Area Attractions
& Things To Do
In Texas Hill Country
Centrally located to all things Hill Country has to offer!
8 Things to Do in
Texas Hill Country
Looking for things to do in Texas Hill Country? Cowboys and Angels is a cozy little slice of paradise, but there are definitely adventures waiting for you beyond the retreat! Lucky you – Texas Hill Country is bursting with fun things to do and see, and you're smack dab in the middle of it all. Check out some of our top picks below!
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Welcome to Lost Maples State Park! While it’s actually designated as a “natural area,” it still boasts over 2,900 acres of stunning hills and canyons along the beautiful Sabinal River. Just a quick 45-minute drive from Cowboys and Angels Retreat, it’s definitely worth a visit and one of the most visited things to do in Texas Hill Country!
If you’re a fan of nature, you’ll be amazed by the incredible wildlife at Lost Maples. It’s home to exotic Axis deer and some rare birds like the Golden-Cheeked Warbler and Black-Capped Vireo. Plus, fishing in the Sabinal River is completely hassle-free; you don’t even need a license to fish from the pier or shore!
With 11 miles of hiking trails, campsites, and primitive camping spots, this park has just the right amount of development to welcome visitors while keeping its rustic charm. Just a heads-up, though: cell phone service can be pretty spotty here.
For more information, feel free to check them out online at the Texas State Parks website.
- Bandera -
The Cowboy Capital
of the World
Bandera is a one of a kind destination you absolutely must explore! Just a quick 50 minute drive away, this little town is bursting with colorful history, and yes, cowboy hats are definitely a big deal here! Picture this: some of the most epic cattle drives roamed these lands back in the 1800s, so get ready to chow down on scrumptious BBQ, wander through quirky western boutiques and Indian gift shops, and don’t miss the legendary 11th Street Cowboy Bar where big-name bands often appear. You might even spot a horse or two trotting around town! For a bite to eat, we recommend OST (Old Spanish Trail) Restaurant for their incredible pancakes.
So if you’re looking for things to do in Texas Hill Country, this is one place you don’t want to miss! Make sure you hop on over to Bandera Cowboy Capital for all the info you need on this cool little town!
Old Tunnel State Park
There’s a fascinating old railroad tunnel in this park that’s home to around three million Mexican free-tailed and cave myotis bats!
From May through October, the park opens up in the evenings for bat viewing, where you can see all the bats fly out of the tunnel in amazing spirals as they search for food. It’s quite a sight, and sometimes red-tailed hawks catch them mid-air as they emerge. You won’t want to miss this incredible experience! The park also offers fun educational programs about these fascinating bats.
Old Tunnel State Park has a lovely little hiking trail (just 1/2 mile long) and is a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing and discovering the area’s railroad history. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
The park is only a quick 50-minute drive from Cowboys and Angels and is close to Luckenbach—another super fun place to explore!
Photo credit: Cave Without a Name
Twisted Sisters
(Three Sisters Route)
One of the most iconic things to do in Texas Hill Country is the The Twisted Sisters route. This beautiful drive is practically our neighbor, and let me tell you, it’s all about those twists and turns! If motorcycles get your heart racing, you’ve hit the jackpot! We’re talking three roads totaling over 200 miles long, and each one is a gem of The Twisted Sisters.
Thrill-seekers flock to this route like bees to honey, especially if they’ve got two wheels. If you’re dreaming of a scenic drive through Texas Hill Country, hop in your ride or rev up that bike to indulge in some of the most picturesque and curvy roads imaginable. And hey, make sure to swing by the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop in Leakey for burgers so good they should come with a medal and some interesting souvenirs to commemorate your journey.
Kerrville
Kerrville is the closest town to us and is only about a 25 minute drive. It’s your closest stop for groceries and other necessities as they have almost everything there.
There are plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, hiking trails, parks and the Guadalupe River at Louis Hayes Park. While in Kerrville, try a mocha latte or cold brew from PAX Coffee and Goods, or get a cold drink and live music at Trailhead Beer Garden.
If you love BBQ and this is the area for it, give Bill’s BBQ a try in Kerrville – most tender amazing BBQ we’ve ever tried!
If you’re looking for a cafe that serves a variety of foods, you have to give Rio Ranch Cafe a try. You can get breakfast all day if you want and very reasonable prices!
And of course, you can always visit Kerrville Visitor’s Bureau for happenings in the area.
Fredericksburg
If you’re looking for a charming getaway, Fredericksburg, Texas is the perfect spot and about 45 minutes away. With its delightful wineries and distilleries, you’ll feel the rich German heritage in every corner, and the stunning Hill Country views will leave you in awe.
This vibrant town is brimming with fascinating museums, unique shopping experiences, a thriving arts scene, delicious restaurants, and so much more for you to discover! One of the must-see gems is the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, offering over eight miles of scenic hiking trails, adventurous caves to explore, thrilling rock climbing, and loads of local wildlife to spot.
For even more fun ideas and detailed information about what to do in Fredericksburg, check out Visit Fredericksburg. You won’t be disappointed!
Photo credit: Chris Litherland
Cave Without A Name
Of all the interesting things to do in Texas Hill Country and just a short drive from Cowboys and Angels, about 45 minutes away, you’ll discover the charming little German town of Boerne. Here, you can explore The Cave Without a Name.
This stunning cave showcases lovely formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate soda straws, with many saying it’s one of the most beautiful caves in the region!
You can enjoy guided tours that last around an hour, where you’ll visit six fascinating rooms, including the delightful “Throne Room,” where small concerts are held.
Don’t forget to swing by the gift shop on your way out for unique treasures like crystals and other fun souvenirs.
For more details about this special gem, check out The Cave Without a Name!
Stonehenge II
Hunt is a charming little spot just southeast of us, only about a 20-minute drive away. If you ever find yourself heading that way, the must-see attraction is definitely Stonehenge II!
Stonehenge II is an awe inspiring replica of the iconic landmark in England, standing at 90% the height and 60% the width of the original. This unique site has become a favorite among visitors for things to do in Texas Hill Country, welcoming thousands of tourists over its 20-plus years of existence.
Best of all, visiting Stonehenge II is completely free and open to everyone from dawn until dusk. For more details, be sure to check out The Hill Country Arts Foundation.
