25 Enchanting Things to do in Texas Hill Country in 2023

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There’s something so special and unique about Hill Country, Texas. We barely scratched the surface during our 9 day visit, and it’s definitely on the list of places to come back to and explore some more.

The truth is, Texas Hill Country is a huge region that encompasses 12 counties and meets at the crossroads of West, Central, and South Texas. With an area this big, it’s no surprise that there are endless things to do in Texas Hill Country.

Hill Country abounds with rivers, rolling hills and gorgeous state parks, and charming small towns. If you love soaking in a hot spring pool by day, and sampling local wines from a vineyard at night, then you’re going to find these Texas Hill Country attractions right up your alley!

But if you’re not sure what to do in Texas Hill Country today, then don’t worry, because this guide has all the best attractions in Texas Hill Country as well as a few hidden gems.

Let’s take a look…

What to Expect from the Texas Hill Country

It encompasses two major cities: Austin and San Antonio. That means there are so many things to do in the Texas Hill Country.

I forgot that Texas is huge! So be mindful that you may need to drive a fair distance to get to all these THC attractions.

In fact, on our first day exploring the Texas Hill Country, we had a two-hour drive from our RV Park at New Braunfels just to get to Fredericksburg TX!

I knew then it was time to change our schedule a little and focus more on the region near New Braunfels. It’s not ideal to spend so much time in the car each day on exploration trips.

The first time we went, we didn’t know this, which meant I had to scrap Bandera Cowboy Country and the Highland Lakes Chain near Austin.

With so many things to do in Texas Hill Country, it’s a good idea to have a priority list of attractions you want to see. I penciled in these places on my “must-return and explore further list.”

And I added a side note to make it either spring for the wildflower explosion, or summer so we could partake in one of my favorite summer activities – tube floating down the rivers.

Oh, and for the unicorn lovers, we noticed a giant water tower on the outskirts of Landry Park in New Braunfels that said “Unicorn Country”.

Savannah is obsessed with unicorns and so this was her favorite thing to see in Texas Hill Country. Of course, we whipped out her The Magical Unicorn Society Official Handbook later that evening to see if it got a mention. It didn’t.

How to Get Around Texas Hill Country

As with most places in the USA, a car will be required to get around Texas Hill Country. It’s a huge area and public transport is pretty much non-existent because it’s so rural.

You will find plenty of taxi driver services and of course, Uber is available too, for those who don’t drive. There is a bus service called The Hop, which connects each town, but you’ll need to get a taxi to more rural attractions.

If you’re visiting from abroad and don’t have your own vehicle, you can find rental cars from Austin here and from San Antonio here.

Things to Do in Texas Hill Country

For the following enchanting things to do in the Texas Hill Country, I’d spend a day in the Fredericksburg area, a day in the New Braunfels area, and a day in Gruene.

Of course, change things as they suit you! And remember to create that priority list of Texas Hill Country attractions that you absolutely want to see, and some that you can skip if you run out of time.

Things to Do in Fredericksburg, Texas Hill Country

Fredericksburg TX, or Fritztown, is a historical German town in Texas in the middle of Hill Country.

Its close location to Austin Texas and San Antonio makes it one of the most popular places to see in Texas, especially as it is in the heart of wine country here.

There are quite a few things to do in Fredericksburg, we only spent half a day and this is what we enjoyed.

1. Climb Enchanted Rock

How can you ignore something called Enchanted Rock?

Once you round the bend on the way in and the vista opens up to this huge pink granite rock jutting out of the valley floor, you know you’ve reached a place that holds spiritual power.

This was once known to be a magical place for the local Apache and Comanche tribes.

It reminded me of Uluru in Outback Australia with its magnetic ability to draw you in.

One thing to be aware of is that Enchanted Rock State Natural Area has limited parking space. Once it is full, they close down the park.

If you are lucky, you’ll receive a ticket to come back later in the afternoon when it reopens. It’s guaranteed entry, but they only give a certain number of those out.

Either way, you’ll end up waiting in a line of cars to get a spot.

