The Most Beautiful Destinations In Iconic Texas Hill Country, According To Reviews

When you think of the Lone Star State, the first spots that come to mind are probably its big cities that exude the Texas spirit, like Austin and San Antonio. However, smack in the middle of those destinations is the 31,000-square-mile Texas Hill Country, which features some of the most beautiful spots in America. The region is dotted with blue-green pools and springs, stunning expanses of wildflowers, and untouched natural areas. Plus, since Texas Hill Country temperature usually doesn't drop significantly, it's always a good time to see its beauty on display. You can see it all from this family-friendly riverside RV park, too. 

Explore rounded up the most beautiful Texas Hill Country spots, ranging from a pink dome known for its mystical qualities to the sunset capital of Texas. We combed through countless Tripadvisor and Google feedback, evaluating which destinations had the highest rating, at least 4.2 stars, and the most reviews, at least hundreds. We also considered destinations that wowed visitors with their stunning views. Here's where to go for an Instagram-worthy trip to the Texas Hill Country.

Take one look at the spring-fed pool at Blue Hole Regional Park, Wimberley, and you'll think you're in Pandora rather than Texas. With clear blue-green waters that reach up to 30 feet deep, this swimming hole is surrounded by cypress trees on a 126-acre park that runs along Cypress Creek. It's a dazzling park and natural swimming hole in the heart of Texas Hill Country. "[Went] early one day during the week. It was super pretty," one past visitor wrote on Tripadvisor. "Made memories with our family that will last a life time. Water was super clear, we saw an abundance of fish! Next time we will take some googles [for snorkeling]." More than 480 other Tripadvisor users have helped the natural wonder earn 4.5 stars.

No matter the month, the Blue Hole's waters stay at a pleasant 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, making for an ideal visit no matter the temperature. People can make half-day reservations to wade through the National Historic Landmark for $12 or buy season passes for $150. Those funds help the site maintain its lifeguards, trails, rope swings, bathrooms, and ADA ramps. A dip in the hole is also perfect after taking a hike down the park's more than 2.6-mile Cypress Creek trail or other trails made of repurposed materials. Birdwatching is also popular here since Blue Hole Regional Park is home to species like the red-shouldered hawk and painted bunting.

With a massive 80-mile shoreline, the 8,200-acre Canyon Lake has been dubbed the "Water Recreation Capital of Texas" and "the Jewel of Texas Hill Country." This mega-sized Comal County lake is just as big as it's beautiful. Clear, Caribbean-like waters fill its boundaries, and there is plenty of water fun to be had. Just a few of the popular activities to do on the lake include scuba diving, swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. "[The] lake is beautiful. Water clean and cool," wrote one Tripadvisor user. "Beautiful parks. I have been going there for many years and I love it every time I go." Canyon Lake has earned 4.4 stars from more than 260 reviews on Tripadvisor.

One of the favorite beaches here is Comal Park Beach, which features stunning views, as well as amenities like picnic tables, grills, bathrooms, and a boat ramp. Beach access is $5 to $20 per car, depending on the visitor's county of residence. Even if you don't want to get wet, Canyon Lake has plenty to offer. In the Canyon Lake Gorge, people can see fossils, limestone formations, and dinosaur footprints. Or, stay on land with a fishing pole and try angling rainbow trout no matter the season. For even more beautiful views, hike through the aptly named Overlook Park.

Once you get a glimpse of the gorgeous pink granite dome that hovers about 1,800 feet over the Texas Hill Country, you'll understand why it's called Enchanted Rock. The views are just as beautiful from the top of the 1,640-acre Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Fredericksburg. Two hundred and fifty thousand people climb its 11 miles of trails annually to see these views, as well as observe native species like canyon wrens, yellow-rumped warblers, prickly pear, and armadillos. Rock climbing, fishing, camping, and stargazing are also rampant here.

Visitors might also hear the noises that inspired the granite rock's "enchanted" name on their venture. Granite makes various sounds as it heats and cools, which led indigenous people to believe the rock had mystical qualities. As a batholith, it was formed over 1 billion years ago when cooled magma was forced to the surface, making it the second-biggest bedrock hill in the country. The rock is also a National Natural Landmark. People have lived at the site for more than 12,000 years, which is why Enchanted Rock State Natural Area has 120 state archaeological landmarks. 

"Interesting vegetation and a comfortable climb up the rock," one past visitor wrote on Tripadvisor. "Amazing 360 degree views of the Texas hill country. Well worth a visit!" The area has earned 4.6 stars from more than 2,300 reviews on Tripadvisor. It's clear why this is one of the state's most beautiful landmarks that showcases Texas Hill Country's overwhelming beauty.

