This page is about 25 fun things to see and do in the Texas Hill Country. The Texas Hill Country is certainly one of the most scenic and unique sections of Texas with rolling hills, rugged terrain, forests, plains, and a diverse range of fauna. The Texas Hill Country has got to be the best place to have fun, enjoy the natural and man made attractions, listen to Texas country music, enjoy the lakes and rivers, and retire! You’ll find a wide variety of fun cities to explore – from the Cowboy Capital of Texas (Bandera) to the Tourist Capital of Texas (San Antonio) to the Live Music Capital of the Universe (Austin). Most of the Hill Country cities have their own unique heritage, attractions, and culture and offer a wide variety of fun things to see. If you’re planning a visit to the Hill Country then you should consider some of these fun things to see and do – we’ve picked some of the best of the Texas Hill Country. Let us know if we missed any.
Top 25 Things To Do in The Texas Hill Country
Get Wet
You’ve got to spend some time on the water at any of these six fantastic lakes – go skiing/boarding, houseboating, cruising (Lake LBJ at Horseshoe Bay), bar or restaurant hopping (Lake Travis has plenty), or just drop an anchor and swim or party in one of the party coves (Devils Cove at Lake Travis) – see these interactive lake maps to help you find something to do on the Highland Lakes. Check out our Lakes & Boating section to find lake reviews, fishing guides, boat rentals, and lots more.
Go Golfing
The Texas Hill Country has hundreds of choices for golfers and it is home to some of the best courses in Texas. You’ll find laid back courses like Willie Nelsons’s Pedernales Golf Course to the exclusive Austin Country Club to La Cantera Resort’s near perfect Resort course. Our Central Texas Golf Map will help you quickly find a course and our Texas Outside’s Favorite Texas Golf Courses will show your favorites.
Take a Swim
Texas can get pretty warm but with a dip in the refreshing waters of Central Texas swimming holes, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Texas Hill Country. There are so many swimming holes, Texas rivers, and other places to go swimming. Read here for more information on Texas Swimming Holes.
Explore a Texas Cave
The Hill Country is home to a number of caverns that have been created over thousands of years by the dissolving and cutting action of water on the limestone bedrock. It is an incredible experience to explore one of these natural wonders.
Take a Hike
The Texas Hill Country has an unlimited source for beautiful trails to hike with everything from lake views to grand hillside vistas. Don’t forget your camera to preserve your experience or catch that bird in flight.
Ride a Bike
A road cyclists dream, the Texas Hill Country offers many miles of quiet hilly roads, substantially great weather; and friendly, entertaining towns. If you’re looking for some mountain biking, the Hill Country mountain biking trails don’t get much better and you can find an easy flat trail ride to a challenging twisting and turing fun experience.
Drive a Tank
Only in Texas can you step back in time and relive history by driving and shooting a variety of tanks from World War II and the Cold War. From World War II you can drive a Sherman Tank, a Russian T-34, a German Half Track, or a German Tracked Motorcycle. More modern tanks include a West German Leopard, a British Chieftain, or a Czechoslovakian tank and more.
Ride a Horse
What more traditional way to explore the Hill Country than on a horse? Learn something about nature while riding where the crystal clear streams and towering oak and cedar trees meet the majesty of the hills.
Weekend On The Lake
Round up the family or some friends and rent a lake house or cabin or book a room at one of the lake resorts for a weekend of fun. Check out Lake LBJ Resort, Canyon of The Eagles on Buchanan, or any of the houses, condos, or more on Travis. If you some rich friends rent Circle H Lodge on Inks Lake.
Do Some Bird Watching
The Texas Hill Country has some of the best birding in the state. So grab your binoculars, the birding guide, a camera and head out to see painted buntings to hawks.
Go Paddling
Canoeing or kayaking on one of the lakes or waterways in the Hill Country can be a solo activity, a great date or a family fun time.
Climb Enchanted Rock
The Rock is a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome, that rises 425 feet above ground. It is one of the largest underground rock formation in the US. Visitors can enjoy primitive backpacking, camping, hiking, rock climbing, picnicking, geological study, bird watching, and star gazing.
