Hill Country Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Franklin Park showing a lake or waterhole and forest scenes
LBJ Presidential Library showing interior views
North Central Austin showing a park
LBJ Presidential Library which includes interior views and heritage elements
Austin City Hall featuring 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 which includes street scenes and an administrative building

Downtown Austin

4/5(23 area reviews)

Downtown Austin is popular for its fantastic nightlife. Explore top sights like Sixth Street and Paramount Theatre, 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
Fredericksburg which includes street scenes and a house

Fredericksburg Historic District

While visiting Fredericksburg Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Fredericksburg Winery and Rockbox Theater.

Fredericksburg Historic District
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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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Tarrytown

While visiting Tarrytown, you might make a stop by sights like The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria and Lake Austin.

Tarrytown
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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
citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
The price is AU$324 per night from 26 Sept to 27 Sept
AU$324
26 Sept - 27 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,096 reviews)
"Loved the unique look and feel of the room."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

citizenM Austin Downtown
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street, Austin, TX
The price is AU$247 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
AU$247
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,028 reviews)
Happy travelers
"Everything was great. Staff was exceptional. Breakfast was perfect."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
Hotel Van Zandt

Hotel Van Zandt

4 out of 5
605 Davis Street, Austin, TX
The price is AU$472 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$472
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (956 reviews)
"Fun"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Hotel Van Zandt
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 WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Sixth Street and Moody Theater ...
9/10 Wonderful! (422 reviews)
"Very nice property and lovely employees."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

Placemakr Downtown Austin
 Studio Haus East 6th Austin by Kasa

Studio Haus East 6th Austin by Kasa

2 out of 5
1812 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Stay at this aparthotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sixth Street and Lady Bird Lake are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (9 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

Studio Haus East 6th Austin by Kasa
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 WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (423 reviews)
"Loved the property, beautiful view, me and my friends had a great time, we hung out by the pool and the bar downstairs is very lively. Staff at the front desk were very attentive, It was a great experience!!"

Reviewed on 28 Aug 2025

Austin Condo 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Hill Country

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