Looking for cool and awesome things to do in Texas Hill Country?
The Texas Hill Country is a magical and enchanting place.
Here you will find plenty of crystal clear rivers, rolling hills, charming small towns, fall colors, waterfalls, gorgeous bluebonnets, swimming holes, and romantic getaways.
Located in Central Texas, this region is very different from the rest of the state.
Also Read: Best honeymoon destinations in Texas
Fun fact: did you know that the Texas Hill Country is considered to be the border between the American Southwest and the Southeast USA?
If you think Texas is a barren cactus-filled desert, then you should definitely visit the Texas Hill Country. The area features dramatic karst topography and is a favorite with outdoor explorers.
This unique landscape of limestone bluffs and swimming holes, caves and natural springs, granite domes like Enchanted Rock will make you fall in love with this part of Texas.
Also Read: 10 Best German Towns in Texas Hill Country
How to visit the Texas Hill Country?
The Texas Hill Country is a beautiful and varied region, stretching from the edge of the Brazos River and the Balcones fault all the way to the Llano uplift.
With its rolling hills, winding rivers and majestic live oak trees, the Hill Country offers visitors a chance to experience the best of Texas.
There are numerous ways to reach the Hill Country, but one of the most popular is to fly into Austin Bergstrom International Airport.
Best Things to do in the Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is the perfect place to visit to enjoy scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.
Get away from big city stress by exploring the areas’ small towns and quaint downtowns.
Spend time enjoying fun filled activities such as river tubing, horseback riding, waterfall hikes, and scenic drives.
Visit the golf courses, dine at the great restaurants, and don’t leave without enjoying the famous Texas bbq!
Here are our favorite things to do in the Texas Hill Country.
Scout for bluebonnets in the countryside
The remote countryside of Texas Hill Country is one of the best places to see bluebonnets in Texas.
Some of the most scenic spots to search for bluebonnets include Marble Falls, Llano, and Burnet.
Muleshoe Bend, located near Spicewood Springs, is also a great place to visit to admire the natural beauty of the never ending flower fields.
Along with bluebonnets, you can also see other wildflowers such as Indian paintbrushes,
Tour the Texas State Capitol
Austin is the center of the Texas Hill Country and the ideal destination to explore the surrounding area.
The city is the capital of the Lone Star State and home to many attractions including the Texas State Capitol, University of Texas campus, historic districts, and museums.
The Texas State Capitol building, made from pink granite rock, mined right here in the Hill Country is a must visit attraction.
Austin’s music scene is one of the best in the state.
Also Read: Best things to do in Austin, Texas
Go hiking at Enchanted Rock
The Texas Hill Country offers a variety of hiking destinations for outdoor lovers: one of our favorites is Enchanted Rock!
Enchanted Rock is a pink granite dome that towers over the surrounding countryside.
Enchanted Rock also offers ample opportunity for rock climbing and bouldering.
This is one of the best Texas parks to visit during spring for its amazing wildflower blooms.
In mid-May, you will find it bursting with flowering cacti.
Visit the Alamo in San Antonio
While some don’t consider San Antonio to be Hill Country, you really cannot visit Texas without seeing the Alamo in San Antonio.
And that’s why we recommend driving south from Austin and taking a tour of the Alamo.
The Spanish Mission is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the site of the famous Battle of Alamo.
While you are in the city, do not forget to visit the famous and charming San Antonio Riverwalk.
Take a wine tour in the Texas Hill Country
The Hill Country is known for its wineries and vineyards.
Cities like Fredericksburg are located smack dab in the middle of the region’s best wineries.
Johnson City also makes an excellent base for exploring the nearby wineries.
Some of the famous wineries in Central Texas include Fall Creek vineyards, Signor Vineyards, and Becker Vineyards.
Fun fact: Did you know that Lance Armstrong is a Texas Hill Country native?
Enjoy German architecture in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a charming small town in the Hill Country.
The town has European architecture and plenty of historical landmarks.
One of the top attractions in Fredericksburg is the National Museum of the Pacific War.
The museum has many exhibits, airplanes, and other military weapons used in the Pacific region of World War II.
The Main Street of Fredericksburg has tasting rooms, German restaurants, art galleries, and cafes.
