Texas Hill Country is such an underrated destination in the US! There are tons of small towns dotted throughout the area, each with its own unique charm and personality. Whether you’re taking a road trip through Hill Country, looking for a fun day trip, or scouting out your next girls’ weekend, check out this list of charming small towns in the Texas Hill Country!
17 Charming Small Towns in the Texas Hill Country
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Boerne - One of my Favorite Small Towns in the Texas Hill Country
Boerne, pronounced “bur-nee” for all of you non-Texans, is a great spot to go when you need a quiet weekend of R&R.
Top things to do in Boerne:
- Enjoy the amazing public art of their Art al Fresco program
- Explore underground in Cascade Caverns or Cave Without A Name
- Cool off in Guadalupe River State Park
- Join a walking tour to learn the fascinating history of Boerne
Wimberley
Less than an hour from downtown Austin, Wimberly is a perfect day trip destination for those looking for adventure!
Top things to do in Wimberley:
- Swim in the crystal clear waters of Blue Hole or Jacob’s Well
- Climb Old Baldy for stunning Hill Country views
- Shop for unique finds in the Downtown Wimberley Square
- Dig into fresh takes on classic Hill Country cuisine at The Leaning Pear
Fredericksburg - Infamous Small Towns in the Texas Hill Country
Best known for its wineries and German heritage, head to Fredericksburg for a weekend of fun!
Top things to do in Fredericksburg:
- Visit a winery, of course
- Catch some live music at the Backyard Amphitheater
- Take a hike in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
- Grab a bite to eat at the Old German Bakery & Restaurant
For the ultimate girls’ trip of wine-ing and dining, check out my guide on where to stay for a girls’ weekend in Fredericksburg!
Marble Falls
For a slow lake weekend in the heart of Hill Country, wander over to the charming town of Marble Falls.
Top things to do in Marble Falls:
- Paddle, swim, or hike around Lake Marble Falls
- Hike around Pedernales Falls State Park for river views
- Enjoy a sunny afternoon at Bear King Brewing
- Shop all of the local boutiques on Main Street
Photo from Facebook.
Dripping Springs - Charming Small Town Wedding Captial of Texas
Just 25 minutes from downtown Austin lies Dripping Springs, the “Gateway to the Hill Country.”
Top things to do in Dripping Springs:
- Swim beneath a 50-foot waterfall at the 200-acre Hamilton Pool Preserve
- Sample local olive oil and more at Texas Hill Country Olive Company
- Hike or climb along the Pedernales River at Reimers Ranch Park
- Indulge in some of the best cocktails you’ll ever try at the Deep Eddy Distillery
Blanco
Head to the tiny town of Blanco for a relaxing weekend of outdoor fun!
Top things to do in Blanco:
- Play a round at Vaaler Creek Golf Course, the #1 Golf Course in the Texas Hill Country
- Swim or tube along the Blanco River in Blanco State Park
- Visit on the third Saturday of the month to experience Blanco Market Day
- Enjoy local brews and bites at Texas Cannon Brewing Company
Luckenbach - Iconic Small Towns in the Texas Hill Country
“Everybody’s Somebody in Luckenbach,” so get ready to show out and show off in a town known for hospitality and warmth!
Top things to do in Luckenbach:
- Catch a show at the iconic Luckenbach venue
- Learn more about our 36th president at the Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park
- Step back in time at the Luckenbach General Store, where in the back you’ll find the historical Luckenbach Saloon
- Enjoy some delicious Texas barbecue at the Luckenbach Feed Lot
Buda
Pronounced “byou-da” (not “Buddha”), Buda, Texas is a classic Hill Country town with lots of charm and friendly smiles!
Top things to do in Buda:
- Visit one of their 13 parks to see why the Texas Legislature named Buda the “Outdoor Capital of Texas”
- Stroll along the six-block Downtown District for local shops and restaurants
- Grab a drink and listen to some live music at Buda Mill & Grain Co.
- Transport yourself to the 1940s at the Buda Soda Fountain
Llano
Wildlife admirers will love the quiet town of Llano for its abundance of white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and armadillos!
