Have you ever taken a road trip through the Texas Hill Country? The drive is incredible. The views are spectacular. And the stops are worth the driving in between.
If you have never taken a day trip through the Hill Country, now is a great time! In fact, any time is a great time. We have some tips and ideas to make your road trip a trip to remember.
Things to Take In
There are so many things to do in the Texas Hill Country, it would be impossible to fit everything in on a day trip, or even a weekend. Doing some research ahead of time will ensure you get to the things you most want to do.
The time of year will dictate if you want more indoor or outdoor activities. If it is December through early March, or June through mid-September, you will want to be inside more than outside. However, the fall and spring months are mild and perfect for exploring outdoors.
There is nothing like the spring in the Hill Country. Imagine wildflowers along all the roads and fields of color. It is not uncommon to see families piling out of their cars to get that yearly Bluebonnet picture.
The Fall is fantastic because the weather has finally cooled off, and it is an excellent time for hiking or attending any of the festivals and events that occur throughout the Hill Country. Even if you’re in the colder winter months with more rain or the hot summer months, the Texas Hill Country offers delicious food and drinks to keep you cool and entertained inside.
Outdoor Activities
If you enjoy being active, Enchanted Rock is a must-do on any list. Enchanted Rock is just outside of Llano. The views are unbeatable while you climb the 425-foot pink granite rock, one of the largest like it you will find in America. The view from the top is awe-inspiring as you take in all the Hill Country has to offer. You can camp, picnic, stargaze, or hike on 11 miles of trail, also.
Garner State Park is another excellent outdoor adventure. Garner State Park is a favorite in the Hill Country and the entire state. You can hike or camp, as well as swim or tube the Frio River in this 1,774 acres of beautiful Hill Country. In the summer, check out the summer dances, a tradition since the 1940s.
Another great spot close to Fredericksburg is the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. This beautiful park offers history, as well as an area for a picnic, fishing, swimming, or viewing the local wildlife, like buffalo, longhorn, and deer. The stop is also educational as you can visit a living history farm and see what life was like in 1918. Don’t miss the wildflowers in spring, or the Visitor Center full of President Johnson history and memorabilia. There are also historical cabins, built by settlers in the 1860s and 1870s.
You’ve heard the song, so why not put Luckenbach, Texas on your list. Take a trip to a simpler time, enjoy good music and dancing, or pick up something fun at the General Store. Bring some friends and enjoy an afternoon or evening where everybody’s somebody…
Indoor Activities
If you are looking to get inside, check out the National Museum of the Pacific War. Named for Fredericksburg’s own Admiral Chester Nimitz, you can spend an entire day learning the storied history of our battles in the Pacific during World War II. Learn about Pearl Harbor, Japanese culture at the time, and meet some of the heroes who fought so bravely for our great country.
The Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg is another fabulous indoor activity. The mission of the museum is to preserve and tell the story of the Texas Hill Country. The museum sits on three acres, and you will learn about the history of the German settlers to the area. See historical homesteads, a one-room schoolhouse, a Sunday house, a bathhouse, a barn, a smokehouse, and a fire department.
Of course, there are many wineries along the drive. Check out Wine Road 290 for a list of great wineries to visit. You can also get more information for events happening throughout the year that you will want to check out.
While there are many restaurants around the area, we would love you to stop in and visit us at Sweetbriar Rose. We are open Thursday through Sunday. We serve wine and beer flights, or wine and beer by the glass or bottle.
Get a made-from-scratch sandwich or pastry all day, or a handmade coffee. Our pastry chef trained in New York City, you won’t want to miss the delectable things she cooks up. We also offer cheese plates, bread by the loaf, soups, and salads, and other tasty snacks.
We have a large building perfect for large groups, or for hanging out with friends. You will find a ton of unique items for yourself or as a gift. Stop by and let the friendliest staff in town ensure you have a great visit. Add Sweetbriar Rose to your Texas Hill Country road trip.
Make Reservations
If you want to take advantage of the Hill Country, several companies can help. Schedule a tour with one of them to ensure you safely get to all the places you want to visit.
Texas Winos offer Texas hospitality and mix in some fun. Each event is like a mini-vacation. The guides are fun and personable and ensure a unique trip each time. There are themed events, and you are encouraged to go all in and make the most out of the day. Check them out and see when their next event is!
With 290 Wine Shuttle, you pay once and get transportation all day. Hop on and off throughout the day at wineries. Spend as much time at each place as you want, then get on the next bus that comes through. For just $29.99 you get access all day to the shuttle. You can also book a private shuttle for larger groups.
There are two routes, the Eastern and Western routes. Pick the wineries you want to see most and book that route. Sweetbriar Rose is on the Western Route so you can grab lunch and a beer between checking out the fantastic local wine!
Vine and Wine Adventures offers a different approach. Their guides will choose specific wineries for each group based on where you will get the best experience, rather than visiting them all. Feel free to make suggestions to the driver. Wherever you visit, you can be assured to taste some great wine and have fun along the way. You can also schedule a private tour to ensure you get to the wineries you want most.
Whatever you choose to do on your trip to the Texas Hill Country, we hope you take some time to visit us at Sweetbriar Rose. For a little more about us, check out our website, or read this blog about what we do. We would love to meet you, and serve you some delicious food and drinks. We love all things Texas, especially the Hill Country.
Sweetbriar Rose, Hill Country Eatery 