A Guide to Texas Hill Country

Wine, Heritage, & Relaxation

There's plenty to love about the state of Texas, but one of our favorite destinations is Texas Hill country. There are so many things to do in Hill Country that one visit isn't enough. The Hill Country of Texas is considered one of the best places to visit in the country. Not only is it one of the largest wine-growing regions in the country, but it's filled with a variety of wonderful things to see and do.

The Texas Hill Country is located in southwestern central Texas. It offers visitors some of the best wine tastings in the country, not to mention breathtaking views, plenty of outdoor recreation, great shopping, and charming towns to visit along the way. 

This spring is a beautiful time to visit and enjoy all of the best things to do in Hill Country. Texas' bluebonnet season is nearly here and is considered one of the biggest draws to the area. These vibrant flowers blanket the hillside towns of Texas Hill Country, transforming an already beautiful landscape into something truly unforgettable.

As the season progresses, local lavender farms will be in bloom, too, and soon enough, it will be peak time to enjoy the rivers, lakes, and natural swimming holes that dot the countryside in the Texas Hill Country. Add to this outdoor paradise charming small towns filled with great food, wine, shopping, and culture. It's easy to see why people return to Texas Hill Country time and time again. 

Whether you're looking for a food and wine-laden adventure, a romantic getaway for two, or a relaxing trip away from the hustle and bustle, you'll find plenty of things to do in Hill Country to keep you busy (or not) for days. At the heart of any great getaway to Hill Country is a stay at one of our Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts. Each Inn offers unique accommodations, all backed by the industry-leading standards set by the Select Registry Brand.  

Isn't it time you see what it truly means to Stay Select? There's no better time to experience the best things to do in Hill Country. Book your room at our Texas Bed and Breakfasts today!

Top Things to do in Hill Country

There's no doubt that one of the most popular things to do in Hill Country is to sip and swirl your way from one winery to the next. We've written a lot about the many wine tasting opportunities near Select Registry properties around the country, including those right here in the Texas Hill Country. As impressive as these wineries are, there truly are so many other great things to do in Hill Country. 

The area boasts an abundance of outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and swimming. Moreover, there are several truly charming small towns that are fun to explore. Whatever you're looking for during your trip to Texas, here are just a few of our favorite things to do in Hill Country. 

1. Visiting state parks is one of our favorite things to do in Hill Country, and there are plenty of great ones. Consider visiting Garner State Park, where you'll find great hiking and the crystal clear waters of the Frio River that are perfect for tubing and kayaking. Or, perhaps visit beautiful Pedernales Falls State Park, a great place to swim, hike, and relax. Guadalupe River State Park is a great place to float on the river - one of the most popular things to do in Hill Country in the heat of summer.
2. Speaking of the heat of summer, when it gets hot outside, it's time to cool off at local swimming holes like Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve, the Blue Hole Regional Park, or Jacobs Well Natural Area. Talk about fun - and cooling - things to do in Hill Country!
3. Enjoy some award-winning Texas BBQ! This area is famous for it. One popular establishment is Franklin Barbecue in Austin itself, but plenty of other establishments are sprinkled throughout Hill Country. 
4. Speaking of eating, it's probably one of the best things to do in  Hill Country. There are some truly outstanding restaurants in Hill Country - which comes as no surprise because most top-rated wine destinations have great food. Here are some of the top-rated restaurants in the area. Whatever you do, don't miss the restaurants offered by our Select Registry Inns. 
5. Explore the German heritage of downtown Fredericksburg, and explore the other charming towns of Texas Hill Country, including Wimberley and New Braunfels. 
6. Gardening enthusiasts won't want to miss Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, the largest wildflower seed farm in the U.S. There are a few more great places to see the bluebonnet wildflower season, including just off the highway.
7. In late spring, the beautiful carpet of bluebonnets will give way to the purple hue of lavender farms. Visiting these farms is a fun way to spend an afternoon! 
8. Visit Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, one of the top things to do in Hill Country. It's a great spot to enjoy sweeping views of this part of Texas. 
9. There are plenty of things to do in Hill Country above ground, but have you ever thought of heading underground? Natural Bridge Caverns is the perfect place to escape the heat and do precisely that. 
10. Rent a boat for the day and do some boating, swimming, and/or fishing at Canyon Lake. It's one of the best things to do in Hill Country in the summer. The sparkling turquoise water is beyond inviting!

With so many fabulous things to do in Hill Country, we know you will fall in love and return for new adventures many times over. 

The Best Texas Wineries in Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country is famous for more than its wide-open Texas-style views! We've already said that one of the top things to do in Hill Country is to go wine tasting - and with so many incredible Texas Wineries within a short day's drive of cities like Austin and San Antonio, is it any wonder why?

Hill Country is the third-largest wine-growing region in the country and is home to more than 1,000 acres of vineyards serving more than 100 Texas wineries. It's certainly near the top of our list for "must-visit" wine destinations. 

Many of the top Texas Wineries in Hill Country are located along Texas Highway 290, also known as Wine Road 290. That makes wine tasting pretty convenient and easy, but it can also be an overwhelming experience with many choices. We've taken a look at reviews and recommendations from industry-leading experts, including the Innkeepers at our Texas Bed and Breakfasts in Hill Country. We have compiled a list of what we consider the best Texas Wineries to visit in Hill Country.

As you can see, there's an incredible range of things to do in Hill Country this year. Isn't it time you visit? Book a room at one of our top-rated Texas Bed and Breakfasts today!

Top Places to Stay in Hill Country

Sage Hill Inn & Spa

Located 25 minutes from Downtown Austin Texas, the Sage Hill Inn & Spa sit atop a hill on 88 acres above Onion Creek, with sweeping views of the Hill Country to the West. 

Our seasonal gourmet menu provides a three-course meal each night and a full hot breakfast each morning, both incorporating fresh fruit and vegetables from our gardens. Our land has miles and miles of hiking trails rich with wildlife to explore, too. 

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Inn at Sunset Mill Ranch

Just minutes away from Wimberley, Texas, the inn is conveniently located halfway between San Antonio and Austin (both less than an hour away) and just a short drive to the small towns of Gruene, New Braunfels, and many attractions and activities including hiking trails, rivers and streams, fishing scenic drives, shopping, dining, as well as numerous wineries and distilleries, and much more. 

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