This huge, industrial-style complex was once part of the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company, but is now a huge shopping complex made famous by its two 120’ high silos – and their famous owners from the reality TV series, Fixer Upper.

But visiting Magnolia Market is more than just a place where fans of the TV show can see where it all began, but a place where you can shop for boutiques, play games on the lawn and enjoy live entertainment.

In this guide, I’ll be sharing my best tips and favorite places in the Magnolia Market, including the Magnolia Table and more!

About Magnolia Market and Fixer Upper in Waco Tx

Magnolia Market was made famous by its celebrity owners, Chip and Joanna Gaines from the reality TV show, Fixer Upper.

In case you do not know anything about Magnolia Market, The Silos, Magnolia Table and Fixer Upper, it is an extremely popular renovation show on HGTV.

Chip and Joanna Gaines are a married couple from Waco Texas who take the worst house in the best street and turn it into their dream home for their clients.

Chip is the demo guy and the builder. Jo is the extraordinary designer.

Together they make a great team and are super cute, sweet and funny.

Although they had their own renovation and design business before Fixer Upper, the show has elevated them to celebrity status and they now have a Magnolia Empire that consists of their own home furnishing line, a bakery, restaurants, a magazine and best selling books.

Waco Texas is where Chip and Jo live and is the setting for the show Fixer Upper.

They have helped put Waco back on the map. It is no longer THAT place you heard about many years ago with the cult madness.

We only had half a day to spend in Waco Texas following the Fixer Upper Trail. And we only visited for that purpose but would love to come back and explore the many fun things to do in Waco beyond Fixer Upper and Magnolia Markets.

We enjoyed its young hipster modern vibe.

It was my Mum who introduced us to Fixer Upper. She watched it with the girls when minding them once and they excitedly told us about this lady who designed beautiful homes.

When we were preparing to move over to the US from Australia, we’d visit Mum and Dad each week for dinner and a Fixer Upper catch up.

We’d laugh at Chip and wow at Joanna’s modern and elegant design skills. “I want her to do our house one day … when we get one,” I used to say.

So when Qantas started direct flights to Dallas, I planned a one-month road trip with my parents and told them to fly into Dallas so we could visit Magnolia Markets in Waco Texas and follow the Fixer Upper and Chip and Jo story.

Things to Do at Magnolia Market

Magnolia Market is not just a place to shop. It has so much more to offer, including places to eat, relax, play and explore.

Here are some of the best attractions in Magnolia Market you should not skip.

1. Dine at Magnolia Table, Waco Texas

We wanted to start our day at Magnolia Table in the remodelled Elite Café, which Chip and Jo opened in March 2018.

“I think that’s the best bacon I’ve ever had,” I said after my first bite.

Dad didn’t waste much time eating his after that.

We don’t know what they did to it, but it was sensational.

“Oh that’ is really good. I think that’s the best bacon I’ve had in a decade.”

The perfect mix of salt, fat, and subtle smokiness. The sausage was equally delicious: made in house and is flavorful and moist, but not too oily.

And you know how much we love our lattes. Magnolia Table served up creamy coffee that perfectly balanced the flavors.

It was one of the most Australian tasting coffees we’ve had in the US. Because we know Australia does them best!

All the dishes at Magnolia Table is sourced locally, and you can tell.

The signature dish at Magnolia Table are Jo’s Tater Tots sprinkled with chives and parmesan cheese. Although it may not look like it, the breakfast is filling.

When we left we agreed that it was one of the best breakfasts we’d ever had.

Magnolia Table has been touched by the Chip and Jo effect – farmhouse style, sprinkled with class and sophistication.

Every element is designed with intention – how does it help create the mood and tell the brand story – even down to the wooden pencils and coloring sheets that come with the kids menu.

Signs in that elegant black and white typography remind you that you are welcome,

“Where everyone has a seat at the table.”

There’s an emphasis on community at Magnolia Table.

The ‘good ole days’ where people gathered around the table for conversation and hearty, yet delicious meals made with love from the garden.

A circled message on the menu invites you to leave your phones in the leather pouches hanging up on the wall beside the table.

The conversations flowed for us, particularly with the staff. The staff were enthusiastic and authentic in their engagement and spent time talking with us.

It was a delightful way to start our day in Waco Texas and indicative of the kind of people Chip and Jo are.

We fell even more in love with this Fixer Upper dynamic duo and so inspired by their innovative and visionary spirit.

A couple of nights before we visitied, we watched the renovation of the Elite Cafe into Magnolia Table on Fixer upper Season 5.

It was so cool to see its transformation knowing we had been part of the finished product!

• Magnolia Table is at 2132 S Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76706
• Open 6 am – 3 pm daily. (Further tips on visiting Magnolia Table below.)

2. Check Out The Silos, Waco Texas

The Silos represent what great visionaries Chip and Jo are.

If you watch Fixer Upper, you would have seen the transformation of the the run down silos into an entertainment and retail space.

At the moment, there is nothing in the Silos; the attractions are built around it on the block of land.

According to a police officer securing the property, Chip plans to turn the inside of the Silos into a man cave so he can offer something to his male Fixer Upper and Magnolia fans.

I was surprised by the number of men wandering around looking like they were having  a fantastic time – my Dad included!

Surrounding the Silos is a wide open green space. Jo has added her small touches to it, with a section for games and a container filed with soccer balls and corn hole equipment.

You’re invited to play and pack up after yourself when you’re done. Corn hole is one of Savannah’s favorite games so we played it for awhile.

Once again, the objective is to bring families and friends together experiencing good ole fun.

There’s also a space off the green grass with picnic tables and swinging chairs.

If you arrive early you’ll more than likely get a chance to sit in it and enjoy the ambience. If you’re hungry, the perimeter of the Silos are a number of food trucks offering a variety of options.

3. Purchase Some Seeds at Magnolia Seed & Supply

At the back of the Silo is a garden to wander through with a small log cabin to purchase Juniper and Magnolia seeds.

I hope you can replicate something similar at home. I’m dreaming of it when I finally get a home … one day.

Jo and Chip have inspired me to maybe move in that direction.

For now, we were happy smelling the flowers, drinking water from the old horse trough and then sitting on the wooden mushroom logs in the old naked tipi.

4. Visit the Magnolia Bakery (Silos Baking Co)

Jo’s cupcakes are legendary.

So much so that queues can be over two hours long. Thankfully we only had a five minute wait.

Magnolia Bakery is organized with efficiency and bright smile. Minute considered details makes all the difference in the Magnolia world.

As you join the Magnolia Bakery queue, you’re handed an order sheet to make the process flow. By the time you reach the front of the queue you are ready to pay and collect.

The girl’s cupcakes were light and fluffy. If you are a cupcake lover, you’ll be happy to wait for these.

My only disappointment was there were no gluten free cupcakes. There were gluten free cookies, but I don’t like cookies. My mouth watered and my eyes cried looking at those cupcakes.

The bakery building is worth looking at without the cupcakes.

The European inspired design feels like you’ve stepped over into France. It’s minimalistic and inviting and has gorgeous views of the Silos in the background.

There’s a small garden area to the side for you to rest and eat. Try to nab the wooden stools under the sign for a great photo opportunity.

And in between the bakery and the silos is this great hashtag photo opportunity for your Instagram.

I love the girls in this one.

5. Shop At Magnolia Market at the Silos

When I finally get my own place, I’m driving to Magnolia Market to buy all the furnishings. I might just bring back Jo with me to put it altogether!!

The Magnolia home store is a wonderful store. It’s filled with the style and essence of Jo.

Chip’s essence is not ignored either. He has his own section dedicated to the men called Chip’s Corner.

I generally don’t have patience to shop, but I loved browsing through all the homeware pieces in the store.

It’s the kind of home decor you’ve seen on the show and ranges from kitchen items to rugs and wallpaper.

The steel wall plaques on display by Jimmy Don were the most eye catching pieces in the store for me.

There are also T-shirts and hats in the store with the Magnolia Table. I couldn’t help but pick up a tank I have admired Jo wearing many times on the show.

And my sweet girls plotted together to buy me a beautiful notebook and sweet smelling Magnolia candle for Mother’s Day. It made my day.

Here are a few other things to do at the Silos that are new since our visit:

6. Drink Coffee at Magnolia Press

If you need a coffee to refuel, then the Magnolia Press coffee shop does some excellent coffee.

The point of Magnolia Press is to pick up a coffee and enjoy it as your browse the store.

It looks like an industrial library, and even though the idea is to grab a coffee on the go, you’ll want to sit around for a while and admire the decor – or sit outside on the patio.

7. Shop for Women’s Clothing at Reverie

Reverie is a women’s clothing store that has boutique, contemporary pieces. It’s the kind of fashion you would see Joanna wearing on Fixer Upper.

8. Shop for Jewelery at Vie Bien Aimee

Vie Bien Aimee is a shop selling artisan bath and body products. You can find some moisturisers, face creams, and other skincare and beauty tools.

9. Shop for Accessories at Tried and True

Want some accessories to go with your new clothing? Head to Tried & True which has bags, hats, jewelery, belts and other accessories.

10. Shop for Plants at Ferny’s Retro Plant Shop

If you are looking for some new plants to add to your home, then head over to Ferny’s (previously Juniper & Crew).

It’s owned by Jo’s little sister and offers a place to shop for plants in a quirky, fun and retro environment.

You can also find jazzy pots to go with the plants, too.

11. Get some Stationary at Chapter one

Need a birthday card? How about a new journal? Head to the Chapter One store to find stationery sets and arts and crafts goods.

12. Shop for Men’s Clothing at No. 16

As well as offering men’s clothing, you can also find other manly goods such as camping items and woodworking tools.

Opening Hours

Magnolia Market is open Monday – Saturday from 9.00am – 6.00pm. They are closed on Sundays.

It is located in downtown Waco, just 2 miles from Cameron Park Zoo.

Other Fixer Upper Locations in Waco

If you’re also a fan of the show and want to see more Fixer Upper locations in Waco, here are some other places nearby to explore.

See Discounted Items at Little Shop on Bosque

Although not in the Magnolia Market complex, Little Shop is worth checking out.

It’s the discounted supply store where you can find discounted Magnolia items. It’s housed in the first retail shop by Chip and Jo before they rose to fame.

Harp Design Co

Everyone knows Clint Harp from Fixer Upper. He creates feature woodwork pieces for the homes Chip and Jo renovate.

He has his own store and workshop in Waco Texas. He also now has his own DIY TV Show!!

I love seeing how Fixer Upper has helped so many other people thrive in their own business. What a wonderful story and positive ripple.

Next door to Harper Design is Clint’s House, which was also renovated on the show on season one, episode 11.

You can take pictures and admire the featured door, which Clint made. It’s eye catching.

Clint has turned this into a Bed and Breakfast you can rent when you visit Waco Texas.

We picked up a beautiful map from Harper Design with the words Wander written over the top. And a wooden heart shaped bowl for Savannah.

822 North 15^th Street, Waco

Magnolia House

Magnolia House is the Bed and Breakfast Chip and Jo renovated in season three of Fixer Upper.

It’s about a 20 minute drive south west of Waco Texas in the downtown McGregor area.

We stopped in on our way down to San Antonio. We were surprised by how small the block of land is compared to what it looks like on TV.

You also see the Carriage House down the back that was fixed up on the show for the managers of Magnolia House.

It’s a charming home. You can rent it out, but is usually booked months, if not a year in advance.

Apparently it’s okay to pop over and take a few photos!

323 South Madison Ave, McGregor TX

JDH Designs

You can also visit Jimmy Don’s workshop, who does all the metalwork designs for the show.

It’s located about 20 miles west of Waco so was too far of a diversion for us.

9685 North Lonestar Parkway, Crawford TX

The Brazos River

Wander over the  the pedestrian Waco Suspension Bridge which spans the Brazos River, the longest river in Texas.

You’ll see the bridge and river in many of the B-Roll shots of Fixer Upper.

But, the bridge has a story of its own.

It was part of the Chisholm Trail, a trade route trod by millions of heads of cattle in the 19th century. On the northern shore of the bridge near Indian Spring Park, is a herd of larger than life bronze cattle sculpture.

