The Texas Hill Country, with its rolling landscapes, spring-fed rivers, and charming small towns, makes for an enticing summer getaway. In this guide, we’ll explore the best of what The Hill Country has to offer, highlighting popular activities, hidden gems, and comfortable Texas Hill Country vacation rentals that will make your stay unforgettable.
About The Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country region is renowned for its scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and wide array of recreational activities. With Austin and San Antonio at its fringes, the area provides a perfect blend of urban convenience and rural charm. The region’s geography is marked by rugged hills, meandering rivers, and dense oak forests, providing a stunning backdrop for any summer vacation.
Those looking for an authentic Texas experience will find no shortage of activities, from The Texas Hill Country wineries and barbecue joints to historic sites and artisan shops.
Things To Do in The Texas Hill Country
The Blue Hole in Wimberley
As the temperatures rise, locals and visitors are invited to immerse themselves in one of the most refreshing swimming holes in the Texas Hill Country. Whether seeking a thrilling plunge from the rope swing, a leisurely swim, or a peaceful picnic by the water’s edge, Blue Hole promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. Passes are required to swim, and it’s wise to secure them in advance as this popular spot can fill up quickly during peak season.
Tubing in New Braunfels & Canyon Lake
Tubing in the Texas Hill Country is a staple summer activity and for good reason. New Braunfels, home to the Comal River, serves as a hub for those wanting a memorable tubing experience. Canyon Lake is another favorite for those looking to tube in crystal-clear, deep waters. Surrounded by white limestone bluffs and shaded by cypress trees, it’s a beautiful site for swimming, boating, and, of course, tubing. Outfitters in the area rent out tubes and offer shuttle services, making it simple to go on your floating adventure.
Wineries & Distilleries
Desert Door Distillery
Dubbed as “Tequila’s smoother, more sustainable cousin,” Desert Door Distillery introduces the uninitiated to the spirit of the Texas desert via its Texas Sotol Original. Crafted with the sotol plant, a native desert species, the distillery channels the wild spirits of West Texas into each bottle. Visitors to the distillery in Driftwood can go on a journey through the production process, from wild harvesting to aging, concluding with a tasting session of their core products.
Garrison Brothers Distillery
Garrison Brothers Distillery holds the honor of being the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas. In the Hill Country ranch, their bourbons are a product of the intense local climate and a testament to the dedication of the distillery’s team. Tours offer insight into the whiskey-making process and conclude with tastings of their most coveted expressions, encapsulating a tradition-rich journey into the world of authentic Texas bourbon.
Treaty Oak Distilling
Treaty Oak Distilling marries tradition with innovation, infusing the centuries-old craft of spirit-making with modern inspirations. By experimenting with ingredients, techniques, and finishes, they are pushing whiskey into new realms. A tour through the distillery with a knowledgeable guide encompasses the heritage, history, and science behind their craft.
Grape Creek Vineyards
Grape Creek Vineyards is committed to offering exceptional benefits and exclusive access to its wine collection. The Tuscan-inspired tasting rooms, amid the vineyard’s beautifully landscaped patios, fountains, and terraces, offer a luxurious escape next to the Italian countryside. Experience the winemaking process with a tram ride through the working vineyards, visit the state-of-the-art production facilities, and savor the aging wines straight from the barrel.
Messina Hof Hill Country Winery
Dedicated to crafting premium Texas wines, Messina Hof Hill shares these creations through exceptional experiences of hospitality, food, and customer service. The Tasting Room offers an experience that inspires visitors to bring the wines into their own families. Offering a selection of over 50 wines, including exclusive reserve labels, visitors can indulge in the flavors that have earned Messina Hof its place as a top Texas Winery. Light bites complement the wine sips, providing a full-palate experience worthy of Hill Country’s esteemed reputation.
Texas Wine Collective
Texas Wine Collective stands as a testament to the community’s dedication to wine excellence. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with authentic Texas hospitality and an array of modern amenities. The founders’ vision was to give life to a wine estate that would offer the finest Texas wines paired with outstanding tasting experiences. With tastings that feature Texas artisan cheeses, the Wine Collective promises to deepen guests’ understanding of the region’s wine industry while offering a selection of delicious vintages to savor.
Summer Texas Hill Country Events
July 4th Celebrations
Independence Day Festival
The Hill Country Galleria hosts an Independence Day Festival every year. You can enjoy shopping with over 40+ vendors on the streets of Hill Country Galleria and live music in the Central Plaza. The best eateries and vendors in the Hill Country Galleria head to the festival and hand out delicious snacks and treats. This event is perfect for kids, too; they can enjoy carnival rides, water games, and free face painting. It all wraps up with a stellar fireworks show after dark!
Cedar Park 4th of July
Cedar Park also hosts its own Independence Day celebrations! There’s live music, carnival rides, inflatables, concessions, fireworks, and a movie in the park immediately following the fireworks show. Food trucks and shopping vendors also flock to this Texas Hill Country event each year.
Red, White & Buda
The Buda Amphitheater hosts a day filled with family fun and entertainment each year on July 4th. Dance to your favorite tunes, indulge in a variety of delicious options from our food trucks, earn your place as cornhole champion, and witness a spectacular fireworks show. Other things to do include ax throwing, sand volleyball, a splash pad, rock wall climbing, and bounce houses.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to start planning your Texas adventure? Contact the team at Hill Country Premier Lodging to find the perfect vacation rental in The Texas Hill Country for your stay, and book your retreat today!
Lavender Festival
The Lavender Festival epitomizes Hill Country’s natural beauty and agricultural richness, set amidst the first commercial lavender farm in Texas. It’s a haven for lovers of lavender, offering a vast market of lavender products and crafts at the Old Blanco County Courthouse. Learn about growing and using lavender in cuisine, wellness, and home from expert speakers at Uptown Blanco Courtyard. Enjoy live music at Bindseil Park, and savor local specialties, wines, and beers.
PetFest
PetFest is a dynamic, pet-focused Texas Hill Country event welcoming pet owners and enthusiasts to a two-day celebration. Held indoors in pet-friendly New Braunfels, it features an array of pet industry exhibitors offering training, grooming, accessories, and gourmet treats. More than an expo, Petfest includes contests, demonstrations, and adoption opportunities, alongside giveaways, and interactive fun. Explore New Braunfels with your pet, experiencing its welcoming businesses and eateries, enhancing the charm of Petfest with endless entertainment and the chance to make lasting memories with your furry friend.
Book Your Texas Hill Country Vacation Rental with Hill Country Premier Lodging
To fully embrace all that The Texas Hill Country has to offer, consider booking a stay with Hill Country Premier Lodging. Offering a wide range of vacation rentals, our accommodations provide comfort, convenience, and are near tons of things to do in The Texas Hill Country. Whether you’re looking for a rustic cabin by the river or a luxurious estate near the vineyards, Hill Country Premier Lodging has the perfect Texas Hill Country vacation rental for your summer escape. Enjoy privacy, spectacular views, and easy access to all local attractions, making your summer trip as relaxing or adventurous as you desire.
