Photo Credit: Kim Croisant
Sometimes it's nice to jump in the car and go somewhere else! But when you're in the hill country, you don't want to miss out on all the wonderful things to do and see. When all you have is a day, go for one of these day trips in the Texas Hill Country.
If you're traveling to San Antonio, Austin, or any other area close to the Hill Country and have some time to spare, you'll want to look at these day trips near these cities or spread out in the country. All you need is a day or half-day to enjoy these drives and places.
Coffee & scones at Pax Coffee in Kerrville. Photo Credit: Fran K.
The Guadalupe River winds alongside Kerrville, making any stop in town a potentially beautiful vista. And if you're lucky to be in the area in spring, take the backroads to view the wildflowers.
We recharged our batteries at Pax Coffee across the street. The coffee was fabulous, and the setting was fun and refreshing.
If wine is on your list, there are about ten wineries in the area that you might want to visit. Kerrville Hills Winery is a great place to start.
Louise Hays Park is centrally located downtown and offers an excellent place for picnicking.
Kerrville-Schreiner Park has a diverse offering, including hiking, bike trails, canoeing, and kayak rentals.
Proof & Cooper Restaurant in Johnson City
On a day trip, scope out the food truck on Princeton Rd that makes authentic Mexican street tacos. Everybody loves tacos, right?
Go here for great food and score shareable meals. My friend and I shared the delicious beef nachos, and I don't think we finished it. The location is 209 E. Main Street. It's across the street, catty corner from the Farmhouse Vineyard.
Wine lovers want to visit the Farmhouse Vineyard & Marketplace for excellent wine like their signature, The Boyfriend. I do think the names that are given to their wines are hilarious. And you're in luck if the Tipsy Trailer is open. It wasn't when we were there. The Tipsy Trailer sits on the winery property, where they serve wine. It's very darling, and there are tables and chairs to sit in to enjoy your wine. I'm not sure when it's open, but I'm guessing on lovely spring days and not days below freezing - like when we were there!
If you're an outdoorsy person, you might want to take part in hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding at Pedernales Falls State Park, and if not, opt for a picnic and bird watching. If the kids are with you, have you ever thought about geocaching? You can do that here as well. There is an entrance fee, and booking your day and time slot online is best, especially if you are going on Saturday. The weekends do sell out fast.
The Beautiful Blanco State Park
An easy 30-minute road trip from north San Antonio and about a 45-minute road trip from Austin makes a nice day trip either way. If you didn't know (I did not), Blanco is known as the Lavender Capital of Texas. I think that would be a great time to visit to see the blooming lavender fields.
I can't get over the scenery in this park. The photo above was taken by me the day after that 2022 winter freeze. I can only imagine swimming in the water when it gets warmer.
Have a plate of fantastic barbeque at Old 300 BBQ (look for the old red truck in front) and then splurge on a smoked blueberry cheesecake topped with fresh blueberries and drizzled in blueberry sauce. Then walk around town to burn it off!
Explore the shops, the Pioneer Museum, breweries, and clothing stores. You can certainly fill up a full day in the town square while walking off that amazing cheesecake you just ate!
Wedding Oak Winery in Fredericksburg.
At the northern tip of the Texas Hill Country, nestled among the pecan trees, sits peaceful San Saba. I've heard nice things about one of the vineyards (below) and how pretty the town is. I suspect San Saba will be another town on my favorite THC town list. San Saba is roughly 50 miles from Brownwood.
I see picnics in the future with three city parks and the Colorado Bend State Park all in the area! Be sure to visit the Gorman Waterfall, and if there's time, take a swim.
I know of three Wedding Oak Winery wineries, and I have visited two of them-Fredericksburg and Burnet. And the owner's daughter was both serving me wine and telling me stories and how the winery got its name. I'd love to visit where it all started with Wedding Oak Winery-San Saba.
Since San Saba is known as the Pecan Capital of the World, it makes sense to buy a pound or two while you're there.even if you don't love pecans - someone you know does, right! There are a couple of places in town where you can get pecans or treats with pecans added.
If you're in Austin for the day or come to town with your spouse and have a day to yourself, head to Georgetown. There are plenty of things for you to do, including nature and shopping. Visiting Georgetown with my grandson was one of the trips in the Texas Hill Country that gave me many memories with him.
Take a walk (or a hike) on the 9-mile trail along the river while viewing the wildflowers. There are plenty of benches along the way for breaks, water foundations, and restrooms. After your walk/hike, head to San Gabriel Park, enjoy a picnic and watch the ducks.
Since Georgetown's town square is the most beautiful in Texas, may I suggest not passing it up? You don't have to buy anything, but I'm sure you'll want to see the most beautiful town square in Texas. I saw it in October, but I hear it's so beautiful around Christmastime.
Wildfire is a steakhouse and saloon restaurant in Town Square and is a favorite among locals. If steak is too heavy, don't worry, there are plenty of places to eat.
Photo Credit: Destination Dripping Springs
They don't call Dripping Springs "The Gateway to the Hill Country" for nothing. Just a short drive from Austin, you'll be in a world of wineries, brewers, and distillers - they have all three and are the only town in the THC to have all three. But if that's not on your list, there are plenty of reasons to visit Dripping Springs.
Go for the best barbeque or the utmost perfect atmosphere, and head to Salt Lick BBQ. Live music might be going on outside under the oak trees.
One of my favorite wineries is Solaro Estate and Driftwood winery, but a few more in town have fantastic scenic views and good wine. It's hard to choose which ones, especially if you only have a day. We were following the wineries on the Texas Wine Trail list when we were there, so it was easy for us to choose.
There is a beautiful pool of water with a waterfall and places to sit and watch. There are several rules to read over when you enter, and swimming is no longer allowed. So be sure to read the information on the website - Hamilton Pool Reserve.
Well, there you have it - beautiful day trips in the Texas Hill Country for you to consider. Have fun choosing!!!
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