Enjoy the Top 10 Best Things To Do in Dripping Springs, TX

A longhorn in a green field standing beneath a tree with other cows in the background.

Dripping Springs is the destination to discover new outdoor experiences, indulge in a delicious meal, or visit one of the many wineries, distilleries, or breweries that call this slice of Hill Country heaven home. Just a short drive from Austin, and just a half day drive from San Antonio and Houston, Dripping Springs is full of big adventure. Whether you prefer outdoor activities or big-city entertainment, you'll find something to love about the Texas Hill Country. Dripping Springs is known for its rolling hills, our scenic river and creeks, and unique downtown with boutiques, a quaint coffee and brew pubs. Climb a limestone cliff at Reimers Ranch, float in the turquoise waters of Hamilton Pool Preserve, or visit one of the many award-winning wineries in the region. There are so many things to do in the Texas Hill Country that the possibilities really are limitless.

If you’re looking for the best things to do while you visit for the day or a weekend, check out these great destinations.

A waterfall falling into a big natural pool

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool is one of the most picturesque locations in all of Texas (maybe even the world) and is located in Dripping Springs. A trip to the 200-acre Hamilton Pool Preserve will make you feel like you are being transported to another world rich with lush plants, and a variety of wildlife species. The pool, a geological masterpiece was formed by thousands of years of water erosion which created a collapsed grotto, the canyons and a staggering waterfall. Located 3/4 mile upstream from its confluence with the Pedernales River, Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50 foot waterfall as it plunges into the head of a steep box canyon. The waterfall never completely dries up, but in dry times, it does slow to a trickle. To get to the pool, you must take a ¼ mile trail that includes a series of rock steps that descend into the canyons. Good shoes and plenty of water are a must for the trip to the pool and preserve.

Reservations are required to visit Hamilton Pool Preserve and must be made online beforehand. Camping and pets are not allowed on the grounds either so make sure to leave your dogs at home.

Nothing quite beats Hamilton Pool in the heat of the Texas summer, but reservations do fill up fast, so make them before they’re gone.

Visit the Travis County Park website to learn more about current offerings at Hamilton Pool and to make reservations: Website

An orchard of olive trees with a Tuscan style building in the background

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY OLIVE COMPANY

Along Fitzhugh road just northwest of the center of Dripping Springs you will find the Texas Hill Country Olive Company. Pull into the parking lot of the Tuscan inspired villa and you will find yourself surrounded by over 15 acres of olive trees and smack dab in some of the most beautiful lands in all of the Hill Country. The Texas Hill Country Olive Company has been in business since 2008 and offers orchard and mill tours on Fridays & Saturdays.

During the tour, you will learn about the history of olive oil, the oil extraction process and much more. There’s also a tasting room on the grounds, a bistro with paninis, charcuterie and pizzas, as well as a lovely selection of local beers and wines. Within the villa is a gift shop where you can purchase their award winning olive oil, balsamic vinegars, cooking accessories, fresh bread, and gifts.

Two cocktails on a picnic table outside.

DEEP EDDY Vodka

Known for its’ super tasty and award-winning vodkas, Deep Eddy Distillery Dripping Springs based tasting room is the ideal spot for an afternoon cocktail. One of the most popular destinations to visit, the distillery is located right off of Highway 290 in Dripping Springs. Deep Eddy Vodka serves up tasty and fun drinks using their selection of vodkas including the Ruby Red vodka infused with real grapefruit, the Original which is distilled up to 10 times, or try their variety of flavored vodkas including the Lemon, Peach, Orange, Cranberry flavored. A favorite of Southerners and non-Southerners alike is the Sweet Tea which is sure to delight your taste buds.

Stop in to try their specialty cocktails in the modern tasting room or step outside on the gorgeous manicured lawn and covered patio to enjoy your specialty cocktail in a mason jar glass. While you're there, make sure to get a snap with the super cool, retro Deep Eddy Vodka Volkswagen van while you’re at it.

BELL SPRINGS WINERY

Visit Bell Springs Winery and experience their small-production wines, chef prepared food, and a visit that you will never forgot. Whether you stop by for a wine tasting, pairing experience, glass of wine, or lunch from our food truck, they always look forward to seeing you.

This winery is not your typical nose in the air type of venue, it’s a place where you spend all afternoon relaxing on the beautiful grounds enjoying an exceptional glass of wine. Bell Springs Winery, located on Bell Springs Road offers tastings of their wines every day that they are open. If wine really isn't your forte, fear not because they also have a brewery located on the grounds, Bell Springs Brewing! The brewery is a unique tap house that offers flights, pints, and beer to go. Kids and dogs welcome!

They also offer a full food menu on the weekend where you can try delicious eats like flash friend brussels sprouts which are out of this world or a more traditional brunch option like waffles and friend chicken. On the weekdays, they serve up various meats and cheeses, and charcuterie plates and various other small bites.

The owners of Bell Springs Winery also own Sidecar Tasting Room, a prohibition style wine bar in the heart of historic Dripping Springs on Old Fitzhugh Street.

Whether you choose to visit the winery or the tasting room, sit back, listen to some live music and stay while at this serene hill country winery.

