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Road Trip in Hill Country

Texas's Best Kept Secret

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Created by Roadtrippers - June 27th 2016

Everything is bigger in Texas, apparently, and the state's best kept secret is no exception. Hill Country, right in the heart of Texas, is a hidden gem full of BBQ, bluebonnets, swimming holes, and nostalgia for simpler times. Road tripping the loop around Hill Country gives travelers a chance to see both small towns and big cities, the coolest historical attractions and Texas's latest and greatest. Time to saddle up and hit the road!

Photo of Hamilton Pool Preserve
4.5

24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX, US

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Beat the Texas heat with a dip in Hamilton Pool, a collapsed grotto that makes a magical swimming hole.

Photo of Krause Springs
4.0

404 Krause Spring Rd., Spicewood, TX, US

Krause Springs

Try the rope swing at Krause Springs, which has 32 natural springs feeding into a large pool-- it's surrounded by secluded forests, which add to the fairy tale effect.

Photo of Enchanted Rock State Park
4.5

16385 Ranch to Market 965, Willow City, TX, US

Enchanted Rock State Park

Also make sure to take a hike through Enchanted Rock State Park; the name really does describe the colorful granite formations perfectly.

Add some true Texas flavor to your trip by stopping at an authentic honky tonk, like Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar Saloon (where you can still see the bullet holes of bar brawls past).

1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX, US

Gruene Hall

Try a dance hall, like Gruene Hall (don't forget your best boots)!

318 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX, US

The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum

Check out the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum to appreciate some record-breaking taxidermy.

Photo of World’s Largest Cowboy Boots
2.9

7400 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX, US

World’s Largest Cowboy Boots

If that's a little too weird, then pose for a photo with the World's Largest Pair of Cowboy Boots.

510 13th St, Bandera, TX, US

Frontier Times Museum

Bandera is home to the Frontier Times Museum-- it's like stepping back in time to the Old West!

6610 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, US

Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew

Since you're in Texas, there's one thing you're gonna be eating: barbecue. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner (I'm only half kidding). In Austin, chow down on Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew.

Photo of Laird's Barbeque & Catering
3.5

1600 Ford St, Llano, TX, US

Laird's Barbeque & Catering

Or hit up an old school joint like Laird's or Cooper's furthur down the road.

604 W Young St, Llano, TX, US

Cooper's BBQ Inc

600 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, US

24 Diner

If you aren't serious about BBQ for breakfast, then try the chicken & waffles at Austin's finer diner, 24 Diner.

Photo of San Antonio Riverwalk
4.5

Commerce St, San Antonio, TX, US

San Antonio Riverwalk

Or, you can just walk up and down San Antonio's unique Riverwalk and find whatever strikes your fancy!

845 High St, Comfort, TX, US

Meyer Bed and Breakfast

Enjoy some Southern hospitality during your trip by staying at a quaint little bed & breakfast like Meyer B&B (it's located in Comfort, so rest assured that you'll be able to rest assured).

Photo of Hotel St. Cecilia
4.5

112 Academy Dr, Austin, TX, US

Hotel St. Cecilia

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If you're really looking for some authentic Austin quirkiness, then bask in the funky neon glow of the Hotel St. Cecilia.

Photo of The Resort at Schlitterbahn
3.0

305 E. Austin St, New Braunfels, TX, US

The Resort at Schlitterbahn

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Or, if you're looking for something really unusual, why not stay in a treehouse? (Yes, for real!) The Tree Haus Resort, with its attached water park, makes an unforgettable last stop along the route before heading back to Austin.

Ready to head for the hills? Roadtrippers is here to help!

Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers helps you find the most epic destinations and detours—from roadside attractions to natural wonders and beyond.