--- title: "Outside Area Top Picks — Hill Country Top Picks" description: "Great finds just outside our area" 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) ![Outside Area](/assets/county-bandera-CZRYklOk.jpg) [Back to Home](/) # Outside Area Top Picks Great finds just outside our area Cities: Concan Uvalde Mason Junction Austin Waco Temple Pleasanton Sonora Devine ## Day Adventures [ ![Caverns of Sonora](/assets/caverns-of-sonora-uSL8g1_B.jpg) ### Caverns of Sonora Internationally recognized as one of the most beautiful show caves on the planet. Located where the Hill Country meets the Chihuahuan Desert, visitors explore a highly decorated cave system on intimate guided tours. Ranch-inspired grounds with camping, gemstone panning, hiking, and homemade fudge. View Details → ](/detail/caverns-of-sonora) ## Get Wet [ ![Balmorhea State Park](/assets/balmorhea-C_rVKwdH.jpg) ### Balmorhea State Park A desert oasis featuring one of the world's largest spring-fed swimming pools — built by the CCC in the 1930s, with crystal-clear 72–76°F water, snorkeling, and historic motel rooms. View Details → ](/detail/balmorhea-state-park)[ ![Barton Springs Pool](/assets/barton-springs-DL7J-kKT.jpg) ### Barton Springs Pool Austin's iconic 3-acre natural spring-fed pool stays a refreshing 68–70°F year-round — a beloved swimming destination in the heart of Zilker Park. View Details → ](/detail/barton-springs-pool)[ ![Concan Swimming Hole](/assets/concan-adventure-Clu-hkyK.png) ### Concan Swimming Hole A natural swimming sanctuary along the Frio River with deep spots perfect for jumping, shallow areas for little ones, shady bluffs, and crystal-clear water. This privately owned oasis is one of the most beloved swimming holes in the Texas Hill Country. View Details → ](/detail/concan-swimming-hole)[ ![Kalahari Resorts & Conventions](/assets/kalahari-round-rock-CvzWNlKF.jpg) ### Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Home to America's Largest Indoor Waterpark as voted by USA TODAY, Kalahari Round Rock features 350,000 square feet of waterpark fun, dining options for every craving, and endless entertainment including arcades, mini golf, and a full-service spa. View Details → ](/detail/kalahari-round-rock)[ ![Tonkawa Falls City Park](/assets/tonkawa-falls-8GthFKk0.jpg) ### Tonkawa Falls City Park A stunning natural waterfall and swimming hole tucked inside the tiny town of Crawford — $10 weekend parking, free swimming, and RV camping available. View Details → ](/detail/texas-folklife-festival) ## Family Fun [ ![Devine Acres Farm](/assets/devine-acres-kiG2Y3z9.jpg) ### Devine Acres Farm 40+ acre seasonal family farm near San Antonio with spring, fall, and Christmas festivals. View Details → ](/detail/devine-acres-farm)[ ![Geronimo Creek Retreat](/assets/geronimo-creek-retreat-ChRZp5zO.jpg) ### Geronimo Creek Retreat A unique glamping destination near New Braunfels featuring waterfront teepees, treehouses, safari cabins, and a homestead along a spring-fed creek. Modern amenities meet rustic charm with kayaks, paddleboards, fire pits, and star-filled Texas skies. View Details → ](/detail/geronimo-creek-retreat)[ ![Kalahari Resorts & Conventions](/assets/kalahari-round-rock-CvzWNlKF.jpg) ### Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Home to America's Largest Indoor Waterpark as voted by USA TODAY, Kalahari Round Rock features 350,000 square feet of waterpark fun, dining options for every craving, and endless entertainment including arcades, mini golf, and a full-service spa. View Details → ](/detail/kalahari-round-rock) ## Rodeo [ ![Rodeo Austin](/assets/rodeo-austin-Bte_j_IH.jpg) ### Rodeo Austin Austin's premier rodeo and fair — two weeks of ProRodeo competition each March. View Details → ](/detail/rodeo-austin) ## Gun Ranges [ ![Secure America Now Training Center](/assets/secure-america-now-Bo13wBwR.jpg) ### Secure America Now Training Center Private