--- title: "Hays County Top Picks — Hill Country Top Picks" description: "Swimming holes & artsy vibes" lang: en json-ld: --- [hillcountrytoppicks.com ](/) [What To Do](/category/what-to-do)[Where To Eat](/category/where-to-eat)[Where To Stay](/category/where-to-stay)[Submit Link](/submit) ![Hays County](/assets/county-hays-C0sPDv3Y.jpg) [Back to Home](/) # Hays County Top Picks Swimming holes & artsy vibes Cities: Wimberley San Marcos Dripping Springs ## Day Adventures [ ![Wimberley Zipline](/assets/wimberley-zipline-BNutuPKY.jpg) ### Wimberley Zipline Soar above the treetops on a thrilling zipline course. View Details → ](/detail/wimberley-zipline) ## Get Wet [ ![Blue Hole Swimming](/assets/blue-hole-CSl32UPK.jpg) ### Blue Hole Swimming Crystal-clear spring-fed pool surrounded by cypress trees. View Details → ](/detail/blue-hole-swimming)[ ![Cypress Falls Swimming Hole](/assets/cypress-falls-swimming-DsBgr9-T.jpg) ### Cypress Falls Swimming Hole One of the largest spring-fed swimming holes in Texas, fed by Jacob's Well — perfect for floating, fishing, and boating on a hot Hill Country day. View Details → ](/detail/cypress-falls-swimming-hole)[ ![Rio Vista Park](/assets/rio-vista-park-CLHZv6CW.jpg) ### Rio Vista Park A beloved San Marcos swimming spot on the San Marcos River, perfect for kayaking, tubing, and swimming in a deep watering hole. Watch locals surf the rapids, sunbathe along the river banks, or rent a tube from the Lions Club upstream. Free admission and parking make this an easy day on the water. View Details → ](/detail/rio-vista-park) ## Live Music [ ![Cheatham Street Warehouse](/assets/cheatham-street-SnCoza-h.png) ### Cheatham Street Warehouse Legendary San Marcos music venue where George Strait got his start. View Details → ](/detail/cheatham-street-warehouse)[ ![Devil's Backbone Tavern](/assets/devils-backbone-tavern-DFvxBmBi.jpg) ### Devil's Backbone Tavern A historic, musician-owned Hill Country roadhouse on FM 32 in Fischer. Known for live music, cold beer, and authentic Texas atmosphere. Also hosts weddings, private events, and has been featured in film and photography. A true Hill Country landmark. View Details → ](/detail/devils-backbone-tavern)[ ![Riley's Tavern](/assets/rileys-tavern-paLSqZb4.jpg) ### Riley's Tavern Historic roadhouse with roots music every weekend. View Details → ](/detail/rileys-tavern) ## Hidden Gems [ ![Hamilton Pool Preserve](/assets/hamilton-pool-jsBQmZVW.jpg) ### Hamilton Pool Preserve Jaw-dropping collapsed grotto with a 50-ft waterfall — reservations required every day. View Details → ](/detail/hamilton-pool-preserve)[ ![Jacob's Well](/assets/jacobs-well-DSAPErIR.jpg) ### Jacob's Well A mesmerizing artesian spring and swimming hole. View Details → ](/detail/jacobs-well) ## Shopping [ ![San Marcos Premium Outlets](/assets/san-marcos-outlets-BAAtnw2a.jpg) ### San Marcos Premium Outlets Texas' largest outlet mall with 200+ stores. View Details → ](/detail/san-marcos-premium-outlets) ## Racing [ ![Harris Hill Raceway](/assets/harris-hill-raceway-I6rTAOf3.jpg) ### Harris Hill Raceway A gearhead's oasis — challenging road course in San Marcos for sports cars and motorcycles. View Details → ](/detail/harris-hill-raceway) ## BBQ & Smokehouse [ ![Salt Lick BBQ](/assets/salt-lick-B_mBYDwB.jpg) ### Salt Lick BBQ Legendary open-pit BBQ with all-you-can-eat family style. View Details → ](/detail/salt-lick-bbq) ## Fine Dining [ ![Palmer's Restaurant](/assets/palmers-restaurant-B0cLrlXX.jpg) ### Palmer's Restaurant Fine dining with Hill Country charm in San Marcos. View Details → ](/detail/palmers-restaurant) ## Breweries & Bars [ ![Jester King Brewery](/assets/jester-king-1Ni55ccH.jpg) ### Jester King Brewery Farmhouse ales brewed on a scenic Hill Country ranch. View Details → ](/detail/jester-king-brewery)[ ![Treaty Oak Distilling](/assets/treaty-oak-D--KmSmi.jpg) ### Treaty Oak Distilling Craft spirits, smokehouse food, and live music. View Details → ](/detail/treaty-oak-distilling) ## Cafés & Bakeries [ ![Leaning Pear](/assets/leaning-pear-BGeZbzab.jpg) ### Leaning Pear Farm-to-table lunch spot on the Wimberley square. View Details → ](/detail/leaning-pear) ## Unique Resorts [ ![Camp Lucy](/assets/camp-lucy-Bygzxo41.jpg) ### Camp Lucy A boutique spa resort and premier wedding venue nestled in Dripping Springs, the heart of Texas Wine Country. Camp Lucy sits on a stunning Hill Country estate where Austin is a close jaunt but feels like a world away. The property features luxurious accommodations in beautifully restored historic buildings, the newly opened Folklore Spa, globally infused dining at Tillie's restaurant, and breathtaking views from every winding path and treetop terrace. