Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Before you even get on the road, Austin's mix of natural beauty and laid-back city life sets the tone for your trip. The State Capitol is located in the middle of the city and is surrounded by green gardens where you may relax and enjoy the sun. The vibrant downtown, a few blocks south, is lined with pubs, fantastic restaurants, and never-ending live music.

The Blanton Museum of Art in Austin houses the biggest collection of art in Central Texas. The Modern Austin, which has facilities in downtown Austin and Laguna Gloria, features a diverse collection of contemporary art. The Mexic-Arte Museum emphasizes the preservation and enjoyment of Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and is located just blocks from the downtown Contemporary Austin.

Lady Bird Lake, a slice of Austin's natural splendor, runs straight through the heart of the city. It's also known as Town Lake, and it's a popular site for kayaking, rowing, and paddleboarding, as well as jogging and biking.

You'll need to refuel before venturing into the Hill Country. From BBQ to food trucks, sophisticated restaurants to local favorites, Austin's tremendous culinary scene has you covered. And if you look hard enough, you might just find everything in one place.

As you travel west into Fredericksburg, the country will open up in front of you, with rolling tree-covered hills, exposed limestone cliffs, and a plethora of beautiful wildflowers.

You'll arrive in Johnson City, which is home to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, after about an hour. You may take a tour of the family ranch and see relics like his childhood house and first school. This is also where our 36th president, Lyndon B. Johnson, is buried.

The Hill Country wine area is also centered around Johnson City. Why not take a trip down the 290 Wine Trail and visit some of Texas' top wineries? Some of our favorites include Ab Astris Winery and Kuhlman Cellars.

When you arrive in Fredericksburg, pay a visit to the National Museum of the Pacific War, which honors those who served in the Pacific Theater of World War II, and the Pioneer Museum, which honors the lives of the region's early German inhabitants.

Next, make your way to San Antonio, but don't rush. We recommend taking the scenic way for peaceful Hill Country views along back roads lined with wildflowers.

To get to Luckenbach, go about 10 kilometers southeast on the signs. It's a stretch to call it a town, but it's a destination for country music enthusiasts. Outlaw country musicians like Willie Nelson made it popular in the 1970s. On the outdoor stage, country acts may still be seen on a regular basis.

On your journey to New Braunfels, take the backroads south around Canyon Lake. Stop by Gruene Venue, Texas' oldest continuously functioning dance hall, just outside of town. Families will enjoy a visit to Schlitterbahn Waterpark, but keep in mind that it is only open seasonally. Natural Bridge Caverns and the exotic animals at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, about 20 minutes west of New Braunfels, are also popular with families.

Finally, finish your Hill Country road journey in San Antonio, the Alamo City. The Alamo is a Spanish mission that became famous as a battleground during the Texas independence war. However, it is simply one of five historic Spanish missions that make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site in San Antonio. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is made up of the other four. All five provide a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture that continue to shape this magnificent city.

The rebuilt historic Pearl area is just 10 minutes north of downtown. The Pearl Brewery used to be located in this neighborhood. You can now walk the Pearl to find stylish boutiques, delectable eating, and even a weekend farmers market.

The colorful River Walk is one of San Antonio's – and Texas' – most well-known attractions. The San Antonio River has restaurants and stores that you can walk along or take a boat excursion on one of the colorful river barges.

No matter which path you take, a Texas Hill Country road trip is one you'll never forget. This part of Texas has it all: breathtaking scenery, thrilling activities, and hip, inviting cities. So get out there and drive Texas-style.