Here are 5 Texas Hill Country Weekend Road Trip Ideas + things to do in each destination and where to stay!
5 Texas Hill Country Weekend Road Trip Itineraries
I was given a new Mazda CX-30 to try out and road trip around the Texas Hill Country in. No stranger to Mazda (I work for Roger Beasley Mazda, drive a Mazda CX-5 normally, and recently bought a Miata), I was pumped to try their newest CUV. These Mazda CX-30 Preferred features have been SO nice to have:
- Remote Start with the MyMazda App
- Apple CarPlay for tunes + navigation
- i-Activ AWD®
- Radar Cruise Control
- Active Windshield Display
- Power Liftgate
- and TONS of i-Activsense® safety features
A huge thank you again to Mazda for letting me take this great little CUV all around the Texas Hill Country! I logged A LOT of miles in the Mazda CX-30 for this post and I hope you find it helpful for planning your next weekend road trip! So without further ado…
This post is sponsored by Mazda USA. This site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting onechelofanadventure.com!
Road Trip: True Texas Hill Country
Visit the heart of the Texas Hill Country with this weekend road trip itinerary that passes through Boerne, Luckenbach, and Fredericksburg! Expect beautiful hill country views, lots of outdoor activities, and of course, some great wine!
Boerne, TX
About 15 miles from San Antonio, Boerne has been dubbed “The Hub of the Hill Country.” This charming small town has lots of great things to do and see, which is why it’s a great destination for a weekend road trip in the Texas Hill Country!
- What to Do -
Main Street: There are tons of shops, restaurants, and cafes all along the cute main street in downtown Boerne!
Boerne Mural: Snap a pic with the Boerne Mural, located on the side of Corner Cartel.
Outfit Details: Sweater – Madewell at Nordstrom Rack / Hat – Maufrais / Sandals – similar / Shorts – similar / Earrings – Kendra Scott
River Road Park: The river road park is a great place to bring a picnic, walk along, or feed the ducks!
Cave Without a Name: A national natural landmark, the Cave Without a Name is located a little outside of Boerne and definitely worth a stop! Photos below from their Facebook page.
- Where to eat + Drink -
Best Restaurants and Bars to check out when visiting Boerne on a Hill Country Weekend Road Trip:
Breakfast:
- Mary’s Tacos (You HAVE to get a breakfast taco)
- Bear Moon Bakery
- Black Rifle Coffee Co
Lunch + Dinner:
Drinks + Breweries:
- Where to stay -
Highest rated hotels in Boerne:
Airbnb’s near Boerne – that you’d ACTUALLY want to stay in:
- The COOP (sleeps 2)
- James Street Livery Guesthouse (sleeps 3)
- Enchanted Cabin (sleeps 3)
- Cottage at Creekside (sleeps 6)
- Hill Country Tower (sleeps 2)
- The Barn @ La Cascada (sleeps 2)
Luckenbach, TX
A tiny little “town” made famous by Willie Nelson, many say Luckenbach is the heart and soul of Texas. Located right outside of Fredericksburg, the Luckenbach Texas General Store, Bar, and Dancehall is a must-visit on a hill country weekend road trip!
Fredericksburg, TX
Known for its wineries and German heritage, Fredericksburg is one of the most popular destinations for a Hill Country weekend getaway!
- What to Do -
Shopping on Main Street: Much like Boerne, Fredericksburg’s Main Street is filled with cute boutiques and shops! Whether you’re shopping for clothes, housewares, or even all things Christmas, there is something for everyone! Be sure to check out these:
Visit a Winery on 290: Nicknamed the Wine Road 290, there are over 20 award-winning wineries along this stretch of highway between Fredericksburg and Johnson City. Some of my favorites include:
Visit a Museum: Fredericksburg has a lot of history! Check out one of their many museums:
Wildseed Farms: Located just outside of Fredericksburg, Wildseed Farms has been growing wildflowers for over 35 years and is the nation’s largest working wildflower farm! They have over 200 acres, many walking trails, a nursery, and an amazing butterfly garden.