No matter the season, Garner State Park is full of natural beauty, from the see-through waters of the Frio River to the views from the Old Baldy trail. That's just one of the reasons why the 478-acre park, located in Concan, is visited by nearly half a million people every year. Admission is $8 per person, and judging by the park's Tripadvisor reviews, it's well worth it. It has earned 4.3 stars on the site, derived from 370 reviews. One Tripadvisor user wrote, "Lots to do and explore in the day use campgrounds and Frio River area. It's a nice park with several hiking trails, including a leisurely half mile nature trail. There are outdoor things to do and plenty of spots to camp out for a day. It can be as relaxing or as extreme as you want."

Visitors can choose from Garner State Park's many hiking trails, including the Old Baldy Trail, which offers panoramic canyon views. They can also cool off in the spring-fed Frio River, which helps make Garner State Park a great destination for incredible water adventures. The river spans approximately 2 miles and has opportunities for kayaking and jumping off rope swings. Those who want to make a weekend out of their visit to the park can camp in cabins or campsites.

With its 25-foot-deep blue-green waters fed by Hamilton Creek, it's no surprise that Hamilton Pool Preserve is known as one of the most beautiful spots in the state. It also ranks among our list of romantic places in each state. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor, "The views were so beautiful. A wonderful relaxing spot you won't find anywhere else! Be sure to take the extra hike down to the river also. You'll need closed-toed shoes but it's so worth it!" The Hamilton Park Preserve has earned 4.5 stars from more than 730 reviews on Tripadvisor.

People can swim in the 10,000-year-old pool depending on the conditions, which are posted on the Travis County Parks website. If the bacteria levels and rocks encompassing the pool cooperate, you can swim here in the morning or afternoon. Simply make an online reservation for $12 per vehicle (no more than 8 people per reservation) and pay the $8 per-person entrance fee. Since the pool is open year-round, there are plenty of opportunities to swim as long as you book in advance. Even if you visit on a day when swimming isn't permitted, you can still do the 1.8-mile hike in the preserve, which runs along the banks of the Pedernales River. You might even spot golden-cheeked warblers, oak savannahs, and chatterbox orchids.

Texas is full of natural beauty, and visitors can see it all in one convenient spot at the 284-acre Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. This botanic garden has been showcasing Texas' native plants since 1982, when the former U.S. First Lady, Bird Johnson, founded it. It has only blossomed since then, now serving as a research epicenter for landscape restoration, sustainability, and plant studies.

Visitors can see the center's 900 plant species for $15 to $18 per adult and $9 to $12 per child. They can explore the native trees of the Texas Arboretum, the wildflowers and wildlife of the Savanna Meadow, the curated florals of the Central Gardens, and more. This can all be observed from above at the center's Observation Tower.

"This was a wonderful adventure – visiting the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center and Gardens. It is beautiful and exceeded our expectations," one past visitor wrote on Tripadvisor. "The gardens are so very nice and the various walking tours were outstanding." The center has earned 4.4 stars from over 1,100 reviews on Tripadvisor.

Unlike many of the other spots on this list, Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool isn't at its most beautiful in the spring or summer. Instead, its peak is in the fall, when this 2,900-acre National Natural Landmark's maple trees change color. That's also when it's most popular to visit, although Lost Maples State Natural Area's quarter million annual visitors flock here no matter the season.

"Beautiful park with lots of hiking trails. Great year round, especially in late fall, early winter," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "Great colors on trees. [Cool] place, great ride and beauty getting there." It has earned 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor from 295 reviews. Admission costs $6 per person over the age of 13, and those under 12 enjoy free entrance. But long before the state owned Lost Maples State Natural Area, indigenous people, as well as Spanish colonizers, lived there. Despite the natural area's ancient past, it looks just as it did centuries ago. 

People can see that blast-from-the-past beauty by trekking down the area's 10 miles of hiking and biking trails. They can go birdwatching to view creatures like great horned owls and ladder-backed woodpeckers. There are camping opportunities at its 36 varied campsites. Lost Maples State Natural Area is also a prime stargazing spot since it has minimal light pollution. To capitalize on those rare nighttime views, the natural area periodically offers guided night hikes, telescope viewings, and more.

With vibrant blooming wildflowers, 10 miles of hiking trails, and boat ramp access to Lake Travis, Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area in Spicewood has the best of all worlds when it comes to natural wonders in Texas. The former is what the recreation area, the largest of the Lower Colorado River Authority Park, is most famous for. Every March, blue-purple bluebonnet flowers spring to life here, especially east of the Muleshoe Bend peninsula.

