A Texas Hill Country day trip is actually more doable than you might think! If you start bright and early, you can easily see all the best sights the region has to offer before sunset. From scenic hikes to delicious food to a boat tour to ziplining, this one-day road trip in Texas has it all.
Visit Google Maps for the customizable trip itinerary.
1. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (Fredericksburg)
Our day begins bright and early at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The 1.3-mile Summit Trail leads to the top of this iconic, 425-foot-tall landmark, offering an unparalleled vantage point for watching the sunrise. Moderately challenging, the trail features an elevation gain of around 400 feet, but the short distance makes the steep incline a bit more bearable.
2. Vanishing Texas River Cruise on Lake Buchanan (Burnet)
Next up, we're heading northwest to the beautiful Lake Buchanan to take a ride on the Vanishing Texas River Cruise. This spacious, double-decker boat leads passengers on an unforgettable journey past gorgeous waterfalls and otherworldly cliffs, with the added bonus of seeing native Texas wildlife everywhere you look.
3. Blue Bonnet Cafe (Marble Falls)
You're probably getting hungry by now, and so are we! What better place to stop for lunch than Blue Bonnet Cafe, arguably the most famous restaurant in the Texas Hill Country?
This longstanding eatery is best-known for their award-winning pie, so make sure to order a slice or two after your meal.
As far as main dishes go, expect to see hearty Southern comforts like chicken-fried steak, meatloaf, and all the yummy sides that tend to accompany such entrees. It's the perfect fuel for our next adventure!
4. Cypress Valley Canopy Tours (Spicewood)
After filling up on lunch - and letting it digest for a bit - we're setting off on an exhilarating zipline course at Cypress Valley Canopy Tours.
Although ziplining comes off as an "extreme sport," Cypress Valley makes it as lighthearted as possible.
The terrain is absolutely magical, featuring 100-foot-tall old growth trees that you get to soar through, feeling free as a bird. You will also walk across two sky bridges and even try your hand at rappelling!
5. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (Marble Falls)
If you've ever dreamed of visiting the African Savanna, you don't even need to book a plane ticket. Just visit Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge! The seemingly endless grasslands filled with lush greenery make this 27,000-acre preserve among the most peaceful places in the state. Explore over 10 miles of trails and see how many different species of wildlife you can identify!
6. The Oasis on Lake Travis (Austin)
Last - but certainly not least - our fun-filled day comes to an end at none other than the "Sunset Capital of Texas." The Oasis on Lake Travis is the largest restaurant in Texas, seating nearly 3,000 people. The multi-level eatery also sits right along the shores of the pristine Lake Travis, offering some of - if not the - best sunset views in Texas.
Often times, restaurants that capitalize on something other than the food (such as the views) lack quality, but not The Oasis!
Their extensive menu of Tex-Mex inspired fare and fun, handcrafted cocktails will win your taste buds over at first bite!
Please note: zip line tours at Cypress Valley are currently suspended. Visit their website or Facebook page to be the first to know when tours resume. Would you take this epic Texas Hill Country day trip? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!