See The Best Of The Texas Hill Country In One Day On This Epic Road Trip

Who’s ready for another road trip? It seems like forever since we’ve put one together, but I think we’ve more than made up for it with this one. If you’re looking for a last-minute spring break vacation, look no further – this Hill Country trip can be done in just ONE day!

The entire thing is less than five hours of travel time, so you can still spend an hour or so at each stop. You may need to stay in a hotel the night before and after depending on where you’re coming from, but the trip itself can be completed in a day.

As always, the Google Map with exact directions and addresses can be found here. Safe travels!

Google Maps

Facebook/Richard C. Moeur

Our first stop is Bandera, the self-proclaimed "Cowboy Capital of the World." We'll be visiting the Bandera General Store, a 108 year-old building that's been everything from a saddle shop to a movie theater. There's a saloon in the basement, a soda fountain on the main floor (one of only 11 left in Texas!), and plenty of cowboy souvenirs like hats and boots.

306 Main St, Bandera, TX 78003

Flickr/joncutrer

Next stop, Fredericksburg: home to the big pink blob otherwise known as Enchanted Rock. Between its rich history still preserved in the form of rock art on the walls, picturesque views, and relatively easy trails suitable for all fitness levels, time spent here is sure to be enjoyed by all.

16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Flickr/captdf

A hill country road trip just wouldn't be compete without swinging by the smallest town in Texas. Luckenbach has a population of just 3 people and consists of a post office, a saloon, a general store, and a dance hall. The town slogan is "Everybody's Somebody in Luckenbach" - can you think of anything more fitting?

Flickr/darrellrhodesmiller

It won't take much time to see all there is to see in Luckenbach, so we'll have time to squeeze in a quick dip at Hamilton Pool before grabbing some lunch. If you've never been here before, you're in for a real treat. It's a magical limestone grotto with gorgeous blue-green water, and it seriously looks like something from another planet.

24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Flickr/wallyg

Who's hungry? I know I am - swimming sure works up an appetite. Luckily, we're just minutes away from one of the best barbecue joints in the state. Although much of the Salt Lick's notoriety comes from its larger-than-life barbecue pit, it isn't a gimmick at all; they really need to have this much meat cooking at once considering how busy the restaurant gets! Just try not to stuff yourself too much (harder said than done, I know) because we've got another water activity coming up afterwards.

18300 Fm 1826 Driftwood, TX 78619

Flickr/fizzboy

I hope you're not feeling too much like a stuffed turkey after that delicious meal, because it's time to hit the pool again! Jacob's Well is a crystal-clear swimming hole with a 200+ foot-deep well smack-dab in the middle of it. Rumor has it there are caves located far down in the hole, but diving is not permitted due to the possible dangers. Every time I go, I swim as fast as I can over the hole as if it's going to suck me in or something. Hasn't happened yet, but I'm not taking any chances!

1699 Mt. Sharp Rd. Wimberley, TX, 78676

Flickr/denschub

Oh, Austin...where do we even start? Obviously we won't be able to see everything since this is a one day trip, but we can certainly hit the highlights. Walk around the capital for a bit, and then maybe spend an hour or so at SXSW, the famous music festival going on this week. It'll be approaching dinnertime when we're done here, so I hope y'all are hungry for another helping of Texas BBQ.

Flickr/kentwang

It's dinnertime! We're headed to Lockhart, home of Black's Barbecue. Black's is easily one of the best barbecue joints in Texas - it's been open since 1932 and owned by the same family for all this time. It ranked in Texas Monthly's top 50 barbecue restaurants in the state, and its definitely deserving of its spot. Make sure to try the brisket even if that's all you have room for after our huge lunch.

215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644

Flickr/devilelephant

Our final stop on the trip is Natural Bridge Caverns in New Braunfels! A cave walk after dinner is the perfect way to burn off some of those calories, although the meal was definitely worth it. You'll see stalactites, stalagmites, and tons of other beautiful rock formations as you tour one of the largest caverns in Texas. I hope y'all enjoyed the trip - save travels home!

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

So, what do y’all think? Ready to hop in the car? I know I am!

For all the foodies out there, here’s another road trip especially for you: The Ultimate Texas BARBECUE Road Trip.