If you feel the braided steel cables and stout brick tower look familiar, then cast your minds eye towards the Brooklyn Bridge.

The cables were furnished by John A. Roebling from New York, who built the Brooklyn Bridge.

There are a few food trucks scattered around the foreshore of the river.

Places to Eat Near Magnolia Market, Waco, Tx

Unfortunately, we only had half a day so didn’t have time to explore the other things to do in Waco, Tx that doesn’t involve Fixer Upper.

But if you have more time, these are a few eateries nearby that you should check out.

Common Grounds

Common Grounds is a café that Jo has visited before on the show.

It is in the Baylor University area and was full of students on lap tops studying for their final exams.

The Cowboy Coffee is Jo’s favorite and made famous because of the show. I’m not sure what it is. It has a secret sauce and is labelled as sweet so I stayed away from it.

I like my coffees strong and bitter – no sweetener allowed.

There’s a lovely outside seating area, a small porch in the front and plenty of comfy couches inside.

There’s a backyard stage turning it into an indie concert venue with bean bag chairs.

Heritage Creamery

Next door to Common Grounds, is an independently owned and locally operated ice cream store, Heritage Creamery.

Everything is 100% all-natural and made in their shop using fresh, top-of-the-line ingredients with no additives or preservatives.

We popped in there to grab the girls an ice cream while we sat in the back garden of common grounds enjoying a coffee.

Tips for Visiting Magnolia Table & Magnolia Market

1. Arrive early. Magnolia Table, especially on the weekend, can have up to 4 hour wait times. The restaurant opens at 6am. I’d arrive not long after that. Better yet, make a reservation in advance.
2. After breakfast at Magnolia Table, head straight to the Silos and Magnolia Bakery which can also have lines up to two hours long.
3. Start lining up for the bakery immediately. You can easily wander around the Silos and Magnolia Market at any time.
4. If you’re afraid of the traffic circle out the front of Magnolia Market, come off the I 35 and turn onto the frontage road – check name – and enter the parking lot from the back entrance.
5. There are plenty of warnings about the traffic circle out the front (roundabouts) We have them everywhere in Australia, so we weren’t worried about it. American’s aren’t that used to them so often don’t know how to drive on them! There are warnings not to try and cross it on feet if you park outside of Magnolia Table.
6. Parking is limited at Magnolia Table, another good reason to arrive early. You can take the free LaSalle Circle Shuttle bus from the Silos to Magnolia Table. It runs every 30 minutes or so from 9am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday. That way, you can park once and still visit Magnolia Table.
7. While you are waiting for your table at Magnolia Table, take your photos and visit the gift shop.
8. You will get a text when your table is ready, so have a phone with you. It comes in handy if you do have a four hour wait. You can go into Waco and visit the Silos while you wait.
9. Wednesday is the quietest day at Magnolia Table and the Silos in Waco Texas.
10. Everything looks smaller than what you see on TV. So be prepared. I thought the Silo area looked much bigger on TV with less around it. Same too with Magnolia House. We were expecting it to be on a large block of land.
11. You can stay in a number of the Fixer Upper homes that have been converted into B&B’s
12. Bring your camera. Capture the beauty of Chip and Jo’s designs, the delicious food, and Silo Selfies.
13. You might want to read some of the Magnolia stories before you visit:
    • The Magnolia Story
    • Capital Gaines: Things I learned doing Stupid Stuff
    • Magnolia Table: A collection of recipes for gathering.

They are on my reading list. I am subscribed to the quarterly Magnolia Journal which I love. Mum now has my stack to take home to her.

Where to stay in Waco Texas

We continued on to stay at the Emily Morgan Inn in San Antonio so don’t have personal experience for accommodation in Waco. From our research and professional travel judgement, we can recommend the following. You can also use the map to search for places to stay in Waco.

• Hotel Indigo Waco: We love the Hotel Indigo brand; You’re guaranteed boutique sophistication that fits with community personality. This is the closest hotel to Magnolia Market at just a 10-minute walk. at Hotel Indigo.
• This Newly Remodeled home inspired by Magnolia’s own Fixer Upper show. Open concept 3Bd 2Bth; stocked Kitchen. Spacious Backyard where you can have a delicious barbecue and relax next to the fire.

Video: 10 Things to Explore on the Fixer Upper Trail

Final Thoughts on Visiting Magnolia Market, Waco

Waco has definitely been transformed because of Chip and Jo and Fixer Upper. We loved strolling through the market and seeing all the visitors out and about, playing on the grass, enjoying picnics and listening to music.

It’s wonderful to see and look at how many local people have been employed and the spill over effect for other local businesses.

Waco is a vibrant thriving area with a lot of cool things to offer. We’d love to return and explore more, but for now, we feel content having been able to explore Magnolia Market.

Tours of Waco Texas & the Fixer Upper Trail

• Classic Waco 2.5 hour tour
• Magnolia Market day tour from Austin
• Brazos River Tour
• Waco TV Show tour with lunch

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Welcome to the legendary San Antonio River Walk, also known as the Paseo del Rio; a 15-mile oasis in the heart of a hot Texas city.

The San Antonio River Walk is what will turn your impression of America’s seventh largest city from a heaving metropolis image into scenes of memorable wows.

Not only is it peaceful, but there are so many things to do on the San Antonio River Walk.

I feel so tranquil just reliving the River Walk through these photos. Our trip to San Antonio was short, with the intention of taking my Dad to see the Alamo, which was a lifelong dream of his.

We did however, have time to explore the River Walk.

It’s a place I will always go back to whenever I’m in the city. After every visit, I discover more amazing things to do in San Antonio, including exploring nearby Texas Hill Country.

In this guide, I will reveal to you all the best attractions on the San Antonio Riverwalk so you can make the most of your visit.

Where is The River Walk in San Antonio?

It begins at the University of Incarnate Word College, just 4 miles north of the city, and flows through approximately 5-miles of downtown San Antonio before eventually joining the Guadalupe River and flows all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

It’s divided into three sections: The Downtown Reach, The Museum Reach, and the Mission Reach. The entire length of the Riverwalk is 15 miles.

Attractions in Downtown Reach of the San Antonio River Walk

The downtown area is the most popular part of the Riverwalk since it’s so close to some of the other main attractions in San Antonio.

Below are some of the best things to do in downtown San Antonio Riverwalk.

1. Walk Along The Riverwalk Path

The San Antonio River Walk has been named by some as the American Venice. But instead of old world European charm, it has the sights, sounds and flavors of Native America, Old Mexico and the Wild West.

A little more raw and edgy than Venice.

Brightly colored umbrellas line the banks of the San Antonio River, as diners and merrymakers sit at tables underneath relishing in the festive spirit.

Colorful, (and brightly lit at night), barges pass under arched stone bridges, which help you move from one side of the river to explore the many restaurants, bars and unique attractions.

The shady cypress, oaks, and willows, give off a tropical, exotic aura.

You naturally slip into a tranquil spirit as soon as you step down onto the river walk.

It’s a perfect match to the cobble stone streets surrounding the historic Alamo on the street level just above.

The Hyatt Hotel provides a public walk through connecting the River Walk to the Alamo through a beautiful urban park lined with fountains.

Mornings are a good time to see the main part of the River Walk, when the crowds are smaller and the light filters softly through the trees.

2. Watch the Mariachi Bands

At night the River Walk takes on a different character with the sparkling lights reflecting on the water and mariachi bands playing to the diners spilling out from the River Walk restaurants.

If you’re looking for things to do on the San Antonio River Walk at night, then head to the downtown district and keep your ears on the ground for mariachi music.

Get yourself a cocktail and enjoy the live music under the glowing fairy lights on the river walk.

3. Try The Deviled Eggs at The Esquire Tavern

One of the best bars on the River Walk is The Esquire Tavern, which is a vintage-inspired, old-fashioned tavern that has become well known for its exquisite food and mezcal selection.

One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the deviled eggs, which are so well seasoned it’s hard to describe how good they are.

4. Take a River Barge Cruise

One of the most popular things to do on the San Antonio River Walk is a relaxing 35-minute narrated river cruise.

With a combination of live guides and recorded commentary, you’ll enjoy the sights of downtown and the Pearl Brewery District from a relaxing boat tour.

The cruise also runs on a hop-on, hop-off basis so you can simply dismount the barge at various points when you want to explore on the ground for a while, and rejoin the cruise when you’re ready to explore some more.

The cruise passes several of the top sites on the River Walk, including the Alamo, San Antonio Museum of Art, Pearl Brewery, and the Market Square.

5. Do Some Boutique Shopping

Get in some shopping and dining at Rivercenter, which is a 4-level shopping mall with over 100 streets, 6 restaurants, as well as IMAX theatres and a Marriott hotel.

Shop for boutique items such as handcrafted jewelry, or pick up some locally made produce.

6. Check out La Villita Historic Arts Village

Stop in to check out the caliche block and stucco structures in La Villita Historic Arts Village.

It’s a collection of boutiques, art galleries and restaurants that date to the mid-1800s when European immigrants lived and worked there.

7. Catch a Show at Arneson River Theatre

Just outside of the entrance to La Villita is an outdoor theater, the stage sits across the river, separate from the amphitheatre style seating.

The open-air theatre was built in 1939-1941 and was named after the father of the river walk, Edwin P. Arneson, who was the regional engineer for the River Walk.

The stage sits on one side of the river, and the spectators on the other. It can seat around 800 people.

There are on average around 200 performances a year, from theater to musical performances, so be sure to check out what’s on with the La Villita Historic Arts Village when you go.

This part of the River Walk is also famous for the celebratory parades they host throughout the year, particularly when one of the professional sporting teams win.

We were fortunate to be in San Antonio back in 2007 when the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA championship.

It was fantastic watching the players float by on the river boats barges with crowds of fans cheering them on.

Like Chicago, they dye the river green on St Patrick’s Day.

8. Check out the Aztec Theater

Another theater worth checking out is the Aztec Theater, which was built in 1926 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It has stunning architecture, made from columns, sculptures and murals.

Attractions on The Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk

The Museum Reach area is an 1.33-mile extension that features visual and aural works of art, terraces landscaped with native plants and pedestrian access to the San Antonio Museum of Art, and the historic Pearl Brewery complex.

9. Watch the Ford Holiday River Parade

Around Christmas time, is the Ford Holiday River Parade, which is an annual parade showcasing illuminated floats, where live bands play and local celebs come to perform.

It has been going for more than 30 years and contains more than 1.8 million LED lights.

The parade starts at the northern part of the river near the Southwest School of Art.

The event is a charity event which raises money for children’s charities.

10. Walk Through Brackenridge Park

The River Walk continues for another two miles through Brackenridge Park, where you’ll find soft shady trails winding through the woods and attractions like the Japanese Tea Garden, Sunken Garden Theater, Witte Museum, and the San Antonio Zoo.

We didn’t get a chance to walk along this section, but we did see parts of it on our hop on hop off tour of San Antonio, which gave us a nice overview of the city.

The Museum Reach section of the San Antonio River Walk is looks quieter and has a more local flavor.

11. Check out the Pearl Brewery Complex

The path heading north goes to the Pearl Brewery complex, which is filled with some of the city’s trendiest stores, bars, and restaurants.

The Pearl Complex was the most recommended thing for us to do in San Antonio apart from the Alamo and River Walk.

The Pearl Brewery was founded in 1883 and over the century has become the crown jewel of San Antonio.

It’s not just a brewery, but a community of innovative and world-class restaurants and bars. It’s also the space where the Pearl Farmers Market operates every Saturday and Sunday to sell farm fresh produce to local arts and crafts.

Hotel Emma is a San Antonio boutique hotel housed within the Pearl Brewery and receives rave reviews.

Attractions on The Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk

12. Check out the Spanish Colonial Missions

South of downtown the trail will take you down the eight-mile Mission Reach to the four sister Spanish colonial missions, Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan, and Espada.

These missions have earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

This part of the river walk is the nation’s largest urban ecosystem restoration and will give you access to miles of additional hiking and bike trails.

How to Experience the San Antonio River Walk

The Downtown and Museum Reach sections of the River Walk are open 24/7, which provides you with endless opportunities for exploration, day or night.

The Mission Reach is open during daylight hours only so plan accordingly.

