This Texas Hill Country Town Is Home to Natural Swimming Holes, Wineries, and 50 Giant Cowboy Boots

Here’s how to plan a picture-perfect trip to Wimberley, Texas.

“A nice place to visit… a great place to live,” reads the motto of Wimberley, Texas. With a population of only 2,877, the Hill Country destination embraces all of the best aspects of small-town charm: one-of-a-kind stores, a passionate art scene, and a genuine appreciation of the area’s natural beauty. According to Rachel and Matthew Buchanan, owners of local restaurant The Leaning Pear, “The lack of chain restaurants and stores feels like a welcome throwback to a bygone era, [especially] when you compare Wimberley to its big-box neighbors along the I-35 corridor.”

Located between Austin and San Antonio, Wimberley maintains its own voice and individuality. Case in point: The 50-plus large-scale cowboy boot sculptures, all designed by artists in the area, that decorate the town. The Bootiful Wimberley initiative began in 2014 and has since become a major draw to the area. In fact, visitors can even follow a trail map marking the location of each boot. Wimberley also has a large appeal for nature enthusiasts and those craving a bit of outdoor adventure. Lavender fields, natural swimming pools, hiking trails, and an adrenaline-inducing zipline are all possible additions to your travel plans.

• Spot the 50 cowboy boot sculptures decorating the town.

• Take a dip in a natural swimming hole.

• Sip some local wines at one of the area's many scenic vineyards.

• Head to Wimberley Square to shop the local boutiques.

• Stay in a well-appointed yurt at Yurtopian Hill Country Resort.

Ready to plan your trip to Hill Country? Read on to discover the best things to do and see in Wimberley, Texas.

Related: 8 Best Small Towns in Texas

Best Places to Stay in Wimberley

Yurtopian Hill Country Resort

The Buchanans call the Yurtopian Hill Country Resort a “peaceful glamping retreat.” Here, travelers can book one of the six well-appointed yurts. Each comes with an outdoor kitchen, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and heat, and a walk-in limestone shower. Not to mention, you’ll have total privacy; there are more than 300 feet between each yurt.

Creekhaven Inn & Spa

“Just a short walk to the square, Creekhaven Inn & Spa is a perfect spot to enjoy Cypress Creek,” says Rachel Buchanan. Guests of the family-owned inn can enjoy daily breakfast delivered directly to their rooms, an on-site spa, and the freedom to roam the property’s picturesque creekfront location.

7A Ranch

7A Ranch has a long history in Wimberley. First opened in the mid-1900s, the property has provided a haven for travelers for over seven decades — expanding, renovating, and rebuilding along the way. Following 2015’s historic flood in Wimberley, 7A Ranch changed ownership, but it continues the previous owners’ original legacy with its 19 cabins, two four-room units, three 10-room lodges, and kid-friendly Pioneer Town, where the whole family can explore the ice cream parlor, opera house, and other decidedly Western attractions.

Best Things to Do in Wimberley

Go swimming at Blue Hole Regional Park.

Blue Hole Regional Park tops the list of the best things to do in Wimberley. “It’s such a neat spot and the trees are amazing,” says Dean Chambers of Kiss the Cook. The natural, spring-fed swimming hole is known for its clear waters, towering cypress trees, and rope swings. “Keep your eyes out and ears open for native wildlife and vegetation…see if you can spy the endangered golden-cheeked warbler… and enjoy the quiet rustle of wind in the trees,” says Matthew Buchanan.

Walk through the lavender fields.

Late spring marks the beginning of lavender season in Texas. The bright hues of purple and the blooms’ intoxicating scent can be found in a couple of places around Wimberley. Pick your own lavender at Rough Creek Lavender Fields, which claims the title of the oldest lavender farm in Hill Country, or venture to Cypress Creek Lavender Farm, a family-run establishment selling a variety of beauty products made with their lavender.

Check out the area’s wineries.