Enchanted Rock: Enchanted Rock is a Hill Country Road Trip must see! Just be aware that you do have to pay an entrance fee and can make a reservation online beforehand.
- Where to eat + Drink -
When visiting Fredericksburg, these are some great options for restaurants and bars:
Breakfast:
Lunch + Dinner:
Drinks:
- Where to stay -
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Road Trip: Small Town Gems East of Austin
If you travel a little east of Austin, there are some small-town gems that are great to explore on a Hill Country weekend road trip!
Bastrop, TX
Named “The Most Historic Small Town in Texas,” Bastrop, TX is a charming town 30 miles east of Austin with lots of things to do and great places to eat!
- What to Do -
Bastrop State Park: Famous for it’s “Lost Pines,” Bastrop State Park offers a variety of activities like hiking, camping, swimming, picnicking, fishing, and more!
Historic Downtown Bastrop: The Main Street in downtown Bastrop is lined with shops, restaurants, and more! Do some shopping at one of the many Main Street shops.
Grab a Drink: As we know, Central Texas is not lacking when it comes to breweries, distilleries, and wineries, and Bastrop is no exception! These are some of the local favorites:
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines: Probably the most popular place to stay near Bastrop, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa is not only a luxury resort but also offers tons of activities like an amazing golf course, relaxing spa, and an awesome lazy river! Photos below from their Facebook page.
El Camino Real Paddling Trail: Rent a kayak or canoe from Bastrop River Co and explore the El Camino Real Paddling Trail!
Dinosaur Park: A unique outdoor museum, Dinosaur Park has realistic life-size dinosaur exhibits along a nature trail!
Go Back in History: Bastrop has a lot of history! Visit one of these places to learn more about the rich history in the area:
- Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center
- The Colorado River Bridge
- Bastrop Opera House
- Kerr Hall
- Bastrop County Courthouse
Visit an Art Gallery: Bastrop has a surprising amount of art galleries and shops! Most are located on Main Street.
- Where to eat -
Breakfast + Coffee:
Lunch + Dinner:
Drinks:
- Where to Stay -
If you’re looking for something upscale and resort-y, I highly recommend Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa. Photo below from website.
If you want to stay somewhere more unique/cool near Bastrop, check out these stays on Airbnb!
Smithville, TX
45 minutes east of Austin, Smithville is a great place to stop in along on a Hill Country Road Trip east of Austin (also a great day trip from Austin)!
- What to Do -
Stroll Along Smithville Main Street: Smithville has a small main street, also known as “Old Smithville,” with many of the buildings originally dating back to the late 1800s!
Smithville General Store: There are several restaurants and shops along the main street, but I especially like the Smithville General Store!
World’s Largest Gingerbread Man: You read that right, Smithville is home to the world’s largest gingerbread man! It was 20-feet-tall and now has a permanent monument in its place right off Smithville Mainstreet.
Photo: © 2012 Larry D. Moore. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Honey’s Diner: Honey’s is a great choice for lunch (and a cocktail) while traveling through Smithville!
Round Top, TX
Round Top, Texas is a cute, funky small-town East of Austin and a great place to spend a weekend! There are so many fun things to do, ESPECIALLY if you love shopping and antiques!
- What to Do -
Antique Shopping: The number one things to do in Round Top is antiquing! There are so many shops filled with incredible treasures! Some of the most popular are:
- Junk Gypsy
- Round Top Vintage Market
- Bill Moore Antiques
- McLaren’s Interiors (be sure to get a photo with the London Bus!)
- Paul Michael Company
Get a new pair of boots: Embrace your inner cowgirl or cowboy and snag a new pair of cowboy boots at Townsend Provisions! The entire upstairs is lined with vintage cowboy boots of all sizes. Junk Gypsy is also known for its cowboy boot selection too!
Check out Henkel Square: Henkel Square is located right off the main town square area. It has Henkel Hall, a bunch of fun shops, cool restaurants, and the cutest little chapel!
