Need a Hill Country escape with charm and flavor? Head to Dripping Springs! Just west of Austin, this small town is big on scenic views, wineries, craft breweries, and natural wonders. Whether you're sipping wine, hiking trails, or tying the knot, Dripping Springs is the perfect blend of rustic and refined.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dripping Springs is from March through May and September through November. Mild weather is perfect for outdoor dining, wildflower spotting, and exploring wineries, parks, and events without the summer heat.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Dripping Springs is located along US-290, about 30 minutes west of Austin and 90 minutes northeast of San Antonio.
- By air: Fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), then rent a car for the scenic drive through Texas Hill Country.
Where to Stay
- Camp Lucy – Upscale resort with luxury cottages, a top-rated restaurant, and breathtaking event spaces.
- Sleep Inn & Suites – Comfortable and convenient stay right in town, close to wineries and breweries.
- Lucky Arrow Retreat – Modern cabins and yurts just outside town with easy access to nature and nightlife.
Top Attractions
⮕ Hamilton Pool Preserve
Hike to the grotto and admire waterfalls on an exciting summer trip.
Home to a beautiful swimming hole fed by a 50-foot waterfall, the Hamilton Pool Preserve is a popular summer destination for visitors and locals alike. The swimming hole is surrounded by limestone slabs, the bottoms of which are dotted with stalactites and various types of moss, and it's located at the end of a quarter-mile trail that takes approximately 15 minutes to hike. Visitors are welcome to explore the rest of the 232-acre preserve as well, and guided hour-long hikes are offered on Saturdays. An entrance fee is charged per vehicle, and reservations are required every day between March and October and on weekends year-round.
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, Phone: 512-264-2740
⮕ Milton Reimers Ranch Park
Go climbing or walk along scenic river trails on an affordable weekend adventure.
Stretching for almost three miles along the bank of the Pedernales River, the Milton Reimers Ranch Park boasts excellent swimming and fishing holes, world-class rock climbing, and more than 18 miles of hiking trails to explore. Complimentary guided hiking tours are offered every Saturday between November and April, and special bird walks are held on the first Saturday of the month during this time as well. Another highlight is the park's astronomical observatory, which offers a full schedule of exciting programs and events. Permits are required to enter the park, and both daily and annual options are available.
23610 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, Phone: 512-264-1923
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
⮕ Treaty Oak Distilling
Savor craft spirits and explore hill country views in a laid-back couples setting.
Located on a 28-acre ranch just outside Dripping Springs, Treaty Oak Distilling is a unique distillery with an open-air bar and a globally inspired bistro. They specialize in making high-quality whiskey and gin from organic heirloom corn and pure local spring water, but they love all other sorts of beverages as well, and they offer a small wine portfolio and a creative selection of craft beer. Tours of the production facility are offered several times a day Monday through Saturday, and visitors are also welcome to sit down in the tasting room and enjoy a guided tasting of wine or spirits.
16604 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, Phone: 512-599-0335
⮕ Hawk's Shadow
Visit the vineyard and admire quiet hilltop views during a romantic fall escape.
Named after the owners' beloved horse, Hawk's Shadow is a boutique winery that carefully crafts all its wine using Texas-grown grapes, many of which come right from the estate's own vineyards. Their portfolio boasts a wide variety of different wines, including both reds and whites, and most can be sampled in the winery's spacious tasting room. If you're like a more in-depth experience, you can also book a tour with a special barrel tasting. The property can be booked for private events, and during regular opening hours, customers are welcome to sit outside on the spacious lawn while they enjoy their purchase.
7500 McGregor Ln, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, Phone: 866-551-9463
⮕ Suds Monkey Brewing Company
Sip local brews and enjoy casual family vibes with games and fun stuff.
Housed inside a rustic but welcoming warehouse, the Suds Monkey Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery that makes some of the best beer in Texas. Their regular lineup of beer includes everything from creamy porters to classic pale ales, and there are often several seasonal varieties to choose from as well, including a dry Irish stout produced specially for St. Patrick's Day. If you get hungry, the taproom also serves starters, salads, and customizable pizzas, and kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal on Thursdays. Other events include Wednesday trivia nights, Friday all-day happy hour, and a car show on some Sundays.
12024 US-290, Austin, TX 78737, Phone: 512-222-3893
If you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Dripping Springs Ranch Park
Walk along open trails and explore easy outdoor sights with kids or friends.
Another park located on former ranch land, Dripping Springs Ranch Park is a peaceful 130-acre oasis that offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. It's particularly popular with both leisure and competitive horseback riders who come to use the arena and the trails, but there are plenty of trails for hikers as well, and other amenities include picnic tables, a children's playground, and primitive campsites. Festivals, farmers' markets, and livestock shows are often held here, and if you're planning a wedding or other special event, there are both indoor and outdoor event spaces available for rent.
1042 Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, Phone: 512-894-2046
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
Where to Eat
- Creek Road Café – Cozy and creative American fare with a Hill Country twist.
- Rolling in Thyme & Dough – Quaint café and bakery perfect for breakfast, brunch, or baked goods on the go.
- Salt Lick BBQ (Driftwood) – Just a short drive away, this legendary spot is a must for slow-cooked Texas barbecue.
If you are interested in local events:
- Founders Day Festival (April) – Celebrate the town's heritage with a parade, food, music, and family fun.
- Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival (October) – Hear original songs and stories from talented independent artists.
- Christmas on Mercer Street (December) – A festive holiday celebration with lights, shopping, and seasonal cheer.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Dripping Springs, Texas:
- Wimberley (25–30 min) – Browse local art, swim in Blue Hole, or shop the Wimberley Market Days.
- Bee Cave (20–25 min) – Shop and dine at Hill Country Galleria or explore nearby trails.
- Johnson City (25–30 min) – Visit wineries, Pedernales Falls, or learn about President LBJ's hometown history.
- Pedernales Falls State Park (30 min) – Hike, swim, and explore waterfalls in this scenic state park.
- Driftwood (10–15 min) – Enjoy wine tasting at Driftwood Estate or grab BBQ at The Salt Lick.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is Dripping Springs known for?
- Fondly known as the "Wedding Capital of Texas", Dripping Springs is certainly a beautiful place to get married, but this charming Texan town has plenty of other things to offer as well.
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Where can I cool off during the summer in Dripping Springs?
- The nearby Hamilton Pool Preserve is the perfect place to cool off during the hot summer months.
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Are there outdoor activities available?
- Hundreds of areas of former ranch land have been converted into public parks laced with hiking and equestrian trails.
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What about food and drink options?
- The area's many craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries are another big draw, and if you've worked up an appetite, many of them serve delicious food as well.
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How far is Dripping Springs from Austin?
- Dripping Springs is a fantastic day trip idea from Austin, just 45 minutes away (23.5 miles via US-290 W).
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Plan Your Trip