The central loop of the San Antonio River Walk can be enjoyed by walkers or boat cruisers.

The North and South extensions of the San Antonio River Walk are perfectly suited to joggers and cyclists (and walkers too).

You can get on the water to explore the river on barge cruises or kayaks with Go Rio Cruises. They guide you through more than thirty canoe chutes over light rapids in shallow water.

You can borrow a B-Cycle for as little as $10 a day, as long as you dock it every half an hour. There are multiple stations along the trail.

You can also rent an electric assisted bike from Blue Star Bicycles.

San Antonio Bike Tours caters to riders of all experience levels.

Dine at the Iron Cactus

The Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar is one of the best Mexican restaurants on the San Antonio River Walk.

It’s a Tex Mex fusion with dishes like Mexican Meatloak, Baja Fish Tacos, Tequila marinated fajitas, hickory grilled salmon, and burgers.

My parents aren’t adventurous eaters so I was worried about Visiting a Tex Mex restaurant, but they had plenty of options for those who don’t like exotic  and spice.

The Iron Cactus has over 100 different Tequilas, and named top ten 10 tequila bars in the country by Spirits and Cocktails and top 25 Tequila Bars in the country by USA TODAY.

We’re not usually tequila drinkers having horrible memories of lip sick suck foul tasting tequila shots in our twenties.

But there is a remarkable difference between the crappy tequila used for lip sip sucks and those authentic award winning Mexican tequilas used in sophisticated cocktails.

When in San Antonio…you cannot go past having a margarita when visiting a Mexican restaurant, especially one so classy as the Iron Cactus.

Upon recommendation from our server, we ordered the extra strong Iron Cactus Double Barrel made from Herradura Double Barrel Reposado, Cointreau.

It’s mixed with fresh lime juice and organic agave nectar.

Craig and I shared it. It was deliciously smooth and subtle.

I really loved the taste of this tequila and it may be a new way for me to approach this famous liqueur. Shots begone.

The food was equally delicious and the menu extensive, including gluten free options.

Our friendly waiter recommended the Pescado del Mar as his favorite dish on the menu.

It’s seared Atlantic Cod topped with wild caught gulf shrimp and bay scallops all nicely tied together in a citrus-butter sauce and served with sauteed spinach and the cilantro lime rice.

It was delicious, but I was kind of jealous of Craig’s Southwest Paella.

A perfect mix of shrimp, mussels, bay scallops, jalapeno Texas sausage with lobster cream.

I know, your mouth is watering right?

After spending the day at his beloved Alamo, how could my Dad not order the Travis Burger?

We finished our meal with Mexican Donuts and my favorite gluten free dessert, Vanilla Bean Espresso Creme brulee.

I snuck a sample of the donuts and they were sensational!!

And here’s a look at all the desserts on offer.

The Iron Cactus has prime position on the river front and what I loved about it that separates it from the other many restaurants you’ll find on the San Antonio River Walk is the lack of the other restaurants surrounding it.

It’s on a much quieter and peaceful part of the river, which feels slightly more upmarket and refined.

The foot traffic is separated by a large stone planter box and shaded by trees.

The Iron Cactus is popular, so be sure to reserve a table ahead of time. We ate as guests of the restaurant.

Video: the Alamo and San Antonio Riverwalk

Where to Stay on The San Antonio River Walk

In need of a place to stay? Here are some places we recommend you stay on the San Antonio River Walk…

The Emily Morgan Hotel

We stayed at the Emily Morgan Hotel, the official hotel of the Alamo, and an historic hotel of America.

Our room overlooked the Alamo. The hotel is located right near the Alamo, the River Walk and within walking distance of many downtown San Antonio attractions.

It’s stylish and elegant and will enhance your San Antonio historical and cultural experience. We stayed as guests of the Emily Morgan Hotel.

Omni La Mansion del Rio

This is one of the most popular hotels on the River Walk given that it’s a pet friendly hotel with valet parking, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.

It also has a tropical courtyard and a restaurant, Las Canarias, which has 3 levels and has views of the River Walk.

The guest rooms are spacious and elegantly styled, with marble bathrooms, and some even have a balcony overlooking the river.

FAQs About San Antonio River Walk

Here’s what people usually ask us about visiting the San Antonio River Walk…

Final Thoughts on Visiting San Antonio River Walk, Texas

There are plenty of things to see and do on the San Antonio River Walk. It was a complete contrast from the rest of the city, and to be honest, it didn’t even feel like we were in a city!

Exploring the River Walk was one of the highlights of our trip to San Antonio. Even our kids loved it.

We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in the city.

More Texas Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for your trip to Texas? Check out these other guides…

• Things to do in Big Bend National Park
• In Dallas, we visited the JFK Museum.
• And one of our favorites – a day with Chip and Jo in Waco, Texas
• Enchanted Rock State Park – hiking the summit trail
• A 4-wk Dallas to Boston Road Trip

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This centuries old fortress is where the Texian Army and Mexican Forces fought side by side at the Battle of the Alamo against the Native Americas.

It’s also one of the first Spanish missions in Texas, making it one of the oldest landmarks in the state.

Its important and bloody past is one of the most famous and poignant moments in Texas history, so no stop to San Antonio would be complete without paying The Alamo a visit.

Although it’s free to enter, there is plenty to see and do here. If you’re thinking of visiting The Alamo in San Antionio Texas, then keep reading to learn about its history and what there is to see and do.

About The Alamo San Antonio Texas

The Alamo stands in the center of Downtown San Antonio in Texas.

The old fort and cobble stoned streets, beautiful oak trees and the tree-lined San Antonio River Walk across from it, makes it one of the prettiest cities in the US.

This Spanish military presidio on the riverbank was originally the Mission of San Antonio de Valero, which was build in 1718 and later relocated to its current place.

The Alamo, and the nearby San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, (which we didn’t get to visit) are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next time we visit San Antonio I want to bike along the river to explore each of the missions, which are set along a 12 mile path from downtown.

The Alamo is one of the pivotal battle sites of America in February 1836, at the time of the Texas revolution.

The Native Americans, fighting for independence from the tyrannical control of the Mexicans, were severely outnumbered by the Mexican army who surrounded them in the military garrison.

Only a few women and children in the fort survived after the 13-day siege came to an end.

During the siege of the Alamo, roughly 200 Texan soldiers defending the Alamo were killed, including their leaders, Colonels William B. Travis and James Bowie, and the legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett.

You can wander through the old Church to see where the last few soldiers fought until the bitter end and then wander through the grounds to see other parts of the old fort whose boundaries are now much smaller.

As you walk through the Alamo grounds and inside the old kitchen of the mission (the oldest building in San Antonio), you will learn the history of the Alamo and the mission leading up to that fateful evening when the battle was lost and all the soldiers killed.

I’m glad that life has settled into defined territories and boundaries.

While the world is not absent of skirmishes and battles between armies for control – at least in the area I live in – I’m glad I live in the era and area where the dust has settled.

I hope we’ve evolved into a world where the need for borders becomes less as our fear and control for unhealthy power diminishes. Utopian view I know.

But it has to start with a vision right?

Empower from within rather than take power from without.

I guess, the freedom I experience in being able to move freely (relatively) between borders comes as a result of the sacrifices of many hundreds of years ago.

Remember the Alamo

The Alamo’s importance is significant for the American people, in particular Texans, as it’s the moment they reclaimed their freedom and set in motion the path to independence and unity with the United States.

The soldiers sacrifice within the Alamo cannot be forgotten.

It is said a couple of months after the Battle of the Alamo, in April 1836, the Battle of San Jacinto in present day Pasadena, Texas took place.

It was said that the Texan Army, lead by General Samuel Houston, fought against Antonio López de Santa Anna’s Mexican army, where soldier’s cried “Remember the Alamo!” before launching into battle.

This battle was said to have lasted only 18 minutes but it is one of the most prominent battles of the Texan Revolution.

They crossed that line and chose to give up their lives for that independence and now the Alamo stands watch over their spirits.

Cries ‘Remember the Alamo’ were heard in following battles which eventually lead to the Texan victory over Mexico.

It is said that you could hear the Texan armies shout “Remember the Alamo!”

Many years later, U.S. soldiers cried the same words during the Mexican-American War in 1846–48.

Remember the Alamo, is a testament to the fight against tyranny.

Remember the Alamo represents bravery and courage and the fight of the Independent Texas Spirit.

Again, I am reminded of what I learned in our recent visit to Greater Williamsburg learning about the Revolutionary Wall and figuring out why Americans are so obsessed with liberty.

Here they were again at the Alamo fighting and dying for it.

It’s something as an Australian I won’t understand, as my country hasn’t lived and died for liberty.

But, as a visitor to the Alamo I can comprehend deeply the importance of remembering it.

Life from Death

It was woman power that eventually came around to help the Alamo survive.

After the battle it was used for various reasons, it even had a structure built on top of it. Eventually, instead of being the protector, it became the protected.

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas fought to ensure the Alamo survived as a shrine to Texas liberty and is now a place people from all over the country and world can come to visit, pay their respects and remember.

The story that captured my attention the most in the Alamo is the magnificent 100 year old oak tree in the courtyard.

It doesn’t have anything to do with the Alamo of the old, but definitely brings new life to what was a crumbling place of bloodshed.

The oak was moved here in 1917 and helps create a lush green landscape so unlike what would have been in the 1800’s.

The birds sound happy resting on its branches and it emanates a subtle, captivating smell I can’t quite describe.

I feel such peace and joy standing underneath is overarching branches and taking in its beauty.

Life will always follow death, often in more evolved and better form.

Live your life so you can contribute to the better form evolution.

Video: The Alamo and San Antonio River Walk

What to See at The Alamo

Apart from learn about the history and hear stories of old, the Alamo is an incredibly beautiful and peaceful place to visit.

And it’s free. So you can wander around for as long and often as you like.

There are beautiful gardens out the back and in the courtyard and reenactments from actors sharing life in the fort back in the 1800’s.

Be sure to come back in the late afternoon, when it is quieter and you can get better photos out the front. Seeing it lit up at night is also ethereally beautiful.

The girls really enjoyed the visit and Savannah even whipped out my notebook to take notes of what she was learning!

You cannot beat hands on learning experiences for kids.

Alamo Church

One of the biggest tourist attractions in The Alamo is the Alamo Church, which was built in 1755.

The church had an important role in the Battle of the Alamo and now stands as a memorial to the Alamo Defenders.

Long Barrack Museum and Wall of History

The Long Barrack Museum is located inside the oldest building in the Alamo.

It was original built as a two story convento, which served as the quarters and offices for Spanish Missionaries.

During the siege, the Alamo’s garrison withdrew into this building, for their last stand against Santa Anna’s soldiers.

Today, the building is kept as a museum.

Just outside the Long Barrack you will find the Wall of History, where you can read about 300 years of history that took place on this site.

Briscoe Western Art Museum

Although not in the compounds of The Alamo, just a short 5 minute walk away on the banks of the River Walk is the Briscoe Western Art Museum, which is houses inside the former public library.

The museum contains exhibits and artefacts from Texas’s Western era. You can see art that depict stories of cowboys, Native Americans, and the vaquero.

You can see objects, tools, and weapons that would have been used at the time of the battle and see history come to life.

Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

Admission is free to enter The Alamo, but you need to get a free timed ticket to enter the church as the capacity is limited to a certain number of people at a time. You can reserve your free entry here.

It’s open daily from 9.00am to 5.30pm, but closes Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

You can also purchase guided tours and audio tours if you want to learn more about the battle and the history of the barracks.

The Alamo is located on Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, opposite the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum.

Where to Stay near the Alamo: The Emily Morgan Hotel

In the background, looking over the Alamo, stands the The Emily Morgan Hotel, an historic hotel of America, and where we stayed for our two day visit.

The Emily Morgan is the official Alamo Hotel and you can see the Alamo from the bedroom window.

I liked peeking out early in the morning and watching the jungled landscape and sandstone walls of this magnificent structure.

One morning three Buddhist monks walked around the outside of it, their bright orange robes contrasting against the green of the trees. I thought for a moment I was back in Cambodia.

I know my Dad was wowed when he walked into his room and down below was his beloved Alamo!