Royers Pie Haven: While in Henkel Square, be sure to grab a piece of pie at Royers Pie Haven, you won’t regret it!
- Where to Eat + Drink -
Other highly recommended restaurants in Round Top to try:
- Where to Stay -
Wander Inn: We stayed at the Wander Inn and loved it! The grounds are lovely, the rooms are decorated so beautifully, and they deliver biscuits to you every morning!
They have 8 rooms available, as well as an entire farmhouse which can sleep 10:
For even more on Round Top recommendations, check out this post: Round Top, TX Guide: Best Things to Do
Road Trip: New Braunfels to Wimberley to Dripping Springs
Head southwest of Austin for this Texas Hill Country Weekend Road Trip! With places like New Braunfels, Wimberley, and Dripping Springs on the itinerary, you know you’re in store for some great food, great drinks, and great hill country views!
New Braunfels
New Braunfels is a charming city in the Texas Hill Country with unique shops, interesting museums, and tons of great outdoor activities!
- What to Do -
Gruene Historic District: One of my favorite parts of New Braunfels, Gruene has lots of things to do:
Visit a Waterpark: Schlitterbahn Waterpark is one of the most famous waterparks in the Texas Hill Country! It has awesome attractions, epic river adventures, water playgrounds, and more! Texas Ski Ranch is another popular water park just outside of New Braunfels and perfect for anyone who loves to water ski or wakeboard!
Landa Park: I remember visiting Landa Park when I was a kid! Besides swimming in the Landa Park Aquatic Complex, they also have a golf course, mini-golf, paddle boats, a miniature train ride, playgrounds, and more!
Natural Bridge Caverns: A short drive west of New Braunfels lies Natural Bridge Caverns. There are several different tours to choose from, of varying activity and adventure levels.
Visit a Museum: New Braunfels has many great museums that are worth checking out on a weekend road trip:
Visit a Local Draft Brewery: Enjoy some craft beer at one of New Braunfels’ three breweries: New Braunfels Brewing Company, Faust Hotel and Brewing Company, and Guadalupe Brewing Company.
Enjoy a Glass of Texas-Style Wine: If beer isn’t your thing, then visit one of the New Braunfels-based wineries/tastings rooms instead: The Vineyard at Gruene, Dry Comal Creek Vineyards, and The Grapevine in Gruene’s.
- Where to eat -
Breakfast + Coffee:
Lunch + Dinner:
Drinks:
- Where to stay -
While New Braunfels has many hotels, motels, and inns that are great options to stay in while visiting the town, I personally would recommend one of these awesome Airbnb stays:
San Marcos, TX
A college town between New Braunfels and Austin, San Marcos has a ton of great outdoor activities to offer!
- What to Do -
The Meadows Center: Visit the Meadows Center and book an awesome Glass Bottom Boat Tour! While there, you can also explore the Wetlands Boardwalk.
Walking Tour of San Marcos Public Art: Check out all the cool street art San Marcos has with this self-guided tour! Right now, they’re also offering a virtual tour during COVID-19.
San Marcos River: The San Marcos River runs right through the center of town. It can be enjoyed year-round because it’s always 72 degrees! You can rent a tube, kayak, or paddleboard.
San Marcos Outlet Malls: If you want to do some shopping, then the San Marcos Outlet Malls is the place for you! With over 200 outlet stores like Gucci, Kate Spade, and West Elm, you can shop till you drop AND save some money!
Wimberley, TX
Wimberley is one of my personal favorite Hill Country destinations to visit, especially for a weekend road trip!
- What to Do -
Blue Hole Regional Park: One of my favorite swimming holes in the Hill Country, Blue Hole Regional Park is a must-see when visiting Wimberley!
Explore The Square: There are plenty of shops and galleries along the main square in downtown Wimberley. Check out this list for the best shopping.
Hike Old Baldy: If you can brave the 218 rock steps to the top of Old Baldy, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of Wimberley and the Texas Hill Country!
