ultimate guide to the texas hill country

The Texas Hill Country can be thought of as an antidote to city life. 

German heritage meets Southern hospitality.  It's a unique culture rooted in pioneer spirit and old-world charm that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Planning the perfect trip can feel overwhelming.  You need a plan that goes beyond the tourist traps.  The information supplied here on TexyHills.com is to help you navigate the Hill Country with confidence. 

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Discover some essential insights that will help you decide where you're going, when to visit, what to do, and how to plan for an unforgettable itinerary.

What is the Texas Hill Country... exactly?

The Texas Hill Country is roughly defined as an area of Texas just south of the geographic...  oh, wait a minute!

I'll just show you on a map.

As you can see below, it really is just an area of Texas.  Other maps may have different outlines.  But, this gives you a good idea of where TexyHills is located. 

Texas Hill Country by Google

It's kind of a hilly transition between the south plains of the gulf and the high plains of West Texas.  Austin and San Antonio are along the southeast border (close to everything). 

maps

Before we go on, though, here is another a map of TexyHills.  Now that you know where it is, I thought you might like a little more detail.    

You can find additional information about this and other maps by going to the Maps page. 

And if your are already planning a trip to the Hill Country, download the free PDF of the Ultimate TexyHills Checklist by signing up for The TexyHills Fan newsletter.

But the Hill Country is much more than just geography and facts. 

Besides all of its natural beauty, it's a great place grow up, live, work and retire. 

I actually think it's one of the best places to travel in the US.  But then... I do live here.

why visit the texas hill country?

Some will tell you it's all the unique little towns. 

Others might say it's all about the wineries, vineyards and  tasting rooms. (there's over 100). 

And the scenery and those sunsets are gorgeous!  

But, no one answer, is either right or wrong. 

To get you thinking about some other differences, here is a short comparison.

• Napa Valley, California is the #1 for wine. Their established wine focus is on premium, high-end cultural sophistication.  Luxury all the way. 

• The Texas Hill Country is rapidly growing as #2 in U.S. wine production and visitation. It's casual and accessible, German heritage, and rustic charm with a distinct Texan flair. 

• And the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina have the lush, dense forests, vast wilderness, and Southern Appalachian culture. 

Naturally there are many others too. 

But... back to the Texas Hill Country.

Really, the only way to know for sure, is to come here and find out for yourself.  And by that I mean... plan a daytrip, find a new restaurant, or go to a wine tasting. 

Courtyard at the Horseshoe Bay Resort in Marble Falls

When you experience the Texas Hill Country yourself, you will find your own answer to "why visit". 

Then... coming back will be a no-brainer.

when to visit

Seasons change, and so do our circumstances and preferences.  Depending on the time of year, you may have different ideas about traveling.  I know I do.

Personally... I don't much like the cold weather.  That's why I live here instead of up north, where I grew up. 

Anyway, here is a brief breakdown by season to help you gauge the timing of your TexyHills trip.

Spring (March-May)

• Weather:  Pleasant, but possibly rainy
• Pros:  mild weather, beautiful scenery
• Cons:  pollen allergies, bigger crowds (popular time of year)
• Experiences:  Scenic drives, bluebonnets and other wildflowers, ideal for hiking and wine tasting
• Best for:  Everyone (groups, wine trips, couples, families, photography, etc.)

Summer (June-August)

• Weather:  Hot and humid, highs around 90s (some days more)
• Pros:  long days, star gazing, music scene
• Cons:  Hot weather, large crowds
• Experiences:  water sports, BBQ, tubing, horseback riding, swimming, shopping in AC
• Best for:  Families (school's out), group outings, girl trips, wine tours and tastings

Fall (September-November)

• Weather:  Warm days, cooler nights (80s-60s)
• Pros: cooler temps, wine passport tastings
• Cons:  cold at night, large crowds
• Experiences:  Harvest festivals, wine tastings, grape stomps, outdoor activities
• Best for:  Couples, groups, romantic getaways, wine lovers

Winter  (December-February)

• Weather:  Mild days (highs in 50s-60s), cool nights (30s-40s), occasional frost
• Pros:  not as crowded, more affordable time, peaceful atmosphere, Christmas lights
• Cons:  colder temps, 
• Experiences:  Quiet trails, Christmas markets, shopping, exploring, relaxing by the fire
• Best for:  Romantic getaways, budget conscious 

where to go:  best towns and areas

With so many towns and communities in the Texas Hill Country, it's hard to decide where to go visit and explore. 

