Texas Hill Country Road Trip: Exploring Dripping Springs & Marble Falls

After living in Houston for 3 years, I've done many Texas road trips but one place I felt I had never fully gotten to explore is the beautiful Texas hill country. On my way back from Guadalupe Mountains National Park, I decided to take a pit stop in hill country to relax, unwind, and explore!

Here is my guide to three days in some of the beautiful small towns that fill the Texas Hill Country!

Travel Information: Getting Around Texas Hill Country

Closest Airports

• Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS): Just 45 minutes from Dripping Springs, this is your most convenient airport for the Hill Country.

• San Antonio International (SAT): About 1.5 hours away, it’s another great option if you’re coming from the south.

How to Get Around

• Rent a Car: The best way to explore! Public transportation is scarce, so you’ll need a car to hop between Dripping Springs, Marble Falls, and beyond.

• RV-Friendly: Traveling by RV? Perfect! Texas Hill Country has plenty of scenic campgrounds and parks for your adventure.

• Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are available but limited in rural areas—best for short trips within town.

Accommodations

Depending on where you are looking to spend most of your time, below are a few suggestions for every traveler:

Dripping Springs

• I stayed in Dripping Springs during my time in Hill Country. I pay for an annual Harvest Hosts membership that gives me access to boondocking spots across the U.S. There are plenty of spots nearby, but I had a great experience with these hosts!

• Camp Lucy: A luxury resort nestled in the Hill Country, offering beautiful cottages, a pool, and a vineyard. Ideal for those looking for a more upscale stay in a serene environment.

• Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals: Dripping Springs has a variety of charming vacation rentals, from cozy cabins to modern homes. Look for properties with views of the hills or nearby creeks for a more authentic experience.

• Dripping Springs RV Parks: If you're traveling by camper or RV, places like Sunset Point on Lake LBJ or Dripping Springs RV Park offer great options to park and explore the area.

Marble Falls

• Horseshoe Bay Resort: A luxurious option right on Lake LBJ with amenities like golf, pools, and lake activities. Great for those wanting a resort experience.

• Motel 6 Marble Falls: A budget-friendly option that offers clean rooms and basic amenities, ideal for those looking to save while enjoying the region.

• Chanticleer Log Cabin: A quaint cabin in the hills with rustic charm and stunning views, perfect for a more secluded stay.

Wimberly (Nearby)

• Hotel Flora & Fauna: A boutique hotel with a laid-back vibe, located near Wimberly’s shops and attractions, like Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole.

• Cypress Creek Cottages: Cozy, pet-friendly cottages perfect for a quiet retreat with easy access to local swimming spots.

Day 1 - Dripping Springs

After a long drive in the day before, I was in desperate need of caffeine and luckily, Dripping Springs has just the spot! Mazama Coffee Co. located on Mercer Street had every kind of fall-flavored beverage my heart could want! This place was voted 2018 Best Coffee Shop of Dripping Springs and it's clear why. I ordered a pastry and a Pumpkin Pie Latte and it was delicious. There is an adorable outdoor area to enjoy the nice weather and a parking lot conveniently behind the building to make getting in and out a breeze!

Head over to Founders Memorial Park for an early morning walk. This park is home to the Pound House Farmstead Museum, an 1854 farmstead that gives a glimpse into the community's historic past. The Pound House is included on the National Register of Historic Places and has been a Texas State Historic Landmark since 1965. Unfortunately the Farmstead is only open on Wednesdays and Fridays so I took the time to wander the nearby paths and soak in some nature.

For lunch head over to Rolling in Thyme and Dough! This adorable cafe is known for its fresh, homemade bread and pastries. There is a beautiful garden in the back and plenty of outdoor seating. They have plenty of merchandise from local businesses as well so you can peruse and shop while you wait!

After grabbing some carbs head over to Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery for an educational tasting! This tour guides you through the history of each Deep Eddy product and afterwards, there is a beautiful outdoor area to unwind and grab a drink.