Top things to do in Llano:
- Go on a ghost hunt at the Red Top Jail, Dabbs Railroad Hotel, or one of the many other paranormal hotspots in Llano
- Walk along the Bluebonnet Trail for beautiful wildflowers
- Taste some local spirits at Llano Craft Distillery
- Learn about the history of the small ton at the Llano County Historical Museum
Johnson City
As the hometown of President Lyndon B Johnson, Johnson City serves up history, culture, and good ol’ Texas fun!
Top things to do in Johnson City:
- Sip on some hometown brews at Pecan Street Brewing
- Tour the pioneer ranch of LBJ’s grandparents at the Johnson Settlement
- Visit during the Christmas season for one of the best light shows in Texas
- Step back in time on a walk through the historic town square
Smithville
For a small town straight out of a Hollywood movie–literally–, check out Smithville!
Top things to do in Smithville:
- Visit the filming locations of movies like Hope Floats, Tree of Life, and Bernie!
- Hike or bike along the exciting trails of Rock Hill Ranch
- Spend a night camping in the beautiful Buescher State Park
- Shop for one-of-a-kind antiques at Bella’s Cottage Antiques
Round Top - Big Time Small Town in the Texas Hill Country
Known for being a “big time small” town, Round Top offers so much to do in a relaxed, charming setting.
Top things to do in Round Top:
- Go antiquing at one of their many amazing antique shops like Round Top Vintage Market or Dirty Bohemian
- Or visit in the fall during the famous Original Round Top Antiques Show
- Catch a show at the gorgeous Round Top Festival Institute
- Sip on some craft cocktails at the outdoor patio of The Garden Company
Check out my Round Top guide for even more fun things to do!
Gruene
On the banks of the peaceful Guadalupe River, you’ll find the historic small town of Gruene!
Top things to do in Gruene:
- Dance the night away at almost 150-year-old Gruene Hall
- Shop for homemade fudge, salsa, and more at the super cute Gruene General Store
- Float down the Comal River and then grab a drink at Rockin’ R
- Grab a Texas Pecan coffee at Gruene Coffee Haus
Lockhart - BBQ Capital of Texas
Foodies flock from around the world to Lockhart to dig into plates of BBQ in the “barbecue capital of Texas.”
Top things to do in Lockhart:
- Feast at one (or all) of the four award-winning BBQ restaurants in Lockhart: Blacks Barbecue, Chisholm Trail Barbecue, Kreuz-Barbecue, and Smitty’s Market
- Enjoy a performance at the Gaslight Baker Theatre
- Stroll by the Caldwell County Courthouse for a beautiful morning walk
- Swim, golf, or hike at Lockhart State Park
Bandera
Unleash your inner cowboy (or girl!) in this charming Texas town: Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World!
Top things to do in Bandera:
- Do as the locals do and watch some rodeo at Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena
- Get in the saddle yourself and horseback ride through the Texas Hill Country
- Cool down in the beautiful Medina River
- Spend an evening dancing and singing along at Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar Saloon, the oldest continuously operating honky-Tonko in Texas
Bastrop
As one of the most beautiful places in the Texas Hill Country, Bastrop is a must-visit year-round!
Top things to do in Bastrop:
- Camp and hike in Bastrop State Park amongst the famous ‘Lost Pines’
- Paddle down the peaceful El Camino river to see wildlife and sandstone bluffs
- Dig into some southern, Cajun food washed down with a cold beer at 602 Brewing Company
- Browse the amazing vintage vinyl collection of Astro Record Store
Photo from Facebook.
Georgetown
Best known for its annual explosion of red poppy wildflowers and being the ‘Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas’, Georgetown is a gorgeous destination in the Texas Hill Country!
Top things to do in Georgetown:
- Stroll through the Inner Space Cavern to see ice age-era fossils and huge underground rock formations
- Attend a show at the vintage Georgetown Palace Theatre
- Pick your own fruits at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm
- Learn more about Texas Hill Country history at the Williamson Museum
From outdoor adventure to local wineries, breweries, and distilleries to local art and history, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in the Hill Country. And while there’re so many friendly small towns throughout, these 17 offer the best of the best charming small towns in the Texas Hill Country! Tag me on Instagram — I love seeing all of your adventures!
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xx Chels
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