If you can make your way to one of these towns, you're in an excellent position to not only explore the town, but the area surrounding it too. 

Fredericksburg

Downtown Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is the natural heart of the Hill Country.  Close enough to Austin and San Antonio for day trips or weekend outings.  Best for wine lovers, groups, families, or getaways.  

• German cuisine, bakeries, and festivals. 
• A major hub for Texas wineries. 
• Unique boutiques, art galleries, and shops line Main Street. 

New Braunfels

The New Braunfels vibe is a unique blend of German heritage and Texas charm.  Their booming economy still feels like small-town Texas.  Best for families, groups, nature lovers and music lovers. 

• River fun on the Comal or Guadalupe rivers, and the famous Schlitterbahn waterpark.
• Celebrate the 10-day Wurstfest in "Wurst Town".
• Home to Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas.

Marble Falls

Marble Falls offers a charming, relaxed Texas Hill Country vibe.  It is outdoor adventure with small-town appeal.  Best for families, outdoor enthusiasts, groups, couples or getaways.

• Lake Marble Falls, plus nearby state parks, wildlife refuges, and adventure parks.
• Historic walkable downtown with independent shops and eateries.
• While named for Marble, the town is famous for its massive Granite reserves.

top experiences in the texas hill country

Experiences galore!  You could spend a lifetime exploring just one of these categories... and this isn't even all of them.

wineries and wine routes

Refreshment stop at Tor Na Lochs Winery.

Wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms are one of the biggest draws to the Hill Country.  

You have over 100 to choose from!  The highest concentration is along the famous "Wine Road" (US 290 between Fredericksburg and Johnson City).

My 2 cents... a Wine Road trip is a must (at least once).

Grape Creek Winery

rivers, lakes and swimming holes

Some of the best known rivers in the Hill Country are the Frio, Pedernales, and Llano rivers.  The Guadalupe and Comal rivers are both very popular for tubing. 

And there's a great chain of lakes along the Colorado river.  From west to east they are: 

• Lake Buchanan
• Inks Lake
• Lake LBJ
• Lake Marble Falls
• Lake Travis
• Lake Austin

Jacobs Well and The Blue Hole, located at Wimberley, along with Hamilton Pool near Spicewood are a few of the more popular swimming holes.

state parks, hiking and scenic views

These few State Parks and Natural Areas have all the great hiking and scenic views you can handle.  There are many more, but the list would be way too long to put here.

• Garner State Park
• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
• Lost Maples State Natural Area
• Guadalupe River State Park

Day trips and scenic drives are the way to get some of the best views and sunsets in the Hill Country.

But just so you know... the Oasis on Lake Travis is considered the "Sunset Capitol of Texas".  The Oasis is the largest restaurant in Texas on the shores of Lake Travis. 

View from The Oasis on Lake Travis

food, music and culture

You will always find great food anywhere you go in the Hill Country.  German, Tex-Mex and bistros, they're all on the table.  

But really, some of the best food comes from those little independent bistros and cafes along your journeys.  Those places are virtually unknown (except to the locals). 

So seek them out as you travel through town, or... ask a  local.

Upper deck of the Gristmill River Restaurant in Gruene

Music and culture go together. 

The concert music at Gruene Hall is a part of the German/Cowboy culture that surrounds it.  The culture of the week-long Wurstfest celebration in New Braunfels includes all the venues of German music.

And the best part is... you find that combo throughout the Texas Hill Country.

road trips and scenic drives

sample Itineraries

This couple of sample itineraries will give you a little bit of an idea of what kind of things you could do on a trip through TexyHills.

First Taste of the Hill Country

This 2-Day Itinerary is perfect for a quick weekend trip from Austin or San Antonio to hit the highlights.

