11 Fun Things to Do in the Texas Hill Country

Writing about 11 fun things to do while enjoying Last Days of Summer in the Texas Hill Country may sound like it’s a lot. However, that’s actually quite tame when it comes to the variety and wide array of options of things to do that Hill Country provides. This American county, obviously located in Texas, is home to charming small-town fare and big-city attractions alike.

It's got a rare and unique history and boasts many beautiful landscapes and natural phenomena that can keep anybody enthralled and captivated throughout their time there. From awesome historical sites to the best in local entertainment – the Hill Country has something for everything.

Here are the top 11 things everyone should experience.

1. Wind Down at Hamilton Pool

One of the most picturesque settings in Texas, and America at large, Hamilton Pool attracts many people to its beautiful scenery and awesome wildlife trails. Bookings are limited to ensure that the ecosystem is preserved and protected, which makes it feel like your own private getaway.

2. Visit the Painted Churches

Some of the richest and most beautiful buildings in Texas, the painted churches are spread all over central Texas. From the 1800s and early 1900s, they were built by Czech and German immigrants who arrived in Texas at the end of the 19th century. They wanted their places of worship to feel like home, so they painted altars and arches with rich, vibrant colors and designs that were akin to the Gothic style of their homelands. The result is wonderfully decorated interiors with blue skies, shocks of pink, swirling ivy, and much more.

3. Live Music at Luckenbach

The former ghost town of Luckenbach has transformed into a hub of concerts and festivals and has played host to a slew of country music greats as well as local talents. You're guaranteed to have a good time in Luckenbach!

4. Go Wine Tasting in Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is located just 14 miles from Luckenbach and has become the winery capital of the Hill Country. Wineries like Augusta Vin and Slate Theory are sites of gorgeous vineyards with views from the patio and deck and even a cool underground wine cellar for tastings. Becker Vineyards and Pedernales Cellars are also quality wineries in beautiful settings.

5. See the LBJ Presidential Sites

If you’re a history buff, this one is for you. Lyndon B. Johnson was the 36th president of the United States and was born in the Hill Country. There are various sites that relate to his life all over the Hill Country that, together, form the LBJ National Historical Park.

6 Go to the Museum of the Pacific War

The sheer volume of quality displays and the amount of information that is present in the museum is incredible. Not only is this museum one of the greatest in the Hill Country, but it's also a must-see in Texas county as a whole.

7. Tour the Cave Without a Name

Located 80ft below ground, the Cave Without a Name is a wonderfully unique attraction in Boerne. Visitors are given a tour through six rooms filled with massive stalagmites and stalactites and are taught about the cave’s development over time. There are also, on occasion, concerts and other performances that turn the space into a stage with incredible acoustics. Watch Bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge

8. Watch Bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge

The Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin is host to the largest colony of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats in North America, and from spring through to early fall, these bats fly out at sunset and continue going for as long as 2-3 hours, putting on quite the show for spectators. At the season’s peak, there could be as many as 1.5 million bats taking to the air above Lady Bird Lake. That’s a must-see, and it’s free!

9. Take a Dip at Barton Springs

The perfect summer outing to escape the heat. In the heart of Zilker Park, the Barton Springs Pool is fed by underground springs that always stay 68-70 degrees. This is a no-brainer for families, and it's open all year round.

10. Jump into Jacob’s Well

Located in Wimberly, Jacob's Well is one of the best swimming holes in Texas and a top place to cool off when the heat rises. The chilly water is deceptively deep but equally incredible! If you're feeling brave, you can even jump in from the cliffs above.

11. Catch a Show at Gruene Dance Hall

The Gruene Hall is the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. That alone is worthy of your time! It’s got a spacious courtyard as well as an indoor dance hall which is open to new performers on a nightly basis. You will have a lot of space to spread out, two-step, and enjoy the good vibrations.

Conclusion

There are so many more attractions and things to do in Hill Country, but the above list consists of some of the absolute essentials. Whatever you end up doing, the Texas Hill Country will not disappoint!

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