Hill Country

Travel Guide

Franklin Park showing a lake or waterhole and forests
LBJ Presidential Library which includes interior views
North Central Austin showing a park
LBJ Presidential Library featuring heritage elements and interior views
Austin City Hall showing outdoor art
The heart of Texas lies in the edgy, artistic cities and stunningly diverse landscapes of Hill Country, a centrally located region with a rich local culture.

Hill Country’s name is well earned, as the central Texan region is covered in green, rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Travel throughout the area to discover the cities that lie within the scenery. You’ll find hubs of creative communities and historical attractions.

Discover the history of the region in towns with Germanic names and old-world atmospheres. German immigrants moved to the region in the 1840s, founding towns such as Luckenbach and Gruene. Visit them to encounter wild, frontier towns with rich musical legacies, vintage saloons and charming dance halls.

Hill Country is home to Texas’ trendy, thriving capital, Austin. Nicknamed the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is the place to be during major festivals throughout the year. Come outside of a festival to discover the naturally warmed waters of Barton Springs Pool, browse the exhibits of the Bullock Texas State History Museum and marvel at the unusual art installation The Cathedral of Junk.

Historic Fredericksburg is popular with sightseers, who come to visit Fort Martin Scott and the nearby village of Luckenbach. From here, it’s a short drive to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, which is dominated by the unusual sight of a pink granite dome. In this area you can climb rocks, watch birds and pitch a tent for a night beneath the stars.

Roam around the scenic landscapes outside the cities to find unusual and breathtaking sights. Destinations such as Lost Maples State Natural Area feature rivers winding through colorful canyons, while the fields outside Burnet are famed for a stunning display of bluebonnet wildflowers in April. Head beneath the hills in Cascade Caverns to see frogs, bats and salamanders in vast limestone caves.

Relax after exploring the sights of Hill Country in one of its numerous wineries. The lesser-known wine-producing region is the home of dozens of vineyards that run tours and tasting sessions with views of the fertile landscape.

Fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport then use a car to travel across the diverse landscapes of Hill Country. The region is a great place to explore year round, but spring promises milder days, fields covered in bluebonnets and a range of music festivals.

Where to stay in Hill Country

Downtown Austin showing street scenes and an administrative building

Downtown Austin

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

Downtown Austin is popular for its fantastic nightlife. Explore top sights like Sixth Street and Paramount Theatre, and you can get around town on the metro at Downtown Station.

Downtown Austin
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Gruene

River views, gardens and shopping are some highlights of Gruene. Make a stop by Gruene Hall or Guadalupe River while you're exploring.

Gruene
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The Domain

Great live music beloved sports teams and top sights from Domain Northside to Museum of Ice Cream – discover The Domain, a destination also famous for its entertainment.

The Domain
Fredericksburg which includes a house and street scenes

Fredericksburg Historic District

While visiting Fredericksburg Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Fredericksburg Winery and Main Street.

Fredericksburg Historic District
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South Congress

4/5(10 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to South Congress. A stop by South Congress Avenue or South First Street might round out your trip.

South Congress
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Bouldin Creek

While visiting Bouldin Creek, you might make a stop by sights like South First Street and Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Bouldin Creek
Fairmont Austin
Fairmont Austin
4 out of 5
101 Red River St, Austin, TX
The price is RM935 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
RM935
RM1,310 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Austin. Enjoy a full-service spa, 6 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,974 reviews)
"Wifi is not complimentary despite being expensive property, parking charges should be reasonable"

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2025

Fairmont Austin
Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown
Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown
2 out of 5
9121 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX
The price is RM266 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
RM266
RM331 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,361 reviews)
"Conveniently located, clean, cheap, plentiful parking, and friendly front desk agents! Especially enjoyed the fitness center. 10/10 would book again!"

Reviewed on 1 Apr 2025

Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown
citizenM Austin Downtown
citizenM Austin Downtown
4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM641 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
RM641
RM765 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,498 reviews)
A Must Stay !!!
"Excellent location with close proximity to other hotel restaurants and bars. Close to the well-known 6th street downtown. Hotel was tech modern with self-check in/out process and managing room amenities with i-pad controller."

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2025

citizenM Austin Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Placemakr Downtown Austin
Placemakr Downtown Austin
4 out of 5
710 E 3rd St, Austin, TX
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Sixth Street and Rainey Street ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (296 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Very clean, comfortable and a lot of stuff is walking distance."

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2025

Placemakr Downtown Austin
Sentral East Austin at 1630 E. Sixth
Sentral East Austin at 1630 E. Sixth
4 out of 5
1630 East 6th Street, Austin, TX
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (315 reviews)
"It’s closer to downtown and walkable."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2025

Sentral East Austin at 1630 E. Sixth
Sonder at East 5th
Sonder at East 5th
3.5 out of 5
1211 East 5th Street, Austin, TX
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Austin. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Popular attractions Sixth Street and Rainey Street ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (259 reviews)
"Would definitely stay again with our 2 kids. Thanks!"

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2025

Sonder at East 5th
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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