Hill Country Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Franklin Park featuring forests and a lake or waterhole
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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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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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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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
Omni Austin Hotel
Omni Austin Hotel
4 out of 5
700 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
The price is ₹11,372 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
₹11,372
₹13,505 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
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! (1,481 reviews)
"Excellent room. Good location. Good service. Good gym facilities"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Omni Austin Hotel
citizenM Austin Downtown
citizenM Austin Downtown
4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
The price is ₹10,010 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
₹10,010
₹11,711 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
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! (1,078 reviews)
Not very roomy.
"Room is ok for a 1 night stay or multiple if you are traveling alone. The new modern micro hotel room was not for me. The shower leaked out to the sink area and there was hair and nail clippings all over the floor which shows that the cleaning staff didn’t do a good job at least in my room."

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

citizenM Austin Downtown
Fairmont Austin
Fairmont Austin
4 out of 5
101 Red River St, Austin, TX
The price is ₹16,649 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
₹16,649
₹23,060 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Austin. Enjoy a full-service spa, 6 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,056 reviews)
"Everything"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Fairmont Austin
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! (131 reviews)
"It really is a great place for those looking to stay downtown but have the amenities of an apartment. The staff is also super nice"

Reviewed on 3 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! (312 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Austin Condo Hotel
Sonder at East 5th
Sonder at East 5th
3.5 out of 5
1211 East 5th Street, Austin, TX
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Austin. Enjoy a fitness centre, laundry facilities and concierge services. Popular attractions Sixth Street and Rainey Street ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (215 reviews)
"The property was very convenient to restaurants and bars. Very walkable and good access to parking within the building. The apartment was very clean and stocked with all the necessities, easy check-in and checkout process."

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2024

Sonder at East 5th
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