The motto of Wimberley, Texas is “a great place to visit…… A great place to live”. With a population of just 2,877 people, this hilly rural destination combines all the goodness of a small-town charm: one-of-a-kind shops, a passionate art scene, and a genuine appreciation for the natural beauty of the region.
Located between Austin and San Antonio, Wimberley maintains its own voice and personality. A case in point: the more than 50 large cowboy boot sculptures that decorate the town, all designed by artists from the region. The Bootiful Wimberley program was launched in 2014 and has since become a major attraction for the region. In fact, visitors can even follow the route map that marks the location of each boot. Wimberley also has a great appeal for nature lovers and those craving outdoor adventures. Lavender fields, natural pools, hiking trails, and adrenaline-pumping ziplines can all add fun to your travel plans.
Ready to plan your trip to Hill Country? Read on to learn about the best things to do and see in Wimberley, Texas.
The Buchanans refer to Yurtopian Hill Country Resort as a “tranquil glamping retreat.” Here, visitors can book one of six well-equipped yurts. Each room has an outdoor kitchen, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and heating, and a walk-in limestone shower. Not to mention, you’ll have complete privacy, with over 300 feet between each yurt.
Located just a short walk from the plaza, Creekhaven Inn & Spa is the perfect spot to see Cypress Creek. Guests at this family-run lodge can enjoy daily breakfast delivered directly to their room, an on-site spa, and the freedom to wander around the property’s picturesque riverfront location.
7A Ranch has a long history in Wimberley. First opened in the mid-1900s, the hotel has been a haven for travelers for over seven decades – expanding, renovating and rebuilding along the way. 7A Ranch changed ownership after the historic flooding of Wimberley in 2015, but it continues the original legacy of the previous owners with 19 cottages, two four-bedroom units, three 10-bedroom cottages and the kid-friendly Pioneer Town, where the whole family can explore ice cream parlors, the opera house, and other distinctly western attractions.
Blue Grotto Regional Park is one of the best places to visit in Wimberley. It’s a very neat place and the trees are stunning. This natural spring-fed swimming hole is known for its crystal clear waters, towering cypress trees, and rope swings. Keep your eyes open, your ears pricked up, and look for native wildlife and vegetation… See if you can spot the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler… And enjoy the quiet rustle of the wind through the trees.
Late spring marks the beginning of lavender season in Texas. The bright purple color and the intoxicating scent of flowers can be seen in several places around Wimberley. Pick your own lavender at Rough Creek Lavender Fields, known as the oldest lavender farm in the hills, or venture to Cypress Creek Lavender Farm, a family-run establishment that sells a variety of beauty products made with lavender.
There are quite a few places in the Texas Hill Country to have a drink, especially for wine lovers. Limestone Terrace Vineyard offers $25 wine tastings, Seventh Son Vineyards is open on weekends, and Wimberley Valley Wine offers a delightful food truck menu that pairs with red and white wines. Pro tip: It is advisable to visit the winery during cornflower season so that your drive between the different locations will be exceptionally beautiful.
If you’d like to see the skyscrapers above Wimberley, book a Wimberley Zipline Adventures. The tour includes all 10 ziplines, ranging in length from 150 feet to 900 feet. The entire experience will take about 1.5 to 2 hours in total, so you’ll have plenty of time to take in other activities in Wimberley.
Combining shopping and experience, travelers are highly encouraged to stop by Wimberley Glassworks for souvenirs of their trip. This hand-blown glass-blowing lighting and art studio has been around for over 20 years and offers live glassblowing demonstrations as well as a variety of vases, shallow plates, bar utensils, chandeliers, and other artworks.
The Wimberley Cafe is a classic restaurant located in the heart of the square with a delicious breakfast menu and small-town charm. Start your day with a hearty breakfast plate (including semolina or hash browns), fried French toast or crackers, and gravy. If you’re in the area at lunchtime, peruse the daily specials or take-out deli sandwiches.
Kelly’s Grill is one of the best barbecue joints in Central Texas. Don’t miss the tacos he eats on the truck or the shredded beef brisket sandwich for lunch. Open Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m. until supplies last, the barbecue van offers all fan favorites, including macaroni with cheese, pulled pork, ribs, and sausages.
Hill Country Restaurant in Buchanans is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The Leaning Pear menu features fresh, seasonal and local favorites, including wood-fired pizza, Southern Clucker sandwiches (fried chicken, Alabama white sauce and allspice cheese), and a variety of rotating specialties.
The pies and other food made by the community pizza were great. It is a casual place that is perfect for large groups. There are plenty of outdoor seating, and the menu includes gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Texas is synonymous with hot summers, but rising temperatures also provide ideal conditions for swimming. According to Chambers, summer in Wimberley is fantastic because of “all the rivers and water activities”. He also says that Humberelli is a true year-round destination: “Whatever the weather, there’s a lot to see in the hilly areas. “If you’re interested in visiting a lavender farm in Wimberley, early June is the best time to visit. Come early in spring — from mid-March through mid-April — to experience Texas cornflower season.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the closest airport to Wimberley. Austin is about a 45-minute drive from the city center, so you’ll need to rent a car to get there. San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is another option, a little further away from Wimberley; 55 miles usually takes just over an hour.