We arrived at about 11 am (stupid decision on our behalf – bad planning and slow to get moving) and after 30-minutes of waiting in line, we received the ticket to come back at 3pm.

We had another 30-minute wait then, but we at least got into the park.

It was totally worth it.

The climb up Enchanted Rock is steep but not as bad as it looks. It’s just the first part of the smooth rock that is pretty intense. I found it pretty easy and exhilarating.

The girls both handled the walk fine (aged 11 and 7) so if you have kids they’ll be fine too!

The 360 views from the top of the surrounding Texas countryside are extraordinary.

I commented to Kalyra,

“It is so wonderful to once again be seeing miles of open spaces without any built up places.”

It reminded me so much of Outback Australia.

Those experiences where you can finally let go as it’s just you and mother nature for as far as you can see. You feel like you’re learning to breathe again. You can just sit down and soak up the joy and simplicity of it.

The only difference is that in Australia you’re most likely to have this view all to yourself.

2. Explore Downtown Fredericksburg

I wasn’t a raving fan of downtown Fredericksburg, although many people are.

It still retains much of its German influence, which is part of its attraction to many. For me, it felt like it had lost a bit of its soul along the way in its effort to maintain its touristic appeal.

But that is going to happen in popular tourist destinations. I much preferred Gruene, a town that has managed to keep its historical soul despite its popularity.

It’s just an energy that you feel, which can often be affected by the energy you bring to it. So you could have a completely different experience for me.

Fredericksburg has plenty of boutique stores in many of its old sandstone buildings, in fact over 100, so you can imagine shopping is a popular thing to do in Fredericksburg.

The main street is very wide and filled with loads of people. There are also lots of German restaurants and breweries.

We stopped in at the Fredericksburg Brewing Company, the oldest brewpub in Texas for lunch.

Again, I wouldn’t rave about it. My German potato skins came out cold and the beer was just okay. We only had one beer though, so not a fair judgment.

There are plenty of wine-tasting bars along the main street of Fredericksburg as well if you can’t get out to the nearby wineries.

3. See the Guitar Picking Circle at Luckenbach Texas

Despite this being a literal three-building town, you may have heard of Luckenbach, Texas.

It was made famous by these lines in a Waylon Jennings song:

Let’s go to Luckenbach, TexasWith Waylon and Willie and the boysThis successful life we’re livin’
Got us feuding like the Hatfields and McCoys
Between Hank Williams’ pain songs and
Newberry’s train songs and Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain
Out in Luckenbach, Texas ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain

I had never heard of that song until I Googled things to do in the Hill Country, and Luckenbach Texas popped up as a unique and unexpected highlight.

Guitar picking and country music under a 500 year old oak tree. How could we not visit?

You know from our time in Nashville, Memphis and Franklin, Tennessee I’m a bit of a live music lover, especially those kinds that are intimate storytelling sessions.

You couldn’t get much better in Luckenbach.

Leave all the tourists behind wandering downtown Fredericksburg and join the handful of people standing around in cowboy hats, cracking jokes, drinking beer, and listening to some good ole Texas Country.

Luckenbach was established as a trading post in 1849 by a small creek lined with oak trees. All that is here are a few wooden sheds: the pub, the dance hall, and the feedlot (where you can buy your traditional fried food!)

Bring cash as that’s all they accept at the bar, although there is an ATM hidden within a wooden box.

The bar reminded me of an Outback Australian pub.

The whole experience was very raw and authentic cultural, not like what you’d find in Downtown Fredericksburg.

In Luckenbach everybody is somebody. I loved hearing the old timers music, jokes, and stories – and yes, one even involved a real-life tale of an encounter with Willie Nelson.

I could just see him picking his guitar under these giant oaks. So far, one of my favorite experiences on our America Unplugged RV road trip. 

Bring it Texas. I’m ready for more.

4. Take a Day Trip to the Cowboy Capital of the World, Bandera

Bandera is a small cowboy town located between Fredericksburg and San Antonio and calls itself the “cowboy capital of the world.”

