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10 Best Things to Do in Dripping Springs, Texas

Dripping Springs, located near Austin, is a top Texas Hill Country destination known for its outdoor recreation and crafted wines, beers and spirits. Explore the area by foot, bike or horseback. Cool off in Dripping Springs’ most prized watering hole. Or simply sip on a cold beer or rich wine from one of the many microbreweries and wineries in the area. Escape Austin’s city life and enjoy a relaxing trip in this up-and-coming Central Texas town.

Texas Hill Country Olive Company Texas Hill Country Olive Company
Credit: Texas Hill Country Olive Company by Texas Hill Country Olive Company

Texas Hill Country Olive Company

What Is It? Grapes aren’t the only things that grow well in Dripping Springs; olives also thrive in this Central Texas environment. You can visit an olive orchard located right in Dripping Springs.

Why Do It? The Texas Hill Country Olive Company is a family-owned business that offers tours throughout the week.

Good to Know: Taste the company’s incredible olive oils and balsamic vinegar while also enjoying lunch and a drink here too.

Hamilton Pool Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve, Dripping Springs
Credit: Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve, Dripping Springs by Leon Bovenkerk via Flickr

Hamilton Pool

What Is It? This Dripping Springs gem is a beautiful yet popular swimming hole.

Why Do It? Hamilton Pool is a natural pool that was created thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to erosion. Now the swimming hole is surrounded by lush vegetation and is also home to a 45-foot waterfall. To reach the pool, there is a short hike, therefore bring adequate footwear.

Good to Know: This area is also home to some great hiking trails and bird-watching spots too.

Sol’stice Garden Expressions Sol’stice Garden Expressions
Credit: Sol’stice Garden Expressions by Sol’stice Garden Expressions

Sol’stice Garden Expressions

What Is It? Exploring Sol’stice Garden Expressions is a great thing to do on a nice day in Dripping Springs.

Why Do It? This Texas attraction is a botanical garden, yard art gallery, and plant and art supplier. Both plant lovers and art enthusiasts will enjoy a walk through the three-acre grounds.

Good to Know: Head here for a new yard art installation, some gardening advice or simply enjoy the outdoors.

Visit a Brewery or Distillery Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery
Credit: Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery by Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery

Visit a Brewery or Distillery

What Is It? Dripping Springs may be a small town but it is home to various distilleries and breweries both in the town and just a short drive away. One of the most popular distilleries in the area is Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery.

Why Do It? This distillery regularly hosts live music and special events. However, Deep Eddy Vodka isn’t the only distillery found here. Visit and tour other distilleries like Treaty Oak Distillery, Genius Gin and Liquids, Dripping Springs Distillery, and Revolution Spirits.

Good to Know: Alternatively, there are also plenty of microbreweries located in and near Dripping Springs too. Beer lovers should definitely visit popular breweries like Twisted X Brewery, Jester King Brewery, and Family Business Beer Co.

Pedernales Falls State Park Pedernales Falls State Park
Credit: Pedernales Falls State Park by Andrew Fisher Photography/shutterstock.com

Pedernales Falls State Park

What Is It? You can go on a camping trip during your stay in Dripping Springs at Pedernales Falls State Park.

Why Do It? Home to a section of the Pedernales River, swimming, fishing, rafting, canoeing, and kayaking are popular activities at this popular state park in Texas.

Good to Know: Pedernales Falls State Park also has miles of hiking and biking trails, therefore backpackers and day hikers typically head here for a weekend getaway.

Visit a Winery Bell Springs Winery
Credit: Bell Springs Winery by Bell Springs Winery

Visit a Winery

What Is It? Dripping Springs isn’t just home to distilleries and breweries but also wineries too.

Why Do It? Wine lovers will enjoy exploring the number of local wineries found here. Take a wine tour or simply indulge in one of the incredible wines found at Bell Springs Winery, Solaro Estate Winery, Driftwood Estate Winery and Vineyard, Duchman Family Winery, or Fall Creek Vineyards.

Good to Know: You can enjoy a deep red or a crisp white wine at the numerous wineries and vineyards found in Dripping Springs.

Reimers Ranch Park Reimers Ranch Park
Credit: Reimers Ranch Park by Reimers Ranch Park

Reimers Ranch Park

What Is It? Central Texas is known for its outdoor recreation, and you can embrace the great outdoors while you’re in Dripping Springs by visiting Reimers Ranch Park.

Why Do It? Active travelers can head to this park for a picnic or a mountain biking excursion. With miles of both biking and hiking trails, Reimers Ranch Park is a great place to go to get active in the outdoors.

Good to Know: If you’re hoping to simply enjoy a nice, relaxing day, spend some time along the Pedernales River, where many people fish and swim.

Charro Ranch Park Charro Ranch Park
Credit: Charro Ranch Park by Charro Ranch Park

Charro Ranch Park

What Is It? This 64-acre park is a great place to be out in nature.

Why Do It? Charro Ranch Park offers walking trails, picturesque outlooks, and picnic spots. Photographers, bird watchers, and plant nerds will love browsing this natural area.

Good to Know: If you’re looking for a quiet spot to reflect or meditate, Charro Ranch Park is the place to visit to find solitude in the Texas Hill Country.

Mercer Street Dance Hall Mercer Street Dance Hall
Credit: Mercer Street Dance Hall by mercerdancehall.com

Mercer Street Dance Hall

What Is It? Get your dancing shoes on and head to Mercer Street Dancehall for lively music and cold drinks.

Why Do It? If you don’t know how to dance, Mercer Street Dancehall offers dance lessons every Saturday night.

Good to Know: Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, this honky tonk is a great place to visit to mingle with locals and hear both big acts and local entertainers.

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
Credit: Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center by westcave.org

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

What Is It? Westcave Preserve is a 76-acre preserve near Dripping Springs.

Why Do It? Located on the preserve, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center offers a variety of educational activities, from self-led nature tours to kid camps and programs. You don’t have to visit the discovery center to enjoy the preserve, however.

Good to Know: Take a tour through the preserve’s gorgeous grotto, where you’ll hike to this lush oasis where there is a waterfall and emerald green pool.

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