The Emily Morgan was a fantastic hotel to stay in. I highly recommend it as an experience to enrich your visit to the Alamo.

The Emily Morgan Hotel dates back to the 1920s; it’s classy and sophisticated and you can learn more about its history in the gorgeous foyer.

The guest rooms are stylish, spacious and comfortable.

The Emily Morgan was named after the Yellow Rose of Texas, a cream colored mulatto who was instrumental in helping the Texans eventually defeat the Mexicans.

She was kidnapped by the Mexican leader Santa Anna, who was known as the Napoleon of the West. Legend has it that one day she was approached by Sam Houston and asked if she could help them by “distracting” Santa Anna. She agreed.

Houston and his army surprised attacked Santa Anna and won. She became the Yellow Rose of Texas and the hero. Woman Power!

The Emily Morgan hotel is within walking distance to most San Antonio attractions, including a short stroll to the San Antonio River Walk. 

If you’re looking for the quintessential San Antonio Hotel this is it. It was one of our favorite hotels on our Dallas to Boston road trip.

Final Thoughts on Visiting The Alamo, San Antonio

You just never know where life will take you.

Every moment offers infinite possibilities, which is why it’s important to never put a wall on your dreaming.

Love the joy of the dreaming. Talk about it with enthusiasm and bring parts of it into your life anyway you can.

In the current moment, you may think that your wildest dreams can never be a reality. You can clearly see, in the current moment, the obstacles getting in the way.

Let them be.

They may not always be there. And your unexpected paths around them can easily open up.

Hold your dreams inside a wishing machine and allow the unseen forces to orchestrate grand plans to bring it to life.

When the perfect moment arises, the unseen forces recognizes and remembers and says, “Hey. This will be a great time to deliver that dream you have been yearning for for years.”

Who’d have thought that because of our lifestyle, travel blogging, and our road trip from Dallas to Boston, my Dad would get the opportunity to live one of his dreams?

One I’ve known about since I was a little girl watching John Wayne westerns with my parents on a Saturday night.

The Alamo in San Antonio was one of his favorites.

I loved it because I used to love the TV show Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier.

Davy Crockett was a hero of the Alamo.

I remember watching The Alamo with him and the silence that came at the end of the battle.

“What? They all died?”

How could that be? Davy Crocket can’t die. Heroes don’t die.

But the reality is they often do. Eventually anyway.

What doesn’t die is their spirit, their bravery and the ripple effect of their contribution to evolution.

A ripple that reached all the way to a man’s dreaming on the shores of Australia.

Brought to him in the form of John Wayne, the “greatest” actor that ever lived and expressed into reality for him by a daughter who loves the freedom and growth of travel, especially in the US.

It was delightful to walk though the doors of this legendary sandstone fort in San Antonio Texas with him, watching him walk around in awe and imagining how it looked during the moment of the battle.

It was time to Remember the Alamo.

More Texas Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for your trip to Texas? Here are some other guides that may be useful…

• The San Antonio Riverwalk
• Epic guide of things to do in Big Bend National Park
• In Dallas, we visited the JFK Museum.
• And one of our favorites – a day with Chip and Jo in Waco, Texas
• Enchanting things to do in Texas Hill Country

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Most people will travel to the state parks next door neighbor, Big Bend National Park, which is a little more famous. But Big Bend Ranch State Park is no less beautiful.

Although it’s the largest state park in Texas, much of the park are wild and remote areas, which means it’s totally doable to see it all in one day.

This park has spectacular scenery along the Rio Grande River, a couple of family-friendly hikes that are interesting for the kids, and a few off the beaten path adventures.

If you’re thinking of spending one day in Big Bend Ranch State Park, here’s what I recommend you do with your time…

About Big Bend Ranch State Park

Big Bend Ranch State Park TX was formerly private ranch land and its current untamed wilderness is very similar to its original landscape.

As the largest state park in Texas, it has over 300,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert wilderness, and adventurers will love this rugged terrain that is some of the most remote in the southwest.

Big Bend Ranch State Park only receives about 8-10 inches of rainfall a year.

Despite this, it is sprinkled with a surprising number of cool canyons lined with cottonwood trees and fern-filled hanging gardens.

The Bofecillous Mountains make up the elevated western portion of the park and are visible off the River Road (the FM 170, which is the main road running through the park from Lajitas to Presidio.)

Due to complex geological processes, the backcountry of the park is an area that features many water features, which are critical habitats for plants and wildlife.

Most of these springs are located off-the-beaten-path and difficult it get to.

The West Contrabando Ojito Adentro and Cinco Tinajas trailheads offer easy access to some of them.

How to Get to Big Bend Ranch State Park

So where is Big Bend State Park? And how do you get there. Big Bend Ranch State Park is located in the Far West Texas.

From San Antonio, you’d take the I-10 highway west through to either Marathon or Alpine.

From El Paso you can go through Marfa (popular for the random Prada store in the middle of nowhere and art installations, and Alpine (it was covered in snow when we drove through)

For a scenic route, go through Presidio along the River Road through the Big Bend State Ranch Park. This road has lots of curves and steep grades but has incredible scenery.

Things to do in Big Bend Ranch State Park

The good news is that even though Big Bend Ranch State Park Texas is huge, it’s still small enough for most people to do in one day.

That’s because a large part of it is in the backcountry, which is more rugged travel, and won’t suit the majority of visitors to this park.

Keep reading and you’ll see how you can still incorporate some of this backcountry on your day in Big Bend State Park.

If you have more time, then explore more of the backcountry and delight in some overnight camping.

1. Drive the River Road – RM 170

The River Road (RM 170) is a spectacular drive that follows the winding Rio Grande River.

Not only is this drive full of gorgeous view points and hikes, you get the unique experience of driving in the US, but right beside Mexico.

It’s crazy when you get close to the Rio Grande to see how you could be in Mexico with a couple of skips over some rocks or a quick swim over a fast-moving river.

Savannah was tempted a couple of times. She loved seeing Mexico right there and really wanted to jump on over.

We’ve been recently doing a unit of school work on landforms, mapping, countries and continents with our homeschooling so she was delighted to see what she was learning in real life.

From the minute you drive in to Big Bend Ranch State Park you’ll be wowed by the craggy mountainous scenery stretching out in front of you.

I’d allow for at least half a day to take in this 30-mile road that goes up and down steep ridges, across empty Chihuahuan Desert landscapes  and through canyons alongside the river.

Don’t just admire it from your window. Get out and go adventuring into those mountains and canyons.

Do your research to find hikes suitable to what you are looking for. We include the most popular hikes we did and the ones that are best with kids below.

2. Madera Canyon (camping spot)

I found the views here not long after the eastern entrance into Big Bend State Park stunning. It’s a popular camping spot as well. Be sure to pull over and enjoy the views whether you are camping or not.

3. Desert Plants – pull over

I love desert flora. It’s so interesting and diverse.

Be sure to look out your window of anything of interest and pull over. I just loved these plants and so when we saw a row of them beside the River Road we pulled over for a closer took.

4. The Big Hill Lookout

If you’ve seen any photos of the Rio Grande winding through spectacular mountain country, it’s probably been taken from The Big Hill Lookout.

This is right at the top of the bend and pretty indiscreet so look out for it.

There is another pull over just a little bit further, which offers an equally impressive and closer view.

5. Closed Canyon Trail

The kids will love the hike through Closed Canyon.

It’s a non-strenuous 1.4 mile return hike into a narrow slot canyon. As the canyon moves towards the river along a sandy-gravel path, the looming canyon walls become narrower, give the kids a few rocks to scramble over and jump off.

Little sunlight reaches into the floor thanks to the high walls, making this a cool spot to hike, especially in those hotter months.

There was no water when we visited except a small pool at the end of the trail. Smooth boulders clog the path from here, making it a slippery adventure to get to the Rio Grande lying beyond.

I’m sure with the right equipment you could make it. Flash flooding can occur in here so be weather smart and safe!

The girls said this was their favorite Big Bend Ranch State Park hiking moment. 

6. Hoodoos Trail

Standing sentinel over the Rio Grand River stands a collection of rock towers called hoodoos.

Hoodoos are unique geological features. It’s an African word which refers to what they believed were strange animal shapes in the rocks and embodied evil spirits.

They didn’t look to evil to us!

They provided a fun playground for the kids to run around and explore, climb up and take photos on.

This is a short 1.1 mile trail that takes you over the rock face to the hoodoos along the banks of the Rio Grande.

I loved this location and walking down for a very close look at this wonderful river. We were so close to Mexico!

7. Explore The Main Road

The Main Road is a 27-mile gravel road that runs through rugged terrain of the backcountry ending at the former owner’s ranch headquarters at Sauceda Ranger Station.

Off it are various hikes, biking trails and 4 x 4 off road adventures.

Even though this is a graded road, it’s bumpy and involves a few small inclines. It will be a slow drive, which, if you’re not used too can get quite exhausting, especially after spending a morning on the River Road exploring.

8. Ojito Andentro

I enjoyed the scenery on this 0.8 mile hike leading to lush springs and a seasonal waterfall in the riparian area of the park.

And it’s meant to be one of the top birding sites in the park.

After only a few minutes into the walk, my eye caught a movement in the distance, I looked up and saw an animal bounding across the valley.

At first glance (and thanks to all the mountain lion warnings) I thought it as a mountain lion, and jumped pulling the girls back to me.

The next glance showed me it was just a deer and it took off up the slope of the mountain.

“See that girls. See how far away we are, yet that deer heard us and took off straight away. Animals are way more scared of us and have such great hearing, they hear us before we see them and they take off.”

I as hoping that insight would help ease their fears over bears and lions, but no, my startled reaction made them think more about it.

They walked very close to me on the trail which felt ominous and eerie because we were the only ones on it!

It was kind of confusing where to go (we didn’t read the plaque properly before heading off ).

You come to a gated fence, walk through it and down to the cottonwoods which line the creek bed. Once you get there, turn right and keep walking until you get to the spring.

Again just a simple wooden sign that says turn right here only a short way to go would be helpful.

Because you think you’ve arrived at the spot and you see no water because it’s the desert and you think, oh the water must be dry and there’s nothing to see and you turn back.

Instead of turning right and walking a little ways down to discover a spring tucked away in the corner! Yes. Things like this really irritate me.

I didn’t realize until we got back to the car, just how close we were to the spring. Yep. Slightly annoyed to miss it! Poor preparation as well on my behalf.

9. Raft or Paddle the Rio Grande River

If you’re looking for more things to do in Big Bend Ranch State Park, then grab some kayaks or canoes and hit the rapids of the Rio Grande River.

You can arrange rafting trips with Big Bend River Tours, or bring your own canoe and launch it from one of the access points on the FM 170.

You will find Class 2 and 3 rapids in Colorado Canyon.

There is also this paddling tour on the Rio Grande– raft, kayak, or tubes depending on river level from Terlingua, outside the state park.

10. Cinco Tinajas

You can keep driving along the Main Road to get to Cinco Tinajas and the Leyva Escondido Spring Loop.

By this stage after Ojito Andentro, the girls were both tired and over the walking and slow and bumpy off road experience. It was getting late and we knew if we kept going and completed the 1 mile Cinco Tinajas trail, we wouldn’t get back until after dark.

We hadn’t gotten back to our RV Park until after dark the previous two nights and the girls were begging us not to tonight.

So we turned around and headed back for a campfire instead.

On this Cinco Tinajas trail, you’ll find 5 rock basins full of water (tinajas). These tinajas hold water mostly year round, which is unusual, and they support many species of plants and animals.

You can continue hiking the more challenging Leyva Escondido Spring trail which takes you up past a Native American rock art site and up to a vista with 360 degree views of Leyva Canyon.

Something for us to return to for!

11. Have a Sunset Beer on the Porch at Terlingua Ghost Town

If you don’t camp within Big Bend Ranch State Park TX, then we highly recommend stopping in at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua Ghost Town.

It’s one of the unique things to do in Big Bend area. 

Pull up a bum chair, grab yourself a local brew from Big Bend Brewery, and a bowl of award winning chili and watch the setting sun light up the Chisos Mountain Range in Big Bend National Park.

It’s a raw and natural experience.

