Texas is a land of endless adventure that features almost everything you could think of to enjoy. At its heart are the wildflower-strewn hills of the Texas Hill Country, which are filled with plenty of unique cities that offer peaceful retreats in small towns and larger getaways alike.
So drop in, check out any of our seven hand-picked Central Texas destinations, and make sure to book a stay at one of our Cozi Vacation Rentals to experience all the best the state has to offer.
Here’s what we suggest for your next getaway.
1. Fredericksburg
- Located in the heart of Central Texas
- Known for: A blend of German heritage, award-winning wineries, scenic drives through wildflower fields, and a wide array of outdoor activities
Fredericksburg is a bustling historic town that perfectly balances old-world charm with all the modern conveniences you could ever hope for. It, like many Central Texas cities, is rich in German history and well-known for its breweries and wineries.
In Downtown Fredericksburg, visitors can stroll along the ever-popular Main Street and discover all sorts of boutiques, cozy cafes, and historic landmarks. They can also totally immerse themselves in the local culture by exploring museums, sampling some of the best German food in the area, or taking a scenic drive through the vineyards that make Fredericksburg such a culinary hotspot.
Of course, there is more to Fredericksburg than just cultural and culinary activities! The city also offers plenty of outdoor activities for anyone wanting to get out and explore a bit more.
Head on out and take a hike on any number of trails at Enchanted Rock State Park or simply enjoy a leisurely picnic surrounded by wildflowers. There are also wine tastings, plenty of festivals, and numerous parks to enjoy!
2. Marble Falls
- Location: Central Texas, about 48 miles northwest of Austin along the picturesque Lake Marble Falls
- Known For: Stunning lake views, water sports, thriving art districts, and world-class wineries
Marble Falls is another city with a small-town feel with big city charm. Visitors who come here are often left marveling at the clear blue waters of the local lake and its inviting landscapes, which make this town the perfect spot for anyone who likes a combination of relaxation and adventure on their travels.
The town itself offers plenty of outdoor activities for all ages and skill levels. There are all sorts of water spots on Lake Marble Falls, including kayaking and boating, or you can head out and explore one of the local state parks. There’s also Hidden Falls Adventure Park, featuring miles of dirt trails for biking, ATV, or off-roading enthusiasts.
Want to slow things down a bit? There’s plenty to suit an easier pace as well, including touring the dozens of wineries and breweries, visiting one of the many locally owned and operated shops and restaurants, or taking a side trip through the arts district to a museum or art gallery.
Plus, Marble Falls is fairly close to both Austin and San Antonio, making it a great stop for anyone on a Texas road trip.
3. Canyon Lake
- Location: Nestled between Austin and San Antonio
- Known for: Pristine waters, excellent boating and fishing opportunities, and kayaking and white-water rafting adventures
Canyon Lake more than lives up to its reputation as the “water recreation capital of Texas.” It features clear, inviting waters and some pretty dramatic limestone cliffs that help make it the perfect spot for anyone who loves to play in the water.
Visitors can easily spend a whole day out on the lake, whether kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the shore. The crystal-clear waters are also a hotspot for bird-watching, drawing in nature lovers who can enjoy the year-round beauty of the local landscapes.
Of course, there is more to Canyon Lake than just water activities. It’s also the perfect destination for families, couples, and solo travelers who want to enjoy wandering scenic trails, catch an outdoor show at the Whitewater Amphitheater, or visit the local Heritage Museum.
Browse through our Canyon Lake vacation rentals to find the perfect homebase for your getaway.
4. New Braunfels
- Location: Central Texas, about 30 miles northeast of San Antonio
- Known for: Its blend of rich German heritage, thrilling river tubing adventures, and the iconic Schlitterbahn Waterpark experience
New Braunfels is one of those towns that pretty much perfectly encapsulates Texas’ unique blend of history, culture, and downright fun.
It has roots steeped deep in German tradition and boasts charming historic districts such as Gruene, where the legendary Gruene Hall–the oldest dance hall in Texas–still hosts live music and dance nights. There’s also Naeglin’s Bakery, the oldest bakery in Texas, plus a local Snake Farm, Wurstfest, and the Wonder World Cave and Adventure Park!
But the excitement doesn’t stop at its history; New Braunfels has a ton of can’t miss things to do, including a ton of water activities. Tubing down the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers offers a total escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, while families can head on out and enjoy days of fun at the ever-exciting Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
Plus, New Braunfels’ location in Central Texas makes it the perfect spot to launch your exploration of other nearby attractions, including the San Antonio River Walk, the Alamo, or even day trips to the Dallas/Fort Worth area!
Enjoy all the area has to offer and stay a night or two in New Braunfels.
5. Spicewood
- Location: About 35 miles west of Austin in the scenic Texas Hill Country
- Known for: Idyllic natural swimming holes, boutique wineries, and all sorts of outdoor activities
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of big cities like Austin and Houston, Spicewood is a true haven for travelers looking for a bit of tranquility.
The town’s crown jewel, Krause Springs, is a series of natural swimming holes surrounded by lush vegetation that makes it the perfect spot for a cool dip on a hot Texas day.
Spicewood also has a thriving winery scene, making it a hot spot for wine enthusiasts looking to explore local vineyards and sample award-winning Texas wines.
But that’s not all! There’s also plenty of adventure waiting in this small city. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as ziplining over Lake Travis or hiking through miles of rugged trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding hill country.
Drop by Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area or spend the day shopping at Pedernales Farmers Market to round out your Central Texas trip.
6. Blanco
- Location: About 50 miles west of Austin in Central Texas
- Known for: Quaint historic charm, meandering Blanco River, and fields of lavender
Looking for a small city with a lot of charm? Then Blanco is the place to be!
With its relaxed pace and friendly locals, this town is a great spot for visitors looking to escape the fast-paced lifestyle of big cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, or Houston.
The Blanco River provides a scenic backdrop for all sorts of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, kayaking, and more. Meanwhile, the blooming lavender fields during the annual Blanco Lavender Festival create a stunning scene that is perfect for taking Insta-worthy photos.
Need more? Visitors can also stroll through the historic downtown area, where charming shops, quaint cafes, and local craft breweries are a dime-a-dozen. Each visit offers something new for those who come to this charming city–from amazing Tex-Mex meals to having a drink at the Real Ale Brewing Company or dropping by one of the many local music venues.
7. Johnson City
- Location: 48 miles west of Austin
- Known for: Being the hometown of President Lyndon B. Johnson, scenic vineyards, and outdoor activities
Johnson City is a unique mix of historical significance and modern-day attractions.
Known for its close ties to President Lyndon B. Johnson, visitors can totally immerse themselves in American history over at the LBJ National Historical Park or one of the many local museums.
There’s also the nearby Pedernales Falls State Park, where scenic hikes, picnics, and kayaking adventures are just a few of the activities that can be had.
The city itself is also an emerging hotspot for wine aficionados, with several wineries dotting the surrounding hills. Head on out for a wine tasting at Untamed Wine Estates or Westcave Cellars Winery & Brewery, or, if you’re a bit more adventurous, take a wine-tasting tour through all the city has to offer.
Whatever your tastes, Johnson City is here to deliver.
Where to Stay in Central Texas
From the enchanting streets of Fredericksburg to the serene shores of Canyon Lake, Central Texas has a lot to offer! Whether you’re on a day out or a road trip across the Lone Star State, make sure you check out these seven stunning locations.
Don’t forget to book a stay on your trip in one of Cozi Vacation Rentals’ many local locations so you have the perfect base for your next hill-country getaway.