TWISTED X BREWING COMPANY

Twisted X Brewing Company brews high quality, small batch craft beers in the heart of the Hill Country in beautiful Dripping Springs, TX. Twisted X uses the finest ingredients to make their selection of lagers, pilsners, and IPAs. If you aren’t sure which beer to go with, you can sample all the brews that they make at the brewery on a specially made flight paddle featuring 4.5oz samples. Once you’ve got your flight of tasty brews in hand, head out to their covered deck or grab at an outdoor table overlooking the Hill Country, listen to some live music or chow down on some great food from the food trailer on site.

If you are interested in touring the facility to see where the brew magic happens at Twisted X, they offer tours and no reservations are required. This brewery also kid friendly and encourages you to bring your furry friend as well.

A grey metal building with the words Treat Oak on the front above the garage door

Treaty Oak Distilling

Tucked away in the Hill Country, located on twenty-eight acres is Treaty Oak Ranch which is home to the distillery, the gift shop and Alice's Restaurant. Named after the massive and majestic 500-year-old oak that symbolizes strength and longevity, the ranch is a family and dog friendly destination. Treaty Oak selects the best ingredients for their selection of beers, and spirits that include bourbon, rum, and gin. There’s a little something for everyone at Treaty Oak - a gift shop, tasting room, artisanal cocktails on tap, yard games, a kids play area, and live music every weekend.

Alice's Restaurant houses a full bar and kitchen and serves up delicious Texas inspired meals and BBQ all weekend long. The menu includes snacks, smoked/roasted/grilled meats, fresh salads, roasted veggies and well as a kid friendly fare.

They also offer a 45-minute tour of the distillery where you can learn all about the production process from the Treaty Oak distillers. Pack up the kiddos and head out to Dripping Springs and Treaty Oak Distillery for an experience the whole family will enjoy.

REIMERS RANCH

The limestone cliffs and walls that hang over the Pedernales River in Dripping Springs are a rock climbers dream but also a beautiful back drop for anyone looking to spend some time in the great outdoors. A visit to Reimers Ranch will put you right on the banks of the Pedernales River where you’ll have 3 continuous miles of river frontage to explore. The park which is situated on over 2,400 acres and gives you access to over 18 miles of trails perfect for hiking and biking. After you’ve worked up a sweat, you can hop in the cool, clear river for some swimming and relaxation.

On top of the hike and bike trails, Reimers Ranch has trails for horseback riding, and excellent fishing conditions ideal for snagging one of those infamous large mouth bass. Getting down to the river is a breeze; park officials allow you to pull your car right up to the river and unload your items, and then park in the lot a short walk from the banks. Cost to get into the preserve is $10 per car. This day use only park also hosts events like astronomical parties, and monthly guided bird hikes. The scenic vistas, well maintained trails and the gorgeous Pedernales River will have you coming back time and time again.

HAWK'S SHADOW

When you arrive at Hawk's Shadow, the first thing you will see is a commanding view of the Lower Estate Vineyard, and the broad expanse of nature preserves, ranches and watersheds east of the Pedernales Falls State Park. Arriving on the vineyard, located just west of Dripping Springs proper, the owners Doug and Carol will immediately make you feel like you’re part of the family. Wine tasting at Hawk's Shadow feature samplings of their finished wines in bottles, crafted from varietals from their vineyards with grape that are exclusively grown in Texas.

Hawk’s Shadow is a pet friendly winery and they also encourage folks to bring a picnic and relax awhile. Or stay for dinner in the cellar. You can also book and experience a private tasting for a group. Enjoy live music on the weekends and find a shaded table to relax over a glass or bottle with a friend. Hawk’s Shadow is one of the most serene and gorgeous hill country vineyards.

historic Mercer Street

"Taking a step back in time," is a common phrase you will hear as you stroll down Mercer Street or Old Fitzhugh Road in downtown Dripping Springs, enjoying the architecture of buildings, many of which were built between 1870 and 1940, but are the current location for several thriving businesses.

Mercer Street was home to some of the first businesses in Dripping Springs and many of the storefronts have remained unchanged for decades. Downtown, you will find unique and eclectic storefronts and businesses full of energy, entertainment and accessibility for folks of all ages.

Also, located downtown is the actual "dripping springs", the landmark which gave Dripping Springs the town, its name. Located on the west end of Mercer Street, this specific area consists of lush, fern-covered limestone ledges which consistently drip water into a small stream.

DRIPPING SPRINGS VODKA

Visit the original distillery in Dripping Springs and the makers of infamous Dripping Springs Vodka for an afternoon of sipping and relaxing. These folks know what they are doing when it comes to distilling; they were the 2nd distiller and the 3rd licensed Distilled Spirits Permit holder in the great State of Texas. The award-winning Dripping Springs Vodka and Gin is micro-distilled in small batches in copper pot stills. Each product is finished with pure, mineral rich Hill Country artesian Springs Water.

Visit Dripping Springs Distilling's new Tasting Room, Distillers Bar. Enjoy craft cocktails, small bites from their Southern inspired food menu, and play some yard games beneath the shaded oak grove.

Looking for more fun things to do in the area? Check out all the best wineries in Dripping Springs and Driftwood: Hill Country Wineries

Top 10 Things To Do in Dripping Springs, TX

Treaty Oak Distilling

historic Mercer Street