Dripping Springs
All city guides

City guide · Hill Country

Dripping Springs

The gateway town to the western Hill Country.

Why Dripping Springs is growing

Dripping Springs has grown from a crossroads town into the launch pad for the western Hill Country — the Highway 290 wine corridor, Hamilton Pool and the long drive to Big Bend all start here. The guide below connects the town to nearby parks, signature stops, local food and golf so it can anchor a full weekend instead of a quick pass-through.

Visitor tip

Sort out Hamilton Pool reservations before you leave Austin — day passes run out.

Things to do nearby

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hill Country · Nature

Hamilton Pool Preserve

A collapsed grotto with a 50-foot waterfall spilling into a jade-green pool, a short walk from the trailhead.

Austin Live Music & South Congress

Hill Country · City

Austin Live Music & South Congress

The Live Music Capital, with honky-tonks, food trucks and the Congress Avenue bats at sunset.

Austin Tech Corridor & Giga Texas

Hill Country · Tech & Space

Austin Tech Corridor & Giga Texas

From Tesla's Gigafactory on the Colorado River to the startups of East Austin, the capital is where Texas builds what's next.

Parks & recreation nearby

Connect the city with a trail, lake, historic site or open-sky day trip.

State park · Johnson City

Pedernales Falls State Park

Explore the landscapes, trails and stories around Pedernales Falls State Park.

State park · Austin

McKinney Falls State Park

Explore the landscapes, trails and stories around McKinney Falls State Park.

State park · Blanco

Blanco State Park

Explore the landscapes, trails and stories around Blanco State Park.

Explore all Texas parks →

Where to eat

  • Homespun Kitchen & Bar

    Comfort plates on Mercer Street.

    Family friendly

  • Jester King Brewery

    Wild farmhouse ales brewed on a ranch.

    Family friendly

  • Sycamore

    A farm-to-table dinner worth booking ahead.

Things to do

  • Hamilton Pool Preserve

    The grotto pool twenty minutes east.

    Family friendly

  • Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

    Guided hikes to a second grotto.

  • Highway 290 wineries

    Tasting rooms strung out west of town.

Golf nearby

See upcoming events in Hill Country →Plan a Hill Country wine day →

Thinking of moving here?

Find builders and new homes in Dripping Springs

Texas Builders Guide covers communities, builders and new construction across the state.

Visit Texas Builders Guide

Tours, tastings & tickets

Book experiences in Dripping Springs

Instant confirmation and free cancellation on many tours. You book and pay directly on Viator.

Viator links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Where to stay

Places to stay near Dripping Springs

See stays Want VIP perks? Book with our

Stay links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Ask the Texan