Taking the scenic route through the famous Texas Hill Country

Texas Hill Country is the perfect region to climb behind the wheel and simply enjoy the drive. Starting just north of Austin, the Hill Country, with its two-lane roads, charming towns and breathtaking natural surroundings, is widely considered the heart of the state. For drivers interested in getting an authentic taste of the Lone Star State, scenic drives in the Texas Hill Country are a great way to start. You can expect stunning vistas, friendly towns, vineyards and authentic cuisine.

Discover the State Capital

Exploring the Hill Country demands a stop in Austin, Texas's capital city. More than 100 music venues call the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ home. It’s a vibrant place where you can hike through a pretty park one day and take in high-octane racing at the Circuit of the Americas raceway the next. Pack your suncream – the city boasts roughly 300 sunny days every year, making it a popular destination for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities.

Explore Historic San Antonio

Although Austin may be the Hill Country's playground, San Antonio is a favorite among history buffs. Just about an hour from Austin, this bustling city is home to must-see attractions like The River Walk and historic sites like the Spanish Mission and the Alamo. Forts and cathedrals tell the stories of the past, while the nearby Six Flags Theme Park provides family thrills.

Channel Your Inner Cowboy in Bandera

Leaving San Antonio, many visitors take scenic drives through the Texas Hill Country on State Highway 16 to the ‘Cowboy Capital of the World’, Bandera, Texas. While there, visitors can explore spots like the Frontier Times Museum, known for its quirky collection of curiosities – including a two-faced goat – and Old Spanish Trail Restaurant, where patrons can dine on a huge chicken-fried steak or tender pot roast. It feels like a movie set that has come to life, and you can learn to wrangle with the best of them at a dude ranch.

Take in the Sights at Bandera Pass

Bandera Pass is one of Texas' top scenic drives. The natural mountain break has served as a popular travel route for centuries, and the paved road offers some of the most outstanding 360-degree views of the Hill Country’s splendor. There’s history here too, as the pass was the site of a famous 19^th-century battle.

Enjoy Downtime in Kerrville

Loop around State Highway 16 to backtrack to Kerrville, where the chicken-fried steak and scenic river views are too good to miss. This charming city is affectionately known as the ‘unofficial capital of the Texas Hill Country’ and is home to a diverse and arresting array of art galleries, theaters and shops, with events all year round. Come for the Arts and Crafts Fair, the Folk Festival or just relax in the popular and oh-so-pretty parks.

Visit Germany, Texas Style in Fredericksburg

German culture in the heart of Texas? The charming town of Fredericksburg is known as ‘German Hill Country’ as a nod to the German immigrants who were among the first non-natives to settle in the area. Until the 1970s, German was the mother tongue spoken in this area. It’s a pretty town, with some unusual historic buildings, lots to do and brilliant German cuisine at many of the town’s fabulous restaurants.

Marvel at Enchanted Rock

This is one side trip that's definitely worth the detour. Located just 18 miles north of Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area boasts a one-billion-year-old mountain of pink granite that looms more than 400 feet tall. It’s a place of legends and whispered stories, but it’s also laced with wonderful hiking trails and rock-climbing opportunities.

Enjoy Unrivalled Scenery and Small-Town Life

One of the locals' favorite scenic drives in the Texas Hill Country is the one between Enchanted Rock and Llano. It delivers picturesque scenery, and once travelers arrive in Llano, they're immersed in small-town charm and a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for getting away from it all. It’s a town known for its quirky, independent stores, and is home to some irresistible BBQ joints.

Get in Touch with Lyndon B. Johnson

History buffs can't miss Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park when they drive through the Hill Country. Tucked away in Johnson City, this park offers a self-guided walk past monitors that show real footage of major events in the 36^th President’s life, including Vietnam and the War on Poverty.

Slide Along in New Braunfels' Version of the Hill Country

New Braunfels is known for several things, including its historic district, pretty tree-lined streets, country music scene and Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Thrills, chills and plenty of boot-scooting fun await those who continue their Hill Country exploration in New Braunfels, which boasts some photogenic German-Texan architecture.

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