Texas Hill Country has its fair share of places to grab a drink — especially for oenophiles. Limestone Terrace Vineyard has $25 wine tastings, Seventh Son Vineyards is open on the weekends, and Wimberley Valley Wine has a delightful food truck menu to pair with its reds and whites. Pro tip: The Buchanans suggest touring the wineries during bluebonnet season, so your drive between locations is extra beautiful.

Schedule a zipline tour.

If you want an elevated view of Wimberley, make a reservation at Wimberley Zipline Adventures. Tours include all 10 of the ziplines, which range in length from 150 feet to 900 feet. In total, the experience takes around 1.5 to 2 hours — so you’ll have plenty of time to squeeze in other Wimberley activities.

Watch glassblowing at Wimberley Glassworks.

Part shopping, part experience, a stop at Wimberley Glassworks is highly suggested for travelers in search of a memento from their trip. The hand-blown glass lighting and art studio has been around for more than 20 years and offers live glassblowing demos alongside its variety of vases, platters, barware, chandeliers, and other works of art.

Best Restaurants in Wimberley

The Wimberley Cafe

“The Wimberley Cafe is a classic, with a great breakfast menu and small-town charm at the center of the square,” says Rachel Buchanan. Start your day with a hearty breakfast plate (grits or hashbrowns included), fried French toast, or biscuits and gravy. If you’re in the area at lunchtime, peruse the daily specials or grab a deli sandwich to go.

Kelly’s Hill Country Barbeque

“Kelly’s BBQ is some of the best in central Texas,” says Chambers. “Don’t miss his tacos or chopped brisket sandwiches for lunch at his truck.” Open Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. “until sold out,” the barbecue truck has all of the fan favorites, including mac and cheese, pulled pork, ribs, and sausage.

The Leaning Pear

The Buchanans’ Hill Country establishment is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. The Leaning Pear menu is focused on fresh, seasonal, and local food and features wood-fired pizzas, a Southern Clucker sandwich (fried chicken, Alabama white sauce, and pimento cheese), and a variety of rotating specials.

Community Pizza & Beer Garden

“Community Pizza makes great pies and other items,” says Chambers. It’s a casual spot that’s great for larger groups; there’s plenty of outdoor seating and the menu includes both gluten-free and vegan options.

Best Shopping in Wimberley

Wimberley Square

For a full day of shopping, you’ll want to explore Wimberley Square. “I’d recommend leaving your car at the Oak Drive parking lot on the south side of the square and just enjoying a few hours of meandering from shop to shop. You’ll find everything from art galleries to wine tasting and an assortment of one-of-a-kind gems in between… all nestled together door to door,” says Rachel Buchanan. Within the square, stop at Kiss the Cook for kitchen essentials, Gold Dust Boutique for jewelry and accessories, and The Old Mill Store for handcrafted furniture and gifts.

Wimberley Market Days

Held the first Saturday of each month, Wimberley Market Days dot the calendar from March through December. More than 450 vendors have made the occasion the largest outdoor market in Texas Hill Country, and shoppers come from near and far to wander through the booths, listen to live music, and support the Wimberley Lions Club.

Best Times to Visit Wimberley

Texas is synonymous with summer heat, but rising temperatures also make for ideal swimming conditions. According to Chambers, summer in Wimberley is wonderful due to “all the river and water activities.” He also shares that Wimberely is a true year-round destination: “[There’s] plenty of beauty in the Hill Country to behold, no matter the weather.” If you’re interested in seeing Wimberely’s lavender farms, early June is the best time to visit. Come earlier in the spring — from mid-March through mid-April — to experience the Texas bluebonnet season.

How to Get There

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the closest airport to Wimberley. The center of town is about a 45-minute drive from Austin, so you’ll need to rent a car to get there. San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is another option, with a slightly longer drive to Wimberley; the 55 miles typically take a little over an hour.

How to Get Around

While Wimberley Square can be explored on foot, a car is necessary if you want to go further out into Hill Country. If you’re in the area for an extended trip, be sure to check out Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, and Luckenbach — all within driving distance of Wimberley.

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