members-only firearms and tactics training facility. View Details → ](/detail/secure-america-now-training-center) ## Parks [ ![Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area](/assets/devils-sinkhole-D8W0Tanu.jpg) ### Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area A National Natural Landmark featuring a massive vertical cavern — home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats whose spectacular evening flights draw visitors from across Texas. View Details → ](/detail/devils-sinkhole-state-natural-area)[ ![Garner State Park](/assets/garner-state-park-CrwSa6bK.jpg) ### Garner State Park Generations of Texans have spent summers floating the Frio River and dancing to jukebox tunes. View Details → ](/detail/garner-state-park)[ ![South Llano River State Park](/assets/south-llano-river-sp-BV0cFIoE.jpg) ### South Llano River State Park A serene Hill Country escape featuring tubing, kayaking, fishing, and birding along the crystal-clear South Llano River. Known for exceptional stargazing, abundant wildlife, and peaceful camping under towering pecan trees. View Details → ](/detail/south-llano-river-state-park)[ ![Zilker Metropolitan Park](/assets/zilker-park-DRKkFHma.jpg) ### Zilker Metropolitan Park Austin's beloved 351-acre urban oasis along the Colorado River — home to Barton Springs Pool, the Zilker Botanical Garden, disc golf, a miniature train, and miles of hike-and-bike trails. View Details → ](/detail/zorkcraft-studios) ## Hiking [ ![Guadalupe Peak Trail](/assets/guadalupe-peak-Pn1evKsY.jpg) ### Guadalupe Peak Trail Climb to the 'Top of Texas' — a strenuous 8.4-mile round-trip hike with 3,000 feet of elevation gain to the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet inside Guadalupe Mountains National Park. View Details → ](/detail/guadalupe-peak-trail) ## Off-Roading [ ![Concan Adventure Trails](/assets/concan-adventure-Clu-hkyK.png) ### Concan Adventure Trails 1,200 acres of rugged off-road terrain at C.A.T.P.A.W. Ranch near Concan — 25+ miles of trails, primitive camping, and dark skies for stargazing. View Details → ](/detail/concan-adventure-trails) ## Whiskey [ ![Balcones Distilling](/assets/balcones-distilling-H26yglvA.png) ### Balcones Distilling Award-winning craft distillery in Waco — world-renowned American single malt whisky, bourbon, and rye made with Scottish copper pot stills. View Details → ](/detail/bandera-general-store)[ ![Still Austin Whiskey Co.](/assets/still-austin-CfxwnAyZ.png) ### Still Austin Whiskey Co. 100% Texas-grown grain whiskey distilled in the heart of Austin. View Details → ](/detail/san-marcos-outlet) ## Racing [ ![Circuit of the Americas (COTA)](/assets/cota-BaSzatDx.jpg) ### Circuit of the Americas (COTA) World-class motorsport and entertainment venue in Austin. View Details → ](/detail/circuit-of-the-americas)[ ![I-37 Speedway](/assets/i37-speedway-DevNXYNF.jpg) ### I-37 Speedway Quarter-mile semi-banked dirt oval in Pleasanton. View Details → ](/detail/i-37-speedway)[ ![Little River Dragway](/assets/little-river-dragway-BTVQX98k.jpg) ### Little River Dragway Quarter-mile drag strip near Temple. View Details → ](/detail/little-river-dragway) ## Clubs [ ![Oakfire Ridge](/assets/oakfire-ridge-DZYpV-ZO.jpg) ### Oakfire Ridge Premier 49-acre members-only lifestyle and culinary club near San Antonio. View Details → ](/detail/oakfire-ridge) ## BBQ & Smokehouse [ ![Franklin Barbecue](/assets/franklin-bbq-C7VyIY5s.jpg) ### Franklin Barbecue "The best barbecue in the known universe" — USDA Prime brisket. View Details → ](/detail/franklin-barbecue) ## Unique Resorts [ ![Cibolo Creek Ranch](/assets/cibolo-creek-ranch-BBpByyLS.jpg) ### Cibolo Creek Ranch A 30,000-acre luxury ranch resort in the heart of Big Bend Country at the foothills of the Chinati Mountains. Established in the mid-1800s, this historic destination offers 19th century atmosphere with modern luxury — featuring lakeside rooms, premium