Reasons To Visit Dripping Springs, TX

Dripping Springs is a Hill Country gem with natural springs, waterfalls, and the views will bring you back!

Dripping Springs is one of the most favored small towns in the Texas Hill Country–for a good reason. It’s home to natural springs, waterfalls, rolling hills, and spectacular views – to name a few. This quaint Hill Country small town is a wonderful place to visit, and you’ll see why these top reasons to visit Dripping Springs, TX, should be on your travel bucket list.

Being only a short drive from Austin, Dripping Springs has become the “Gateway to the Hill Country.”

If you only have one day, a weekend, or a planned vacation in Dripping Springs, below are attractions you’ll want to see while you’re there.

Disclosure: Destination Drippings Springs hosted me on a two-day visit with accommodations, meals, activities, and compensation. All opinions in this article are my own.

Why Visit Dripping Springs, TX?

Dripping Springs is not only a small, charming town with the nature of the hill country all around, but it’s also an up-and-coming city with modern simplicity on every corner. The best of both worlds, I might add.

Did you know Dripping Springs is a popular destination for weddings? It sure is …and that’s why it is the Wedding Capital of Texas®. There are over 35 wedding venues in Dripping Springs – each with something unique.

On top of that, there are 36 wineries, breweries, & distilleries. It’s the only town in the hill country to have that many. You might think people visit just to drink (it’s not called “Sipping in Dripping” for nothing), but this town offers much more.

11 Reasons To Visit Dripping Springs, TX

With its rich history in the Mercer Street Historic District, Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead, and the many reasons I’ve mentioned above, I’m sure you already wish you were here! Let’s go!

1. Dripping Springs Hidden Dripping Spring

I always mention that dropping by the visitor’s center is a great idea when visiting a new town for the first time. They have all the necessary information and lots of brochures to hand out.

The dripping springs that the town is named for is across the street from this visitor center. It is on private property, so please ask someone there if they can escort you over. Pam, the former President/CEO who used to work there, took me, but she’s no longer there, so I’m not sure it’s possible to see it.

2. Shop, Sip, And Stroll Historic Mercer Street

Mercer Street is Dripping Springs’ unique historic downtown, featuring boutiques, coffee shops, and beer pubs, including the old barber shop that once was – now it’s a beer pub. Visitors who don’t know walk in, thinking they are up next for a haircut. Don’t make that mistake!!

Travel Pro Tip: Park at the Visitors Bureau on Mercer Street and walk the street – it’s entirely walkable.

3. Dreamland (Pickleball)

A visit to Dreamland will satisfy all, from a game of putt-putt golf, the splash pad, the outdoor pavilion, and good eats to a full bar serving Texas beers and Texas wines. Dreamland is a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure for families. And if you dig pickleball, they have that, too (see below).

Play Pickleball At Dreamland

Just look at my mouth. That tells you I’m well into this game and want to win!! Ha – it was just a lesson I had with Instructor Pam Boyd. Pickleball (one word) is the new craze among all ages …and now I’m hooked.

If you didn’t know, pickleball is a game that resembles tennis. A smaller paddle is used as well as a net, but the ball is different, and the scoring is something to get used to. But all in all, it’s a favorite sport.

4. Take A Tour At A Distillery

Have you ever wondered how liquor is distilled and put into bottles? Every distillery does it differently. Tallon at Dripping Springs Distilling took me around and showed me how they make their vodka and gin. It was exciting to see, and it was a first for me. Afterward, I tasted their vodka, gin, and bourbon. You can book a tour and a tasting with them.

Other distilleries in town are Treaty Oak Distillery and Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery.

5. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is a 76-acre natural preserve with caves, dripping springs, bird-watching areas, etc. Individual and group tours are available. My pick would be the Westcave Uplands self-guided tour. For $5, take up to an hour and a half leisurely walk through the oak trees and spring wildflowers. Or, sign up for a full tour with a guide. They take you to the grotto.

Donations are always appreciated here.

Pro Tip: Reservations are required. Hours may vary.