Jacob’s Well: Another hugely popular swimming hole in the area, Jacob’s Well is over 100 feet deep! You can jump from rocks or even scuba dive — but at your own risk, it can be dangerous!
Grab a Drink: Like many of the Hill Country road trip destinations on this list, Wimberley also has a great winery and craft beer scene! Go for a wine tasting at Wimberley Valley Winery. If you prefer beer, try Middleton Brewing or Roughhouse Brewing. Wimberley even has a rum distillery — Cypress Creek Reserve!
Wimberley Zipline: If you’re up for an adventure in Wimberley, check out the Zipline Adventure! The tour is about 2 hours and includes 10 ziplines!
- Where to eat -
- Where to stay -
Wimberley has a couple of hotels like Creekhaven Inn and Hotel Flora and Fauna, but I recommend checking out these unique stays:
Related Post: Best Glamping Near Austin, TX
Blanco, TX
Blanco, TX is a quaint little Hill Country town located 45 miles west of Austin. In addition to being the “Lavender Capital of Texas,” the beautiful Blanco River runs through it!
- What to Do -
Blanco State Park: Situated along the Blanco River on the southern edge of Blanco, Blanco State Park features camping, swimming, tubing, and nature trails!
Hill Country Lavender Farm: Blanco is the Lavender Capital of Texas, and if you’re visiting during lavender season, you’ve got to make a stop at Hill Country Lavender Farm!
Buggy Barn Museum: Check out one of the largest buggies, carriages, and wagons collections in the United States at Blanco’s Buggy Barn Museum. It includes vehicles that were used in movies like Lonesome Dove, Gone With The Wind, and There Will Be Blood.
Vaaler Creek Golf Club: If you enjoy golf, play a round at Vaaler Creek Golf Club which was voted the #1 Golf Course in the Texas Hill Country by Golf Now!
Dripping Springs, TX + Driftwood, TX
Known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country,” Dripping Springs is home to amazing natural wonders, lots of history, and tons of wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries. It’s a perfect destination for a Hill Country weekend road trip!
- What to Do -
Hamilton Pool: Another beautiful swimming hole in the Hill Country, Hamilton Pool is definitely worth a visit! Note: You are required to make reservations ahead of time.
Wine Tour: It’s no secret, the Texas Hill Country has great wine, and Dripping Springs is no exception!
Check out a Brewery:
Pedernales Falls State Park: Another great outdoor activity near Dripping Springs is exploring Pedernales Falls State Park!
Shop the Historic District: As you walk down Historic Mercer Street, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time! Many of the buildings were originally built between 1870 – 1940. Check out this list of places to shop in Dripping Springs.
- Where to Eat -
Breakfast + Coffee:
Lunch + Dinner:
- Where to stay -
Unique places to stay near Dripping Springs, Texas on a Hill Country Weekend Getaway:
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Road Trip: Georgetown to Waco
This road trip hits some great towns north of Austin, Texas, including Georgetown, Salado, and Waco! Below are the top things to see and do in each location + recommendations on where to stay.
Georgetown, TX
Located 30 miles north of Austin, Georgetown, TX is a quaint little Hill Country town with plenty of things to see and to do!
- What to Do -
Georgetown Square: Known as the most beautiful town square in Texas, strolling along Georgetown Square is a must! Do some shopping, dine at a highly rated restaurant, or just take in all the historic buildings along the square.
If you happen to visit during the Holidays, the square is lit up beautifully! Be sure to also check out the Historic Williamson County Courthouse.
Georgetown Murals: Georgetown has a lot of great murals! This Poppy one and the Greetings from Georgetown mural (above) are located on Gus’s Drug store. Other ones can be found around town and near the main square.
Lake Georgetown: There are 3 different boat ramps and 26 miles of hiking around Lake Georgetown. You can boat, fish, kayak, and more on this 1,200-acre lake!