The Porch extends beyond the Starlight Theater in front of the Trading company store (excellent brick bacs and souvenirs in here). It’s quite the gathering spot for locals and passer byes.

On the porch you’ll find drifters, vagabonds, artists, farmers, miners and homegrown earthy folks. I loved it.

It reminded me of an Australian outback pub. There will be a lot of tales you can spin about this place.

12. Spend a Night Stargazing

The night sky is captivating on a pollution covered evening, imagine what it’s like when you’re in Dark Sky country.

The Big Bend region is one of the best in continental USA for stargazing and astrophotography. There is minimal light pollution and combined with clear skies gives you ample opportunity to be wowed by the heavens above.

The darkest parts of the park are said to be along the River Road, West Contrabando Trailhead, the Big Hill and the Hoodoos Trailhead, all of which are easily accessible by vehicle.

Even in our RV park, just outside the State Park, my gasped reaction upon first seeing the stars in the darkness of the early morning, “Oh my goodness, the sky is full of stars.”

Tips for Visiting Big Bend Ranch State Park

Before you go, here are some tips for visiting Big Bend Ranch State Park to help you make the most of your trip.

Be warned, the signage in this park is not the best

A few of the places of interest listed on the map you pick up from the Big Bend Visitor Center near Lajitas are difficult to find.

One place mentioned in the brochure was the Fresno Overlook, and it was described as being on FM 170 (the River Road) between Lajitas and the Teepee Picnic area, which offers great views in the late afternoon.

I couldn’t find this in either direction. It is quite a large distance between these places, a little more specificity would be helpful, or even placing it on the map.

Other highlighted places from the map are just denoted in the park by a sign that says Visitor Information, instead of the name of the place of interest.

We had to turn back for the Big Hill lookout, because I wasn’t looking for Visitor Information to help point me to where I ant to go, but something like, Lookout Point, or even Big Hill Lookout!!

Simple things like his make a huge difference.

Start Early

Big Bend State Park Ranch is the largest of the Texas State Parks.

In fact, all other state parks can fit into it.

There is a lot to do and see here. You could spend longer than a day exploring many of its trails and even camping either along the river, or in the backcountry for the true adventurers!

Starting early will give you more time to explore slower, but also head up into the backcountry area, along Main Road, which is only 27 miles long but a grave graded road so does take a lot longer.

Watch out for wildlife

Rattlesnakes are common. We didn’t see any but be careful where you put your hands and feet.

Mountain lions and black bears are also in the park. Again, we didn’t see any.

There are plenty of signs telling you what to do should you see one. i.e. face the animal, make noise, pick up small children, appear as large as possible and back away slowly. If attacked, fight back.

He who wins lives.

Again, I find myself ASTOUNDED that the number 1 reason Americans won’t travel to Australia is that we have too many things that can kill you. Oh please. I’ve never been told to be prepared to fight a wild animal. Not in Australia!

Prepare for the heat

You’re in the desert – it’s hot and dry. Protect yourself from sunburn and carry PLENTY of water. Do your Big Bend hikes in the early or later part of the day.

Prepare to be cut off

Cell phone service is spotty and I’d say fairly non-existent.

Be sure you have a full tank of gas, there are no gas stations within the park. In Terlingua and Lajitas you’ll find gas stations that sell diesel and propane gas.

There are plenty of places to enjoy a picnic. Pack plenty of food and enjoy the lunchtime views.

Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

Daily entry fee is $5 (peak season) $3 (non peak) for ages 13 and over.

You can get your day pass and camping permits from the Barton Warnock Visitor Center near the East Entrance, or Fort Leaton State Historic Site near the West Entrance.

The park is open daily except Christmas Day. The East Entrance and West Entrance open from 8.00am until 4.30pm.

Big Bend Video

Where to Stay in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Big Bend Ranch State Park Camping

Campers can choose from vehicle-accessible, backcountry or equestrian sites. All sites (except backcountry) can be reached by vehicle.

Some unmaintained dirt roads require four-wheel-drive or high clearance.

Campsites offer solitude and great vistas; all (except backcountry) offer some camp amenities. Lodging is available at the Sauceda Bunkhouse.

No other facilities, water/electrical hookups, or dump stations are available. Due to road conditions, motor homes and large recreational vehicles may not be able to enter backcountry park areas.

You must have a permit to camp at primitive road and front country campsites, and in the backcountry zone and agree to the terms.

Primitive site camping is $12 per night; backcountry zone camping is $10 per night. Access permits are available at Barton Warnock Education Center in Lajitas or Fort Leaton State Historic Site in Presidio.

There are no designated campsites in the backcountry zone. Select your site but abide by the following:

• sites must be at least 1/4 mile from any other existing campsite
• 300 feet from water sources and prehistoric or historic cultural sites
• 3/4 mile from trailheads or roads.

Where to Stay outside Big Bend Ranch State Park

The nearest town to Big Bend Ranch State Park West Entrance is Terlingua so we recommend you base yourself there, especially if you only have one day.

Make sure to book two nights so you can enjoy one full day in the park.

Here are some places we recommend you stay…

Terlingua Ranch Lodge

Is a 425 acre resort located 34 miles from Big Bend National Park. It’s a bit far out, but if serenity is what you are after, this may suit.

It has cabin guestrooms, RV sites and private campgrounds and has a outdoor pool and free WIFI.

If you want to stay near the East Entrance, then we recommend you stay in Lajitas. Here are some places to stay in Lagitas…

Maverick Ranch RV Park

Of all the RV Parks we saw in the Big Bend region, ours at Maverick Ranch RV Park was by far the best.

I loved the serenity of our campground and the cute and quiet very small Lajitas village. You also get access to the Lajitas Golf Resort amenities which owns the RV Park.

A general store is around the corner, and the State Park Visitors Center is a 2-minute drive down the road.

If you’re looking for RV places to stay near Big Bend, it’s hard to beat here! 

Lajitas Golf Resort

This resort is just outside the entrance to Big Bend Ranch State Park. You don’t have to be a golf lover to stay here, although if you are, you will love the premier golf course.

There is also horseback riding and zip lining adventures available.

Free Wi-Fi access, a full-service spa and a variety of dining options featuring gourmet West Texas cuisine are among the distinct amenities provided at this Texas resort.

The views from the bar and restaurant while you’re having a drink by the fire are just superb.

If you’re looking for Big Bend hotels, consider this place.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Big Bend Ranch State Park

Many people visiting the Big Bend area ignore Big Bend Ranch State Park for the more glamorous, manicured and popular National Park next door.

But we found that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have a lot to offer as well! Any adventures into nature will cause a reawakening of the wonderful.

If you have a mountain bike, you’ll be spolit for adventures. It’s a popular thing to do in Big Bend Ranch State Park. Ask at the visitor center for trail information.

See more information on the State Park website here. 

More Texas Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for your Texas trip? Check out these other guides…

• Ultimate Guide to Big Bend National Park.
• You might want to spend time in Texas Hill Country as you drive through to Big Bend. Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Texas Hill Country in three days.
• The highlight of things to do in San Antonio for us are The Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk.
• In Dallas, we visited the JFK Museum.
• 4 Week road trip from Dallas to Boston.
• And one of our favorites – a day with Chip and Jo in Waco, Texas.

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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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She would like to tell you about her special treat while visiting Texas – horse riding in the small town of Lajitas through the stunning mountainous scenery.

Giddy Up Savannah…

At Big Bend in Texas we went horse riding because horse’s are my favorite animal. What’s your favorite animal?

I love unicorns as well. Unicorns and horses are exactly the same, but unicorns have horns and can fly.

Unicorns are the coolest, but I’m yet to find one who will let me ride it. And I’m a bit scared to fly with one.

I was happy to ride a horse instead. It was so much fun.

We went horse riding when we visited the Big Bend National Park region of Texas.

My horses name was Roja and my Mom’s horse’s name was Smoky. We forgot Dad’s and Kalyra’s horse’s name. Kalyra’s horse kept pooping so I’m sure you understand why. I was behind her in the line. It was gross.

It felt weird when I first got on the horse and I almost fell off the horse at one part. It was scary, but Roja was good at keeping me safe.

The horse ride went for an hour but it felt like 15 minutes.

On the horse ride, I saw a lot of cactus. They were the small, spiky cactus not the big ones. Each leaf looked like a dinner plate. We saw different plants and we went through mountains.

It felt weird when we went down the hills like I was going to fall off. And it was so hot on our horse ride.

Our guide’s name was Tito and he didn’t talk to us at all. All he said is “are you ok?” So that was annoying and the only bad part. I’m happy he asked if I was okay though.

It would be the best if I can do it again.

Mum and Dad said that we would do it for sure in Bryce Canyon and in the mountain states. They thought about the mule ride in the Grand Canyon, but I already know, you have to be eight. Something to look forward to!

Have you gone on a horse ride before?

Watch our horse ride video below. Press play:

That is pronounced Green.

170 years ago, a German immigrant, Ernst Gruene, and his bride Antoinette went searching for farm land after learning that land was scarce at nearby New Braunfels.

Just down the river they found land at Gruene Texas and grew a successful cotton business that brought more families to the area.

It was a very profitable time and the town grew to include various homes, a mercantile store and a cotton gin powered by the Guadalupe River.

The Gruene Hall in Texas became the center of town life.

The death of Ernst’s second son Henry D Gruene in 1920 brought an end to the town’s good fortune and development. The family businesses went under except for Gruene Hall; it never closed.

In the 70’s, new purchasers came into revive Gruene TX into this charming relic of timeless community gathering and grew it to become listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The three street town located near the water tower is indeed thriving again and the Gruene dance hall still remains the center of community life.

The streets are filled with boutique and antique stores in old homes, a general store with a soda and ice cream bar, and restaurants.

I fell in love with the historic charm of Gruene and the fun that lives inside the walls of the historic Gruene Hall, which for us Aussies would be like showing up to that Outback shed for a barn dance.

I visited twice, once with the girls for a quick hour.

And then, once I knew we were staying in Texas Hill Country a few days longer over New Years, I decided Gruene was the place to spend the day for New Years Eve.

Fun Things to do in Gruene Texas

Seasonal summer fun – Tube on the Guadalupe River

Obviously, being in Gruene over the Christmas holidays and the winter period, we were not going to be jumping in a tube to float down the Guadalupe River.

But, during the warmer months, I say jump on in.

There is a launching spot right underneath the Gristmill in the center of the town i.e the water tower.

You can walk down and look at the river during the colder months. It sure does run fast and I can imagine how pretty it must look with the Spanish moss and oak trees overhanging it when in full bloom.

Have Lunch at the Gristmill River Restaurant

Beneath the water tower in the 1870’s cotton gin is the Gristmill River Restaurant.

This restaurant is massive, which is great for its popularity. Chances are you’ll get a seat in one of its many rooms or the beautiful deck dining with views of the Guadalupe River.

The Gristmill is one of those restaurants in Gruene TX that personifies the adage that everything is bigger in Texas.

They were some of the biggest meal servings I’ve ever seen, and for a decent price.

Savannah’s chicken tenders were seriously the size of half a chook. Our chicken in a bone with a side of mash and broccoli was humongous and delicious!

The chicken was only $11.99 as well, which is a great price.

There is a beer garden outside the Gristmill Gruene with fire pits for the colder months and sometimes live music.

Walk around Gruene Town

Time to walk some of that lunch off before you hit Gruene Hall for dancing.

Walk in a circle around the town and you’ll find antique stores like The Gruene Antique Company housed in the  GH.D Gruene’s landmark mercantile building, or specialty spores with Texas and Gruene themed gifts at shops like Cotton Eyed Joe’s and dancing Bear and plenty of boutique shops for the ladies.

Check out Pookie Jane’s and Tipsy Gypsy. How could you pass up shops with those names?

You can pick up a coffee from Gruene Coffee Haus, or an ice cream float from the Gruene General Store soda fountain.

You may even want to stop in at Gruene Day Spa for a relaxing massage.

Hit the Dance Floor at Gruene Hall (or just enjoy the music)

It doesn’t matter what time or day you visit, there will be music and fun happening in Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas. Gruene Hall was first built in 1878.

Bring your cowboy boots and hat, and cash – it’s the only way they take your payment. Just like the good ole days.

