There is never a lack of things to do in the Texas Hill Country. From the seasonal to the perennial, the attractions that make the Texas Hill Country a destination offers something for everyone. With wineries, restaurants, artisan food makers, plus parks, national monuments, and more, you will not find a better region to explore.
Here is our list of the best things to do in the Texas Hill Country:
1. For the history buff: The Lyndon B. Johnson ranchis a must-see destination. President Johnson’s wishes were to maintain his home as a humble working ranch and remains so—a striking contrast to the man’s legacy of also being the first president to achieve the unthinkable—putting an American on the moon. And in San Antonio, there’s the Alamo. Once a Franciscan mission, it is one of the most iconic Texas landmarks and is a must see.
2. For the BBQ enthusiast: Some say Texas Hill Country is the home of Texas BBQ. While others might argue that every region in Texas could claim that moniker, it’s true that nearly every town in Texas Hill Country has a BBQ joint—so make a plan to stop at one for lunch or dinner while you are wine tasting.
3. For the Rodeo curious: It’s no surprise that rodeo would be on the list of things to do in Texas Hill Country. The state practically invented the concept of the wild west and what could be a better representation of the west that cowboys atop horses herding long-horn cattle or racing around an arena?
4. For the wine and food pairing expert: Texas Hill Country is the home of dozens of wineries, many of which offer food and wine pairing. From chocolate and wine to BBQ and bubbles, you won’t be hungry or thirsty for long.
5. For the brews hound: There’s a saying in wine country—it takes a lot of beer to make good wine. So, spend an afternoon getting to know the craft brewers of Texas Hill Country who brew the beers that keep the winemakers of the region happy.
6. For the wine appellation explorer: Reddy Vineyards is in the next wine region west, but a trip to Texas wine country would be amiss without exploring the Texas High Plains and Reddy Vineyards Texas, which is the source for many of the Texas Hill Country’s wineries.
7. For the outdoor enthusiast: Garner State Park, Enchanted Rockand Inks Lake parks will fill your heart with joy if camping and hiking are your ideas of a good time. With scenic trails, riverside campsites, and stunning rock formations, a visit to any one of these parks would be memorable.
8. For the music lover: Did you know there’s an entire town dedicated to music? Yes, there is and Luckenbach, Texas not only exists, but it was also made famous by the eponymous song by Waylon Jennings. In New Braunfels there’s Gruene Hall, one of the most famous dance halls in Texas. Pay homage to it and take a spin around the dance floor.
9. For the water adventurer: Both the Medina and the Guadalupe rivers offer a plethora of activities from kayaking and rafting to swimming and sunbathing. If you’re a swimmer won’t want to miss one of the world’s most beautiful swimming holes, the Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve.
10. For the holiday traveler: You will definitely want to visit Texas Hill Country in December because of the light displays, carriage rides, caroling, and so much more, make a holiday tour one of the 10 best things to do in the Texas Hill Country. Fredericksburg offers a full month of holiday festivities wrapped up with a town known for its quaint charm. Combine your holiday celebration with a visit to LBJ’s boyhood ranch and you’ll take a trip in time to a place where the charms of yesterday are on full display.