This is because it looks like a real-life western movie, with saloon bars and wagons on the road – it really feels like you’ve stepped into a John Wayne movie.

Some of the popular things to do in Bandera are visit the dude ranches, watch a Saturday afternoon “gunfight”, and catch nightly music in the downtown saloons. You can also check out the Bandera ProRodeo.

For those looking for a true Texas cowboy experience, this is an unmissable thing to do in Texas Hill Country.

5. National Museum of the Pacific War

The National Museum of the Pacific War is a museum dedicated to the Fleet of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. Nimitz, who served as commander in chief of the United States Pacific Fleet. He was also a commander in chief of the Pacific Ocean Areas during World War II.

Born in Fredericksburg, he is somewhat of a local hero. But the museum is not just about him, it also tells the story of those who served in his fleet and portrays a human perspective of WWII.

If you’re into history and love visiting world class museums, then be sure to add this museum to your list of things to do in Texas Hill Country.

7. Take a Day Trip to Ingram

Ingram is a small and sleepy town in THC and is just a stone’s throw away from Kerrville, which is full of museums and galleries.

One of the top attractions in Ingram is to visit Stonehenge II. This is a unique rock formation that looks like Stonehenge in England, except it’s made of concrete.

The Stonehenge, and the replica of Easter Island, are art installations provided by Hill Country Arts Foundation. If you’re passing through Ingram at any point, then be sure to make a quick stop by this impressive monument.

8. Explore Garner State Park

Another great place to go swimming and tubing is Garner State Park, which is where you’ll find the Frio river. The park also has 16 miles of scenic hiking trails.

If you’re visiting Texas Hill Country in the summer, you’ll want to head here in the evening.

Ever since the 1940s, the young folk and young at heart folk gather at the park’s concession building for an evening of dancing. The jukebox is blaring and the locals are pairing up to swing each other around the dance pavilion.

This is one of the best things to do in Texas Hill Country at night.

Other Recommendations for Things to Do in Fredericksburg we received:

• Visit the wineries! There are more than 30 wineries off-the-beaten-path between Johnson City and Fredericksburg. I definitely want to come back for that sans kids. Here is a wine tour you may enjoy!
• In the season, enjoy the Texas Hill Country wildflowers the area is famous for, especially the fields of bluebonnets.
• In the spring and summer, this region is also known for its peaches. Go pick and eat ’em!
• Lyndon B Johnson’s Ranch in Johnston City (his childhood home) – we had so many recommendations for this one! (It is part of the San Antonio Explorer Pass if you are going to explore that region as well.)
• Munch Food Park is a great option for those who love a wide variety of dishes served by food trucks. There’s beer and wine and sometimes live tunes.

Things to Do in New Braunfels, Texas Hill Country

New Braunfels was founded in 1845 by a German prince looking to start a colony in the Republic of Texas.

It didn’t happen, but we now have a cute small German-Texas town to enjoy.

We didn’t explore too much of the downtown area. It’s much smaller than Fredericksburg and doesn’t have pretty buildings, but I think it’s more about the surrounding area, especially nearby Gruene!

Gruene is registered on the National Register of Historic Places.

In Gruene, all three roads lead to the Water Tower, which is where you find tradition, history, and homegrown Texas fun.

9. Enjoy a Scenic Drive

This is Hill Country!

There are lots of pretty drives to enjoy, especially in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. Here are some of our favorites:

The River Road

The River Road is a picturesque drive along the Guadalupe river. The only disappointment is that you can’t stop along the way to soak it in and take photos.

So enjoy the view from the car window. The color of the water will entice you to come back.

Devil’s Backbone

Go straight from The River Road past Canyon Lake to get to the Devil’s Backbone scenic drive on R.M. 32. When you see a sign that states picnic area, pull over as it’s also a viewing point.

I’m not sure why they don’t denote it as being that so you’ll know to pull over and look. Because a picnic may not be of interest but a spectacular view will be.

Willow City Loop

The Willow City Loop is a stunning and historic 13-mile scenic drive that is well known for its display of wildflowers – especially the Texas bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush.