Generally, the live music from 1-5pm each day is free and the evening show is ticketed.

The Gruene Hall in Texas is the place where legends like George Strait, Hal Ketchum, Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett have played and even current superstars like Maren Morris – before Meet me in the Middle made her a household name. (I saw her in Raleigh just before this!!)

What a fantastic music venue!

I absolutely loved the relaxed, country home grown vibe of this dance hall, and it’s one of the don’t miss things to do in Gruene!

It’s a place you can just let down your hair down and be yourself.

You’ll be welcomed with a hat tip and a bottle raise!

On New Years Eve day we loved the Aaron Stephens band who was enthusiastically embraced by the crowd with wahoos and cheers. A mixture of Ben Harper and Lenny Kravitz smooth soul and funk, this guy was an incredible singer.

It was loads of fun and I could have stayed there all day.

There is a large outside area if you want some fresh air or the kids want to play in the sand pit and climb trees. I saw a group of younger children up the back of the hall with their dolls playing; it really is that kind of place.

Don’t be afraid to dance up the front right near the band or up the back with the larger dance floor space.

Plenty of little girls were out dancing with their dads and Savannah did me the honor of dancing with me, after a bit of cajoling.

She was always my dancing partner with her only intention of experiencing joy.

She’s now started to become more self conscious, which is devastating to me, and shaky ground I’m navigating to help her understand the more she fears what others think, the less she’ll live and and experience joy.

I took great joy in watching Betty on my first afternoon with just the girls and experiencing more of a traditional country rock band.

Betty was a groover, her moves not giving a clear indication of her age. Many people told me on social media after that Betty was quite the fixture in Gruene Hall, visiting daily to dance.

I loved her spirit and could only hope that I have the same vibrancy and enthusiasm at her age, even at my age now. She was a great lesson on how to live.

I only learned of her name on our next visit, when she stopped right near where I was sitting beside the fire pit at the Grapevine Winery. I had a bit of a fangirl moment and couldn’t let the opportunity pass to chat with her.

“They call me the Dancing Queen. I’m 84 and have been dancing today for the past 6 hours. I just can’t help it when I hear the music I just have to dance.”

She’s a national treasure.

She went on to tell me how much she loved Gruene and the townspeople who always look out for her. They buy her drinks and make sure she’s getting home okay.

I gave her a big hug and she took a photo with me. Look at her sweet beaming face.

“You know I’m so blessed. I get so many hugs from people every day.”

That’s because you are just a national treasure Betty. The uninhibited joy you exude is what everyone wishes they had the courage to express.

More live music and fire pits wine at The Grapevine

After you’ve done dancing, cross the road at the Sheriff’s command, and enter The Grapevine.

It’s a cute wooden shack with two outdoor sitting areas. One larger one with tables and fire pits and live music, and a smaller one out the front of the porch with a fire pit under the tree.

The Grapevine is a wine tasting room and bar located in Gruene Historic District. They feature one of the largest selections of Texas wines available, as well as Texas craft beers and select wines from around the world.

You can also buy glasses and pints to drink outside, or even a bottle from their extensive collection if you are drinking with friends.

There are lots of local wines and a delicious mixture of flavors perfect for a cool evening around the fire pit listening to a Bob Dylan wannabe have the time of his life singing the best songwriter in the world’s songs to the crowds. One after the other.

I cracked up when he said, I have another Bob Dylan song for you. The fifth one in a row!! I could tell by the large glasses of wine he was consuming between sets that he too was having the time of his life in Gruene.

We left just after the setting sun painted the sky pink and orange giving this historical town a soft glow of timeless good times

Bonus Travel Video of Gruene

Plan Your Trip to Gruene

Is there parking in Gruene?

Good news. There is loads of free parking in this small town – a huge lot that will be pretty full but still have space for you. Just behind the Grapevine.

There’s a full time sheriff (at least when I visited) controlling the traffic coming through this small town. He will tell you when to cross the road.

He’s super friendly and adds to the charm.

Places to Stay in Gruene Texas

In Gruene town itself, you have one accommodation option, the Gruene Mansion Inn.  It’s rustic Victorian elegance and B&B style.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor here.

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. Click here to find the perfect home rental for you.

Want to Visit San Antonio?

Good news, San Antonio is super close to New Braunfels in Texas Hill Country. It could be a great base for you to explore 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!

Don’t forget the San Antonio Explorer Pass. It will save you up to 45% on combined admission prices on your choice of 3 or 5 top San Antonio attractions.

You can create your itinerary from 15 choices which includes a San Antonio River Cruise, Six Flags, San Antonio Museum of Art, and Texas Hill Country and JBJ Ranch Tour.

Buy your pass here!

Car Rental for Texas Hill Country

As with most places in the USA, a car will be required to get around.

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

More Texas Travel Tips

• Enchanting things to do in Texas Hill Country in three days
• In Dallas, we visited the JFK Museum.
• And one of our favorites – a day with Chip and Jo in Waco, Texas
• 4 week Dallas to Boston road trip

Have you visited Gruene, Texas before? Did you enjoy the Gruene Dance Hall?

Just like its name promised, I was enchanted.

I immediately thought of Uluru in Outback Australia – a rock far more striking rising out of the desert floor, but holding a similar magnetic power.

This ancient dome is a spiritual place in Texas.

What is the Enchanted Rock?

The dome is made up of curved sheets of granite that range in thickness, called an exfoliation dome. These sheet of granite contract and expand against each other with fluctuating temperatures, which can sometimes be heard as a the rock groaning and creaking especially at night.

This once mysterious trait created many legends as to the “enchanted nature of the rock and surrounding region.

It is said that a group of Tonkawa Indian braves fought to the death on top of Enchanted Rock defending themselves from another tribe. Upon seeing this a princess threw herself off the rock and now the spirits of both the princess and warriors haunt the mystical rock.

Enchanted Rock is part of a series of granite hills that includes Little Mountain, Turkey Peak, Freshman Mountain, Buzzard’s Roost, and Flagpole Mountain, all located in the State Natural Area.

The Enchanted Rock Texas has thought to be a spiritual place for the local Apache and Comanche tribes for hundreds of years. I could imagine this would be a place to climb in solitude and look out at the landscape and contemplate. Find peace and inner wisdom.

I found a spot with little people in the way of my view on top of the rock to do the same.

I felt like I was back in Australia where vastness surrounds you and gives you space and silence to connect to yourself.

Plan your trip carefully

It seemed like everyone was out to find their inner peace and wisdom when we visited during the busy holiday season over Christmas. We were on our RV trip and spending most of the winter in the Southwest. (See USA winter ideas here)

We arrived at 11am, after a late start (not good), and joined the queue of cars patiently waiting to get into one of the most popular Texas State Parks.

After about 30 minutes we received a pass with the notification that the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area was at full capacity and closed.

They would reopen at 2pm and that pass would guarantee us access. We returned at 3pm to another 30-minute car queue before making it in.

It’s not that Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is over run with people, it’s just that they have limited parking lots and once they’re full it’s closed.

It’s slightly annoying, yet at the same time, I’m grateful they are implementing measures to reduce the human impact on this significant site.

Climbing Enchanted Rock, Central Texas

The base of the rock is beautiful with a small creek running through, lots of trees, and grassed picnic areas.

The climb looks quite steep and daunting as you approach the rock, but it’s really not as bad as it looks.

There are a number of hiking trails here, but hiking Enchanted Rock is definitely family-friendly. I saw plenty of kids having fun on this rock climb and plenty of dads carrying babies in baby carriers on this Enchanted Rock summit trail.

Climbing Enchanted Rock will get your heart pumping and your legs hurting, but it’s exhilarating and your body will love you for it.

I’m pretty fit so found it relatively easy and it didn’t take us long to get up to the top. The girls handled it find. Savannah (7) breezed up without a complaint.

If you’re not as fit or used to hiking, take it slow and enjoy the amazing hill country views on the way up.

Give yourself plenty of time to sit at the top and enjoy the vastness.

How long does it take to climb Enchanted Rock?

It shouldn’t take more than an hour to get up and down. To be honest, I think it was 30-minutes for us actual walking time up and down, but we did stay at the top for longer.

There are lots of little pond ecosystems at the top of Enchanted Rock. These vernal pools are home to tiny Translucent Fairy Shrimp so make sure you don’t step in them and disturb the wildlife

I loved the small groves of cactus plants scattered around too.

Go down the other side of the rock where you’ll see a clump of rocks and trees. We saw people down there but unaware of what was down there and the girls not wanting to make the climb back up we didn’t go down to have a look.

I’ve since learned there are a few Enchanted Rock caves down there to explore.

So don’t be like us and miss it.

Tips for visiting Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Get to Enchanted Rock State Park Texas early! Definitely before 11am!

Americans are usually slow starters so if you get there in the morning hours – before 10am you should be fine. Although we did visit during the busy Christmas holiday season so was full of Texans on school breaks. .

I’d recommend visiting for sunrise or sunset. It would be so pretty during these times. I can imagine the colors would be glorious. There are plenty of picnic tables at the base of the rock in designated picnic areas

So either have a picnic dinner or breakfast. They do offer guided hikes to the top.

Entrance Fee: $7 for adults, under 12 are free!

Enchanted Rock hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

It’s faster if you have cash as you can just pay out your car window, otherwise you have to park it and go into the office to pay by card.

There are 11 miles of hiking trails in the area, including the Loop Trail. All trails close 30 minutes after sunset, except the Loop Trail. And The Summit Trail may close in wet weather.

On a small level section of the trail look for the Echo Canyon Trail to the west. The crowds will thin out also immediately once you start on this trail. It is very rocky and fun to hike along, and also offers great views of Enchanted Rock and Little Rock.

After you’ve finished hiking in Enchanted Rock State Park Texas, head down to Luckenbach to rest under the shade of the oak trees while local guitar pickers entertain you with country music, jokes and local tales.

If you like timeless experience and lots of locals in cowboy hats, you’ll love this Texas cultural experience.

Bonus Travel Video of Enchanted Rock and Luckenbach

Enchanted Rock Camping

There are 35 walk-in campsites that allow 8 people per site. Cost; $18 per night plus daily entrance fee.

No RVs, pop-ups, or vehicle camping is allowed. Or overnight camping on top of the rock.

For all the camping options including primitive backpack campsites, go here. It’s very popular and they book up way in advance.

Stargazing at Enchanted Rock

The Enchanted Rock has been designated International Dark Sky Park making it one of the best places for stargazing in Central Texas. The skies are dark enough to view the Milky Way with minimal intrusion of artificial light. If stargazing is on your wish list for future family fun, read much more about stargazing in Enchanted Rock on the Texas Parks & Wildlife website.

Where to Stay in Fredericksburg

If you’re wondering, where is Enchanted Rock, it’s only 17 miles north of Fredericksburg.

We visited Fredericksburg on the same day we climbed The Enchanted Rock, and had lunch there whilst we waited to go back to the rock and use our 2pm pass.

For camping near Enchanted Rock, 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 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 in New Braunfels which had a lot of amenities like a playground, games room, indoor and outdoor pools and fitness centers.

This did make the cost of it 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 discount.

For those who are looking for Enchanted Rock hotels, check out the options in the Texas Hill Country though our partner, Booking.com.

We find Booking.com have the widest range of properties, and verified reviews from guests who have actually stayed at the properties!

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

• The Peach Tree Inn & Suites – A short walk to Downtown Fredericksburg this boutique hotel offers daily breakfast and an outdoor pool. I’ts also one mile away from Fredericksburg winery. (Yep you could walk!) Read more reviews and book your stay here.
• A Barn at the Quarry –  provides accommodations with free WIFI and a spa center and a hot tub you can use.  Continental breakfast is also served on the property, but you get a fully equipped kitchenette with a dining area. It looks cute and cozy . Read more reviews and book your stay here.
• The Cottages at One Quilt Place – These popular self-catering cottages feature a full kitchen , hot tub, and free Wi-Fi and are located near Fredericksburg city center. Read more reviews and book your stay here.

Car Rental for Texas Hill Country

As with most places in the USA, a car will be required to get around.

If you don’t have your own vehicle to get to the Enchanted Rock Fredericksburg TX, you can find car rentals from Austin here and from San Antonio here

Want to visit San Antonio?