• Day 1: Drive to Johnson City to visit the LBJ National Historical Park. Continue to Fredericksburg for lunch and shopping on Main Street.
• Day 2: Early morning hike at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (reservations required). Stop for a burger and music in Luckenbach on the way home.
• Drive Time/Distance:  Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from Austin/San Antonio (approx. 80 miles one way).
• Lodging Suggestion: Historic Bed & Breakfast or a "Sunday House" in Fredericksburg.

Wine & Small Town Getaway

Here is 4-Day Itinerary that is a relaxed pace focusing on wine, antiques, and scenery.

• Day 1: Visit the Hamilton Pool Preserve, north of Dripping Springs.  Then on to Wimberley to explore the Wimberley Square.
• Day 2: Drive the Devil’s Backbone scenic overlook to Blanco and visit the Buggy Barn Museum. Arrive in Fredericksburg.
• Day 3: Spend the full day on the Hwy 290 Wine Road. Visit Wildseed Farms and 2-3 wineries. Dinner in Fredericksburg.
• Day 4: Drive to Comfort for some antique shopping, then stop in Boerne to walk the Hill Country Mile before departing.
• Drive Time/Distance: Short hops of 30–45 minutes between towns. Total loop approximately 150 miles.
• Lodging Suggestion: Private guest cottage or vineyard cabin.

A very interested Longhorn.

At one of the wineries my granddaughter took a photo of this very interested longhorn. 

You never know what you might see while traveling.  Or when you may run into an opportunity for a good picture.

practical planning guide

Sometimes it takes a lot of thought to plan a trip.  And it doesn't matter whether it's for a long vacation or just a day trip.

You've got to think about getting there and getting around.  Doubly hard if you've never been there before.  Then there's the timing and the weather.  And don't forget the crowds and the traffic. 

Hey, this is getting complicated.

Don't get carried away just yet worrying about the food, lodging and whatever else popped into your head.  The Ultimate TexyHills Planning Guide may be of help.  It's a quick-read guide that may answer some of your questions. 

where to stay in the texas hill country

The Texas Hill Country is packed with some really fantastic lodging choices. You can stay at a luxury spa resort or get truly rustic and pitch your own tent. Actually you could get a cabin, a B&B, a boutique hotel... heck, even a tree house if you wanted.

Let's say you want to stay at a secluded log cabin, or maybe the comfort of a historic Bed & Breakfast. No worries. There is a place here for everybody's taste.

An important first step for your getaway will be finding the right spot to stay.

For convenience, it should be reasonably close to your other planned destinations. The scenic RV park along a river, or a modern vacation rental on Wine Road... that's up to you.

How about staying at a dude ranch?  You might like that!

So, go ahead.  Pick the lodging style that's in your comfort zone.

You've got plenty of choices here in the Hill Country.

best areas to stay for first-timers

Fredericksburg is the best starting point.  It really has everything in one place.  You are right in the middle of wine country too. 

Downtown Main Street of Fredericksburg

You have easy access to Enchanted Rock and a vibrant Main Street filled with shopping and dining.  If you only go to one place in the Hill Country, this is it.

Another excellent choice is New Braunfels.  It has the German heritage, the historic district of Gruene and all that river fun (if you can handle the cold water). 

romantic and luxury stays

For couples seeking romance and privacy, the outskirts of Austin and San Antonio boast world-class resorts like the Omni Barton Creek or La Cantera.  They both offer full-service spas and championship golf.

For a more intimate luxury experience, look for high-end cottages and boutique inns in Wimberley or along the Wine Road 290.  

family-friendly bases

New Braunfels is a top contender for families.  Home to the world-famous Schlitterbahn waterpark and gentle tubing on the Comal River.

Marble Falls and Burnet are also excellent choices.   They have easy access to the Highland Lakes for boating, fishing, and swimming.   

budget friendly towns

To stretch your travel dollar a little further, consider setting up camp in Kerrville, Johnson City, or Bandera.

These towns offer a more authentic, rustic experience with more affordable stays. But, you are still close to all of the region's top attractions and state parks.

What's New?

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   A boomer's perspective on 30 years of living and traveling in the Texas Hill Country. The towns, wineries, and attractions will keep you coming back for more.

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