The loop drive is state-owned, which means you cannot stop at any point on the journey, but you can still drive slowly and admire the views.

You’ll find the entrance to the road from Willow City just off Farm Road 1323 near Willow City Cemetery.

Some other scenic drives recommended:

• Texas 29 West & RM 2341 northwest to Spider Mountain
• R.M. 2342, excellent view, especially at a turnout near the confluence of the Llano & Colorado River.
• R.M. 1431 for breathtaking views

Those ones are near the Highland Lakes Chain region near Austin which we will visit sometime in the future.

10. Coffee and Cake at 2 Tarts, New Braunfels

The girls and I started our day exploring together with coffee and cake at 2Tarts.

I’m starting to drink more black coffee as I find mostly it’s difficult to get a good latte – I take far fewer risks and unless I can work out from reviews that it will be a professional barista-made espresso like I could from Kona Kona below, then I go black.

I’m glad I did.

It was a premium drip coffee and bloody delicious. Made me think black coffee is the way to go from now on. It’s definitely much cheaper and better for the waistline.

Except perhaps when you pair it with a cashew nut milk peppermint patty.

The girls loved their cupcakes too!

11. Have Lunch at the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, Gruene

The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar has been serving meals since 1977 in the three-story boiler room of the old cotton gin.

Its location on a bluff overlooking the Guadalupe River and shaded by towering oak trees makes it a restaurant hard to pass up. It’s right under the water tower in the historic district and just behind Gruene Hall.

Once I knew we were staying in New Braunfels for an extra three days over New Year, I announced we’d be all enjoying a New Year’s Eve lunch here to celebrate the past year.

At the Gristmill, you’ll find South Texas fares like fried catfish and tomatillo chicken, and if you can fit it in, a signature Jack Daniels Pecan pie.

I’m guessing you won’t have room for dessert because the serving sizes here were some of the biggest I’ve ever seen. That’s just how they do it in Texas.

Our chicken in a bone was delicious and BIG!

The restaurant is equally as big with multiple dining rooms with native stone fireplaces, an indoor bar, and an outdoor deck with river views, which would be perfect in the warmer months.

Plus, there is also a beer garden with fire pits that often hosts live music!

12. Go Dancing at the Iconic Gruene Hall

Gruene Hall is good ole Texas fun and a definite highlight on our list of things to do in Texas Hill Country.

It’s a place for the community to gather, and one of the best places to visit in Texas to listen to music and dance. It reminded me so much of the barn dances Australians once had in the country.

For families, I think the free afternoon session at the oldest dance hall in Texas is your best option.

There is plenty of space for the kids to play in the trees outside, or up the back with their toys. I’m sure they’ll even love to dance with you and listen to the awesome live music from the wide variety of styles the iconic Gruene Hall puts on every day.

There is an evening ticketed event as well.

Bring your cowboy hat and boots and relaxed personality.

You’ll need cash to grab a drink at the bar. If you’re lucky you’ll find space at one of the wooden picnic tables with the crowd up the front, or space on the dance floor at the back.

Only if you promise to dance though. Even if it’s just a little shuffle. The two step is welcome.

13. Taste Local Wine at Grapevine Winery, Gruene

There are several wineries in Texas Hill Country. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for us to go wine tasting.

But I was happy to taste a couple of local wines at the Grapevine Winery in historical Gruene. Craig was happy with his local Austin porter beer too.

The Grapevine is a cool spot, especially its fire pits in the outdoor garden, which regularly hosts live music. There is a homely neighborhood feel here and be prepared to chat with a local or two.

Watching the colors light up behind the water tower and sunset from your fire pit seat is something special to enjoy.

Sadly we had so much rain during our time in Texas Hill Country that we didn’t see too many sunsets.

14. Go Tubing on the Guadalupe or Comal River (seasonal)

The highlight of New Braunfels is the two rivers, Guadalupe and the Comal.

Both offer a wide variety of water activities – in the right season. This is a thing to do in New Braunfels if you are visiting in the warmer months.

