Feel the fresh air hit your skin as you admire the sprawling landscape filled with 100-foot-tall trees, gorgeous wildflowers, and rolling hills. Somehow, these natural wonders are just a fraction of what the Texas Hill Country has to offer.
You have probably heard stories from a friend or family member who made the journey out of the city for a relaxing weekend getaway in Fredericksburg, Luckenbach, Dripping Springs, or another small town in Central Texas, and you’re wondering what all the buzz is about.
While the hustle and bustle of city life have their own appeal, there are many enjoyable activities awaiting in the natural wonders that lie between San Antonio and Austin. History buffs can appreciate Johnson City’s ties to Lady Bird and Lyndon B. Johnson, the National Museum of the Pacific War, and the LBJ National Historical Park.
Meanwhile, Ingram is home to Stonehenge II, a wild roadside replica of the original structure. But there’s more to Hill Country than its long and rich history, and Texas locals may be looking for an outdoor escape from their 9-to-5s.
Picture yourself swimming in the crisp waters of Marble Falls or Jacob’s Well as you admire the beautiful night sky or curling up with a cup of tea after a long day of ziplining, exploring caverns, and horseback riding through the natural wonders hiding in our own back yard.
Texas’s Hill Country lets us immerse ourselves in the dazzling world around us while providing the amenities we need to truly enjoy this time set aside for self-care.
Texas Hill Country offers plenty of refreshing swimming options for a refreshing dip surrounded by the state’s gorgeous bluebonnets and sunny, clear skies.
Blue Hole Regional Park is one of the most popular options for swimming since this natural freshwater swimming hole is shaded by grand cypress trees, making the water a lovely 75 degrees year-round.
If you are looking for a swimming option with a view, head to Hamilton Pool. This natural pool sits under a dazzling 40-foot waterfall that will leave you in awe.
Ziplining pros and novices alike won’t want to miss this opportunity to soar over the magnificent foliage, hills, and plateaus that make up Hill Country.
Wimberley Zipline is a wonderful option for thrill seekers during your remote stay. When booking a tour with this company, you will be provided with all the gear you need and pre-tour safety training. Zipping along 10 lines that range from 20 to 100 feet high is one of the most immersive ways to experience the landscape around you.
The Hill Country is home to Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World, located on the banks of the Medina river. This historic spot is worth visiting for live country music, but it’s not the only music-related destination to check off your Texas bucket list.
In addition to Bandera, make sure to visit Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, located in New Braunfels. This spot has been visited by the likes of Willie Nelson, Bob Wills, and many other iconic country music legends. Close to the venue, you’ll find multiple boutiques and shops to pick up gifts for your friends and family.
If you dream of spending your time outdoors with a glass of wine in your hand as you stroll through manicured vineyards and distilleries, you’ll enjoy a visit to a wine-tasting room during your Hill Country visit.
Texas Hill Country wineries include fifty different wineries with breathtaking vistas that are all dedicated to producing quality wine and providing a relaxing and enjoyable space for guests.
For a more personalized experience in Hill Country, consider turning a day visit into a weekend-long trip with Collective Retreats. As a guest on the retreat, you will have access to many activities that encourage you to explore the beautiful landscape around you in a more intimate setting.
A guided tour on horseback is a classic Texas activity that everyone should experience at least once in their life. You can easily book a two-hour guided tour of the ranch with our concierge, led by a local expert. This excursion will make you feel connected to the historic Texas culture beneath your feet as you experience your surroundings in a new way.
If you’re more interested in water sports, the Hill Country is also an amazing spot to hop on a kayak on the Frio River or in Inks Lake. After a guided horseback tour, there’s nothing like getting on the water. You can even go tubing in the Guadalupe River for a relaxing experience that you’d never get in the big city.
As guests with Collective Retreats, you can put your mind at ease with our selection of wellness activities. Ground yourself through a rejuvenating meditation practice to connect more deeply with the energy of the nature around you.
Our Sound Meditation sessions are designed for full-body comfort. Close your eyes and let your mind rest as you cocoon yourself in fluffy blankets, yoga mats, pillows, and bolsters. End your day with the sound of the singing bowls washing over you, easing any emotional tension you may be holding and engulfing you in relaxation.
Let your body relax as you watch the light of the sunrise bounce off of the rolling hills surrounding the ranch during your morning yoga flow. Collective Retreat’s yoga and pilates fusion sessions are designed to strengthen your muscles and center your mind in a beginner-friendly environment.
At the end of class, our chef will provide you with homemade green juice for a refreshing and healthy start to your day.
To complete the collection of wellness activities offered with a Hill Country Collective Retreat, show some love to yourself by booking an in-tent massage with our concierge.
You won’t believe how strong and refreshed your body will feel after a post-swimming, horseback riding, yoga, or hiking massage at the skilled hands of our qualified massage therapists.
There are countless hiking trails in Texas Hill Country designed for all skill levels. To take the guesswork out of choosing your daily Hill Country hike, Collective Retreats offers two hiking trails located right on our ranch.
In the middle of each hike, you will reach a marvelous viewpoint that overlooks a different section of East Canyon and farther out into Hill Country. Both hikes have space for resting and admiring the view, so bring along our Collective Explorer’s Lunch to truly celebrate the moment.
Finally, there is nothing that completes a trip into the wild more than making s’mores over a campfire. Every night, the Collective Retreats staff will put together a classic bonfire for all our guests to enjoy. Put on your most comfortable clothes, visit our s’mores pantry, and settle in by the fire for a night of treats and stargazing.
This is also a wonderful way to meet the other guests on the retreat, as our communal campfires are a beloved way to end the night. Share stories of learning how to ride a horse or spotting wildlife on your hike as you soak up the last moments of your day, before retreating to your king-sized bed, dressed with 1500-count linens.
After a long day of swimming, horseback riding, or hiking, the promise of soft sheets and a temperature-controlled room is just what you need. At Collective Retreats, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between a remote getaway and a high-end resort experience.
Our most popular choice for accommodation is our Summit Tent. The Summit Tent is designed to hold two adults, as it can come with either a king bed or two double beds. The room is filled with woven textiles, antique-inspired furnishings, and rustic and charming decor.
There are en-suite bathrooms in each tent, filled with spa-quality toiletries to make every part of your day comfortable. Additionally, you will have access to a private deck right outside your door with two lounge chairs, perfect for watching the sunrise or counting the stars at night.
If you are traveling with your children, our Summit Tent — Family Suite addition includes a second, smaller tent located just steps away from your main accommodation. The smaller tent comes furnished with two single beds, also covered in high-quality sheets and duvets.
Although it may seem like the empty space between Austin and San Antonio doesn’t have much to offer, we hope that you’re now ready to plan a trip full of fun activities that are unique to Hill Country.
Adventure and accommodations that are warm and restful are waiting for you, under an hour’s drive away from your home.
Sources:
Blue Hole Regional Park | Wimberley, TX
The 15 Best Wineries in the Texas Hill Country | Eater Austin
The Conservatory Collective
