Your texas hill country driving tour

So, you want to go on a Texas Hill Country driving tour?

Driving tour stop at the Oasis.Texas Hill Country driving tour stop at Lake Travis.

Why a road trip?  

  • A change of pace?
  • Time to wind down?
  • Disrupt boredom?
  • Relax?
  • Just get away?

What is it that you want?

  • Small town charm?
  • The open road?
  • Rolling vineyards?
  • Lakes and rivers?
  • Gorgeous scenery and big-sky views? 

I know that's a short list.  And we both know there are many others.  Some people are very active (hiking, tubing, exploring), and others prefer the drive, the meals, wine tasting, seeing new places.

But even if you've got reasons that aren't listed here, a Texas Hill Country driving tour could be your answer.  It's the relaxing drive we all dream about—sunshine, fresh air, and time for stops, either planned or unscheduled.

Getting Ready

These routes below can work out as a Hill Country day trip, a long weekend, or even a short vacation.  You turn them into whatever you like.

Well, you could just take off and drive, just to enjoy the scenery and be back home in a couple of hours.  But that seems a little bit rushed.  That's what we're trying to get away from... Right?

Think discovering wineries, different dining experiences, boutique stays, and beautiful scenery from start to finish.  Yes, that's what we're after. 

If, however, you are one of those that needs a little more action...  That's OK.  Just throw in a little boating or even some ziplines.

But before we get ready to roll, though, here are a few easy tips.

  • Wildflowers and mild temperatures make March–May excellent.
  • October–November are prime for a Hill Country road trip too.
  • Winter’s clear skies and summer’s river days each have their own magic.
  • Cell service comes and goes in remote stretches, so charge your batteries and download maps.
  • Tastings are easy to access, but just maybe book ahead, especially on weekends.
  • Pack water, charge your camera, and don’t rush—time’s not a factor out here.

Now, let’s build a few driving tours.

Wimberley to dripping springs

Tour 1: Wimberley, Driftwood, and Dripping Springs.

Base in Wimberley and start at Blue Hole Regional Park.  If you’re set on a swim at Jacob’s Well, reserve ahead of time during warm months.

Roll in to Driftwood for some Salt Lick BBQ and a glass at Duchman Family Winery (100% Texas wines). 

Then on to Dripping Springs for Jester King Brewery’s farmstead ales.  Or maybe you would prefer Treaty Oak Distilling’s cocktails and more barbecue.

Tillie’s for dinner at Camp Lucy delivers a refined, farm-driven menu.

Drive time is about 1.5 hours.  But plan on 6–7 hours with a few stops.  Remember we're taking our time.  We're not rushed today.

And... possibly overnight?  Look at Camp Lucy or maybe Wimberley’s Blair House Inn.

Marble falls to fredericksburg

Tour 2: Marble Falls, Burnet, Llano, Enchanted Rock, and Fredericksburg.

Start in Marble Falls with pie at Blue Bonnet Cafe. 

Then you're ready to taste Texas-grown wines at Perissos Vineyards, or gaze over Inks Lake at Torr Na Lochs.

Explore Longhorn Cavern State Park near Burnet, then continue on to Llano for some Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que.

If you reserved a day pass, hike Enchanted Rock’s pink granite dome.  Then you can coast into Fredericksburg for a relaxed evening.

Drive time is roughly 3 hours; 8–10 with hikes and tastings.  Once again, you control that.

Overnight picks include one of Fredericksburg's B&Bs, or return to Marble Falls to stay at Horseshoe Bay Resort (lake views).  Either way you get the benefit of scenic views of the Ranch Roads.

new braunfels to wimberley

Tour 3: New Braunfels, Gruene, Canyon Lake, Blanco, and Wimberley.

Start with a stroll in New Braunfels, then pop into Gruene for live tunes at Gruene Hall and a riverside lunch at Gristmill.

Cruise the lakeside curves of Canyon Lake.  Then head to Blanco for a flight at Real Ale Brewing Company.  Follow that up with a riverside pause at Blanco State Park.

Cap it off in Wimberley with some art gallery browsing.

Drive time is about 2 hours; 6–8 with stops, or make it a weekend.

Lodging options if you are so inclined: Gruene Mansion Inn (historic and central), waterside rentals at Canyon Lake, or a restful spa night at Sage Hill Inn & Spa (near Kyle).

Spicewood to bee cave

Tour 4: Spicewood, Krause Springs, Hamilton Pool, Dripping Springs, and Bee Cave.

Start with a dip beneath the waterfalls at Krause Springs (Spicewood).

This is one of those tours where you have a lot of options for detours, reroutes or other changes.

Then head to Hamilton Pool Preserve’s otherworldly grotto.  Advance reservations will be required.  You may also want to check the swimming status, because it does vary.

Relax lakeside and sip your favorite at Spicewood Vineyards or El Gaucho Winery.

Down the road toward Dripping Springs, try out the Family Business Beer Company.

Drive time is about 2 hours; 6–8 with swims and tastings.

Overnight options: Lakeway Resort & Spa on Lake Travis, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa (Bee Cave), or Sonesta Bee Cave for easy access to shopping.

mason to llano

Tour 5: Mason, Castell, and Llano River country.

Start in Mason’s historic square, then on to taste bold blends at Sandstone Cellars Winery.

Next drift over to tiny Castell for a burger at Castell General Store.  And then maybe a lazy paddle down the Llano River.

Continue on to Llano for sunset on the courthouse square.  Experience the smoky perfection of Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, (Home of the Big Chop).

Drive time is about 2.5 hours; 6–7 with river time.

Sleep time could be at Tres Lunas Resort (near Mason) or one of Llano’s riverside inns like The Dabbs Hotel.

Your driving tour

These road trips are just a few example of what you can put together.  They could be adjusted to be longer distance or shorter time.  And they can start from anywhere.

However you build it—day trip, weekend, or unrushed vacation—this Texas Hill Country driving tour collection makes it easy to relax, breathe the fresh air, and savor every stop.

your way

To help you decide the route you might want to take, here is the TexyHills map showing you locations of towns, wineries, etc.

You can click the "View Larger Map" icon in the upper right hand corner to see a full screen view.  From there you can select to show towns, restaurants, or points of interest and so on.

Once a category is selected, clicking on the down arrow opens up individual locations.  Then clicking on any one individual town, winery, etc. gives you more information.

When you’re ready for a break from the daily routine, and you get that traveling bug, come on back to TexyHills.  One of these driving tours is ready to show you why people keep returning to the Texas Hill Country again and again.