When you want to get away for a relaxing or exciting vacation, it’s tempting to hop on a plane and forget about the hidden gems that exist all around you, even if you live in the delightful Lone Star State. We get used to the bubble we have created in our cities and communities, and we forget to cherish the beauty that sits just outside of our daily routines.
If you live in one of the major cities in the heart of Texas, you are probably familiar with Texas Hill Country. That strip of land between Austin and San Antonio is full of so much wonder, beauty, and potential for outdoor adventures.
There are outdoor activities waiting for adventurers of all skill levels, sure to excite and revitalize you. From golf courses on Texas’s rolling hills to a relaxing night in a hot tub, there’s something for everyone.
There are many different ways to vacation in Hill Country towns like Fredericksburg, Boerne, Kerrville, and Johnson City, with experiences ranging from day trips to a full wellness weekend getaway. No matter what you choose to do, a vacation in the Hill Country will reveal some of the best parts of Texas while offering you a place to take a deep breath of fresh air.
As you explore Hill Country spots like New Braunfels and Canyon Lake, there are countless activities to fill your time in Hill Country’s beautiful terrain.
While lying next to your home’s pool can be relaxing, nothing will feel as refreshing as swimming in a natural swimming hole. The many streams, rivers, caverns, dams in Texas have created a plethora of swimming holes across the state.
One popular choice for swimming holes is in Blanco State Park. Relax in the cool, but never cold, water and swim in the clear, blue water formed by a dam in the Blanco River.
Surrounding the pool sits varying sizes of limestone rocks, providing the perfect place to summon your courage and jump into the depths of the pool. You can also go kayaking in the Blanco River’s gorgeous natural area before heading back to your vacation rental.
If you are interested in underwater caves, Jacob’s Well may be a lovely detour for your party. This natural swimming pool is formed by Trinity Aquifer and stays at a perfect 68 degrees year-round. The underwater cave system is totally impressive, and you can even look and jump straight down into the state’s largest underwater cave.
A few other notable spots for swimming include the Blue Hole Regional Park, the five lakes surrounding Marble Falls, and the Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs. If you are looking for a bit more adventure, we recommend tubing down the Guadalupe River.
With their gorgeous rolling hills and forested areas, Texas Hill Country’s small towns are home to some of the best hiking trails in the entire country. Fully immersing yourself in the remarkable scenery of the area will leave you feeling restored and grateful for your Hill Country vacation.
Taking a road trip to one of the area’s best hiking and biking spots gives you a glimpse of the area’s gorgeous wildflowers, including bluebonnets and paintbrushes.
If you are looking for a relaxing stroll or you don’t have much hiking experience, take a hike on the Pedernales Falls Overlook. This hike is under a mile long, and the allure is the stunning viewpoint at the ascent, where you can look over the trees and streams that are scattered throughout Pedernales State Park.
For a moderately difficult hike, walk along the Enchanted Rock Summit Trail. This path is a two-mile out-and-back loop and will take you along the Echo Canyon. The summit will make you feel on top of the world as you look over the landscapes from above.
Overall, some of the most beautiful hiking spots in the Hill Country are situated in the Lyndon B. Johnson State and National Historical Parks. This area was LBJ’s childhood stomping grounds, and it’s one of the best places in The Cowboy Capital of the World to hike.
In addition to its pristine swimming holes and hiking trails, Hill Country is also known for top-of-the-line wineries and vineyards. If you prefer to admire Hill Country with a glass of wine in hand, then these spots may become a must-visit addition to your itinerary.
For an unforgettable 360-degree view of Hill Country, head over to Pedernales Cellars. This winery has been a Hill Country staple for many years and has a patio that provides stellar views and ambiance, making it difficult to pull yourself away. For an immersive outdoor experience wine-lovers will especially enjoy, you can sip on a wine flight during the afternoon before you buy a bottle of your favorite variation and listen to live music as the sun begins to set.
If you’d like to take a picturesque stroll around grape vines, check out Perissos Vineyard and Winery. This location is full of southern charm and hospitality, evident in its decor and service. Much of the wine that’s sold here is grown right on the property, giving you an interesting look behind the scenes of the winemaking process.
If you are craving excitement, you may choose to book a tour with Wimberley Zipline Adventures. Taking advantage of the lush foliage and spacious nature of Hill Country, over ten zip lines are available to give you a tour unlike anything you have seen before.
After booking a tour with Wimberley Zipline Adventures you will be given the proper gear and taken through a brief safety training course so that you feel safe and prepared for the day. Afterward, you will have the chance to soar across ten different ziplines.
Let your feet dangle over the tops of trees that are a lush green in the summer and rich with reds and oranges in the fall and try to spot the various lakes, streams, and hills across the landscape.
Hill Country is a peaceful and restorative oasis, and it’s important to connect with your body and nature through yoga and meditation as you immerse yourself in nature.
On the Collective Retreat ranch right outside of Wimberley, we offer a relaxing sound meditation meant to lull you into serenity. You can recharge on a yoga mat and cozy blanket that is provided at the beginning of the session and let your mind relax as an expert creates ambient noise with singing bowls.
If you like to relax your mind and body in a more physical way, wake yourself up with a morning yoga flow. As a Collective Retreats guest, you will have access to daily morning yoga sessions that are designed to strengthen your muscles and center your mind.
At Collective Retreats, we want guests to experience the magic of Hill Country but still have the opportunity to retreat to a luxurious space at the end of the night. Our retreat offers high-end lodging, and wellness activities to help you truly immerse yourself in everything Texas has to offer.
Our most popular option, the Summit Tent, will give you a comfortable space for downtime but will still make you feel like you are connecting with nature. As soon as you arrive, you will be greeted with either a king bed or a double bed set up with 1500 thread-count linens and rich, woven textiles.
You will also immediately be cooled off in the summer or warmed up in the winter, thanks to the heating and cooling systems in place.
For your pre-bed routine, head to your ensuite bathroom to take advantage of your full-flush toilet, rain-style shower, and vanity setup. As you snuggle into the plush bedding, plug your phone charger into the bedside electric socket, so your phone is fully charged for the next day’s activities.
Lastly, as you wake up in the morning to the white noises of leaves blowing in the wind or a nearby rushing stream, step out onto your private deck to watch the light from the sunrise illuminate the gorgeous scenery around you.
If you don’t want your kids to miss out on this one-of-a-kind vacation, Collective Retreats offers accommodations for the whole family. If you choose the Family Suite option, you will have access to a traditional Summit Tent with an additional, smaller tent located just steps away.
The smaller tent includes two single beds that are also dressed with high-quality linens and are the perfect size for any child 12 and under. After an exhausting day of exploring, your kids will have the ability to rest in their own space and feel restored when it’s time for more family fun.
Gone are the days of booking a long flight for a relaxing and exciting getaway. It’s time to appreciate the top-quality vacation spots that sit within an hour’s drive from your own city. Even if you think you have seen all of Hill Country from driving through the area or on various day trips, the area is full of new adventures and sights that will continue to amaze you.
Exploring nature is the best way to break out of your demanding day-to-day life and allow your body to rest and relax. However, there is no need to give up the amenities you are used to having every day, which is why we encourage you to book with us at Collective Retreats. Comfort, luxury, and outdoor exploration come together in Texas Hill Country for an experience you will never forget.
Sources:
Blanco State Park | Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
The Conservatory Collective
