Hill Country

Hill Country is the heart of Texas. Located in the center of the state, Hill Country received its name from the many rolling hills scattered throughout the area. Hill Country covers 14,000 square miles and is home to more than fifty cities and towns. The largest city in this region happens to be Austin, the state capital. Other popular tourist spots are Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, and San Marcos. When visiting Hill Country, be sure to bring a camera. The views are simply breathtaking making for beautiful photography subjects.

While in Hill Country, many of the yearly five million tourists are able to view the state flower in its natural environment. Fields are usually filled with reddish-orange Indian Paintbrush, vivid Bluebonnets, the pretty, yet painful, Bull Nettle, and brightly colored Mexican Hats. Those with a strong interest in flower photography will love the variety of flowers found in this region.

Weather in the Hill Country region is generally enjoyable throughout the year. Spring tends to offer warm days and cooler nights with some rainfall. Summers are typically hot and dry, perfect for water activities. The Guadalupe River winds through this region and is popular with white water rafters and tubing enthusiasts. Fall offers vivid colors as foliage changes in preparation for the cooler winter temperatures. Winters are cooler, but still mild by most definitions, especially to those used to the colder climates of the Northern U.S.

Austin sits on the edge of Hill Country. The easternmost portions of the city fail to capture the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills, but the western area of the city does allow views to rolling hills and flower covered fields. Austin is named on of the “greenest cities” in the United States. The city holds second place on Money Magazine’s “Best Places To Live” list. If you are coming to Austin, there is plenty to see and do from shopping to theatrical performances. The Austin Zoo will please everyone, and older children and their parents/guardians will love the Austin Nature & Science Center.

In the summer, many locals and tourists seek cooling waters for relief from the heat. New Braunfels is home to one of Hill Country’s hottest attractions, The Schlitterbahn Waterpark. For ten years running, the Schlitterbahn Waterpark has been named the World’s Best Waterpark. Tourists enjoy dozens of water activities, miles of tubing courses, a surfing machine, and three water coasters. New Braunfels is also home to the Natural Bridge Caverns, the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, and an amazing smokehouse.

Founded in 1851, legend claims Franciscan Monks first established the community that would become San Marcos. Texas State University is located in the heart of San Marcos, so tourists will find plenty of activities for all ages. Wonder World Park is one of the city’s largest attractions. Picnic grounds, caves, waterfalls, an anti-gravity house, and the largest petting zoo in Texas are all found within the park. Also in the area are the Mexican World Import Marketplace, Three Dudes Winery, and the McKenna Children’s Museum.

The Texas Hill Country has many expansive lakes, including the Highland Lakes and Lake LBJ. The lakes found in this region all offer impressive fishing, camping sites, hiking trails, and boating access points. The Highland Lakes were formed by a series of dams along the Colorado River. Several golf courses are scattered throughout the Horseshoe Bay area. Famed golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones, designed Apple Rock, Ram Rock, and Slick Rock. If you enjoy golfing, these courses must be added to your plans.

When you come to Hill Country, you will find friendly locals, amazing vistas, and even an armadillo or two.