Top 11 reasons to visit Dripping Springs, TX, today!
Dripping Springs is one of the most favored small towns in the Texas Hill Country – and for a good reason. It’s home to natural springs, waterfalls, rolling hills, and spectacular views – to name a few. This quaint hill country town is a wonderful place to visit, and you’ll see why these top 11 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 that included 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 Gem And Visitors Bureau
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 with lots of brochures to hand out.
There is a hidden gem across the street from this visitor center. It is on private property, so ask Pam, President/CEO, to take you there. Tell her Kim sent you – she’ll get a kick out of that.
The hidden gem is actually a dripping spring. Just the walk over there is mesmerizing. It’s an easy walk, but somewhat steep rock stairs (with a railing) go down to the spring. You would never know it’s there unless someone told you. So, I’m telling you all!
2. Shop, Sip, And Stroll Historic Mercer Street
Dripping Springs Mercer Street is a unique historical downtown with 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 still 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
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 right there tells you I’m well into this game …and I 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 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 that I got 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. The Farmers Market
The farmer’s market is a must-stop if you are in town on a Wednesday. 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.
9. Visit The 200-acre 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 go for a hike. Come summertime, swimming in the Pedernales River is allowed.
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
Camp Lucy
You can stay in a hotel, a BnB, 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 gem is. Stay here, and you can escape in nature anytime you like.
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
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!
Oak Creek Cafe
Oak Creek Cafe is a small-town cafe that serves good ole Texas comfort for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The mural (Greetings from Dripping) above is located inside the restaurant. It makes a perfect Instagrammable photo!
There you have it: 11 reasons to visit Dripping Springs, TX. Plan your getaway today at Destination Dripping Springs.
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