11 Most Beautiful Towns in Texas Hill Country to Visit This 2025

The Gems of Central Texas

The Texas Hill Country stretches across more than 11 million acres in 18 counties, including the fast-growing cities of San Antonio and Austin. Located here are some of the most beautiful towns in the state, starting with these 11.

Fredericksburg

German immigrants founded Fredericksburg in 1846, creating a town that mixes Texas and German influences in everything from its buildings to its food and festivals.

The town is famous for its wineries, with over 50 in the surrounding area alone. Main Street is packed with boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops. Check out the National Museum of the Pacific War, a huge museum honoring World War II veterans, while you’re there.

If you love the outdoors, hike or climb at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, a massive pink granite dome. Fredericksburg’s German roots shine brightest during Oktoberfest, with traditional music, dancing, and food.

Wimberley

Settlers founded this little town in the 1840s, and though it has grown, it still holds onto its rustic charm. Wimberley’s biggest treasure is Blue Hole Regional Park, a crystal-clear swimming hole surrounded by towering cypress trees.

Every first Saturday of the month, Wimberley Market Days draws crowds with handmade crafts and vintage finds. You can also explore Cypress Creek Nature Trail or take a scenic drive along the Devil’s Backbone.

Gruene

Gruene, pronounced “Green,” was founded by German settlers in the 1840s, and for years, it thrived as a cotton hub.

After hard times hit in the 1920s, the town slowed down, but locals brought it back to life as a popular travel spot. Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest still-running dance hall, sits at the heart of town, where country music legends have played for decades.

The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, inside a restored cotton gin, offers great food with a river view. For a one-of-a-kind shopping trip, check out the Gruene General Store.

Blanco

Blanco, known as the “Lavender Capital of Texas,” draws visitors in with its rolling fields of fragrant lavender. Founded in 1858, this little town still holds onto its old-school charm, especially with its 19th-century courthouse, now a visitor center and event space.

Blanco’s lavender farms took off in 2000, and now, the annual Blanco Lavender Festival welcomes thousands of guests each year. The Blanco State Park is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking by the river, while historic stone buildings add a timeless feel.

Downtown, the Old Blanco County Courthouse tells the town’s story, and Real Ale Brewing Company, one of Texas’ oldest craft breweries, offers top-notch local beer.

Luckenbach

Luckenbach may be tiny, but it has a legendary reputation thanks to country music stars like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

Settlers first set up shop here in 1849 as a trading post, and now, it’s a go-to spot for anyone looking for live music and a laid-back Texas vibe. The whole town consists of a general store, a dance hall, and a few scattered buildings, but what makes Luckenbach special is the non-stop music scene.

You can catch live tunes almost every day, from up-and-coming artists to famous names. The historic dance hall draws crowds for bigger concerts, while the general store doubles as a bar and souvenir shop.

Boerne

The Hill Country Mile, the town’s main strip, is packed with over 80 local shops, art galleries, and restaurants. You can tour the Kuhlmann-King Historical House or the Agricultural Heritage Museum to learn more about the town’s history.

For a cool underground adventure, visit the Cave Without a Name, a breathtaking cavern with incredible rock formations. Boerne Lake is a great place for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking.

Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs, known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country” was named it after the natural springs scattered throughout the area.

One of the biggest draws here is Hamilton Pool Preserve, a stunning swimming hole with a waterfall that spills into a jade-green pool surrounded by limestone cliffs.

The town has also become a hotspot for craft distilleries and breweries, earning it the nickname “The Wedding Capital of Texas” since so many couples choose to tie the knot here.

Johnson City

Johnson City, the hometown of President Lyndon B. Johnson, played a major role in shaping one of America’s most influential presidents.

You can tour the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, including the LBJ Ranch and the “Texas White House,” to learn more about his life and legacy. The Johnson Settlement, a preserved pioneer homestead, gives a glimpse of what life was like in the 1860s.

Beyond its presidential history, Johnson City has a lively arts scene, with galleries and studios filling the downtown area. Each winter, the Lights Spectacular festival turns the courthouse square into a magical display with over a million twinkling lights.

Marble Falls

Founded in 1887, the town got its name from the once-visible marble falls on the river, now submerged under Lake Marble Falls.

Today, people visit for boating, fishing, and water sports on the lake. Be sure to check out Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll find wildlife and scenic hiking trails.

For a fun hands-on experience, pick fresh fruit at Sweet Berry Farm or ride the trails at Spider Mountain Bike Park. Every winter, Marble Falls lights up with the Walkway of Lights, a beautiful Christmas display at Lakeside Park.

Bandera

Bandera, aka the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” is the perfect place to experience real Texas cowboy culture. Rodeos, dude ranches, and cowboy-themed events keep the Old West spirit alive.

On Main Street, you’ll find historic buildings filled with saloons, Western wear shops, and the Frontier Times Museum, which showcases pioneer-era artifacts. For a true cowboy experience, visit one of the town’s many dude ranches, where you can ride horses, sit around campfires, and enjoy chuck wagon dinners.

The Bandera Natural History Museum offers a look at the region’s prehistoric past, while the Hill Country State Natural Area has over 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Llano

After being founded in 1856, Llano later became known as the “Deer Capital of Texas” because of its rich wildlife.

The historic downtown still has beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, including the iconic Llano County Courthouse. Llano is also famous for its barbecue—Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is a must-visit for some of the best smoked meat in Texas. The town hosts fun events like the Llano Earth Art Fest, which celebrates rock stacking, and the Llano River Chuck Wagon Cook-Off, where you can sample authentic cowboy cooking.