Whether you’re new to the Texas Hill Country or you’re a local who resided here originally, the area offers endless opportunities for activities and exploration. To the east of Dripping Springs is Austin, to the south San Antonio, to the north Burnet and Marble Falls, to the west Fredericksburg and Johnson City – with several charming small towns in between!
Here are a few of our favorite places that are just minutes from Dripping Springs.
Georgetown – (pop. 79,604) Head south on US-290 towards Austin and you’ll discover one of the best small (but rapidly growing) cities in Texas. Being only an hour’s drive from Dripping Springs, Georgetown is a wonderful city to visit with the family or for a romantic weekend getaway.
The Inner Space Cavern is a popular attraction for families and a welcomed escape from the Texas heat in July (the cave is around 80 degrees year-round). Blue Hole is another popular spot and is an ideal summer swimming hole. You’ll also want to check out the city’s downtown area with its abundance of boutique stores and restaurants such as Blue Corn Harvest Bar & Grill.
Krause Springs – Krause Springs isn’t a city but is one of the Hill Country’s most popular camping and swimming sites. Located around 42 miles north of Dripping Springs in Spicewood, Texas, Krause Springs has been attracting outdoor fans since 1955.
The campground is closed during the winter months, but you can’t go wrong with a spring, summer, or fall visit. There are both tent and RV camping sites, but many folks come just for the day to enjoy the site’s 32 natural springs. There’s no better way to enjoy the warm weather than swimming under one of the spring’s waterfalls or enjoying a swing on a rope swing before splashing into the cool spring.
Lockhart – (pop. 14,133) Located just an hour northwest of Dripping Springs is Lockhart, a Texas town that knows a thing or two about great barbecue (it was dubbed the “barbecue capital of Texas” in 1999). And if it’s great barbecue you seek, great barbecue you shall find at local smokehouses such as Black’s Barbecue, Kreuz Market, Chisholm Trail, and Smitty’s Market.
After you’ve satisfied your appetite for brisket and ribs, check out some Lockhart history at the Caldwell County Jail Museum, Eugene Clark Library, or Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches for an especially unique experience.
Wimberley – (pop. 3,232) Wimberley is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Texas towns. Just 14 miles south of Dripping Springs, Wimberley is not really on the way to anywhere but is worth hopping on Ranch Road 12S to visit, as it was ranked on a list of “America’s Ten Best Small Towns.” The town offers both beautiful outdoor recreation as well as some quirky attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
Visit Blue Hole Regional Park (not to be confused with Georgetown’s Blue Hole) to enjoy swimming, hiking trails, and bike paths. Old Baldy is a popular hiking destination and has a 218-step limestone staircase leading up to a beautiful scenic overlook. There’s not much shade, so this may be a better fall or winter activity, rather than in the sweltering August sun. Finally, there’s Jack Glover’s Cowboy Museum, showcasing the cowboy and his place in the patchwork of Texas history.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cities and places to explore in the Dripping Springs area. If you’d like to learn more about all Dripping Springs has to offer, reach out to the Caliterra team today. Our community offers the ideal Hill Country lifestyle, with a variety of amenities for the whole family, top-notch homes, and so much more.