Go To A Rodeo
Start the summer off right by attending a rodeo and where could be a better start than at the Cowboy Capital of Texas – Bandera.
Sip Some Wine
Sip your way along the Hill Country Wine Trail and visit any of the many wineries in the Texas Hill Country. Many of the wineries have won several international wine awards.
Go Texas Rock Crawling
There are 400 acres of granite rock providing an off road experience like no other. Called the “Moab of Texas,” Katemcy Rocks has over 400 acres of granite rock providing an off road experience in Texas like no other. You’ll find diverse terrain for all levels of four wheelers and multiple trails with numerous obstacles from easy to extreme.
Zip Through the Trees
Go Zippin thru the cypress tree tops. You can choose from the Canopy Tour or the Canopy Challenge for those who want something a little more excitement. And even better go zipping and spend the night in a tree house. To read more about a unique Zip & Stay Adventure.
Go Fishing
All of the lakes are good for fishing, so stock up on some bait and beer and get on the lake. Or hire one of these lake fishing guides to take you out and help you land a trophy or enough fish for a fish fry.
Hop a Train
The Austin Steam Train offers a rail’s-eye view of the Texas Hill Country. Whether it is a specialty train ride during certain times a year or just a day spent with family as in the days of the Old West, it is a great way to experience the countryside.
Pitch A Tent Or Park The RV
The Hill Country is home to a number of fantastic State and County parks and some great RV parks loaded with amenities. You can camp on the lakes, in or near a city you want to explore, or rough it and backpack in to a primitive site. Go camping – there are some good campgrounds on Lake Buchanan (Big Chief), Lake Travis (Pace Bend), Inks Lake (Inks Lake State Park), and Lake Austin (Emma Long).
Picnic In The Park
You can find just what your family needs at the many community parks. Whether you prefer a playscape, fishing spot, or a place to picnic or nap check out one of the city parks.
Stay in a Resort
Splurge for a night or weekend and stay in a nice resort and pamper yourself. Enjoy the resort’s spa, the golf courses, excellent restaurants, fantastic pools, and other amenities. Some of the best are located in the Hill Country. Try Horseshoe Bay Resort on Lake LBJ, Lakeway Resort on Lake Travis, Hyatt Hill Country or La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio. Read our resort reviews of some of the best resorts in the Hill Country.
Attend a Festival
They love a good time in the Highland Lakes and they pack the festivals and events in through the spring and summer. Check our Upcoming Events Calendar for some of the best music and other festivals. Old Settlers is one of our favorites.
Rent A Boat
It’s just not right to spend time around the Highland Lakes and not get out on the water, so rent a ski boat, jet ski, or round up some friends and rent a party barge. Better yet, rent a houseboat on Lake Travis for what may turn out to be one of your best ever vacations or weekend getaways.
Check Out the Local Blooms
Bluebonnets are the most popular Texas wildflowers in central Texas and people come from hundreds of miles to view the Bluebonnets, but there also the Paintbrush, Indian Blanket, Greenthread, Winecup & Primrose to enjoy.
Attend an Event
There are some fun and exciting events throughout the year held on or near the lakes – like the boat races on Marble Falls, sailboat regattas on Travis, Aqua Fest on Town Lake, and more.
Texas Hill Country Resources
Hill Country Golf Courses
Use this map to quickly find a course, read our review, and book a tee time
Hill Country Reviewed Campgrounds & Lakes
Read our reviews of some of the lakes and campgrounds
Boating the Highland Lakes
Read our article on boating on the Highland Lakes
Hill Country Lakes
Find a lake, read our review, and pack the bags to enjoy some time on the water
Highland Lake Maps
Use these clickable maps to find ramps, marinas, lodging, and lots more
Hill Country Campgrounds & RV Parks
Nothing beats camping in the Hill Country – find a park, park reviews, and more
Author: Mike Sharp
I have a passion for travel and outdoor activities, and now I'm enjoying retired life. I will continue my traveling, golfing, boating, and enjoying life all across the great state of Texas.
