Just minutes west of Austin, Dripping Springs is a world apart. There are many things to do in Dripping Springs, Texas. Nestled high in the spring-fed grottoes and live oak woodlands of the Balcones Escarpment, this thriving community is many travelers' first glimpse of the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. From cactus and longhorn cattle to wineries and olive orchards, Dripping Springs is where the Hill Country starts!
One hundred and fifty years ago, Dripping Springs was the overnight stop for stagecoaches traveling the two days' journey from Austin to Fredericksburg. Today, that same trip takes only minutes, leaving plenty of time to cool off under the waterfall at Hamilton's Pool, sample fine wine at a local vineyard, or chow down on traditional Texas pit barbeque at The Salt Lick.
Mercer Street, Dripping Springs' historic main street, is thriving with new restaurants, boutiques, a coffee shop, an herb shop – and still retains its old-time feed store and small town charm. Restaurant fare covers the gamut from fine dining to hearth-baked pizza, Tex-Mex and interior Mexican food, steak, Asian, Italian, bistro, coffee and pastries, barbeque and some seriously delicious chicken fried steak. Enjoy the lively night life at the local beer pub, wine bar or dance hall all within easy walking distance of each other in Dripping Springs' pedestrian-friendly downtown.
Around town, art abounds. Stone carvers, potters, painters and eclectic yard artists all call Dripping Springs home. View their wide variety of creations at shops and studios sprinkled throughout Dripping Springs and displayed on the walls of local restaurants and businesses.
Outdoor adventure awaits around every bend in the road. Four city parks offer activities for everyone – from sports to bird watching, equestrian eventing to historical tours of the town's original farmstead. Just outside town, the enchanting Hamilton Pool Preserve is a swimmer's paradise, Reimers Ranch is renowned for its world-class rock climbing, and Westcave Preserve is a geologic wonder with its waterfall-fed grotto flanked by fern-covered travertine columns. Pedernales Falls State Park offers fishing, hiking, camping and swimming. Winding country roads surrounding Dripping Springs are loved by bicyclists and motorcyclists for their charm and their challenge.
Family-friendly is the Dripping Springs way of life. Seasonal community events are planned with the enjoyment of the entire family in mind. Year ‘round, a trampoline park, miniature and disc golf courses, paintball parks, horseback riding and other attractions keep kids entertained in a healthy way.
History is hands-on at the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead inside Founders Memorial Park and biology comes to life at the Austin Zoo located between Austin and Dripping Springs.
The beauty of the surrounding Hill Country has made Dripping Springs a wedding destination. A host of small-to-large wedding venues are located in and near town, as well as a supporting cast of hospitality services, florists, and overnight accommodations. Find your perfect nightly retreat among the area’s unique hotels, motels, guesthouses, bed and breakfast inns, camping and RV parks.
In the Hill Country surrounding Dripping Springs, vineyards are springing up like bluebonnets. More than eight wineries are located within an easy drive of town and offer tasting rooms for the enjoyment of their visitors. New to the Hill Country, two olive orchards produce fresh-pressed oils milled and sold on-site. San Luis Spirits, distillers of Dripping Springs Vodka and Twisted X Brewing Company, makers of Tex-Mex beer, are adding to the swelling ranks of locally grown spirit-meisters.
In September of each year, the Dripping with Taste wine and food festival combines the best of Texas wines, beers and ciders along with food from local restaurants and hill country artisans.
