10 Things To Do In Dripping Springs, Texas, Hill Country
The ultimate guide to finding the best barbecue, wineries, hikes, and more in this Texas town.
Texas Hill Country is known for scenic drives, dreamy views, lush landscapes, bright wildflowers, and a scattering of small towns, with plenty to do in between. It's simply a stunning region to behold, and you don't even have to venture far from the nearest big city. Located just around 40 minutes southwest of Austin, Dripping Springs is undeniably one of Texas Hill Country's best towns worth visiting.
Not only does this small town offer a multitude of entertainment for those passing through, but it also boasts stunning scenery that has made it a popular destination for weekend trips (glamping, anyone?), as well as weddings. You feel like you're lost somewhere deep in Texas, while never being far away from easy creature comforts.
Here are the best things to do in Dripping Springs, Texas, on your next trip to the Lone Star State.
Pay a Visit to Hamilton Pool
One of the most iconic natural landmarks in Texas, Hamilton Pool (shown above) is a unique grotto with a cascading 50-foot waterfall. It only takes a short hike from the entrance of the 230-acre preserve to see the pool and find a spot to post up for a picnic or picture.
Lunch at Texas Hill Country Olive Co.
This family-owned, award-winning olive orchard makes for a fun outing. Tour the grounds, sample olive oil and balsamic vinegar, shop the many infused options (we love the basil-infused and lemon-infused olive oils) and gift sets, have lunch at the bistro, and even become a part of their olive oil membership.
Two-Step at Mercer Dancehall
With live music every weekend and a 2,000-square-foot wraparound porch, this Texas dance hall is the best way to cap off a full day. There's a fully operating kitchen for those needing a snack in between boot-scootin' and square-dancing, and you can even rent one of the on-site cabins for your stay.
Browse Mercer Street
The town's historic district is full of quaint shops to peruse. Explore the old-fashioned storefronts—some date as far back as the 1800s!—and find souvenirs to take home at eclectic boutiques like Vintage Soul TX.
Book a Glamping Trip
Texas Hill Country is known for its many unique stays and glamping sites. Dripping Springs happens to be home to one of the most scenic glamping resorts, Lucky Arrow Retreat. Choose from yurts, cabins, and porch houses for your stay.
Sleep in Casitas
Enjoy a peaceful stay in a room or suite at a Hill Country ranch with all the luxury of a city hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the resort pool or sign up for activities like axe throwing, hiking, alpaca feeding, olive oil tasting, and more at Camp Lucy. End the day at the resort’s on-site upscale restaurant. The small cottages at Hill Country Casitas offer deluxe amenities and breathtaking hill country views, all a short drive to the area’s attractions. Enjoy an on-site swimming pool, hikes exploring the property’s 13 acres, and a nightcap in front of a Texas-sized fire pit.
Visit the Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room
That's right: The extremely beloved, nationwide flavored vodka brand is based out of Dripping Springs, and you can now visit its state-of-the-art tasting room for samples, cocktails, and food. Explore the distillery while you're there.
Enjoy Authentic Texas Barbecue and More
Head just a few miles to the nearby teeny-tiny town of Driftwood for famous Texas barbecue. Salt Lick BBQ has been around since 1967 and is known for its huge open-air barbecue pits that you can see piled high with meats as you walk to your table. Other popular Driftwood stops are Duchman Family Winery, Trattoria Lisina, and Desert Door Distillery.
Visit the Wineries, Distilleries, and Breweries
It's not called "sipping in the Springs" for nothing. One of the only Hill Country towns—if not the only one—that has wineries, distilleries, and breweries all within just a few square miles of each other, Dripping Springs knows how to have a good time. Some of our favorite recommendations: Bell Springs Winery, Twisted X Brewing Company, and Treaty Oak Distilling.
Explore Pedernales Falls State Park
Whenever you're within a short distance of a Texas state park, it's always in your best interest to head in that direction. The parks and natural areas are all special in their own way, and the Pedernales Falls State Park is known for its uniquely huge slabs of limestone that look as old as time. It's less than half an hour from Dripping Springs.
So, if you're looking for a small-town getaway that has oodles to offer, look no further than Dripping Springs, Texas.
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