I ended my busy day by grabbing dinner at Slice Street Pizza. This place fully satisfied all of my pizza cravings. It was the perfect end to a very long day of exploring!

Day 2 - Marble Falls

I am a complete morning bird and can't resist early mornings for beautiful sunrises! Although I went in October and didn't get the flowers in full bloom. I began my day with a stop by the Bluebonnet House in Marble Falls. This property is known for when Texas bluebonnets are in full bloom in April. This old house set in the field is beautiful regardless of the time of year that you go!

Afterwards, I went over to Lakeside Park to enjoy the 1.3 mile paved trail, Backbone Creek Trail. This trail winds through lovely natural scenery and is a peaceful morning walk before lunch!

In the fall make sure not to miss all the festivities happening at Sweet Berry Farm! This farm has it all and is tons of fun for all ages. My favorite thing we did was their Texas-shaped corn maze. This maze really tests your Texas geography knowledge as you wind your way through the maze trying to check off each location! There are plenty of fields of fresh flowers to pick from, pumpkin patches, hay rides, petting zoos and so much more!

Exhausted after getting lost in the Texas maze we decided to cool off for the rest of the day and head over to Krause Springs. This park was only $10 and had beautiful springs and a butterfly garden to wander through. What's even better is this spot is not nearly as popular as the other nearby pools and springs so you can cool off with beautiful views without the crowds!

Extra Time Recommendations

If you have more time or want to add variety to your trip, consider these additional experiences:

Dripping Springs

• Homespun Kitchen & Bar: Several locals recommended this place to me but it stays packed and was very tough to park my large van in so I had to find some other options! This place is Farm-To-Tale style with both European and American influences

• Style Switch Barbecue: Barbecue joint known for it's smoked meats & local draft beer!

• The League Kitchen & Tavern: Cute restaurant that pays homage to the 1920's Prohibition era! Locals told me reservations are encouraged as this place gets packed!

• Hamilton Pool Reserve: A scenic natural swimming pool in a canyon below a 50-ft waterfall. Reservations need to be made in advance and they sell out fast!

• Twisted X Brewery: Tasting Room where they bring out small batches of craft beers on flights!

• Dripping Springs Distillery: Take a distillery tour here or just stop in for a drink to learn more about this well-known local brand!

• Westcave Preserve: A beautiful conservation sanctuary home to a canyon waterfall, a wet grotto, and nearby trails

Wimberly

• Wimberly Zipline: For adrenaline-seekers, soar over the scenic Texas Hill Country with this exhilarating zipline adventure. The views of the hills and creeks below are breathtaking.

• Jacob’s Well: A stunning natural spring that’s ideal for a swim, Jacob’s Well is a local gem. Be sure to make a reservation, as it’s a popular spot in the summer.

• Blue Hole Swimming Area: Another beautiful swimming area with crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering cypress trees. Perfect for cooling off on a hot Texas day.

  
  

Concan

• Old Baldy Mountain: If you’re up for a short hike, this popular trail offers panoramic views of the Frio River and surrounding Hill Country. The summit is particularly rewarding at sunrise or sunset.

  
  

Driftwood

• Salt Lick BBQ: For an unforgettable Texas BBQ experience, head to this iconic spot in Driftwood. The smoky, tender brisket and ribs are the stars of the menu. We went to the Round Rock location when visiting near the area for Austin City Limits and we were blown away!

  
  

These extra recommendations can be added to your itinerary to further explore the beauty and adventure of Texas Hill Country!

This trip really allowed me to finally immerse myself in the beauty and charm of the region, from the rolling hills of Dripping Springs to the peaceful springs of Marble Falls.

Whether you’re craving small-town vibes, outdoor adventures, or simply a break from the hustle and bustle, the Texas Hill Country offers it all. I hope this guide inspires you to explore the scenic landscapes, unique stops, and hidden gems that make this part of Texas so special!