The Texas Hill Country Area Guide
The Hill Country sits an hour west of Austin and runs all the way to Fredericksburg. Six lakes, a working wine trail, limestone canyons, and towns that still close on Sundays. Whether you're here for a long weekend or a full week, this guide covers what's worth your time.
Explore the Hill Country
Pick a corner and start there.
Eight Reasons the Hill Country Is Worth the Visit
300 days of sunshine a year
Six lakes, one chain
Texas Wine Trail runs through it
Limestone hills and cedar breaks
Bass and catfish on Lake Travis
Dark skies far from city glow
Fredericksburg, Wimberley, Marble Falls
Houses built for big groups
Before You Head Out
What To Pack for the Hill Country
Sunscreen
The Hill Country sun is strong year-round. Pack SPF 50 and reapply if you're on the water.
A cooler
Stock it before you leave Austin. Options thin out once you're past Marble Falls.
Closed-Toe Shoes
Trails are rocky limestone. Flip-flops won't cut it if you're hiking Enchanted Rock.
A Light Jacket
Evenings cool fast, even in summer. Nights on the porch get chilly after the sun drops.
Insect Repellent
Cedar and creek areas bring mosquitoes. Bring spray and you won't think about it again.
A camera
Dark skies out here are real. A phone camera won't do the Milky Way justice.
An Offline Map
Cell service drops in the valleys. Download your route before you leave the highway.
A Fishing License
Pick one up online before you arrive. Lake Travis and Lake LBJ are worth the early morning.
An Empty Trunk
The Texas Wine Trail has 50+ wineries. You'll want room for a case on the way home.