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a wellness weekend, or a world-class wedding, Camp Lucy delivers an unforgettable Texas experience. View Details → ](/detail/montesino-ranch)[ ![Onera Wimberley](/assets/onera-wimberley-DVyuC-Mf.jpg) ### Onera Wimberley Premier Hill Country landscape resort with treehouses elevated 35 feet in the air, offering expansive sunset views, luxurious amenities, and a peaceful escape — just 45 minutes south of Austin. View Details → ](/detail/onera-wimberley)[ ![Sage Hill Inn & Spa](/assets/sage-hill-inn-CPSI0EGq.jpg) ### Sage Hill Inn & Spa An 88-acre boutique hilltop retreat near Kyle, Texas, just 30 minutes south of Austin. Sage Hill Inn & Spa offers beautifully appointed rooms with Hill Country views, a resort-style pool and hot tub overlooking rolling terrain, pickleball courts, miles of hiking trails with resident deer, and a full-service spa. The on-site restaurant serves incredible farm-inspired dinners, and the expansive sunset views from the back lawn are unforgettable. It's a serene escape that feels worlds away while being conveniently close to the city. View Details → ](/detail/camp-lucy) ## Glamping [ ![Lucky Arrow Retreat](/assets/lucky-arrow-retreat-DkS6YLy0.jpg) ### Lucky Arrow Retreat The self-proclaimed Glamping Capital of Texas, Lucky Arrow Retreat is a premier glamping resort in Dripping Springs offering luxury cabin rentals and yurts. Designed with the perfect combination of rustic charm and modern aesthetics, this pet-friendly boutique hotel is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or large groups. View Details → ](/detail/lucky-arrow-retreat) ## B&Bs & Inns [ ![Blair House Inn](/assets/blair-house-inn-CgcRRVUb.jpg) ### Blair House Inn A nature-romantic retreat and fine dining destination nestled just two miles from Wimberley's iconic Blue Hole Regional Park. Blair House Inn features skilfully arranged cottages, suites, and rooms with top-tier amenities including whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and plush bedding. Guests enjoy a full-service day spa, acclaimed cooking classes led by professional chefs, and a farm-to-table dining experience. With the Wimberley square just minutes away, it's the perfect home base for exploring art galleries, boutiques, and the crystal-clear swimming holes of the Hill Country. View Details → ](/detail/stagecoach-inn)[ ![The Lodge at Cypress Falls](/assets/lodge-cypress-falls-DLzQvT1W.jpg) ### The Lodge at Cypress Falls A vintage 1949 creekside retreat tucked away on the banks of a quiet creek in Wimberley, where time slows down and nature takes over. The Lodge at Cypress Falls features charming rooms and suites, the on-site Dark Skies Tavern for craft cocktails and live music, the Eagle Rock Draft House & Event Center, and a stunning natural swimming hole fed by Cypress Creek. With its rustic-chic atmosphere and peaceful wooded setting, it's one of the most unique and beloved properties in the Hill Country. View Details → ](/detail/wimberley-bluebird-inn)[ ![Wimberley Inn + Bar](/assets/wimberley-inn-CTRrz02l.jpg) ### Wimberley Inn + Bar The best little hotel in Wimberley, where southern hospitality meets Hill Country charm. This boutique inn features 21 gorgeously styled rooms, a refreshing outdoor pool, a cozy bar and kitchen, and access to the 7A Ranch sister property with river access, train rides, and more. View Details → ](/detail/wimberley-inn) ### HILL COUNTRY TOP PICKS Your curated guide to the best of the Texas Hill Country. 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