Good news, San Antonio is super close to New Braunfels in Texas Hill Country. It could be a great base for you to explore San Antonio for a day or two.

San Antonio is the 8th biggest city in the country and quite sprawling. The highlights for us was visiting the Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk.

Don’t forget the San Antonio Explorer Pass

It will save you up to 45% on combined admission price on your choice of 3 or 5 top San Antonio attractions.

You can create your itinerary from 15 choices which includes a San Antonio River Cruise, Six Flags, San Antonio Museum of Art, and Texas Hill Country and JBJ Ranch Tour

Buy your Explorer Pass here.

Further Reading on Things to do in Texas

• The Grassy Knoll Mystery: A visit to the JFK Museum Dallas
• How to visit Big Bend Ranch State Park
• One Elegant Day at Magnolia Table and Magnolia Silos Waco Tx
• Enchanting Things to do in Texas Hill Country in Three Days
• A 4-week Dallas to Boston road trip

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Do you have any suggestions for hiking in Texas Hill Country? Or for visiting Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Texas? Share in the comments! 

This spectacular National Park in Texas has been on my bucket list ever since I first saw a picture of the Rio Grande river winding through spectacular mountainous desert cliffs.

I HAVE to go here!

Finally, the time arrives. During week 6 of our one year USA road trip I arrive at Big Bend National Park and the President of the United States decides to have a Government shutdown that closes a few of the places within the park.

Aw man!

Part of life is learning how to dance in the rain and what a two-step we had.

We decided to take the risk and drive all the way across the most south western part of the US’s biggest state. There’s not much else around here so we had toes crossed as well.

Thankfully, next door sits the equally stately and beautiful Prince, Big Bend Ranch State Park. So we knew our trip to the Big Bend region would not be a total flop.

By the way, we just published a blog post about how to spend one day in Big Bend Ranch State Park.

But, Big Bend National Park was open, all but the popular and meant to be most beautiful Santa Elena Canyon and the scenic Old Maverick Road were closed!

Good news though, there are plenty of things to do in Big Bend National Park Texas and the crowds were less and we didn’t notice any pile up of rubbish or poop, or badly behaved humans.

A fate other US National Parks around the country were facing.

Big Bend National Park – the King of Texas

Right on the Texas Mexico border runs the Rio Grande River, the King of Texas – the biggest of the National Parks in Texas encompasses more than 800,000 acres of towering river canyons, mountain cliffs, and expansive Chihuahuan Desert.

The Big Bend name refers to the great U-turn the Rio Grande makes in Southwest Texas.

Big Bend NP is one of the least visited national parks in the USA. We visited another one last year, the Channel Islands National Park in California.

We love experiencing places of exquisite beauty like this where not many people dare to wander.

It’s the only one of the National Parks in the USA to contain one entire mountain range – the Chisos – within its borders. Big Bend National Park has 450 species of birds and 1,200 species of plants. It’s known to have more species of birds, plants, butterflies, bats, reptiles, and ants, than any other national park.

For an arid environment, that’s pretty impressive.

And when visiting Big Bend National Park be prepared to see lots of different cactus, which Kalyra and Savannah were most enthralled by.

It’s also the place we lived out our Looney Tunes fantasy by seeing both a coyote and a road runner. Unfortunately, not at the same time chasing each other around with dynamite and rope.

It’s not all dry and baking hot here in Big Bend Texas.

Emory Peak is the highest point in the park at 7,825 feet, these mountains offer temperatures that can be 10 – 20 degrees cooler than on the desert floor down by the river that flows all the way from its source in Colorado and winds 118 miles through the Santa Elena, Boquillas and Mariscal Canyons of the park.

The adventurous can even join multi-day rafting/camping trips along the river (another thing to come back for).

Our trip to visit Big Bend was in January during the winter, which thankfully in this part of the USA meant a couple of days with temperatures in the high 70’s.

I can only imagine how scorching that sun must be when the gauge raises another 30 in the summer months – be safe with your explorations if you visit then!

There are three main sections to this National Park and along each you’ll find a wide range of hiking, horse riding trails and mountain biking trails.

Let’s look at each of those sections and all the various things to do in Big Bend National Park.

Things to Do in Chisos Basin Area

This Green Island of the desert is the most popular region in Big Bend NP to explore and with good reason.

Two of the best hikes in Big Bend are in the Chisos Basin region that take you deeper into the spectacular beauty of the mountains and valley floor.

The parks’ only hotel and restaurant are here as well. The Chisos Basin area is usually cooler than the surrounding desert.

Hike the Window Trail at Sunset

Our research gave us about four different lengths for the Big Bend Window trail. Confused, we set out thinking it was a three mile return hike – our best guess.

Since it took us an hour each way, and was a relatively easy walk, we knew this was way off!

A few days later, I discovered another measurement of 6-miles return, which to me made sense due to how long it took us.

This is important to know as the Window Big Bend hike is most spectacular at sunset. Had we known it was a 6-mile return we may not have done it as that would mean we’d be hiking back out in the dark!

We did hike back out in the dark, which made for quite the excellent adventure.

I’m so glad we did the walk as the sunset reward through the window in the cliff face at the end is truly worth it.

There were a few other people on the trail as well which made us feel a little safer.

It was another example for me to feel awe at my girls and how well they handled a slightly frightening adventure.

This is Dark Sky Country so we’re talking dark! Lucky we had flashlights on our phones to help us get through the last section of the walk out – but probably best to bring a proper flashlight as your phone may run out of battery!

Savannah kept pace with me (I am a fast walker) the entire way holding my hand, clutching my body when we walked through dark tunnels of trees, and marveling at the stars and counting each new one as it appeared.

Both girls were scared, but as I always tell them,

“When you see Mommy is scared, that’s when you know you have to be.”

That kind of puts a lot of pressure on me to be brave and not show my fear, but it takes a lot to scare me anyway, and that’s my role as their mother, to hold them up to courage.

Kids need adventures like this so they can push their boundaries a little, learn how powerful they really are and feel safer about the environment around them.

Hike the Lost Mine Trail for Gorgeous Views

One of the most popular Big Bend hikes for it’s striking and rugged beauty, is the Lost Mine Trail.

Named so after the legend that says there was once a hidden mine up here. The workers were blindfolded on their way up there so they would knot know it’s location.

I don’t know about finding the lost mine, but we sure stumbled upon many precious and sparkling views.

I didn’t find the walk too strenuous. There are many switchbacks to ease the burden of hiking up the mountain. And the views quickly take away any pain, and also take whatever breath is left after you see the views.

The girls found it pretty exhausting though and weren’t shy in expressing their complaints. They both passed out in the car on the way home, which is not good for my evening quiet time as they were full of energy!

There are several signs warning you about mountain lions and bears on this hike. Americans are forever telling me how afraid they are to travel to Australia because of our deadly animals!!!

We’re wimps compared to your beasts!

We didn’t see any, and being a busy trail I’m sure all the humans had long scared them away. But if your solo hiking in the early hours or later afternoon be alert just in case.

Things to Do on the Ross Maxwell Drive

The most dramatic and famous scenic drive in Big Bend is the 30-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

There are many stops along the way, but the best view is said to be the Sol Vista for its views of the desert terrain and Mule Ears, another iconic site in the park.

The road heads between Burro Mesa and Chisos Mountains. The entire route takes at least a half of a day but you should leave time for exploring.

Along the windy road are a number of turnouts where you can see volcanic outcroppings and stunning vistas.

Find Serenity at the Sam Nail Ranch

Sam Nail Ranch is one of the many homesteads that were once active in Big Bend Natural Park. This is a pretty and serene spot, and provides shelter and habitat for desert wildlife.

There is a short loop walk through the abandoned homestead property. There is a windmill that pumps water, making the area greener than the surroundings, and attracting wildlife.

Get dramatic at the Sotol Vista Overlook

One of the best viewing places in Big Bend National Park is the Sotol Vista overlook.

It gives you a dramatic 360 view over the western side of the Big Bend Park, including Goat Mountain, the Chisos Mountains, Burro Mesa, and Santa Elena Canyon in the distance.

Hike the Lower Burro Mesa Pour-off

Go to the end of the road into the Lower Burro Mesa area for the start of the Lower Burro Mesa Pour Off trail.

There is another trail just before it called the Lower Burro Spring Trail.

We weren’t paying attention and started on this trail. It was very beautiful, but we didn’t go too far before realizing we were on the wrong trail.

As this one was much longer than the Pour off we turned back as the girls were not up to another long hike after the Lost Mines Trail the day before.

Colorful cliffs guard the 0.5 mile trail into a hidden box canyon with a high, dry waterfall. The pour-off a point where the Burro Mesa “bowl” spills over, creating a waterfall during flash-flood conditions.

There is another longer trail that leads to the top of that pour-off.

Spot the Mule Ears

Mule Ears is another famous viewpoint of the Mule Ears Peaks, a double-peaked mountain that tops out at 3,881 feet (1193 meters).

There is a 2-mile trail that leads to a desert spring. It’s one I want to come back for, you can see the mule ears from several places along the Ross Maxwell Drive.

Visit the Castolon Historic District

Castolon is a former cavalry camp. Frontier trading post is still open and antique equipment is on display.

A visitor center and camper store is also located here and the Cottonwood Campground is nearby. All of these were closed due to the shutdown.

Marvel at Tuff Canyon

Tuff Canyon was carved out of soft volcanic tuff, which is compressed ash. It’s a deep and narrow white walled canyon which can be viewed from above or on a hike through the gorge.

I loved the area just ahead of this, dominated by, Cerro Castellan, 3,293 feet of multi-hued layers of lava and ash.

Surrounding it were small white rolling hills, which are just piles of volcanic ash.

So cool to see this up close and for my girls to have a real experience of how land is formed by volcanoes and something like ash!!

Hike into the Santa Elena Canyon

The Santa Elena Canyon is an iconic place to visit in Big Bend National Park.

It features dramatic 15,000 foot canyon walls created by master sculpture, the Rio Grande. A trail follows the river upstream then drops down to the canyon floor – it’s meant to be a fun place to float along the river.

Sadly, we can’t report anything on it as the 8-mile section of the road leading to it was closed from Cottonwood campground. So we couldn’t even get to the Santa Elena Overlook.

It also meant we could not access the Old Maverick Road which is also meant to be scenic.

You could leave the park via this way rather than going back along the Ross Maxwell Drive, although I found it more beautiful going back.

Things to Do in the Rio Grande Village

We didn’t explore this region too deeply. Another excuse to come back!

Soak in the Hot Springs Historic District

Wow! This was a great find recommended to me by a friend.

You have to go down a gravel road, which gets a bit narrow and hairy at one point, but it’s worth the short drive in to the Big Bend National Park hot springs.

On the banks of the Rio Grande sits the remnants of an early 1900’s bathhouse, 105 degree natural hot spring.

And it was hot, especially with the intense sun baking down upon us.

I could imagine watching a sunset behind the mountains here on the Rio Grande would be pretty special. I’m not sure about the drive out in the dark though. Be careful.

It was just what our bodies needed after the Lost Mine Trail. I could feel all the muscle tightness melt away. My body had a healthy zing after it of serenity.

We dipped our toes into the rushing Rio Grande, it was freezing, but a refreshing contrast.

I could imagine in the warmer months alternating between a swim or a tube float down the river and then break in the hot springs. I’m not sure if that is allowed or safe, by the way, but in my mind it sounds great fun.

From the car park, it’s a 0.25 mile easy walk to the springs. Look out for the rock art on the limestone cliffs along the path.

There are other walking trails in the area as well.

There is a gorgeous huge fern type tree at the top of the trail in with picnic tables. Perfect spot for lunch OR you could always eat around the hot springs, but there isn’t a lot of sitting room there.

Admire the Boquillas Overlook

Boquillas Canyon is the longest and deepest canyon in Big Bend National Park.

The vertical relief from nearby Pico del Carmen, to river level is over 7,000 feet, somewhat deeper than the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River.

There is a 1.4-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to water’s edge at the spectacular entrance to the canyon. It’s another hike to come back for as the area it passes through looks stunning.

We ran out of time and the girls out of energy, so settled for the views from Boquillas Overlook instead.

