from a distance is through Austin's Austin Bergstrom International Airport ( AUS  IATA ) or through San Antonio 's "San Antonio International Airport". The most practical means of travel from the airport is by car. Travel by road from other major cities in Texas is also easy. From Houston , take US290 north to Austin (3 hours) or IH-10 west to San Antonio (3 hours). From Dallas , take IH-35 south to Austin (3 and 1/2 hours).

Get around [ edit ]

Public transportation is not available between most destinations. Bus and airport service is similarly sparse. The tourist's best option is to bring their own car or rent one at the airport. The many small scenic highways in this area also make motorcycling and bicycle riding very popular.

Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are becoming increasingly popular in cities. In general, pickups are available in suburban areas of cities like Austin and San Antonio with a short wait, but waiting might not be necessary for pickups at larger area airports such as Austin Bergstrom (AUS) and San Antonio International Airport (SAT).

See [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

• Visit Schlitterbahn , a water park in New Braunfels.
• See an Austin Toros basketball game or a Texas Stars hockey game in the Cedar Park Center.
• Hill Country Flyer , 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park , ☏ +1 512 402-3830 . A scenic 2-hour train ride through the Hill Country and into Austin , especially scenic during mid-spring when the hills are covered in bluebonnets. It is normally pulled by an old steam engine which is being restored. In the meantime the route still runs, pulled by a 1960s diesel engine. Some cars are wheelchair-accessible. Adults $38, child $28; first class adult $49-55, child $39 . ( updated May 2019 )

Buy [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ].

• German headcheese , produced in South Texas, is nothing like the standard American kind - it contains chunks of meat rather than fat and offal. It's available at supermarkets only in the Hill Country and surrounding areas.

Drink [ edit ]

Tito's brand Vodka. Locally produced in Austin. Tours are offered as well as a free sample.

Sleep [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Has custom banner
• Has mapframe
• Maps with non-default size
• Has map markers
• Go listing with no coordinates
• Outline regions
• Outline articles
• Region articles
• All destination articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

• Heritage Sites and Attractions
• Cities and Towns
• Trail Passport
• Hitting the Trails
• Small Grants Program
• Joe Veneto Spring Workshop

Request A Hill Country Trail Region Travel Guide

Green hills roll like waves to the horizon. Clear streams babble below rock cliffs. Wildflowers blanket valleys in a full spectrum of color. Such scenic beauty stirs the spirit in the Texas Hill Country Trail Region.

The area is rich in culture and mystique, from flourishing vineyards and delectable cuisines to charming small towns with a compelling blend of diversity in heritage and history.

Hill Country Trail Region Travel Guide

Request a Texas Hill Country Trail Passport

The Texas Hill Country Trail Passport highlights thirty-four historic sites, attractions or destinations within our 19 county region. When you have acquired twenty-four stamps or more you will receive a Texas Hill…

Texas Heritage Travel Guides

Experience the vastness and wonder of the Lone Star State with the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Heritage Travel Guide. Encompassing all 10 Texas Heritage Trail Regions, this statewide guide highlights historic destinations that tell the real stories of Texas. From beautifully restored courthouses to historic frontier forts, use this guide as a starting point for your next adventure and immerse yourself in the captivating story of Texas.

Order Travel Guides

Request printed copies of the Texas Heritage Travel Guides

We only use cookies that are necessary for this site to function to provide you with the best experience. Learn More

Quick Search

Location map.

Statue of Lenin

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Statue of Lenin - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.57 mi) Elektrostal Hotel
• (1.00 mi) Yakor Hotel
• (1.31 mi) Hotel Djaz
• (1.41 mi) Mini Hotel Banifatsiy
• (1.45 mi) MTM Hostel Elektrostal
• (0.07 mi) Teremok
• (0.21 mi) Coffee Shop Usy Teodora Glagoleva
• (0.25 mi) Mazhor
• (0.30 mi) Tashir Pizza
• (0.31 mi) Ermitazh

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

$214 cheap flights to elektrostal.

Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save!

