If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping wine with a view, swimming in clear rivers, hiking up giant rocks, and eating amazing food all in one trip, this is your sign to go.
You’ll find it all in the Texas Hill Country, a place with rolling hills, cool swimming holes, cozy small towns, and some of the best wine in the state.
Even better, this loop blends laid-back escapes with a little adventure, giving you the best of both worlds.
So pack your swimsuit and walking shoes because this route is full of surprises, and every stop has something totally different waiting for you.
1. Austin
Austin is the capital of Texas and sits right at the edge of the Texas Hill Country, where the rivers start flowing and the wine scene kicks off strong.
The Colorado River runs through downtown, and its Lady Bird Lake stretch is perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking under the Congress Avenue Bridge.
It’s also a great starting point for wine lovers, with dozens of nearby tasting rooms and vineyards just a short drive along Highway 290.
You can sip award-winning Texas reds at Fall Creek Vineyards or pour your own glass at Wanderlust Wine Co., where the tap wall is part of the fun.
2. Driftwood Estate Winery
About 40 minutes from Austin, Driftwood Estate Winery sits high on a bluff that offers sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country.
This spot isn’t just about sipping wine but also about soaking up the scenery with a glass of their smooth Tempranillo or crisp Viognier in hand.
From the tasting room, you can look out over the vineyard, which is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy wine in the region.
So grab a bottle and claim a spot at one of their outdoor tables for a laid-back afternoon that feels like pure magic.
3. Wimberley & Blue Hole Regional Park
Just 15 minutes down the road from Driftwood, Wimberley is a small town with a big personality and a super fun swimming scene.
At the heart of it all is Blue Hole Regional Park, known for its crystal-clear spring-fed water and giant cypress trees that lean right over the swimming hole.
The rope swings here are legendary, and the water stays refreshingly cold even in the middle of summer.
After a dip, explore downtown’s mix of local art and cute shops, then head to Wimberley Valley Winery just 15 minutes down the road for a glass of wine.
(The swimming season at Blue Hole Regional Park typically lasts from early May through Labor Day, then shifts to weekends only in September.)
4. Blanco State Park
Next up is Blanco State Park, a riverside gem located on the southern edge of the town of Blanco.
Within the park, the Blanco River flows smoothly over limestone ledges ideal for wading, swimming, or lounging with your feet in the water.
You can also rent tubes, cast a fishing line, or hike the 0.8-mile Caswell Nature Trail for shady views of the river and native plants.
It’s the kind of place that invites you to stay awhile, with picnic tables, big grassy areas, and quiet corners to rest and take in the surroundings.
5. Pedernales Cellars
A 20-minute drive from Blanco takes you to Pedernales Cellars in Stonewall, where some of the best Texas wines are paired with an incredible view.
Their outdoor deck looks out across the Texas Hill Country, and it’s the perfect spot to sip a glass of their award-winning Texas Tempranillo or Albariño.
What makes this family-owned winery even more special is its focus on sustainable growing and small-batch wines, along with underground cellar tours.
It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and still feels like a hidden escape even though it’s just minutes from Highway 290.
6. Grape Creek Vineyards
Then there’s Grape Creek Vineyards, one of the oldest and most well-known wineries in the Hill Country.
This place looks like a little slice of Tuscany, with Italian-style villas, shaded patios, and rows of vines stretching out across the hills.
They offer guided tastings of estate-grown wines, from bold reds like Bellissimo to rich whites like Pinot Grigio, plus tours of their production facility.
And if you’re a member, you can grab a table at their on-site restaurant (Stout’s Signature) for some stone-baked pizza or gelato in a welcoming setting.
7. Fredericksburg
Only 15 minutes from Grape Creek, Fredericksburg is the unofficial capital of Hill Country wine, home to over 75 wineries and tasting rooms in and around town.
Its Main Street is full of charm, featuring German bakeries, boutique shops, and tasting rooms like Becker Vineyards and Grape Creek’s downtown location.
To make the most of it, you can hop on the 290 Wine Shuttle to explore without worrying about driving.
Or, if you’d rather stay close, sip wines by the glass at cozy places like Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten.
8. Enchanted Rock
Need a break from wine tasting? Make your way to Enchanted Rock, where a massive pink granite dome rises above the Hill Country and is waiting to be climbed.
The main route to the top is the Summit Trail, only 1.3 miles long but a steep climb with a 423-foot elevation gain.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with wide-open views of rolling hills, scattered oaks, and even the vineyards you just came from.
For the best experience, get here early to beat the heat and the crowds, and don’t forget to reserve a day pass online since this place fills up fast.
9. Llano
Up next is Llano, a laid-back town where the Llano River cuts right through the middle of everything.
Start with some ribs at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, then walk it off with a stroll across the Roy Inks Bridge for river views and small-town beauty.
The river itself is calm and clear, perfect for swimming, fishing, or just dipping your feet in at Badu Park.
It’s a quiet stop that reminds you why the Hill Country is best experienced one unhurried moment at a time.
10. Marble Falls
Last but not least is Marble Falls, where lakes, wine, and waterfalls come together in one laid-back Hill Country stop.
The town centers around Lake Marble Falls, a calm stretch of water ideal for paddleboarding, jet skiing, or watching the sunset.
And if you’re in the mood for one more tasting, Flat Creek Estate Winery is just a short drive away.
Before you go, grab a slice of pie (or three) at Blue Bonnet Café, a Marble Falls favorite since 1929.
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