I may receive a commission from a purchase. See more details here.
Texas hill country road trip
A Texas Hill Country road trip can do wonders for your state of mind, not to mention your health. The relaxation that comes from a road trip not only clears your head, but eases some of those physical tensions.
I don't want to get all physiological like some doctor (which I am not). You know what it means to relax. Just apply that to your own situation.
Suffice it to say that road trips are fun and relaxing (unless you're on MoPac during rush hour).
If you’re craving a relaxing drive, fresh air, and the freedom to stop whenever you want, this is your kind of Texas Hill Country getaway.
Actually, a Texas Hill Country road trip is one of those escapes that delivers everything all at once. You get the sunshine, rolling limestone hills, a few restaurants, wineries and breweries.
A classic Hill Country road trip can be an easy loop or a multi-day excursion where time is not a factor.
And remember—these are country roads.
Drive unrushed, stop often, and let the beautiful scenery set the pace for your Hill Country day trip or weekend.
a perfect day trip
Start near Johnson City with a mid-morning tasting under the oaks in Hye. Cruise to a nearby patio for a light lunch—think charcuterie, panini, or a chef’s seasonal board—then catch the sweeping views at Pedernales Cellars.
Roll into Fredericksburg for a late-afternoon tasting at a winery on the edge of town, then wrap up with dinner at Otto’s or Vaudeville. If you’ve still got the energy, stroll Main Street for boutiques, galleries, and a nightcap.
A weekend
Grape Creek Vineyards from the highway.For a Fredericksburg-based weekend, make Saturday your 290 corridor day.
Book two morning tastings (William Chris and Becker make a beautiful pair).
Break for lunch at Stout’s Trattoria at Grape Creek.
Then ease into an afternoon flight at Kuhlman or Signor (beautiful).
Sunday, head south to Comfort for Bending Branch and a laid-back lunch in the historic district.
Or wander Boerne’s Hill Country Mile for shopping and coffee.
Back in Fredericksburg, wind down in a tasting room just off Main Street and toast the trip with a Texas Tempranillo.
Closer to austin
Prefer an Austin-side base? Stay in Dripping Springs or Wimberley.
Spend Saturday at Driftwood favorites like Fall Creek and Duchman before a classic Salt Lick BBQ lunch. Add a late afternoon beer at Jester King or a cocktail at Treaty Oak.
Sunday, explore Wimberley’s boutique shops and grab brunch overlooking the creek. Then finish with a serene vineyard tasting on the drive back.
It’s an easy, relaxing loop with short drives and big flavors.
Austin to fredericksburg
This is one of my favorite Texas Hill Country road trips.
Well... anything between Johnson City and Fredericksburg (because of all the wineries).
Start in Austin, and cruise west to Johnson City for stop at the LBJ National Historical Park Visitors Center and Park, right in town. Then follow 290 through Hye toward Stonewall and into Fredericksburg.
Along the way (since you're not in a hurry) sip some wine at William Chris Vineyards or Ab Astris Winery (Hye).
Kuhlman Cellars (near Stonewall), also know as K Estate, offers food-pairing flights.
Messina Hof Hill Country WinerySome other winery choices ... Take your pick.
- Becker Vineyards - Provençal-style rosé and their lavender fields.
- Pedernales Cellars
- Grape Creek Vineyards
- Messina Hof Hill Country Winery
- Bending Branch Winery
- And if you enjoy bourbon, visit Garrison Brothers Distillery.
That's not nearly all of them either. Because remember, there are over 100 wineries in TexyHills.
I am not suggesting that you try them all today. But it does make the case for a return trip for those that you missed.
Take a break for lunch at Bryan’s on 290 in Johnson City or nearby Hye Market. Then your are ready to stroll down Fredericksburg’s Main Street for some shopping.
Dinner?
Otto’s German Bistro or Vaudeville are both favorites. And live music rolls at Hondo’s on Main.
Make it a day trip of just a few hours. Or take 6–8 hours if you add in some shopping and a few tastings.
If you decide you don't want to go home yet, stay at a chic B&B like Hoffman Haus. Maybe you would like a rustic-chic cabin at Cotton Gin Village or the cottages at Barons Creekside.
If you want it all, though, book a villa at Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, right on 290. You get tastings, the spa, and dinner all in one spot.
driftwood to blanco
Drive time without stops: about 2–2.5 hours total. You can squeeze this into a day trip or relax and make it 2.
Start in Driftwood with a lunch feast at The Salt Lick BBQ, then a 60-minute tasting next door at Duchman Family Winery.
You might also consider a sotol tasting at nearby Desert Door.
Then you can drift on down in to Wimberley for an afternoon of browsing the downtown shops. Or maybe some time at Blue Hole Regional Park. Reservations will often be required.
Follow that with a late climb up Old Baldy for sunset, and dinner at The Leaning Pear.
In Wimberley you can stay at Blair House Inn or Cypress Creek Cottages.
The next day, cruise the Devil’s Backbone along RR-32 to Blanco. There you can sample craft brews at Real Ale Brewing and some Old 300 BBQ.