Inner Space Cavern: One of the best-preserved caves in Texas, Inner Space Caverns (photo below from their Facebook page) is estimated to be around 20-25 million years old! There are three different tours you can book, all are sure to amaze!
Georgetown Blue Hole: If you’re road-tripping during the Spring or Summer, check out the Blue Hole Park, a great swimming little swimming hole on the South San Gabriel River.
Nathaniel’s Custom Hats: Channel your inner cowboy and get a custom-fitted hat at Nathaniel’s Custom Hats!
The Georgetown Palace Theatre: See a show at The Palace Theatre, a historic theater that is part of the Williamson County Courthouse Historic District.
- Where to eat + Drink -
Breakfast + Coffee:
Lunch + Dinner:
Drinks:
Salado, TX
A quaint small town between Austin and Waco, Salado, TX is a great place for a quiet getaway. It has a surprising amount of art galleries and is definitely worth a stop on a Hill Country weekend trip!
- What to Do -
Sugar Shack Candy Store: Located right across the street from Stagecoach Inn, the Sugar Shack Candy Store is a cute old-time candy shop!
Salado Glassworks: Ever wanted to try glass blowing? Then head to Salado Glassworks, they host “Blow Your Own” events where you can try your hand at glass blowing!
Salado Winery: The Salado Winery brings you “The ‘Texiest’ wines around”! They are a small family-owned vineyard and winery. They are open for tastings everyday from 12 pm – 6 PM!
Explore Royal Street District: You can find some great art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques in the Royal Street District in Salado!
- Where to eat + Drink -
- Where to Stay -
Stagecoach Inn Salado: Recently redone, The Stagecoach Inn is a great place to stay in between Austin and Waco. Read all about staying at this historic hotel here.
Waco, TX
Technically a little North of the Hill Country, Waco, TX is still a great destination for a weekend road trip! It has lots of history, great places to eat and drink, plus some awesome street art!
- What to Do -
Magnolia Market: One of the most popular things in Waco, The Magnolia Market at Silos is a must! Do a little shopping, grab a bite to eat, or just relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Go Mural Hunting: Waco has a ton of great street art and murals. Wander around town and find some of the best.
Enjoy a Craft Brew: Waco is home to several great breweries! Some favorites include Brotherwell Brewing, Southern Roots Brewing Co, Bare Arms Brewing, and Waco Ale Company.
Balcones Distillery: Visit Balcones Distillery, an award-winning craft distillery! You can book a tour of the distillery or try a tasting of their available whiskies.
Waco Hippodrome Theatre: Built in 1914, this historic theater is a great place for live music, comedy, and more!
Learn Some History: Waco has several great museums and historic sites! If you want to learn a little something on a Hill Country weekend road trip, give these places a visit:
Cameron Park: Situated on the Brazos River, Cameron Park is the second-largest inner-city park in the US! It has over 15 miles of hiking and bike trails, playgrounds and splash pads, the Cameron Park Zoo, and lots of places for scenic picnics!
Spice Village: A restored warehouse on 2nd Street and Franklin Avenue, Spice Village has over 60 great shops and restaurants!
Waco Suspension Bridge: The Waco Suspension Bridge was completed in 1870 and is the oldest suspension bridge in Texas! It is definitely worth checking out, even just for a quick photo opp.
- Where to eat + Drink -
Breakfast + Coffee:
Lunch + Dinner:
Drinks:
- Where to STAY -
Waco has some of the cutest Airbnbs I’ve ever seen! You can even stay in homes that were on Fixer Upper! See a full list HERE.
Road Trip: Hill Country Highland Lakes
Take a weekend trip northwest of Austin to the Highland Lakes, which is made up of Lake Austin, Lake Travis, Lake Marble Falls, Lake LBJ, Inks Lake, and Lake Buchanan. There are tons of great outdoorsy things to do in this part of the Texas Hill Country, which is why it makes a great weekend road trip destination!