Unfortunately, for us, it wasn’t, so I’m putting this down on my list to return, too.

The Comal is a short ride that takes you past Schlitterbahn if you want to visit there as well. Schlitterbahn is a 70-acre water park situated along the Comal River and near Landry Park.

The Guadalupe is known as the party float with rapids, booze, and music and can go for as long as six hours!

15. Enjoy a Coffee at Kona Kona, Gruene

If you’re in the Gruene area stop into Kona Kona for a delicious coffee (with hemp milk). So good I had two of them.

I stopped in for an afternoon to work, which is why I had time for two. The service here was super friendly and it’s a fantastic spot for a social coffee with a reading nook and a few games you can play, or if you want a mobile office for the day.

16. Chow Down a Brisket Burger at San Marcos (if in the area)

It’s probably good enough to make the detour out to San Marcos, but I’m not sure you’ll really want to do that.

However, if you are in the college town of San Marcos be sure to stop in at Craft House Kitchen and Tap for a Brisket burger – at a good price too.

You’re in Texas now which is all about beef and it’s the state that supposedly does brisket the best.

I’m not a big beef eater, but I decided to give this brisket burger a go because well, Texas.

It was definitely my beef quota for the week and I’m glad I spent it on this tender, fatty, and delicious brisket burger.

17. Explore the Natural Bridge Caverns

Perhaps one of the most unique things to do in Texas Hill Country is to explore its cave network. The Natural Bridge Caverns were found in 1960 by a group of college students and have since been explored back to 60 feet.

This huge cave is full of magnificent stalagmites and stalactites, which continue to grow to this day.

On the surface, you’ll find a zip rails obstacle course, and there’s even a small one for children to enjoy too.

18. LBJ National Historical Park

The LBJ National Historic Park is a museum located on LBJ ranch, the former home of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The LBJ ranch tells the story of LBJ and even has the lovingly preserved “Texas White House,” the place where he often worked from home while in office.

Visitors can take guided tours of the Texas White House, his Boyhood Home, and the Junction School.

The park is also located in a naturally beautiful area, so make sure to wander the grounds as well as the buildings.

Things to Do in Austin

If you’re thinking of taking some day trips into Texas Hill Country from Austin, then be sure to check out the following attractions.

19. Westcave Waterfall

The Texas Hill Country is not short of spectacular waterfalls, but perhaps one of our favorites is the Westcave Waterfall, located in the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center in Spicewood.

You can only visit this waterfall on weekends and on a guided tour only, but it’s definitely worth the visit.

The park spans for 76-acres, and has a varied landscape, from dry and arid savanna to overgrown canyons and forest. Below Westcave Waterfall is a vibrant emerald pool.

Behind the waterfall, visitors will see an impressive limestone cave. 

The hike is a moderate to difficult hike, so be sure to come with your hiking boots and a can-do attitude. It will only take 1.5 – 2 hours to complete the whole hike.

20. Swim in the River at Pedernales Falls State Park

This huge 5,200-acre park is one of the biggest attractions in Texas Hill Country outside Austin and is the best place to go hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, or camping.

The park is where you’ll find the Pedernales River, which is a great place to go swimming, tubing or fishing.

It’s not recommended to swim near the Pedernales Falls area as the river is quite turbulent in this area, but do make sure to check out the falls, because they are magnificent!

22. Visit Colorado Bend State Park

On the northern side of Texas Hill Country is the city of Bend, which meets with the Colorado River – one of the principal rivers in the U.S. and well known for its canyons and rapids.

The Colorado Bend State Park is a two hour drive out of Austin and an ideal place to visit in THC for a weekend.

The park has several camping spots, waterfalls and springs, and caves. It’s most famous for its waterfall, Gorman Falls, which is a 70-foot spring-fed waterfall that is simply spectacular.

You’ll find plenty of hiking and biking trails in the park. In fact, there are over 35 miles of hiking trails! So you really do need a full day to explore this incredible park.

