Hill Country Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Franklin Park featuring forests and a lake or waterhole
LBJ Presidential Library featuring interior views
North Central Austin which includes a garden
LBJ Presidential Library which includes heritage elements and interior views
Austin City Hall showing outdoor art
The heart of Texas lies in the edgy, artistic cities and stunningly diverse landscapes of Hill Country, a centrally located region with a rich local culture.

Hill Country’s name is well earned, as the central Texan region is covered in green, rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Travel throughout the area to discover the cities that lie within the scenery. You’ll find hubs of creative communities and historical attractions.

Discover the history of the region in towns with Germanic names and old-world atmospheres. German immigrants moved to the region in the 1840s, founding towns such as Luckenbach and Gruene. Visit them to encounter wild, frontier towns with rich musical legacies, vintage saloons and charming dance halls.

Hill Country is home to Texas’ trendy, thriving capital, Austin. Nicknamed the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is the place to be during major festivals throughout the year. Come outside of a festival to discover the naturally warmed waters of Barton Springs Pool, browse the exhibits of the Bullock Texas State History Museum and marvel at the unusual art installation The Cathedral of Junk.

Historic Fredericksburg is popular with sightseers, who come to visit Fort Martin Scott and the nearby village of Luckenbach. From here, it’s a short drive to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, which is dominated by the unusual sight of a pink granite dome. In this area you can climb rocks, watch birds and pitch a tent for a night beneath the stars.

Roam around the scenic landscapes outside the cities to find unusual and breathtaking sights. Destinations such as Lost Maples State Natural Area feature rivers winding through colorful canyons, while the fields outside Burnet are famed for a stunning display of bluebonnet wildflowers in April. Head beneath the hills in Cascade Caverns to see frogs, bats and salamanders in vast limestone caves.

Relax after exploring the sights of Hill Country in one of its numerous wineries. The lesser-known wine-producing region is the home of dozens of vineyards that run tours and tasting sessions with views of the fertile landscape.

Fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport then use a car to travel across the diverse landscapes of Hill Country. The region is a great place to explore year round, but spring promises milder days, fields covered in bluebonnets and a range of music festivals.

Where to stay in Hill Country

Downtown Austin showing street scenes and an administrative building

Downtown Austin

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

Downtown Austin is popular for its fantastic nightlife. Explore top sights like Sixth Street and South Congress Avenue, and you can get around town on the metro at Downtown Station.

Downtown Austin
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Gruene

River views, gardens and shopping are some highlights of Gruene. Make a stop by Gruene Hall or Guadalupe River while you're exploring.

Gruene
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The Domain

Great live music beloved sports teams and top sights from Domain Northside to Museum of Ice Cream – discover The Domain, a destination also famous for its entertainment.

The Domain
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South Congress

4/5(10 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to South Congress. A stop by South Congress Avenue or South First Street might round out your trip.

South Congress
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Fredericksburg Historic District

While visiting Fredericksburg Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like St. Mary's Catholic Church and Rockbox Theater.

Fredericksburg Historic District
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East Cesar Chavez

While you're in East Cesar Chavez, take in top sights like East Sixth Street and jump on the metro at Plaza Saltillo Station to see more of the city.

East Cesar Chavez
Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown
Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown
2 out of 5
9121 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX
The price is ₹5,487 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
₹5,487
₹6,673 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,135 reviews)
"It is a great hotel! Staff is so helpful and the rooms are very clean & quite"

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2024

Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown
citizenM Austin Downtown
citizenM Austin Downtown
4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
The price is ₹8,357 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
₹8,357
₹9,778 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,129 reviews)
"Very artsy. Helpful staff. (The girls on night shift were particularly helpful and accommodating.) The rooms are very small but very clean and modern. It was kind of like tiny houses only tiny hotel living. Comfy bed and pillows. Convenient location for downtown access. If you are a minimalist than ..."

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

citizenM Austin Downtown
Omni Austin Hotel
Omni Austin Hotel
4 out of 5
700 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
The price is ₹11,413 per night from 17 Dec to 18 Dec
₹11,413
₹13,554 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 Dec
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,498 reviews)
"Great property! Convenient to campus"

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

Omni Austin Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Placemakr Downtown Austin
Placemakr Downtown Austin
4 out of 5
710 E 3rd St, Austin, TX
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Sixth Street and Rainey Street ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (162 reviews)
"Clean and new"

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Placemakr Downtown Austin
Austin Condo Hotel
Austin Condo Hotel
4.5 out of 5
48 East Ave, Austin, TX
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury condo in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (306 reviews)
"Phenomenal stay"

Reviewed on 7 Nov 2024

Austin Condo Hotel
Natiivo
Natiivo
3 out of 5
48 East Ave, Austin, TX
Stay at this 3-star condo in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Sixth Street and Rainey Street ...
9/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
"Modern apartments with excellent views and walking distance from Rainey street"

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2024

Natiivo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Hill Country