Are you searching for the best things to do in Dripping Springs, Texas?! You’ve come to the right place. With a population of around 5000, this cute town gives the small town vibes with the big city entertainment.
Dripping Springs is known as “The Gateway to Hill Country” which is a beautiful region in East Texas that boasts state parks, hiking trails, waterfalls, swimming holes, as well as plenty of history, food, and drink. There really is something for every traveler!
The drive from Austin to Dripping Springs is about 25 miles so if you’re staying in Austin, it is definitely worth the quick, but beautiful trip. There are enough activities to keep you busy for at least a day, maybe even two!
The numerous fun things to do in Dripping Springs include shopping, historical sites, wine tasting, and so much more! It is no wonder, that they advertise year long tourism as there is no off season for Dripping Springs!
A little known fact is that Dripping Springs is the official Wedding Capital of Texas! With over 30 wedding venues in a 15 mile radius hosting approximately 1000 weddings a year, it is a true testament to the beauty of Dripping Springs.
Keep reading for the most fun things to do in Dripping Springs!
12 Best Things To Do In Dripping Springs TX You Shouldn’t Miss
Hamilton Pool Preserve
When people think of the Lonestar state, they usually think desert, but it is full of lush green landscapes and lots of Texas waterfalls!
The Hamilton Pool Preserve is about 10 miles south of Dripping Springs and it is one of the prettiest must see things to do near Dripping Springs! Hamilton Creek runs over a limestone emergence to form a 50 foot waterfall down into a pool below. The site is absolutely breathtaking.
Hamilton Falls might be the most awe-inspiring waterfall in all of East Texas (and there are a lot of waterfalls in and around Austin). Located in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve in Travis County, Hamilton Pool Preserve was designated a nature preserve in 1990. The preserve protects rare birds and plants alike.
During periods of drought, the waterfall will become a trickle, but it never completely dries up. The pool below always maintains its water level. Oftentimes, swimming in the pool and hiking around it are allowed. If there is concern for high bacteria levels in the water or falling rocks, they will not allow swimming or hiking too close.
The hike to the pool and waterfall is a quarter mile long, uphill, and rocky. We recommend sturdy shoes and taking your time, but it is so worth it! There is an entrance fee, so bring cash!
Hamilton Pool Preserve is one of those wonderfully outdoorsy things to do in Dripping Springs!
Explore Milton Reimer’s Ranch Park
Milton Reimer’s Ranch Park has something for every adventurer and is by far one of the coolest things to do in Dripping Springs! Open from 7am to twilight, there isn’t enough time to fit in all the amazing activities.
With 3 miles of frontage along the Perdnales River, there is plenty of places for water activities. Swimmers will find swimming areas with small beaches to have a picnic or just soak up the Vitamin D. Others will find plenty of areas for fishing the white bass season after season.
There are 18 miles of mountain biking trails through Reimer’s Ranch Park. A favorite spot for locals, the trails range from easy to moderate difficulty levels. Additionally the rock climbing within the park is considered world-class! Both mountain biking and rock climbing are inherently dangerous, so please read all posted park signs and have the proper safety gear.
Milton Reimer’s Ranch Park has equestrian trail riding throughout the park on posted trails! There is also a bird watching tour included with admission. The tour is open to all levels of birders and solo birdwatching or with your own group is also an option.
The most unique activity at Milton Reimer’s Ranch Park is the Observatory! The Reimer Observatory has two high power telescopes to view stars, constellations, planets, craters on the moon, and even passing satellites. The presentation lasts about two hours and during that time, the staff will explain the science behind all the amazing celestial things you will see. There are no refunds for cloudy skies, so make sure to check the weather before making your reservation! And bring a jacket and binoculars if you have them! Although the presentation starts inside, the roof rolls away to reveal the night sky.
As of November 2021, Milton Reimer’s Ranch Park was declared an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association because they show a commitment to dark skies and responsible outdoor lighting. This park is by far one of the most unique things to do in Dripping Springs!
Texas Hill Olive Company
The Texas Hill Olive Company is perfect for those who don’t drink alcohol, want something different, or want to go on a really unique tour and learn more about olives and olive oil! This is one of the tastiest attractions in Dripping Springs!
Texas Hill Olive Company was founded in 2008 by the Gambini Father and Daughter duo. To this day, they are family-owned and operated on 17 acres of land in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. They are the most awarded olive oil company in Texas.
The Gambini family are 3rd and 4th generation Italian immigrants and actually had dreams of a vineyard. But with over 160 vineyards in the area (more on that later!) they ventured into unknown waters with Olives! They chose Dripping Springs because the landscape reminded them of certain landscapes in their homeland — Italy!
