Central Texas & Hill Country Shelter Goods Enchanted Rock 3. LAKEWAY Spend the day on the water at Lake Travis , where you can rent a speed boat, ride jet skis, go swimming and kick back on a sunset sail. Nutrient-rich dishes made with locally sourced ingredients are the health-minded focus at Hilltop Crossings Kitchen , located at the Miraval Austin Resort and Spa . 4. JOHNSON CITY At the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park , see the boyhood home, ranch and grave of the 36th president of the United States. Taste award-winning, 100% Texas wines at Lost Draw . The family-owned Pecan Street Brewing is known for its medal-winning ales and casual eats. At the Science Mill , kids can discover everything from hands-on tech exhibits to dinosaur fossils at the outdoor Science & Art Park . 5. FREDERICKSBURG & LUCKENBACH Explore the scenic vineyards and welcoming tasting rooms along the winding Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 . Join a sparkling winery tour at Invention Vineyards . Slip into the upscale tasting room at the 50-year-old Llano Estacado Winery . Grab a souvenir T-shirt and soak up the history at the 1800s Luckenbach Texas General Store . Then, do some boot-scootin’ to live bands at the Luckenbach Dance Hall . 6. BOERNE Historic buildings house storefront boutiques, art galleries and restaurants along the Hill Country Mile in downtown Boerne. Nestled in a turn-of-the-century home, The Dodging Duck Brewhaus offers scratch-made dishes, house-brewed beers and live music year-round. Grab a cup of coffee and homemade pastry or sandwich to-go at Bear Moon Bakery & Cafe . 7. SAN MARCOS Go tubing or kayaking along the clear, spring-fed waters of the San Marcos River . Housed in a picturesque red barn, Roughhouse Brewing is known for its fermented ales and cave-aged beers. The Taproom features more than 35 draft beers from Texas and around the world, along with specialty burgers that have racked up awards. Get your wallet ready for discount shopping at two area outlet malls: San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets San Marcos . OUTDOOR ADVENTURES LEFT TO RIGHT: KARA BUSE; TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT WILDFLOWER WATCH Take off on a scenic drive along the two-lane Willow City Loop to see spectacular spring wildflowers in bloom. Be sure to stop at Wildseed Farms , a 200-acre wildflower farm and vineyard with a tasting room, deli and gift shop. Don’t miss the popular Bluebonnet Festival held every April in Burnet, the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas. TUBING The Hill Country Coast is the spot to go tubing on the calm, crystal-clear waters of the San Marcos , Comal and Guadalupe rivers that flow through several towns, including New Braunfels and San Marcos. PEACH PICKING Fredericksburg is the Peach Capital of Texas. Make it a day at one of the pick-your-own orchards from May to September, including the family-run Jenschke Orchards . Visit Das Peach Haus for peach jams and sauces, baked goods and old-fashioned candies, plus Texas wine tastings. HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS Once you spy the pink granite dome you’ll know you’ve arrived at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area , where you can go rock climbing and hike miles of trails. At Pedernales Falls State Park you can hike, mountain bike, horseback ride and go tubing among waterfalls and limestone canyons (reservations recommended). See an array of Texas wildlife and plants at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge on the many trails for hikers of all levels, including wheelchair-accessible paths. CAVING AND CAVERNS The Cave Without a Name is a National Natural Landmark that hosts guided tours of its stunning formations and unforgettable concerts in the Cave Throne Room. Open since 1932, Cascade Caverns offers daily guided explorations, including the nighttime Flashlight Tour. Longhorn Cavern State Park holds year-round walking and wild cave tours. Hidden for over 10,000 years, Inner Space Cavern is one of the best-preserved caves in Texas and offers daily tours. 54 visitaustin.org
Austin Insider Guide 2027: Page 54