Boquillas Canyon is so narrow that from the Scenic Overlook the entrance is almost invisible. The information signs will help you find the entrance in the distance.

The opposite view looks over the Rio Grande River and the town of Boquillas in Mexico.

We enjoyed hearing the Mexican music playing there. There must have been some kind of party happening! It really had us wanting to travel to Mexico

The Rio Grande River

You’ll have plenty of places within the park to experience the Rio Grande Big Bend, from far above to up close.

You can get a river float permit (required for all boat use) at park headquarters or ranger stations. There are no equipment rentals in the park.

Check river levels before starting a float trip, be well equipped and stay up to date with conditions. It can run pretty fast.

Swimming is not advised due to strong currents, submerged snags and drop offs.

Anywhere within the park would be great for stargazing. The nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park is also meant to be an exceptional place for stargazing.

Sample Itineraries for 1, 2 & 3 days in Big Bend NP

One day in Big Bend NP

• Early morning Lost Mines Hike
• Ross Maxwell Drive
• Santa Elena Canyon hike
• Window Trail Hike for sunset

Two Days in Big Bend

Day 1:

• Lost Mine Trail Hike
• Hot Springs
• Window Trail Hike for sunset

Day 2

• Ross Maxwell Drive
• Lower Burros Mesa Hike
• Santa Elena Canyon Hike
• OLd Maverick Road
• Sunset Terlingua Ghost town

Three Days in Big Bend

As above and on the third day you could explore more of the road going down to Rio Grande River and include the following:

• Boquillas overlook
• Boquillas canyon trail
• Sunset from Terlingua Ghost town

I would also move the Hot Springs visit to this day as it’s on the road headed to Rio Grande village.

And I would maybe add in the Lower Burros Spring Trail, or Mule Ears hike on the Ross Maxwell Drive.

Bonus Big Bend National Park Video

Planning Your Trip to Big Bend National Park

Entrance Fees

• $30 for a 7-day vehicle pass
• $25 per motorcycle
• $15 for a 7-day pass
• $55 for an annual pass

We have an annual National Parks Pass which cost $80 for the year and allows entry to all National Parks. It’s the best value if you intend to road trip the US like we are.

Important Tips

Below are some things to remember when visiting Big Bend National Park:

• Rattlesnakes live in Big Bend. We didn’t see any but be careful where you put your hands and feet.
• Mountain lions and bears are also in the park. Again,we didn’t see any. There are plenty of signs telling you what to do should you see one. i.e. face the animal, make noise, pick up small children, appear as large as possible and back away slowly. If attacked, fight back. He who wins lives. Again, I find myself ASTOUNDED that the number 1 reasons Americans tell me they won’t travel to Australia is that we have too many things that can kill you. Oh please. I’ve never been told to be prepared to fight a wild animal. Not in Australia!
• Visitor Centers are located at Panther Junction, Chisos Basin, Castolon, Persimmon Gap, and Rio Grande Village. Don’t forget to pick up your Big Bend National Park map.
• Convenience stores are available and open year-round at Rio Grande Village, the Chisos Basin, and in the historic La Harmonia store at Castolon.
• You’re in the desert – it’s hot and dry. Protect yourself from sunburn and carry PLENTY of water. Do your strenuous activities in the early or later part of the day.

• Cell phone service is spotty. Don’t rely on it or care!
• There are plenty of places to enjoy a picnic. Pack plenty of food and enjoy the lunchtime views. We found a shaded spot amongst the trees at Dugout Wells. No real views, but relief from a stinging sun.
• Be sure you have a full tank of gas. There is a gas station within Big Bend National Park at Panther Junction and Rio Grande Village. Otherwise at Terlingua and Lajitas.
• Pets are not allowed on trails, off roads, or on the river. Your pet can only go where your car can go and must be on a leash no longer than six feet in length or in a cage at all times. Pet etiquette and park regulations require that you always clean up after your pet and dispose of waste in trash receptacles.

How to Get to Big Bend National Park

So where is Big Bend National Park and how do you get there?

From El Paso, you can go through Marfa (popular for the random Prada store in the middle of nowhere and art installations, Alpine (it was covered in snow when we drove through), or Marathon.

Or for a scenic route, go through Presidio along the River Road through the Big Bend Ranch State Park. This road has lots of curves and steep grades but has incredible scenery.

To go from San Antonio to Big Bend National Park (or from Austin), you’d take the I-10 West through to either Marathon or Alpine.

Where Can I get Gas?

Gas stations and water sources are few and far between. Stock up on supplies before arriving to the area. Closest towns are Marathon or Alpine.

In Terlingua and Lajitas you’ll find gas stations that sell diesel as well as propane gas. There is also fuel at Panther Junction and Rio Grande Village in the Big Bend National Park

RV Rentals from San Antonio and Austin

If you want the Big Bend RV experience, but don’t have an RV, you can rent one through Outdoorsy.

Outdoorsy is the largest and most trusted RV rental marketplace. They have a diverse selection of unique RVs to suit your style and budget and come with an industry first $1 million liability insurance.

Check RV rentals from San Antonio here or from Austin here.

Or, if you have an RV sitting around collecting dust, you may want to list it for rent on Outdoorsy. Click here to learn more about that.

Car Rental for Big Bend

If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can rent a car form Austin, or San Antonio, or El Paso, which would be the closest major cities to the Big Bend Region.

Audio Tour with Just Ahead

There is a free app you can download that offers complimentary guided audio tours of the park with your smartphone or synced with your Bluetooth.

It kept crashing on me which was really annoying, but is handy if you can get it to work. See more here. 

Want to head into Mexico?

Pack your passport and jump in the rowboat. There’s a unique border crossing at Boquillas, Mexico.

There is a US passport check point when you come back out of Big Bend on the road to Alpine. Have your passports ready.

Where to Stay at Big Bend National Park

Campgrounds

We would have loved to camp at one of the Big Bend National Park campgrounds, but the Rio Grande Village was full and our 37 foot travel trailer couldn’t fit in any of the other campgrounds.

They’re made for 24 ft. and under. But, it didn’t matter anyway as the campgrounds (except for the RV park) was closed thanks to the Government shut down.

There are three developed campgrounds in the park:

1. Chisos Basin Campground
2. Rio Grande Village Campground
3. Cottonwood Campground

All come with water, restrooms and primitive shelters.

Most of the campsites operate on a first-come-first-served basis and fill up quickly in March, April and the holiday season.

The nightly fee for camping in the developed front country campgrounds is $14

Lodges & Cabins

Looking for Big Bend National Park cabins or lodges?

As the sole lodging choice in Big Bend NP, the Chisos Mountains Lodge offers a variety of comfortable overnight accommodations that provide stunning views high in the scenic Chisos Mountains.

Choose from hotel units, motel rooms, or the popular Roosevelt Stone Cottages.

They allow advance reservations from Nov 15 – April 15.

RV Camping

The Rio Grande Village has the only RV camping inside Big Bend NP with full hookups.

Public showers and laundry facilities are also available here at the Rio Grande Village store. They allow a limited number of sites by advanced reservation from Nov 15 – April 15.

We attempted to reserve an RV space here during the holiday period and it was full. We drove past the RV campsite while in the park, and weren’t impressed.

There are a small number of sites available, and it is basically just a parking lot, with the RV’s squashed together. It’s not what I had imagined a campsite within the national park to look like.

There wasn’t even any great views from here!

This campground is also quite a drive from the Chisos Basin and the Ross Maxwell Drive, which I consider to be the most spectacular area of the park.

This is another advantage for staying just outside the park instead of camping here. I just didn’t like the vibe of it to be honest.

I’d prefer to stay at RV parks near Big Bend National Park and drive in, rather than stay here.

We loved where we stayed (see below in Lajitas. If I was to return to Big Bend, and couldn’t stay in the Chisos Basin or Cottonwood Campground then I’d definitely stay in the Maverick Ranch RV Park again.

Tent Camping

Big Bend camping permits for backcountry campsites are $12 which can only be acquired at one of the park’s visitor centers in person.

Where to Stay in Lajitas

About 15-minutes further west is the even smaller town of Lajitas and is comprised of a town hall, general store, Lajitas Golf Resort and golf course and a goat for a mayor!

It’s at the entrance to the Big Bend Ranch State Park and we loved staying here for its rugged beauty, serenity and remoteness.

Maverick Ranch RV Park

Of all the RV camping near Big Bend National Park we saw in the surrounding area, ours at Maverick Ranch RV Park was by far the best!

It was a 20-minute drive to the entrance gates of Big Bend NP, but it was picturesque so I didn’t mind.

I loved the serenity of our campground and the cute and quiet very small Lajitas village. You also get access to the Lajitas Golf Resort amenities which owns the RV Park.

Lajitas Golf Resort

Looking for Big Bend hotels?

Lajitas Golf Resort is just outside the entrance to Big Bend Ranch State Park. You don’t have to be a golf lover to stay here, although if you are, you might love this unique golf course in the desert.

There is also horse riding and zipline adventures available.

Free Wi-Fi access, a full-service spa and a variety of dining options featuring gourmet West Texas cuisine are among the distinct amenities provided at this Texas resort.

The views from the bar and restaurant while you’re having a drink by the fire are just superb.

Book Book your stay at the Lajitas Golf Resort and read more reviews here.

Where to Stay in Terlingua

Terlingua is the main town just outside the park entrance, just near Study Butte. It’s unique and small, but you’ll find a few restaurants, amenities and places to stay here.

Terlingua Campgrounds

• Big Resort & Adventures RV Park is in the middle of Terlingua and looked okay from our drive by.
• BJ RV Park is just outside Terlingua Ghost town.

Terlingua Ranch Lodge

This is a 425 acre resort located 34 miles from Big Bend National Park. It’s a bit far out, but if serenity is what you are after, this may suit.

It has cabin guestrooms, RV sites and private campgrounds and has a outdoor pool and free WIFI.

Read more reviews and book your stay here.

El Dorado Hotel

This budget hotel is located 7.5 miles from the Big Bend National Park in Terlingua Ghost Town. Rooms are traditionally decorated and have free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant. Read reviews and book your stay here.

Terlingua Ghost Town

Terlingua was once a prosperous mercury mining town, which went broke during the Great Depression and Terlingua turned into a ghost town as everyone left.

Buildings began to crumble and reclaimed by Mother Earth. And then it was revived again.

The Starlight Theater was the main communal gathering place and that tradition remains today.

You can walk around Terlingua ghost town to see some of the old remains of the mining town.

Sitting on the porch of the Starlight Theater is the thing to do at sunset in Terlingua.

Doors open at 5 pm and there will be a line of eager locals and tourists waiting to grab a pint of local brew and a bowl of their famous chili, wild boar strips, or Famous Diego burger (if you’re really hungry!)

Every year, a chili cook-off happens, which they call the world’s biggest and best chili! It was pretty good.

I enjoyed watching the setting sun light up the Chisos Mountains in the Big Bend National Park. There were a few locals jamming on the porch which made it a better experience.

It reminded me a lot of an Australian Outback pub filled with characters and yarns to tell, from Vagabonds to drifters, artists, miners and salt of the earth kinda folk.

Stargazing in Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is noted for having the darkest measured skies of any National Park in the lower 48 states.

Stargazing programs to note:

The National Park offers two regularly scheduled interpretive programs about the night skies.

• A park ranger’s guide to the glazy – a great orientation of beginner stargazers and kids
• Some Endangered Evening offers perspective on the negative impact of artificial lighting and how individuals can help keep their own skies dark

Stay tuned on the website as full moon hikes and night time astronomy programs are in the plans.

On January 21, 2019, Big Bend will be in the path of a lunar eclipse. Could be fun!

More Texas Travel Tips

Looking for more tips on things to do in Texas? We’ll be creating more blog posts, but start with these:

• You might want to spend time in Texas Hill Country as you drive through to Big Bend. Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Texas Hill Country in three days.
• The highlight of things to do in San Antonio for us are The Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk.
• Hiking Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg
• In Dallas, we visited the JFK Museum.
• And one of our favorites – a day with Chip and Jo in Waco, Texas

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Can you suggest any other Big Bend National Park hiking trails? Or other National Parks in Texas?