Add a place to stay

Direct flights only

Featured airlines

• trending down icon Be in the know Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*
• bex rewards loyalty icon Book smarter Save up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*
• one key icon Earn twice Earn your airline miles on top of our OneKeyCash Learn about One Key

How much is the cheapest flight to Elektrostal?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $214 for one-way flights and $377 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Find Your Flights to Elektrostal VKO

Cheap flights to Elektrostal ( VKO)

Get started finding a cheap flight to Elektrostal on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

We recommend using the ‘Flexible Dates’ calendar at the top of the page to see the price of plane tickets on the surrounding dates. This allows you to pick the cheapest days to fly if your trip allows flexibility and score cheap flight deals to Elektrostal.

Roundtrip prices range from $377 - $1,477, and one-ways to Elektrostal start as low as $214.

Be aware that choosing a non-stop flight can sometimes be more expensive while saving you time. And routes with connections may be available at a cheaper rate.

Airlines that fly to Elektrostal ( VKO)

You have several options for which airline you choose to travel with to Elektrostal. There are 10 airlines flying into VKO: Azerbaijan Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air Serbia, American Airlines. 

Cheap plane tickets may be available from different airlines at different times and with unique terms. It’s best to understand the details of each airline’s offer before judging its value.

For example, if you plan to check a bag or bring a carry-on, check whether the cheap airfare deal includes a baggage allowance. If not, verify whether the baggage fee is higher than the difference of other airline plane ticket deals offering free checked/carry-on baggage in exchange for a slightly higher airfare. 

Additionally, your preferred frequent flyer membership programs may influence your choice of cheap airline. Expedia allows you to enter your membership numbers during checkout to earn points from your airline and Expedia Rewards—all while getting a great deal and planning all your travel in one online platform.

Find the best deals

At Expedia, we source many flight deals from multiple providers, so you can easily find the best deals that are right for you. A great strategy for getting the best deals can be to make sure you book and travel at the optimal times. Airfare to Elektrostal (VKO) varies throughout the year based on seasonal demand. You’ll see the lowest rates for roundtrips to VKO in May and in May for one-ways.

Cancellation & flexibility

To change or cancel eligible flights, go to ‘My Trips’ and navigate to your itinerary. If you booked within the last 24-hours, you might be able to cancel your flight for free. Learn more about flight changes or cancellations from our customer service portal . Some plane tickets are available with no change fees, which you can filter for during your search.

Frequently asked questions

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let’s start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, bring items that’ll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a good book. It’s also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.
• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren’t allowed in the cabin either.
• The answer to a comfortable flight can be as simple as your choice of clothing. Prepare for changes in temperature by bringing layers. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin starts to cool down. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left in your suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you for it.
• A condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this from happening. Wearing a good pair of compression tights or socks can also help.
• Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them close by to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you’ll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There’s a possibility that you’ll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won’t allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.

Get up to 100% off your flight to Elektrostal when booking a Flight + Hotel

Trending flights to elektrostal.

• Top Flights Destinations

Flights to Cities Near Elektrostal

More popular airlines.

• Expedia's Latest Trends

Top Flight Destinations

• Flights to Moscow
• Flights to St. Petersburg
• Flights to Yakutsk
• Flights to Vladivostok
• Flights to Sochi
• Flights to Krasnodar
• Flights to Makhachkala
• Flights to Kaliningrad
• Flights to Grozny
• Flights to Yekaterinburg
• Flights to Volgograd
• Flights to Samara
• Flights to Novosibirsk
• Flights to Kazan
• Flights to Chelyabinsk
• Flights to Krasnoyarsk
• Flights to Rostov-on-Don
• Flights to Murmansk
• Flights to Irkutsk
• Flights to Nizhny Novgorod

Top Flight Destinations In the World

• Flights to United States of America
• Flights to Japan
• Flights to Philippines
• Flights to Costa Rica
• Flights to Italy
• Flights to India
• Flights to Thailand
• Flights to Mexico
• Flights to Greece
• Flights to Dominican Republic
• Flights to Bahamas
• Flights to South Korea
• Flights to Ireland
• Flights to Australia
• Flights to Spain
• Flights to Vietnam
• Flights to New Zealand
• Flights to China
• Flights to Germany
• Flights to Canada
• Darwin Airline SA Lugano
• Evergreen International
• Ghadames Air Transport
• Aircompany Kokshetau
• Royal Airways Limited
• Vietnam Air Service Co.
• West Caribbean Costa Rica
• Olympus Airways
• Bulgarian Air Charter
• Branson Air Express
• Deutsche Bahn