suites, historical forts, acclaimed regional cuisine, and endless ranch adventures. View Details → ](/detail/cibolo-creek-ranch)[ ![Gage Hotel](/assets/gage-hotel-DiyRbNRt.jpg) ### Gage Hotel Welcome to the legendary Gage Hotel, a storied 1927 landmark surrounded by the pristine beauty of Big Bend country in Marathon, Texas. The Gage offers unique accommodations across its Historic Hotel, Los Portales, Captain Shepard House, and private Casitas — all with laid-back luxury and gracious West Texas hospitality. Guests enjoy superior dining, one of the most iconic bars in Texas, a wellness program, and endless adventure in nearby Big Bend National Park. For generations, travelers have created lasting memories at this one-of-a-kind desert retreat. View Details → ](/detail/frio-river-cabins)[ ![Geronimo Creek Retreat](/assets/geronimo-creek-retreat-ChRZp5zO.jpg) ### Geronimo Creek Retreat A unique glamping destination near New Braunfels featuring waterfront teepees, treehouses, safari cabins, and a homestead along a spring-fed creek. Modern amenities meet rustic charm with kayaks, paddleboards, fire pits, and star-filled Texas skies. View Details → ](/detail/geronimo-creek-retreat)[ ![JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa](/assets/jl-bar-ranch-Dq8y6LSd.jpg) ### JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa Spanning 13,000 acres of majestic Texas Hill Country, JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is a 5-star luxury all-inclusive destination with its own private FBO airport. The resort offers 32 luxurious accommodations across two lodges — the Main Lodge and Lonesome Creek Lodge — each embodying rustic elegance at its finest. Guests enjoy world-class hunting, spa treatments, gourmet dining, and endless ranch adventures. Designed for leisure travel, corporate retreats, and special celebrations, JL Bar delivers incomparable service and hospitality in one of the most unique, intimate properties in the Southern United States. View Details → ](/detail/cibolo-creek-ranch-stay)[ ![Kalahari Resorts & Conventions](/assets/kalahari-round-rock-CvzWNlKF.jpg) ### Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Home to America's Largest Indoor Waterpark as voted by USA TODAY, Kalahari Round Rock features 350,000 square feet of waterpark fun, dining options for every craving, and endless entertainment including arcades, mini golf, and a full-service spa. View Details → ](/detail/kalahari-round-rock) ## Glamping [ ![Cameron Ranch Glamping](/assets/cameron-ranch-glamping-BloxNKQ2.jpg) ### Cameron Ranch Glamping Unplug, reset, and reconnect in designer cabins and geo domes at Cameron Ranch Glamping. With locations near Bastrop (Lake Bastrop) and Coldspring (Lake Livingston), this luxury glamping destination offers beautifully designed accommodations surrounded by nature — perfect for couples, families, and weekend getaways from Austin or Houston. View Details → ](/detail/cameron-ranch-glamping)[ ![Geronimo Creek Retreat](/assets/geronimo-creek-retreat-ChRZp5zO.jpg) ### Geronimo Creek Retreat A unique glamping destination near New Braunfels featuring waterfront teepees, treehouses, safari cabins, and a homestead along a spring-fed creek. Modern amenities meet rustic charm with kayaks, paddleboards, fire pits, and star-filled Texas skies. View Details → ](/detail/geronimo-creek-retreat)[ ![Magical Forest Resort](/assets/magical-forest-resort-BiQz6o2G.jpg) ### Magical Forest Resort A peaceful pine forest cabin retreat just outside Houston, perfect for a weekend getaway. Featuring cozy waterfront cabins, a pool, zip line, kayaking, fishing, and hammocks under the pines — ideal for families, couples, and outdoor lovers seeking a relaxing nature escape. View Details → ](/detail/magical-forest-resort) ### HILL COUNTRY TOP PICKS Your curated guide to the best of the Texas Hill Country. 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