Wish to see a traditional German Christmas pyramid? Head to Fredericksburg!
Every December, the Town Square is home to a gigantic decorated wooden pyramid, making the town one of the best places to spend Christmas in Texas.
Visit the Cowboy Capital of the World
Bandera, located on banks of the Medina River in the Hill Country, is known as the Cowboy Capital of the world.
Bandera was once the epicenter of the Texas cattle industry and hosted many cattle drives but today it is also a thriving arts and culture hub.
Take a ride on a hot air balloon
The best way to see the rolling hills and rivers of Hill Country is from a hot air balloon.
Some companies offer early morning tours, flying over the beautiful countryside as the sun rises above the horizon.
See the Gruene Dance Hall
The Gruene Dance Hall is among the oldest dance halls in Texas.
The traditional hall was built around 1880 and has hosted many famous musicians including Bob Wills, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and George Strait.
Today the Gruene hall hosts weekly country music shows and is popular with couples.
Also Read: Best things to do in Gruene, Texas
Visit the Bluebell Creamery in Brenham
Outside downtown Brenham, you will find Texas’s famous Blue Bell Creamery.
Visitors can take a factory tour and learn how the delicious ice cream is made as well as learn about the history of the creamery.
You can also sample $1 scoops of the ice cream and wear a vintage style Blue Bell paper hat.
Other Brenham attractions including historic Main Street, antique stores, and art galleries definitely make the small town worth adding on your Texas Hill Country bucket list.
Attend a country concert in Luckenbach
The historic town of Luckenbach has a population of 3!
Luckenbach is famous for having a handful of buildings including a general store, dance hall, and a post office.
The town is located about 30 minutes from Fredericksburg and hosts regular concerts featuring country artists.
This is one of the best places to see a concert in Texas.
The town also has plenty of picnic spots where you can drink cold beer and listen to the music.
Take a historic tour of Downtown New Braunfels
New Braunfels is the largest city in the Hill Country.
It was settled by German immigrants in the 19th century.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour of downtown New Braunfels and admire its historic buildings as well as spot the murals.
The most notable attraction in the area is probably the old Comal County Courthouse, which resembles a fairytale castle.
New Braunfels is also home to Schlitterbahn, a Bavarian themed water park with many thrilling rides.
Enjoy a dip in the mineral springs of Lampasas
Lampasas is home to the Hill Country’s oldest spring fed pool, fantastic murals, and a large spur!
The cold spring fed waters of Hancock Springs Swimming Pool are perfect on a hot summer day.
Lampasas is close to Austin and makes a perfect alternative to stay in the center of the Hill Country.
Jump into the Devil’s Waterhole
Devil’s Waterhole, located in Inks Lake State Park, in Burnet is a gorgeous swimming hole that is incredibly popular during the summer.
The area features steep limestone cliffs that plunge into the water.
Climbing the surrounding rocks and jumping into the swimming hole is one of the most fun things to do in Central Texas in the summer.
Also Read: 17 Best State Parks near Austin, Texas to Visit Now
The swimming hole boasts clear waters allowing you to see the fish swimming beneath you.
Inks Lake also has many hiking trails that will lead you to waterfalls and wildflowers.
Inks Lake State Park is also an excellent place to hike along waterfalls and camp by the waterside.
Head to Ingram to see Stonehenge
Ingram, located near Kerrville, is home to replicas of two world famous landmarks!
Here you will find Stonehenge as well as Easter Island statues!
It makes a great day trip when in the area.
Go kayaking at Canyon Lake in Central Texas
The beautiful Canyon Lake is one of the most romantic destinations in the Texas Hill Country.
This little slice of heaven is located near New Braunfels and is known for its spectacular scenery.
Canyon Lake is popular for scuba diving, kayaking, and other water sports.
Take a stroll along the Canyon Lake Dam or hike the trails at Overlook Park to enjoy the views.
See the fall colors along the Guadalupe River
Guadalupe River State Park, located near New Braunfels, is one of our favorite places to see spectacular fall colors in the Texas Hill Country.
The peak occurs from early to mid November.
The state park also offers excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking along the scenic Guadalupe River.
Drive the scenic River Road
The scenic River Road from New Braunfels to Canyon Lake is one of the best drives in the region.
