A Weekend in the Texas Hill Country: What to See, Eat, and Do

The Texas Hill Country is one of those places that surprises people. First-time visitors expect flat prairie and oil rigs. Instead they find limestone canyons, spring-fed rivers, wildflower meadows, and some of the best food and drink in the state.

Lake Travis sits right at the eastern edge of the Hill Country, which makes it the ideal home base for a weekend of exploration. Drive 20 minutes in any direction and you are in wine country, at a swimming hole, or eating brisket that has been smoking since dawn.

Friday Evening: Arrive and Settle In

Check in to your lakefront property, unpack, and resist the urge to plan. The first evening should be simple — pick up groceries at the Randalls on FM 620 (5 minutes away), grill something easy, and sit by the fire pit as the sun goes down over Lake Travis.

If you want to eat out instead, Steiner Ranch Steakhouse is five minutes away with live music on the patio and views of the lake.

Saturday Morning: Coffee and the Lake

Start slow. Make coffee in the kitchen, take it out to the deck, and watch the light change on the water. If you are feeling active, launch a kayak or paddleboard before the wind picks up. Morning on the lake is the most peaceful time of day.

Saturday Afternoon: Hill Country Exploration

This is when you head west into the heart of the Hill Country. Pick one of these routes:

The Wine Trail

Dripping Springs is about 40 minutes southwest and has become the epicenter of Texas Hill Country wine. Hit two or three tasting rooms — Deep Eddy Vodka, Treaty Oak Distilling, and Jester King Brewery are all within a few miles of each other. Designate a driver or book a tour.

The Swimming Hole

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural grotto with a 50-foot waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool. It is 40 minutes from Lake Travis and requires a reservation — book online as early as possible. Alternatively, Krause Springs in Spicewood is less crowded and equally beautiful.

The Small Town

Marble Falls is a charming Hill Country town about 45 minutes northwest. Walk the main street, browse the antique shops, grab lunch at a local cafe, and drive the scenic route back along the lake.

Saturday Evening: The Main Event

This is the night for a proper dinner. Options depend on your group and mood:

• Salt Lick BBQ (Driftwood, 45 min): The pilgrimage. Open pit smoking, BYOB, cash only. Get the family-style platter and do not skip the pecan pie.
• The Oasis on Lake Travis (10 min): Go for the sunset, stay for the margaritas. Multi-level deck overlooking the lake. Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset for the best tables.
• Cook at the property: Hit the H-E-B, grab some steaks, and use the grill. There is something deeply satisfying about cooking a great meal at a place with a view this good.

After dinner, the fire pit. Always the fire pit.

Sunday Morning: Slow Down

The best Sunday morning is the one with no agenda. Sleep in, make a big breakfast, swim in the pool, and soak in the last few hours before heading home.

If you have energy, Mount Bonnell is a 20-minute drive and offers one of the best views in Austin. The climb takes 10 minutes and the panorama from the top — Lake Austin below, the skyline in the distance — is a perfect way to cap the weekend.

What to Pack

• Swimsuit and water shoes
• Sunscreen (the Texas sun is relentless)
• Comfortable walking shoes for trails
• A cooler for day trips
• Cash for Salt Lick
• A good book for the deck

The Hill Country Effect

There is a reason people who visit the Hill Country keep coming back. The pace is different here. The landscape is beautiful without trying. The food is honest and generous. And when you are sitting by a fire at the end of the day, watching stars appear over Lake Travis, the rest of the world feels very far away.