Hill Country, TX

Travel Guide

Franklin Park which includes forest scenes and a lake or waterhole
LBJ Presidential Library which includes interior views
North Central Austin featuring a garden
LBJ Presidential Library featuring heritage elements and interior views
Austin City Hall featuring 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 buidling

Downtown Austin

4/5(3,367 area reviews)

Central business district with high-rise buildings, Downtown Austin offers shopping at Second Street District and Sixth Street, art at Contemporary Austin Jones Center, and sights like Texas State Capitol. Accessible via Capital MetroRail.

Downtown Austin
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 Rockbox Theater.

Fredericksburg Historic District
Gruene

Gruene

5/5(71 area reviews)

Experience German-Texan heritage and architecture while shopping, dining, and wine-tasting in renovated buildings. Must-see spots include Gruene Hall, Gruene Family Home, and the historic water tower.

Gruene
Sundae with Boba

The Domain

Dubbed as "Austin's second downtown," this high-density center boasts upscale retail stores, diverse dining options, and residential apartments. Explore Domain NORTHSIDE, Rock Rose district, and Q2 Stadium, with easy access to future Broadmoor and McKalla Place stations.

The Domain
Austin showing signage

South Congress

4/5(656 area reviews)

Eclectic small retailers, diverse dining options, and vibrant music and art venues define this shopping and cultural district. Hop on MetroRapid Route 801 for easy city access, or explore the square's food trucks for tasty treats.

South Congress
Default Image

Bouldin Creek

If you're spending some time in Bouldin Creek, South First Street and Long Center for the Performing Arts are top sights worth seeing.

Bouldin Creek
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 ¥22,918 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥22,918
¥27,351 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,110 reviews)
"It's an interesting concept. Very small rooms, good for solo travelers. The rooms are too small for couples with luggage. Under-bed storage, but there isn't enough space to open up more than one or two bags at a time. No hand towels available. It's just a place to sleep, treat it as such. Friendly ..."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

citizenM Austin Downtown
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street, Austin, TX
The price is ¥20,760 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥20,760
¥24,899 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,037 reviews)
"Hyatt house did amazing from the valet to front desk to customer service. I appreciate everyone there for their help and courtesy."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
Hotel Van Zandt

Hotel Van Zandt

4 out of 5
605 Davis Street, Austin, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥34,047 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥34,047
¥46,326 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (959 reviews)
"Really great stat, excellent hotel and staff"

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2025

Hotel Van Zandt
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, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Sixth Street and Moody Theater ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (432 reviews)
"The room was nice. But the wi-fi wasn't working properly(and was given two to use). The closest elevator was out of service, so had to walk further to get up to my room. There wasn't much dining within safe walking distance. The staff was nice but the text communication they used was unresponsive. ..."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

Placemakr Downtown Austin
 Studio Haus East 6th Austin by Kasa

Studio Haus East 6th Austin by Kasa

2 out of 5
1812 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Stay at this aparthotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sixth Street and Lady Bird Lake are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (10 reviews)
"This place was amazing!!! We had a fantastic stay and absolutely can't wait to go back!!! Don't skip this place if you get a chance to book in the area DO IT!! Great staff, friendly faces at all hours, clean room and community spaces!! Local day and nightlife is amazing with everything you could ..."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2025

Studio Haus East 6th Austin by Kasa
Austin Condo Hotel

Austin Condo Hotel

4.5 out of 5
48 East Ave, Austin, TX
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury condo in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (423 reviews)
"Loved the property, beautiful view, me and my friends had a great time, we hung out by the pool and the bar downstairs is very lively. Staff at the front desk were very attentive, It was a great experience!!"

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2025

Austin Condo Hotel
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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