Texas Hill Country's Best Attractions

Cascade Caverns is a limestone solution-adventure cave and the oldest public touring cave in Texas, operating since 1932. Visitors can explore a series of well-lit rooms, including a grand Cathedral Room, on guided tours such as the standard DownUnder Tour, the more adventurous Aquifer Tour, or a nighttime flashlight tour. The cave houses rare wildlife like tricolored bats and the Cascade salamander and features fossilized coral reef remnants from the Permian era.

Cave Without a Name is a living show cave and designated National Natural Landmark, featuring six major chambers adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, rimstone dams, and a “Texas-sized cave bacon” formation. Tours descend via a spiral stairwell roughly 80 ft into the earth, covering over a quarter-mile of passage. The cave also hosts periodic concerts in its acoustically rich Queen’s Throne Room.

Hill Country State Natural Area offers over 5,300 acres of rugged terrain, with around 36–40 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, and creek swimming. Primitive camping in walk-in or equestrian sites and group lodge rental are available, with vault toilets on site. The preserve emphasizes conservation of its rocky canyons, oak groves, and plateaus, with trail closures when necessary to protect wildlife and habitat.

Boerne City Lake Park wraps around a scenic reservoir and offers a relaxing mix of outdoor recreation. Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding along Cibolo Creek. Trails wind through lakeside woodlands, while amenities include a playground, volleyball area, disc golf course, picnic spots, and a pavilion perfect for family gatherings. The natural setting and versatile water access make it a favorite park for both relaxation and active fun.

The Pipe Creek Tree Farm & Pumpkin Patch operates weekends in autumn, offering seasonal family fun on a Christmas tree farm that dates back to 1994. Activities include hayrides, pumpkin painting, scarecrow dressing, visiting farm animals, giant sandbox, rubber duck races, marshmallow toasting, a barrel train, and photo opportunities among over 6,000 Christmas trees. There is a minimal admission charge, with additional charges for extras like barrel train rides.

Polly’s Chapel is a historic wood-frame church dating back to 1876 and named after Polly Adams, who donated the land. It hosts seasonal community events and concerts and features an original pipe organ and traditional Saturday-night services. The chapel remains in its original 19th-century design, with well-preserved stained-glass windows, simple pews, and a modest steeple that reflects the rural heritage of Kendall County.

Frontier Times Museum honors the rich history of the Texas Hill Country with exhibits on Native American heritage, early settlers, military artifacts, and regional firearms. Visitors can explore a courtyard with historic buildings and original outbuildings dating back to the late 1800s. Displayed items include antique weaponry, pioneer tools, cowboy gear, and documents chronicling local lawmen and outlaws for an authentic glimpse into frontier life.

Devil’s Backbone is a scenic ridge of limestone outcrops and oak forests offering panoramic views of the Hill Country. The nearby Twisted Sisters (Highway 335, 336, and 337) provide an exhilarating drive through winding roads, river crossings, and switchbacks. Together they form a popular route for motorcyclists, cyclists, and scenic drive enthusiasts, with pull-off points ideal for photos and admiring the rugged terrain.

The Backyard Bistro is a family-owned restaurant in Boerne offering scratch-made comfort food in a relaxed garden setting. The menu features seasonal specials and nightly entrées such as mac and cheese with jalapeño cream, grilled salmon, and gourmet burgers. The outdoor backyard dining area is popular for its string lights and casual atmosphere, and live music often accompanies weekend dinners for added ambiance.

Tiny Schnitzel Haus is a German-style eatery housed in a converted trailer serving authentic schnitzel dishes, sides, and house-made strudel in a cozy setting. Located in Pipe Creek, this family-operated restaurant is praised for its friendly service and quality ingredients. Customers have described the menu as extensive and unique, and online reviews highlight standout dishes like the schnitzel plate and apple strudel.

Wild Horse Saloon in Bandera is a lively country bar with a spacious dance floor and live bands every weekend. This honky-tonk venue offers cold drinks, karaoke nights, and a friendly atmosphere where locals and visitors mingle. The saloon is frequented for its engaging live entertainment, relaxed vibe, and opportunity to dance to classic and contemporary country tunes.

11th Street Cowboy Bar captures the spirit of traditional Texas nightlife with mechanical bull rides, live country bands, and a bustling dance floor. Located in Bandera, this local hangout offers a lively, down-home environment with sawdust-covered floors and frequent themed nights. The bar features cold beverages, stage performances, and a fun rodeo-inspired atmosphere that draws crowds seeking an authentic cowboy experience.

Hungry Horse is a family-friendly Boerne restaurant serving hearty home-style meals in generous portions. The menu includes chicken-fried steak, meatloaf, casseroles, catfish, and scratch-made desserts, with available to-go meals and catering services. Established in 1983, it earns praise for community involvement through local events and fundraisers, and for familiar comfort dishes prepared with care and consistency.

O.S.T. Restaurant is a cozy, family-owned spot in Bandera known for its made-from-scratch comfort food and casual atmosphere. The menu features seasonal specials, classic sandwiches, hearty entrées, and freshly baked desserts. Local patrons appreciate its warm décor, friendly service, and community vibe. O.S.T. also hosts live music nights, making it a relaxed place to enjoy regional Texas flavors with a touch of local culture.

Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar is a rustic saloon in Bandera that blends Texas charm with Southern hospitality. Inside, you’ll find candlelit tables, antique furnishings, and a wood‑burning stove.The menu offers slow‑smoked meats and seasonal desserts along with local beers and spirits. Live acoustic sets in the evenings offer a taste of Hill Country nightlife.

TJ’s at the Old Forge is a gastropub in Boerne set within a 19th‑century stone building. It serves a creative menu featuring tacos, flatbreads, seafood, and hand‑crafted cocktails. The rustic interior, complete with a century‑old stone fireplace, complements an outdoor patio with views of the Main Plaza. Regular events like trivia nights and live music enhance the laid‑back dining experience.

A laid-back lakeside pub, The 4 Way Bar & Grill serves up juicy burgers, fried pickles, and shrimp alongside frozen margaritas and a full bar. This local hangout near Medina Lake is known for its live music ambiance, family-friendly crowd, and classic bar food. Pool tables, weekend gatherings, and lively themed nights often feature local musicians, making live performances part of the experience.

A legendary Texas honky-tonk since 1942, John T. Floore’s Country Store is famous for its rustic dance hall and home-cooked “Texas Café” fare, including world-famous tamales and homemade bread. This nostalgic destination is a longtime favorite for live country music, once serving as Willie Nelson’s musical springboard. Today, guests enjoy authentic Texas flavors and regular concerts in an atmosphere full of tradition.

Located in the heart of Pipe Creek, Monte Alteza offers a boutique wine-garden experience with a Spanish-Latin twist. Guests can enjoy chef-curated tapas, artisan pizzas, and exclusive small-production wines, all in a relaxed garden atmosphere. Opened in 2024, it’s quickly become a favorite for culinary pairings, craft cocktails, and gatherings that highlight premium bourbons and carefully selected wines.

A staple in Bandera’s “Cowboy Capital,” Kickback Korner Bar & Grill serves Tex-Mex comfort food, appetizers, burgers, and custom cocktails in a casual setting. The menu is elevated by the Hangry Hillbilly, a popular pop-up kitchen bringing fresh local flair and creative specialties. Guests enjoy live music on weekends, a pet-friendly patio, and a welcoming small-town vibe that highlights unique menu additions.