Cities and towns in the Texas Hill Country offer natural beauty, delicious food, and unique experiences for visitors. If you are planning an extended trip to the area, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and discover all that each community has to offer. While all Texas Hill Country cities are worth a visit, there are some that you should make a point of seeing during your stay.
What Is the Texas Hill Country?
The Texas Hill Country is a geological area in central to south-central Texas. Its distinctive rolling grassland is the result of millions of years of erosion of the Edwards Plateau. Beneath the level of the ground, the rock of the plateau is limestone. This porous rock forms caves and holes where water collects. The Edwards Aquifer provides fresh drinking water to residents of Texas Hill Country cities and towns. Natural springs are also among the many attractions that the area has to offer.
What Cities and Towns Are in the Texas Hill Country?
Communities in the Texas Hill Country include big cities, such as Austin and San Antonio, and small towns, such as Luckenbach.
Many visitors stay in one of the big cities and then make day trips to the smaller communities. Here are a few examples of Texas Hill Country communities, large and small.
1. San Antonio
One of the largest cities in Texas, San Antonio is on the edges of the Texas Hill Country. It is popular with history buffs as the site of the Alamo. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the Riverwalk and the festivals that happen on almost a monthly basis. San Antonio is also home to some lush botanical gardens.
2. Austin
Austin is the capital of Texas, and the red granite Capitol building with its extensive and well-kept grounds is one of its main attractions. Austin also features a vibrant live music scene, a self-guided street art tour, and tons of restaurants featuring street tacos, barbecue, and other Tex-Mex favorites. Because Austin is known as the gateway to the Texas Hill Country, many visitors find accommodations near Austin and make it their home base as they explore the rest of the area.
3. Bandera
If you’re interested in immersing yourself in the cowboy culture of Texas, Bandera is the place to do it. There are many dude ranches nearby where you can try activities such as horseback riding. Even if the cowboy culture doesn’t appeal to you, Bandera offers many outdoor activities, including fishing, swimming, and hiking.
4. Burnet
The bluebonnet is the state flower of Texas. As the state’s “Bluebonnet Capital,” as recognized by the Texas State Legislature in 1981, the Hill Country city of Burnet hosts a Bluebonnet Festival every year in April, which includes the following events:
- Cavalry demonstrations
- Dance performances
- Classic car shows
- Pet parades
In addition, there is live music and lots of food for sale over the three days of the festival.
Burnet is also home to state parks, including Longhorn Cavern State Park and Inks Lake. Locals consider Inks Lake to be one of the Hill Country’s best state parks because of its seven miles of hiking trails and lakes that aren’t susceptible to drought.
5. Spicewood
In the spring, Spicewood puts forth an eclectic array of wildflowers. One of the most popular spots in the Texas Hill Country city of Spicewood is Krause Springs. This is a waterfall fed by a natural spring, and when the weather is warm, you can go swimming in its natural swimming hole, complete with rope swings.
6. Llano
Llano is home to a historic courthouse and several vineyards, but its biggest attraction is probably Enchanted Rock State Park. The main feature is a naturally occurring monolith of pink granite. From its 425-foot height, you can enjoy some spectacular views of the Texas Hill Country and try to see its cities and towns.
7. Blanco
Blanco means “white” in Spanish, but the main attraction of this Texas Hill Country town is lavender. The herb is cultivated here, and local vendors sell lavender products such as soap and tea in great quantities. Enjoy the picturesque views of the lavender fields during a picnic under an oak tree.
8. Wimberley
Wimberley is a hidden gem among Texas Hill Country cities. You can stroll along downtown and look into the cute little shops. You can stop at the Leaning Pear for comfort food with a southern flair and look into the Wimberley Glassworks for a demonstration of glassblowing. Blue Hole Regional Park is a natural spring regarded by locals as one of the most beautiful in Texas with its ring of cypress trees surrounding it.
9. New Braunfels
Located north of San Antonio, New Braunfels is a small Texas Hill Country city rich in the heritage of the German settlers who founded it. It features a charming historic district called Gruene that includes the oldest dance hall in the state. New Braunfels is known for aquatic activities; you can ride the Guadalupe River in an inner tube or spend a day at the famous Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
10. Johnson City
Johnson City is a good place to go to learn more about the history of Texas, especially more recent history. It is the hometown of Lyndon B. Johnson, and historic sites include his ranch and boyhood home. There is also a state park named for the former president. Other fun and educational attractions in Johnson City include the Science Mill and the Sauer-Beckman Living History Museum.
11. Luckenbach
With an official population of only three people, Luckenbach is one of the smallest Texas Hill Country cities. Nevertheless, it has an outsized reputation due to its live music scene, with performances in the Luckenbach Dance Hall on a daily basis.
Where Can You Find Accommodations in Texas Hill Country Cities and Towns?
For a long-term stay in the Texas Hill Country, consider Sunset Ranch RV Park. We are located just outside Austin, near the heart of the Hill Country, with easy access to big-city amenities. Establish your home base and explore Texas Hill Country cities from here.