09 August . 2018
No matter who’s coming along, try these Hill Country day trip ideas
Whether you want to be active, pamper yourself, or enjoy some quality time with family and friends, the Texas Hill Country surrounding Sweetwater offers almost limitless possibilities for fun day trips. Here are our top 6 picks, depending on who you’re going with.
With the kids. From natural attractions to manmade amusements, the Texas Hill Country is filled with family friendly adventures. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch offers an African-style safari on a 400-acre ranch with 4 miles of driving trail, allowing kids to see giraffes, zebras, rhinos and other exotic animals. The Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary serves a dual purpose, as a zoo for public viewing and education, and as a rescue and rehabilitation center for animals. The Hill Country Flyer offers train rides from Austin, and it also has a museum. A special Spring Break Flyer excursion is planned for March. How about ziplining through a canopy of old-growth cypress trees? See more ideas for Hill Country day trips with the kids.
With the two of you. Filled with quaint cafes and unique boutiques – many of them with a charming German accent – Fredericksburg regularly leads lists of the most romantic cities in Texas. There are also many wineries, craft breweries, and nearby natural attractions like Enchanted Rock. To make it more than a day trip, book a stay in one of Fredericksburg’s many romantics B&Bs. Bonus: Southern Living magazine also named Fredericksburg the “Best Small Town in Texas” for 2018.
With the girls. How about tasting some of the 52 wineries that dot the Texas Hill Country? Each winery has its own personality, terroir and style of winemaking, and many have won awards. Plan your self-guided day trip along the Texas Wine Trail, or take advantage of one of the special events in fall and spring. Several quaint wineries in Spicewood are very close to Sweetwater, including Stone House Vineyard and El Gaucho Winery. The latter offers a tasty menu of South American food.
With the guys. Most guys love barbecue and spirits, so here are some great resources. Check out these "6 Must-Visit Barbecue Spots in the Hill Country." For proof that the Hill Country offers more than just wine, check out this high-spirited tour of 5 Hill Country distilleries making fine vodkas, whiskeys and more. For active adventurers, Southern Living offers this list of 16 Hill Country adventures.
With your four-legged friend. Love traveling with your dog? Here are 10 dog-friendly destinations in the Texas Hill Country.
With yourself. A spa day is even better when the surrounding countryside is beautiful and relaxing. Here are 5 Hill Country spas recommended by TexasHillCountry.com. If you would love a day of yoga, there are several Hill Country yoga retreats to choose from, including the Ancient Yoga Center. Or, treat yourself to a day of nature at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
For even more ideas for Hill Country fun near Sweetwater, check out our Area Guide.