Escape to Texas Hill Country From unparalleled scenery, home-cooked local food, and idyllic swimming holes to cool down in this summer, you can find the perfect getaway at these beautiful Texas Hill Country towns!
1. Fredericksburg
Hailed as the prettiest town in Texas, Fredericksburg is a historical German town settled in 1849. The town is located deep in the heart of Texas Wine Country, as such, visitors can find over 60 wineries, wine-tasting rooms, and vineyards in the Gillepsie County alone.
Furthermore, the town boasts a wide-array of fantastic dining establishments, ranging from finger-licking barbecue to traditional German cuisine. Its shopping is about the best a small town can offer, and its natural beauty is resplendent – from its proximation to Enchanted Rock to its wonderful bloom of bluebonnets, wildflowers, and yellow poppies.
2. Wimberley
Wimberley offers an abundance of stunning swimming spots, 4.5 miles of trails, and 126 acres of lush natural beauty. The Blue Hole is a true Texas gem, fed by springs from the San Gabriel River. Open year-round, this swimming hole is surrounded by a vibrant landscape and features numerous rope swings for an exhilarating dive. Just a short distance away, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in Jacob’s Well, a scenic artesian spring supplied by the Trinity Aquifer.
3. Driftwood
The quaint town of Driftwood is one of the best Hill Country towns Texas has to offer. Located just southwest of Austin, Driftwood features sweeping picturesque landscapes and natural splendor. Furthermore, the town is also known for its robust wine culture – including popular vino destination, Duchman Family Winery – as well as its culinary scene including BBQ destination, Salt Lick BBQ.
4. Dripping Springs
Known as the “gateway to the Hill Country” Dripping Springs is a wonderfully lush town located just west of Austin. In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Dripping Springs is a hub of attractions, including numerous vineyards, breweries, live music venues, and unique shopping experiences. The town is also home to two of the best swimming spots in Texas: Pedernales Falls and Hamilton Pool.
5. San Marcos
Known foremost as a college town, San Marcos is a hotspot for nightlife, concerts, and raging bars. Whether or not that’s your scene, the town is also home to a wonderful array of outdoor fun.
From glow-in-the-dark kayaking, to an assortment of winding lazy rivers ideal for tubing, to boat tours, spelunking, hiking, and more. The town is definitely worth a trip for outdoor adventurers.
6. Boerne
Just northwest of San Antonio is the charming town of Boerne. Steeped in rich German heritage, Boerne boasts a vibrant historic district filled with unique shops, art galleries, and delightful cafes.
Its stunning natural attractions also make the town a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Ventures include the Cibolo Nature Center and the picturesque Hill Country State Natural Area. Here, spelunkers can also explore the famous Cave Without a Name, an underground wonder with breathtaking formations.
7. New Braunfels
Nestled between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels is another German-settled Texas town with a rich, historical heritage. The town is renowned for its wonderful outdoor adventures, including the clear, spring-fed Comal and Guadalupe Rivers ideal for tubing, fishing, and kayaking. For other aquatic action, visitors can also slide down to Schlitterbahn – one of the state’s top waterparks. New Braunfels is also home to Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country, home to the only alpine coaster in Texas!
8. Round Top
Anyone who’s ever made the drive from Houston to Austin has come across the tiny Texas Hill Country town of Round Top. The charming town is beset with historical buildings, cozy little shops, and a good number of good restaurants. Round Top is a destination for antique lovers; home to a splendid array of antique shops, the biannual Round Top Antiques Fair, as well as Chicago’s famous Antique Emporium (in the near future).
9. Bandera
Say “yee-haw” to the cowboy capital of Texas. Widespread with dude ranches, country music houses, old-timey saloons, and all the smoked brisket you can handle, Bandera is a frontier town to enliven all your cowboy fantasies.
10. Concan
Home to Garner State Park, Concan offers a lush, scenic spot for floating in Texas. The Frio River in Garner State Park spans approximately 1,774 acres and offers 16 miles of stunning Hill Country scenery. The tranquil float is enhanced by the presence of persimmon, mesquite, cypress, and oak trees, making it as relaxing as it is picturesque.