Along the route, you can see amazing scenery, panoramic views, and wildlife.
See dinosaur footprints at the Heritage Museum
Did you know that you could see dinosaur footprints right here in the Texas Hill Country?
The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country in Canyon Lake is home to several well preserved dinosaur tracks.
On a visit, kids can see the tracks, understand how they were made, identify the dinosaurs that made them, and dig their own fossils.
The museum is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do in the Texas Hill Country with kids.
Enjoy the panoramic views at Devil’s Backbone Overlook
Devil’s Backbone Overlook, located north of canyon lake near Wimberley, is known for its jaw dropping vistas.
This drive has many curves and is a favorite with bikers.
Go swimming at Blue Hole in Wimberley
Wimberley’s Blue Hole is a fantastic place to go swimming on a hot summer day.
The Blue Hole features a large spring fed pool, great trails along the Blanco River, and plenty of places for picnics.
Downtown Wimberley has plenty of small town charm, cafes, and boutiques.
Enjoy a dip in Hamilton Pool
Hamilton Pool is located in the scenic Texas Hill Country near Dripping Springs.
It is a large grotto surrounded by sheer cliffs and lush greenery.
During the summer, you will see many swimmers cooling off in the pools.
Hike to Gorman Falls
Inside Colorado Bend State Park, you will find the Lone Star State’s tallest waterfall – Gorman Falls.
This 70 foot tall waterfall flows into a lush green canyon and is definitely worth a visit.
The 3 mile hike is moderately difficult and takes about 3 hours.
It is definitely one of our favorite hiking trails in Central Texas.
Dance under the stars at Garner State Park
Garner State Park, located near Concan, is an excellent place to enjoy a romantic evening under the stars.
Every summer, the park presents free outdoor concerts such as classic country music and gospel hymns accompanied by popular regional bands.
During the day, you can float the refreshing waters of the Frio River, enjoy breathtaking views during fall months, go fishing, bird watching, and hiking.
The park’s landscape of bald cypress trees, limestone bluffs, and the calm waters is equally appealing for all types of travelers.
Also Read: 14 Best Texas Hill Country State Parks
See the hidden waterfall on Lake Buchanan
And now it’s time to reveal Texas’s best kept secret, the Falls Creek Waterfall!
The waterfall is located about 20 miles north of Lake Buchanan Dam and empties directly into the Colorado River.
It is located on private land, so the only way to see this spectacular waterfall is from the water.
You can either rent boats or take the Vanishing Texas River Cruise on Lake Buchanan to see the waterfall.
Spend Christmas in the Texas Hill Country
As the weather cools down, you can spend a fun family holiday in the picturesque towns of Fredericksburg and New Braunfels.
Both towns celebrate Christmas with lots of special events such as parades, candle light tours, Victorian carolers, and visits from Santa Claus.
Explore the caverns of Sonora
Sonora Caverns, located near the small town of Sonora, is one of the most beautiful underground caves in Texas.
The caverns are known for their amazing rock formations and natural artwork.
You can take a guided tour to explore the caverns, its underground river, and waterfalls.
Camp in Lost Maples State Natural Area
Located near Vanderpool, Lost Maples State Natural Area is one of the best places to see fall colors in Texas.
The park boasts over 5 miles of trails and vibrant hues of orange leaves that attract visitors from all over the world during October and November.
Take a glass bottom boat tour in San Marcos
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment is located on Spring Lake in San Marcos, Texas.
The center is home to a variety of unique exhibits, including a glass-bottomed boat that allows visitors to see underwater creatures up close.
The Meadows Center offers kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding on its Spring Lake.
The center also provides opportunities for recreation, such as hiking, fishing, and bird watching.
Where to stay in the Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country has many accommodation options including hotels, resorts, motels, bed & breakfasts, vacation rentals, and ranches!
Stay in the RV parks or enjoy glamping in the Hill Country. Spend the night in a treehouse or stay at a dude ranch.
Pick an option close to Main Street towns and enjoy local dining spots. Or book a vacation in the wild and observe wildlife while sitting in rocking chairs on your porch.
The options are endless and you will find a variety of lodging based on your budget and interests.
We hope you liked our Texas Hill Country bucket list.
What are your favorite things to do in the Texas Hill Country? Let us know below.