23. Take a Day Trip to Wimberley

Wimberley is a ranching village in Texas Hill Country and has a sleepy sort of vibe. But the village is the perfect base to explore some fantastic nature spots in THC.

One such spot is Jacob’s Well, a 12ft wide spring that has become a well known swimming spot in Texas Hill Country. It is similar to a cenote in Mexico in some ways, as the spring descends vertically for about 30 feet, before turning into a cave full of silted chambers and narrow passages. The entire depth is about 120 feet.

Another one of the top reasons to visit Wimberley is to swim in the Blue Hole. If you’re looking for things to do in Texas Hill Country with kids, then this has to be up there as one of the best.

Nestled in a lush forested park is known for its natural, spring-fed swimming hole lined with rope swings and a grassy lawn to sunbathe on.

If you want to swim at Blue Hole Regional Park you need to make a reservation online. However, you can hike or bike the trails or visit the playground at any time.

24. Get Lost in Inks Lake State Park

If you want to see nature but you don’t want to venture too far away from Austin, then Inks Lake is a fantastic day trip.

You can go hiking through the park’s 9 miles of trails, which come alive in Spring when the meadows are alive with color and wildflowers.

The park is also a great place to spend time in the water, as Inks Lake is a huge lake to explore. You can rent paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks, or just go swimming in the designated swimming zone.

You can also do more adventure water sports such as water ski or scuba dive.

25. Get Boozy at Dripping Springs

Tasting rooms are a great way to sample some of the local boozy produce, from local wines to whiskeys to craft beers.

One place to visit in Texas Hill Country for those who love a tipple or two is Dripping Springs, aptly named for a town known for its wineries, breweries and distilleries.

If you want to go sipping in Dripping, then make sure to check out one of several tasting rooms. You can even do distillery tours or vineyard tours.

Where to Stay in Texas Hill Country

There are plenty of RV Parks along the River Road. If you’re coming in the summer, I’d recommend camping here. It looks so pretty and is lots of fun.

Otherwise, I’d use the New Braunfels area as your base because I liked it better and there is more to do in the area.

We stayed at the Hill Country Resort & RV Park, which had a lot of amenities like a playground, games room, indoor and outdoor pools, and fitness centers.

This did make the cost a little higher than some others. Our night rate ranged from $51 – $60. You can get discounts for a week-long stay, and they also have Good Sam and Passport America discounts.

For those who are looking for Texas Hill Country hotels or apartments, check out the options in Hill Country through our partner, Booking.com.

We find they have the widest range of properties. You get free cancellation on most rooms, and a best price guarantee.

Plus, they have verified reviews from guests who have actually stayed at the property!

Here are some hotels we researched for you as good options:

• The Hilton Garden Inn, New Braunfels. We find this chain quite trustworthy and great for families. Book your stay and read reviews here.
• The Old Mill Resort has a great location and the rooms are spacious with kitchen, dining area and bathroom. Book your stay and read reviews here.
• Gruene River Inn is the place to stay for views and river access! Book your stay and read reviews here.

There are also loads of Airbnb options in the New Braunfels area.

Want to Visit San Antonio?

The good news is, San Antonio is super close to New Braunfels in Texas Hill Country. It could be a great base for you to explore Texas Hill Country and it’s worth checking out San Antonio for a day or two.

San Antonio is the 8th biggest city in the country and quite sprawling. The highlight of things to do in San Antonio for us are The Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk. Both places I love!

Before You Go

So there you have it, those are the best things to do in Texas Hill Country and as you can see, there is a lot to do!

Before you go, make sure to prepare that priority list I mentioned earlier. Unless you have weeks to spend exploring the region, you just won’t be able to see it all.

Make sure you have your rental car booked beforehand, and of course, have the best trip to Texas Hill Country!

More Texas Travel Tips

Visiting other parts of Texas? Then you might find these other resources useful:

• The ultimate guide to Big Bend National Park
• 1 day in Big Bend Ranch State Park
• In Dallas, we visited the JFK Museum.
• And one of our favorites – a day with Chip and Jo in Waco, Texas
• Dallas to Boston road trip itinerary

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