The Texas Hill Olive Company has a bistro on site for you to sample their olives and olive oil in flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, and so much more. The tour shows their olive press, milling practices, and gives the history of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. For those looking to have some snacks and education, there is a tasting of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar where they will guide you through the tastings and pairings with small bites.
The Texas Hill Olive Company is one of the best things to do in Dripping Springs!
Go shopping on Mercer Street
If you’re looking for what to do in Dripping Springs, Mercer Street, also known as Old Fitzhugh Road, downtown is like taking a step back in time. Most of the architecture and storefronts is original to when they were built – between 1870 and 1940!
Home to the first businesses of Dripping Springs when it was settled, Mercer Street remains the shopping center of the city. Everything from boutiques to antiques and home decor to luxury clothing, there is something for everyone on this quaint strip. Many of the stores have unique decor and eclectic touches that showcase the town’s personality.
People travel from far off to visit the vintage shops located on Mercer Street. There are a lot of hidden gems to be found!
At the west end of Mercer Street, you will also find the town’s namesake. A fern and moss covered limestone face that drips water into the stream below thus aptly giving the name Dripping Springs!
In addition to the stores, Mercer Street also has a handful of cute coffee shops, restaurants, and wineries to recharge for more shopping! Mercer Street is one of the most fun things to do in Dripping Springs!
Dr. Pound’s Historical Farmstead
Originally built in 1854, Dr. Pound’s homestead was two log cabins on five acres of beautifully shaded land in Dripping Springs. The Pound family lived on this land until 1983 which is four generations, spanning 130 years. Amazingly enough, they made very few updates to the property. The last owner still used the outhouse as there was no indoor plumbing! Electricity was added in 1947!
Joseph Pound was a fascinating man. He was considered a friend and medicine man to the native tribes in the area and worked with them for a cohesive and mutually beneficial relationship. The whole family, Joseph, his wife, and nine kids, worked to make Dripping Springs a self-sustaining town which they believed began with health and education. They used their property as the hospital, church, and schoolhouse.
Ahead of his time, Joseph Pound also installed a rainwater collection cistern and made an in-ground hot house to keep medicinal herbs growing throughout the colder months.
Included in the National Register of Historic Places and as a Texas State Historical Landmark, Dr. Pound’s Historical Farmstead has been a museum since 2003. The location provides an opportunity to tour how an everyman lived in the mid 1850s. 90% of their collection is original and authentic to the Pound Family! This is one of the most enriching free things to do in Dripping Springs!
Dr. Pound’s Historical Farmstead is also a wedding venue with plenty of shade under the centuries old oak trees!
Visit Driftwood Estate Winery
The beautiful Driftwood Estate Vineyard and Winery was established in 1998 and has been family run business ever since. The vineyard is nestled on 18 acres in Hays County and produces 10,000 cases of wine every year making this one of the tastiest things to do in Dripping Springs!
Driftwood Estate prides themselves on producing high quality wine from 100% Texas grown grapes which they would love for you to sample in their year round wine tastings! They offer standing room at the wine counter, seated tasting at tables, and group reservations for larger parties.
They have a bistro on site that serves cheeseburgers, gyros, salads, pizzas, small plates, and so much more. If the tasting room is closed, you can purchase a bottle of wine to enjoy with your food in the bistro. The views from their bluff are gorgeous and reason enough to spend a few hours with a glass of wine and friends, family, or just yourself!
Driftwood Estate also has a store on property that sells all of their available stock from your favorite reds and whites to even sweet wines! If you just can’t get enough on property, you can always join their wine club!
Whether you come fro the afternoon, or just swing through to grab a bottle of wine, Driftwood Estate Winery is one of the best things to do in Dripping Springs!
Charro Ranch Park
Charro Ranch Park is one of the most restorative things to do in Dripping Springs. The 64 acre park, donated by Lucy Reed Hibberd after the land had been in her family for 50 years.
Ms. Hibberd curated the space to be educational, reflective, and meditative. Each acre is filled with space to enrich you mind, body, and soul.
There are numerous hiking trails throughout the property as well as mountain biking trails. The terrain is hilly, but overall easy and the views of the rolling green hills and massive oak trees are spectacular.
Charro Ranch Park is frequented by birdwatching groups. Over 100 species of birds have been spotted throughout the park!
The stone line pathways will guide you to the meditation areas including the Solstice Circle and Walk of Peace.
Signs at placards throughout Charro Ranch Park are placed to educate visitors on the flora and fauna around them. Charro Ranch Park is truly one of the great free things to do in Dripping Springs!
Founders Memorial Park
Founders Memorial Park is a great way to cool off and one of the classic American things to do in Dripping Springs! This community park has all the activities many parks around the country have making it so familiar and fun!