Spicewood, TX
Located between Austin and Marble Falls, Spicewood is home to some incredible outdoor activities like Krause Springs and Cypress Valley Canopy Tours, plus it has a couple of wineries too!
- What to Do -
Cypress Valley: Cypress Valley Canopy Tours offers awesome zip lining tours among the trees! Tours last from 90 minutes to 2 hours and include 5 ziplines, 2 sky bridges, and a rappel. (photo below from their Facebook)
Krause Springs: Krause Springs is a beautiful camping site and swimming hole located in the heart of Spicewood! There are over 32 springs on the 115-acre property.
Visit a winery:
Pace Bend Park: A popular camping spot, Pace Bend Park has cliffs overlooking Lake Travis and is also a favored place to swim, fish, and picnic!
Marble Falls + Horseshoe Bay
Marble Falls is a cute small town located about an hour outside of Austin with lots of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and it has a great food scene!
- What to Do -
Visit the famous Blue Bonnet Cafe: Blue Bonnet Cafe is a local institution! They serve homestyle America meals, have amazing pies, and serve breakfast all day!
Visit a Brewery: Marble Falls has several cool breweries in town and around the area.
Sweet Berry Farms: Pick your own produce at Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls! Check their website for more information and what’s in season.
Go Golfing: If you’re a golfing fan, check out some of the courses at Horseshoe Bay Resort, it was “named part of the ‘Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America‘ by Golf Magazine.”
Hidden Falls Adventure Park: This Adventure Park is a rugged trail park for off-roading vehicles. They have dirt bikes, ATV/UTVs, and full-size vehicle trails!
- Where to eat -
- Where to STAY -
There are several highly-rated hotels in the area:
I’d also recommend checking out Airbnb, there are some incredible rentals in the area too!
Inks Lake + Burnet + Lake Buchanan
North of Marble Falls lies Burnet and Inks Lake. Travel a little further Northwest and you’ll find yourself in Lake Buchanan. Like most destinations in the Highland Lakes, there is no shortage of things to do outdoors… And of course, some wineries!
- What to Do -
A Day on the Lake: Whether you want to rent a boat, do some swimming, or try your luck at fishing, Inks Lake and Lake Buchanan are both great choices!
Longhorn Cavern State Park: Nicknamed the National Cave of Texas, Longhorn Cavern State Park is definitely worth a stop! Entry to the park grounds is free, but to enter the cavern you have to pay for a guided tour.
Visit a Winery: The Highland Lakes Area has a lot of great wineries to visit! These are located near Buchanan Lake and Burnet:
Learn Some History:
Lakeway + Lake Travis
Probably one of the most well known + popular of the Highland Lakes is Lake Travis. Less than an hour from Austin, the Lake Travis and Lakeway area are great for both a day trip and Hill Country weekend getaway!
- What to Do -
Rent a Boat: Spend a day out on Lake Travis! Don’t have a boat? You can rent one or even hire someone to take you out for the day!
Lake Travis Zipline Adventure: Feeling dare devilish? Book a tour at Lake Travis Zipline Adventure!
Visit a Winery: There are so many wineries in the Highland Lakes, check out these in the Lake Travis and Lakeway area:
Catch a Sunset at The Oasis: The Oasis is one of my favorite places to eat in Austin, mostly for the view! Go at sunset and have a margarita for the ultimate Lake Travis experience!
Visit a Waterpark: Lake Travis has 4 water parks in the area, great for families!
- Where to eat -
Breakfast + Coffee:
Lunch + Dinner:
Drinks:
- Where to STAY -
Lake Travis has some seriously beautiful hotel properties! I personally love staying at Lakeway Resort and Spa, but Vintage Villas and Miraval Austin (luxury option) are also good options!
You can also find some pretty amazing Airbnbs to rent! Check out this list of best Airbnb rentals on Lake Travis.
There ya have it, 5 Hill Country Weekend Road Trips Itineraries… Whew, that was a lot! I hope this helps you plan your next weekend getaway! As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment or DM me on Instagram.
xx Chels
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