Central Texas & Hill Country Garrison Brothers Distillery Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge 3. LAKEWAY Spend the day swimming, boating and bass fishing on Lake Travis . Relax with a pampering treatment at the Spa at Lakeway Resort . Practice healthy mindful eating on the patio at Hilltop Crossings Kitchen , located at Miraval Austin . 4. JOHNSON CITY Take a driving tour of the LBJ Ranch and walk through the 36th president’s boyhood home at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park . Enjoy Texas-inspired cuisine, craft beer and award-winning wines at the Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant , located at Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa . Book the Select Tasting and sample five different Texas-grown wines at Lost Draw . Dine on seasonal fare and join a guided bourbon tasting in the Whiskey Shack at Garrison Brothers Distillery . In a refurbished mill, kids can explore high-tech exhibits and play in the Fossil Dig at the outdoor Science & Art Park at the Science Mill . 5. FREDERICKSBURG & LUCKENBACH Discover some of the Lone Star State’s best wineries and vineyards along Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 , including nearby dining spots like the family-run Leroy's Tex Mex BBQ . Check out The Rescue , a new multisensory experience based on a true story that involved a submarine battle, at the National Museum of the Pacific War . Shop for gifts at the luxury boutique, then dine in the bistro at Vaudeville . Pick up souvenirs at the Old West-style Luckenbach Texas General Store , a former 1800s trading post. While in town, catch live music performed by regional musicians at Luckenbach Dance Hall . 6. BOERNE Explore charming shops, galleries and restaurants housed in historic buildings along the Hill Country Mile in Boerne. Enjoy casual eats, brewed-on-site craft beer and live music on the patio stage at The Dodging Duck Brewhaus . The kid-friendly Cibolo Creek Brewing Co. offers small-batch brews and pub fare on its shady patio. 7. SAN MARCOS Go tubing, kayaking and snorkeling along the spring-fed San Marcos River , which winds through town. Take a seat in the mod Senza Maeso tasting room and cocktail bar to try sips featuring artisanal spirits. Sample fermented ales, traditional lagers and spontaneous cave-aged beers at the family-owned Roughhouse Brewing . The GREAT OUTDOORS LEFT TO RIGHT: GARRISON BROTHERS DISTILLERY; RYAN KYTE WILDFLOWER WATCH Take a spring drive along the scenic Willow City Loop to see breathtaking wildflowers in bloom. Stop at Wildseed Farms , a working wildflower farm and vineyard with a tasting room and gift shop. Don’t miss the popular Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet, the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, held each April. TUBING Head to the Hill Country Coast for great tubing on the calm, clear waters of the San Marcos , Comal and Guadalupe rivers that flow through several small towns, including New Braunfels and San Marcos. PEACH PICKING The Peach Capital of Texas, Fredericksburg is home to several pick-your-own orchards, including Jenschke Orchards , family run since 1961. At Das Peach Haus , find the full line of Fischer & Wieser specialty foods (like peach jam), along with bakery goods, wine tastings and seasonal live music. HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS Known for its distinctive pink granite dome, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers rock climbing and miles of hiking trails, including the challenging Summit Trail. Hike, mountain bike and horseback ride among waterfalls and canyons at Pedernales Falls State Park (reservations recommended). Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge features trails for hikers of all skill levels, including wheelchair-accessible paths. CAVING AND CAVERNS Take a guided cave tour and walk the nature trails at Cascade Caverns . At Longhorn Cavern State Park , join the three-hour Wild Cave Tour for an underground adventure. Inner Space Cavern , one of the best-preserved caves in Texas, offers daily tours and gemstone panning. 54 visitaustin.org
Austin Insider Guide 2026: Page 54
