This Epic One-Day Road Trip Across Texas Is Full Of Adventures From Sunrise To Sunset
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Katie Lawrence
Author
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.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
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.
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Vanishing Texas River Cruise, 443 Waterway Ln, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
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.
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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?
Blue Bonnet Cafe, 211 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
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!
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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.
Cypress Valley, 1223 Paleface Ranch Rd S, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA
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!
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, 24518 Ranch Rd 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
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!
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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.
The Oasis On Lake Travis, 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732, USA
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!
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Road Trip in Texas
What are some other fun things to do in Texas Hill Country?
The Texas Hill Country is a popular vacation destination, and it’s easy to see why. The verdant hillsides, picturesque golf courses, and local wineries keep people coming back again and again. The region encompasses several small towns in Central Texas, including Burnet, Wimberley, Fredericksburg, and Johnson City. As the above itinerary suggests, Texas Hill Country is full of amazing adventures and attractions! In addition to those listed in our road trip, here are some other fun things to do in Texas Hill Country:
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Vineyards. Texas Hill County isn't just one of the most picturesque places in the state; it's also the Lone Star State's very own slice of Wine Country. Rolling hills, sprawling estates, and absolutely unparalleled sunsets are all the ingredients necessary for a rejuvenating getaway – so adding in a few glasses of high-quality vino is just icing on the cake. The 290 "Wine Trail" lets oenophiles savor the bounty of the region, with the majority of the wineries nestled between Hye and Fredericksburg. The unique terroir of the Texas High Plains capture the essence of the area in the most refined and resplendent of ways, making for a wine tasting experience you can only have in Texas. Among the myriad destinations on the Wine Trail, Lost Draw Cellars is celebrated as one of the best.
- The "Cowboy Capital of the World" -- Bandera. There's much to explore in this winsome town, especially the eponymous 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.
- Enchanted Rock. Fredericksburg is 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.
- Luckenbach. Another Hill Country town, Luckenbach has a population of just three 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?
- Hamilton Pool. Easily the most famous landmark in Texas Hill Country, if you've never been to Hamilton Pool 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.