"It's a beautiful area next to ... Lake Travis and there are fields of wildflowers till where the eyes can reach," wrote one past visitor on Google. "There are nice spots to go and sit with friends, have picnic and just relax and watch the beautiful lake and the sun going down. Everything is beautiful and green and magical." Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area has earned 4.7 stars, derived from about 400 reviews on Google.

Visitors can also make a weekend out of it by booking one of the area's 41 campsites, which have access to bathrooms, outdoor showers, and potable water. The campsites are surrounded by mesquite and oak trees near the riverbank, which can be just as stunning and commanding as the wildflowers. To see the park in its totality, hop on the 6.5-mile Great Escape Trail by either foot or bike. This trail encompasses the recreation area and is one of eight here. All of the others are less than 1 mile long.

The name of the Oasis at Lake Travis in Austin isn't just a gimmick. This restaurant, 450 feet above the banks of Lake Travis, is such a haven that it's known as the Sunset Capital of Texas. It's also one of the best restaurants in America with breathtaking lake views. From here, visitors can watch the mesmerizing scene as the sun goes down. The scenery is so iconic that the eatery posts daily sunset times on its website. Hundreds of people from all over the country flock here every night to enjoy this incredible view.

That's possible since the Oasis at Lake Travis is, at 30,000 square feet, the largest outdoor restaurant in the state. Visitors know when to look at the lake, as a bell is rung before the sun begins setting each night. From more than 24,000 Google reviews, The Oasis at Lake Travis has earned 4.2 stars. "Definitely a must-visit spot for sunset, with stunning, amazing, and unforgettable views over Lake Travis," one past visitor wrote on Google. "The scenery alone makes it worth the trip!"

The San Antonio River Walk is unique from many of the other destinations on this list in that its beauty isn't just natural. It's also man-made, historic, and combines seamlessly with the environmental wonder that's the San Antonio River. Along this river that winds through the city are 15 miles of walkways that make up the river walk. Surrounding those walkways are lush greenery, public art, historic structures, cultural attractions, shops, and restaurants that make for a beautiful urban respite in the heart of the city.

"The river walk was absolutely gorgeous and definitely had something for everyone," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "Always beautiful to see nature within a big city." The San Antonio River Walk has earned 4.6 stars on Tripadvisor from more than 27,000 reviews, making it the most-reviewed site on this list.

The river walk connects to some of the most famous sites in San Antonio, like the Alamo Mission, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the San Antonio Zoo. Another site to look out for along the river walk is the La Villita Historic Arts Village, a hub where artists and artisans sell their one-of-a-kind wares, like custom jewelry and pottery. Visitors can stroll the river walk and even trek from its start to its end, which would take about six hours. They can also hop on a barge, boat tour, or kayak to see it smack in the middle of the action.

To float down a river with gorgeous views of wildlife and 130 acres of parkland rather than restaurants and buildings, visitors should go to the San Marcos River instead of the San Antonio River Walk. Spanning 75 miles, it passes through iconic towns like Fentress and Luling. And just an hour's drive from San Antonio, the river — which is always about 72 degrees Fahrenheit — is ideal for swimming, tubing, and canoeing.

Due to the clarity of the water, people can also hop on a glass-bottom boat to see fish and turtles in their natural habitats. Even without rain, the water flows, so it's always a good time to visit. You certainly wouldn't be the first visitor. Indigenous people and Spanish explorers have utilized the river for more than 10,000 years.

Based on over 400 Tripadvisor reviews, the San Marcos River has earned 4.6 stars. "The Beautiful river never fails to impress me," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "It is crystal clear, free from trash or any type of junk. The maintenance of the river and parks for and by the residents is commendable. You can fish, swim, kayak, walk the trails or just sit and enjoy."

With so much beauty in Texas Hill Country, it's hard to even know where to start when scoping out the most jaw-dropping of them all. So, we put our eyes to use before our keyboards and determined the most beautiful of the bunch. To do so, we first determined which Texas Hill Country spots had the highest ratings on sites such as Tripadvisor and Google, with at least 4.2 stars.

However, many sites on this list blow that out of the water, such as the Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, which has 4.7 stars on Google. We also considered which sites had the most reviews, with at least hundreds. Some have attracted far more visitors and feedback, like the Oasis at Lake Travis, which has a whopping 24,000 reviews. Finally, we combed through comments to see which places were particularly referred to as "beautiful" or "scenic" by visitors. What resulted is this list that's prettier than any art gallery.