The community pool is open to all ages (guardians needed for the littles) and the entrance fee is less than $5 per person, varying by age and provides a perfect afternoon to relax by the pool.
Also at Founders Memorial Park are several play structures designed for all ages to burn some energy. There are plenty of trees and picnic tables so everyone can have a great lunch and recharge and then get back to playing!
No community park would be complete without plenty of football fields and soccer fields. There is a lot of room for pickup games, kite flying, and tag!
Founders Memorial Park also has the three-quarters mile trail knowns as the Katherine Cannon walking trail which is an easy loop around the park.
This park is a must on your list of budget friendly things to do in Dripping Springs!
Twisted X Brewing Company
Come to Twisted X Brewing Company for some the the finest crafted beers in Texas Hill Country. This brewery is one of the tastiest things to do in Dripping Springs!
This brewery is most well known for their Tex-Mex Beer which blends Texas craft beer with Mexican-style spirit and flavor. They have many craft beers to choose from and ample indoor and outdoor seating!
The brewery is open for brewery tours and tastings. Patrons have the options of pints if they know exactly what they want, or flights if they’re looking to try what the brewery has to offer. Their crowd favorites are Twisted X, Cow Creek, and Fuego, but they have rotation of fan favorites and seasonal offerings.
Depending on the schedule, the food truck outside serves delicious pizzas, Mexican food, etc. All of their offerings pair perfectly with Twisted X beer.
The brewery is dog and kid friendly! Come and stay awhile. Have a flight or a pint and always drink upstream from the herd. Twisted X Brewing Company is on the of the best things to do in Dripping Springs!
Westcave Discovery Center/ Westcave Grotto
Founded in 1976, Westcave Discovery Center is one of the most educational things to do in Dripping Springs! Their mission is to inspire the public to develop a lifelong relationship with enjoying and protecting nature through educational programs and conservation efforts of their 76 acre preserve.
At the center, guests can explore The Grotto. Through a limestone tunnel, down a 100 foot staircase, you will enter a shielded canyon of abundant and lush plant life. Once inside the canyon, you will be guided to a 40 foot waterfall that cascades into the pool below! This experience is by reservation only and you will be led by a guide.
Another activity is exploring the Uplands. This 45 acre parcel was added in 2008 with the hope of conserving the flora, fauna, and wildlife. There are a mile and a half of unimproved trails throughout. During the spring, the Uplands explode into fields of wildflowers and the colors are spectacular. There are ADA friendly trails and bird blinds!
Westcave Discovery Center is a great way to spend the day learning about the wildlife that makes Texas Hill Country one of the most sought after places near Austin. For those passionate about nature, education, or conservation the Westcave Discovery Center is one of the most important things to do in Dripping Springs!
Deep Eddy Vodka
Deep Eddy Vodka is distilled right in Dripping Springs! If you’re looking for an adult afternoon or evening, this is one of the best things to do in Dripping Springs!
Established in 2010, Deep Eddy Vodka is named after one of the deepest swimming holes in Austin. They pride themselves on being an unpretentious choice — just pour yourself a drink, gather with friends, and have a good time!
Their tasting room is open for shots, flights, and cocktails all using their many vodkas. On days they don’t have a food truck parked outside, you are welcome to bring your own food, or have your favorite food delivered! And the best part is they want you celebrating your birthday there! Cakes and cupcakes are always welcome!
Their location is dog and kid friendly! Visiting Deep Eddy Vodka is one of the tastiest things to do in Dripping Springs!
Dreamland
Dreamland is a little bit of everything including amusement park, music venue, recreation area, and arts venue all nestled on 64 acres. Visiting Dreamland is one of the most entertaining things to do in Dripping Springs.
If you are looking for some activity, you can rent out a pickleball court! Pickleball is a mix between tennis and ping pong ball and open to all activity levels. The game speed can speed up or slow down depending on the players preference.
A lot of places have mini-golf, but no one does it like Dreamland. They have a Dream course for those looking for a colorful and whimsical course. Geared towards kids, but open to anyone, the Dream course is 18 holes of good family fun. The Challenge course, like the name implies, definitely has a higher difficulty level. Inspired by Texas Hill Country, the Challenge course incorporates hills, awe-inspiring sculptures, historical sites, a chicken coop and so much more!
Also at Dreamland is a Art and Sculpture Garden that is home to art and sculptures from all over the world. Carefully curated, it shows many types of beauty and style. If you’re there on a live music day or night, it really is a must. They bring the best artists from Texas and all around to give you an amazing show!
Dreamland has something for everyone and is one of the most fun things to do in Dripping Springs!
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