
Hill Country · Nature
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Dripping Springs, Texas
Family friendlyA collapsed grotto with a 50-foot waterfall spilling into a jade-green pool, a short walk from the trailhead.
Reservations are required year-round — book online before you drive out, and check whether swimming is open that day.
Know before you go
Plan your visit
Nearest town: Dripping Springs · About 0.5 hrs from Austin · Explore the Dripping Springs city guide →
- Best season
- Spring and fall
- Time needed
- Half day
- Cost
- $ — day reservation + per-person fee
- Getting around
- Steep, rocky ¼-mile trail; not stroller friendly.
- Reservations
- Required year-round through Travis County Parks.
For families: Bring water shoes and snacks; no food sold on site. Restrooms at the parking lot only.
Where to eat
Jester King Brewery
Farmhouse ales and wood-fired pizza on a sprawling ranch.
Family friendlyHomespun Kitchen & Bar
Comfort food on Dripping Springs' Mercer Street.
Family friendly
Things to do nearby
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
Guided hikes to another grotto just across the river.
Dripping Springs wineries
Tasting rooms along Highway 290.
Hours and details change — check before you go.
Also nearby

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Austin Live Music & South Congress
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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.

Hill Country · Music & Culture
Gruene Hall
Texas's oldest continually operating dance hall, with worn wood floors and live music most nights.
Parks & recreation nearby
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