The Texas Hill Country surrounding Austin offers some of the best day-trip destinations in the state. Fredericksburg is a German-heritage town with Main Street shopping, excellent restaurants, and the heart of Texas wine country. Wimberley features a charming town square, Blue Hole swimming, and artisan galleries. Gruene (New Braunfels) offers the oldest dance hall in Texas, river tubing on the Comal, and the Gruene Historic District. The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area provides dramatic granite dome hiking. Dripping Springs has become a destination for craft distilleries and breweries.
Difficulty
EasyDuration
Full day
Cost
Gas plus activity costs ($50-200 per person)
Best Time
Depart early to maximize time
Best Time to Go
MarchAprilMayOctoberNovember
What to Bring
- •Comfortable clothes
- •Camera
- •Cooler for wine purchases
- •Cash for small-town shops
Requirements
- Car
- Valid driver's license
Pro Tips
- Fredericksburg is about 90 minutes west—perfect wine country day trip
- Book Enchanted Rock day passes in advance, they sell out
- Gruene Hall hosts live music Thursday through Sunday
- Wildflower season (March-April) along Highway 290 is stunning
- Wimberley market days are first Saturday of each month
Where to Go
- ➤Fredericksburg
- ➤Wimberley
- ➤Gruene/New Braunfels
- ➤Enchanted Rock
- ➤Dripping Springs