Then take a riverside stroll in Blanco State Park before heading back home.
Bandera to garner state park
Start in Bandera, known as the “Cowboy Capital of the world”, then follow TX‑16 to Medina for apple pie at Love Creek Orchards.
Then off you go to Vanderpool and Lost Maples State Natural Area’s maple canyons. The very best time for this road trip is during the fall for the foliage colors.
Continue on to Leakey along the tight curves and sweeping landscape. And wind down along the Frio at Garner State Park.
End your day with a Frio River sunset near Concan and comfort food at Neal’s Dining Room.
Stay at Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera or riverfront cabins near Leakey, such as River Bluff Cabins.
The next morning, go for a swim, a paddle, or catch some classic hilltop views at Garner State Park before getting back on the road home.
Drive time on this drive is variable depending on your stops and lingering.
the ultimate Texas hill country road trip
If you are into "The Drive", without all the stops and wandering around exploring, take off on what's know as The Twisted Sisters.
This is a trip for those who love the road. Actually, this route is a favorite of bikers.
Take the famed Ranch Roads 337, 335, and 336 around the The Twisted Sisters loop. It is quite a trip of several hours. So plan to make a full day of it. Maybe even a whole weekend of cruising.
The main portion of Twisted Sisters includes RR 337, 335, and 336, as shown on the map. There are other additions and variations out there, but this is the basic route.
Note of Caution: The Sisters are curvy. So drive during daylight, and take it easy.
Be Safe.
Timing and seasons
- Spring brings bluebonnets and the Willow City Loop.
- Early summer means peach stands and river dips.
- Fall delivers the Kerrville Folk Festival, Fredericksburg Oktoberfest, Gruene Music & Wine Fest, and Lost Maples foliage.
- The holidays sparkle with Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular and Marble Falls’ Walkway of Lights.
Book park tickets for entry at Enchanted Rock (timed), Hamilton Pool (reservations often needed), and popular swimming holes.
Cell service can disappear on the backroads, so charge your phone, download maps, take water, and don't be in a rush.
No matter how you plan it—fast, slow. long, or short—these are rare trips that will give you a true break from routine. You'll have a different dining experience at every stop, fresh air, sunshine, and beautiful scenery out every window.
Make your next Texas Hill Country road trip a reality, for an experience you'll talk about all year.
think ahead and keep on planning
If you just get in the car and go for a drive to enjoy the scenery, you may not need to plan much (except for remembering to take your phone, ID and some cash).
But if your plans will include a girls' weekend or full blown wedding, a little thinking ahead is a must.
I understand your level of planning will vary depending on how elaborate and involved you want your trip. So, maybe these resources will help you decide what level of planning you want.
- TexyHills Checklist - A short 1-page list of 10 things to book first, for a smooth weekend. Yours free when you sign up for the TexyHills Fan Newsletter.
- TexyHills Planning Guide - An easy quick-reference to help you think about when to visit, getting around, avoiding big crowds, etc.
- Ultimate Texas Hill Country Guide - A much more comprehensive guide including maps, itineraries, where to stay, etc. It also has a table of contents for easy navigation.
- Fredericksburg Wine Weekend - My most complete done-for-you 3-day plan, reservation strategy, and curated drive loops (with a built-in Plan B). Specifically for first-timers.
What's New?
-
Fat Ass Ranch and Winery pairs Hill Country charm and world-class wine
Fat Ass Ranch and Winery is located just east of Fredericksburg on the 290 Wine Road. It has earned a devoted following among wine lovers and weekend travelers. -
Fredericksburg Texas Lodging is so widely varied that everyone wins.
Fredericksburg Texas Lodging puts you in the middle of wine country. You also get the benefit of the history, comfort and convenience of your surroundings. -
Inn on Barons Creek sits right in the town of Fredericksburg, Texas.
Inn on Barons Creek is just steps away from Fredericksburg's Main Street. This prime getaway location blends natural beauty with genuine Texas charm. -
Vaudeville Bistro will cause you remember why you love to travel.
Vaudeville Bistro sits right on Main Street in the middle of Fredericksburg, Texas. It coaxes you slow down, take a deep breath, and feel glad you're here. -
Horseshoe Bay Resort is your dream getaway of Texas beauty and luxury.
Horseshoe Bay Resort covers thousands of acres, one of the largest resort properties in Texas. Sitting on Lake LBJ, you have your pick of 4 golf courses.
Brought to you courtesy of jeff slankard
Daughter Ranita with Shane, and me (Jeff) with wife Judy at Wildseed FarmsJeff Slankard is a Texas Hill Country writer with a master’s degree in Education and a longtime focus on the region’s wineries, restaurants, and travel experiences. He has lived in the Hill Country for 35 years, explored dozens of towns and even more wineries and restaurants, and documents those experiences at TexyHills.com. Jeff is also a published e-book author on Amazon. His early experience brewing ale and fermenting wine still shapes how he thinks about winemaking and its taste.