6. Texas Hill Country Olive Company

I’ve read numerous articles about the Texas Hill Country Olive Co. and was ecstatic to visit and try out an oil tasting and lunch. Their balsamic vinegar is excellent, and I bought my husband a Father’s Day gift with three oils and one balsamic vinegar wrapped up in a lovely gift box. I can’t wait to give it to him.

You can make reservations for a tour, walk in during business hours, shop at the gift store, have lunch, and roam the orchard – no tour required.

7. Wineries In Dripping Springs

There is no shortage of wineries in Dripping Springs, and some of the top award-winning wineries in the region are right in this area. Take a wine tour or walk in, and ask for a wine tasting. There are too many to list, but I recommend Bell Springs Winery, Driftwood Estate Winery, Duchman Family Winery, and Solaro Estate Winery.

Visiting wineries in the Texas Hill Country is one of my favorite reasons to visit Dripping Springs.

8. Dripping Springs Farmers Market

If you are in town on a Wednesday, the farmer’s market is a must-stop. One of my favorite things is visiting farmers’ markets wherever I go. Plus, I love supporting locals. Look for fresh produce, goods, wine tastings, homemade salsas, live music, and more at this one.

The Dripping Springs Farmers Market is open year-round on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 pm.

9. Hamilton Pool Preserve

Though I didn’t visit this time, I recommend going here to marvel at Hamilton Pool Preserve’s turquoise waters and see one of Dripping Springs’s waterfalls. This one is a 50-foot waterfall. Reservations are required and must be made online. Be sure to read all the updates for Hamilton Pool Preserve.

Travel Pro Tip: Swimming is no longer allowed in the swimming hole due to falling rocks.

10. Milton Reimers Ranch Park

Reimers Ranch Park is Central Texas’ nature in the raw. Climb a limestone cliff, ride your bike on the trails, fish, or hike. Swimming in the Pedernales River is allowed during summertime.

11. Pedernales Falls State Park

Only a short drive from Dripping Springs to Johnson City is Pedernales Falls State Park. It’s gorgeous, and the water was surreal. Admission is $6 unless you have a Texas State Park Pass. Swimming is allowed, but not at the falls. I highly recommend going, especially if you have kids.

Where To Stay In Dripping Springs

There are tons of places to stay in town and in the area.

Camp Lucy

You can stay in a hotel, a B&B, an Airbnb rental, or at the beautiful Camp Lucy. The grounds of Camp Lucy are impeccable, and it’s where I stayed during my time in Dripping Springs. I also got the ultimate private tour of the grounds. Coming and going, you’ll cross over a creek on a one-lane bridge, and scenic viewing is all around you. You’re in heaven before you even get there! There are cabins and houses to rent.

Camp Lucy is also a prominent wedding venue.

Homestead At The Dripping Springs

There is also a historic Bed and Breakfast right across from the Visitor’s Bureau called Homestead at the Dripping Springs. It’s where the hidden dripping spring is. Stay here, and you can escape to nature anytime you like, and then walk around Mercer Street.

Madrone Springs Ranch

If you have a large group and want a brand new upscale ranch retreat all to yourself, check out Madrone Springs Ranch in the steep hills of Dripping Springs.

Restaurants In Dripping Springs

There are many wonderful places to dine in Dripping Springs, from burgers to fine dining. Below are a few I went to.

Tillie’s At Camp Lucy

Tillie’s is fine dining at Camp Lucy and is open to the public. Pam and I both ordered the special of the evening – Swordfish. Before dinner, we embarked on an Espresso Martini and a cannoli appetizer. I can’t remember what all was stuffed in that cannoli or what came with the Swordfish. All I know is that it was delicious!

Epicure Market (Closed)

Wine Curator Jerry Gray knew his wine and told me they have wines nobody else has in town. Epicure Market is a wine and cheese board place to dine. I highly recommend saving room for the creme brulee. ‎I could have eaten two!

There is an Epicure Market in Boerne, TX.

Oak Creek Cafe

Oak Creek Cafe is a small-town cafe that serves good ole Texas comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The mural (Greetings from Dripping) above is located inside the restaurant. It makes a perfect Instagrammable photo! Check them out on Facebook.

There you have it: 11 reasons to visit Dripping Springs, TX. Plan your getaway today at Destination Dripping Springs.

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