- TheLazyLavender
10+2 Reasons Why Wimberley is the Best Place to Stay in the Texas Hill Country
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Wimberley welcomes visitors throughout the year—from foodies to sun seekers and daredevils to lounge lovers; there's something for every type of traveler.
We've curated a list of our favorite things to see and do that appeal to a wide range of interests—with our conveniently located unique vacation rentals; you're never far from satisfying your cravings and curiosities in Wimberley.
HIKE, SWIM & PICNIC AT JACOB'S WELL NATURAL AREA
Jacob's Well Natural Area welcomes visitors of all activity levels and is open year-round. The nature preserve boasts 81.5 acres surrounding an artesian spring and is home to a nature center, walking and hiking trails, seasonal swimming, valley vistas, and plenty of cypress trees. Jacob's Well is also a great place to check out some of our feathered bird and butterfly variety friends.
Pack a picnic, and a swimsuit, and a great sun hat, and discover one of the most significant natural geologic areas in the Texas Hill Country. Access and swimming days vary, so check this website for the latest information. Swimming at Jacob's Well opens May 1 through October 1, and a reservation is required. For more information, visit http://jwna.checkfront.com/reserve/
STOP & SHOP AT WIMBERLEY SQUARE
Deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country is Wimberley Square—a charming, quaint, and vibrant square. Centrally located, it has a great variety of shops where you can find vintage items with a bohemian charm, fair-trade items of whimsy, unique succulents, hand-crafted goodies, and gourmet kitchen supplies that will make you want to kiss the cook.
After strolling through the square, stop for a bite to eat at one of the square's cafes, chill with a drink with a view of Cypress Creek, or treat yourself to colorful homemade confections.
EXPLORE THE BLUE HOLE ON CYPRESS CREEK
One of Wimberley's most beloved swimming holes, Blue Hole Regional Park is a natural, spring-fed swimming hole lined by majestic cypress trees. Launch into the water from one of the rope swings or catch a few rays on the surrounding grassy banks—the Blue Hole's crystal-clear water is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.
But there's so much more than swimming at the Blue Hole—the 126-acre park will spoil you with 4.5 miles of trails, picnic areas, a children's play area, and basketball and sand volleyball courts. For history and habitat lovers, there's much to discover about Cypress Creek and the aquifer, hydrology, birds, mammals, and more. Open year-round, the Blue Hole is also home to an outdoor amphitheater where you can enjoy live music performances during the annual Concert in the Park series.
The park is open year-round, and swimming at the historic Blue Hole on Cypress Creek opens daily on Memorial Day through Labor Day and on weekends in September. Reservations are required. Contact the park office at (512) 660-9111 for more information or visit https://www.cityofwimberley.com/202/Blue-Hole-Regional-Park
SET THE MOOD WITH FOOD AT TRATTORIA LISINA
For those looking for a special spot to dine on date night, look no further. Trattoria Lisina is the perfect place for a romantic dinner. Located on The Mandola Estate & Vineyard, date night couples and groups alike will enjoy fresh homemade pastas, decadent sauces, and an extensive wine menu that has been thoughtfully curated for menu pairings.
And for those searching for a special venue for a special event, Trattoria Lisina is an iconic venue where the architecture, décor, and landscaping will transport you to Italy. Online reviews give this Texas Hill Country gem five stars for a magical romantic night out and as a place to take your relationship beyond just one dinner.
REACH NEW HEIGHTS ON THE ZIPLINE
Thrill seekers will delight when they soar to new heights on the Wimberley Zipline. Fun for all ages, adventure awaits as you glide through the air on one of 10 zip lines, where you will be spoiled with 15-mile views of the canyons and creeks that make up the Wimberley Valley.
This state-of-the-art facility is staffed with the most highly-trained guides who will outfit you with the appropriate gear, ease you into your adventure with "flight school", and then have you reach new heights on lines ranging from 200-900 feet long and 20-100 feet high.
Tours take about 2 hours, and children age 9 and up can participate. Reservations are required and can be made at https://www.wimberleyzipline.com/tours
SATISFY YOUR THIRST AT BREWERIES & WINERIES
If social sipping is more your speed, you won't go thirsty in Wimberley, home to several craft breweries ready to twist your tastebuds. Chill on a patio with a jalapeño pilsner, take a taproom tour, and discover small-craft secrets from the brew crews at Twisted X Brewing Co. or Middleton Brewing.
Prefer to raise a glass? Choose from several local picturesque wineries that offer wines made from grapes grown in Texas. Relax under an oak tree on a girl's getaway, take time for a romantic escape, and taste award-winning wines watching the sunset. Driftwood Estate Winery, Wimberley Valley Winery, and Duchman Family Winery will have you swilling in no time!
GET YOUR FLOAT ON AT CYPRESS FALLS SWIMMING HOLE
Once a sacred ceremonial site for local Native Americans, the Cypress Falls swimming hole is located between two dams in the largest part of Cypress Creek. Floaters, divers, and lap swimming lovers alike can dip in water that flows in from Jacob's Well and stays refreshingly cool all year round.
Even those sun seekers who prefer not to get wet can have fun at this private swimming hole because canoes, kayaks, and even fido (on leash) are welcome at Cypress Falls. Bring a chair or picnic blanket and enjoy food and drink from the onsite bar/restaurant while you gaze upon the iconic limestone rock formation known as Eagle Rock, which was naturally formed over time as the creek carved its way over the land's surface. No reservations needed – learn more at https://thelodgeatcypressfalls.com/swimming-hole
BEND YOUR MIND AT A GLASSBLOWING DEMO
Did you know that Wimberley is home to Texas' premier hand-blown glass lighting and art glass studio, Wimberley Glassworks? This unexpected studio, gallery, and shop is a colorful gem that attracts artists, sculptors, and designers worldwide.
The team of artisans uses age-old techniques to create one-of-a-kind vases, sculptures, platters, glassware, lighting, and gifts—including an exclusive annual holiday ornament. Stop by the studio, feast your eyes on dazzling art installations, and watch them create in a live glassblowing demonstration. We recommend you check the gallery and glassblowing hours on their website before visiting.
SADDLE UP FOR A HORSEBACK RIDE
For those animal lovers who prefer to experience the Texas Hill Country on horseback, adventures await at Horseback Adventures of Central Texas. Beginners and experienced riders are welcome to their ranch just outside of Wimberley, which offers manicured trails and endless hill country views.
Rides start with a brief lesson, and each horse is matched based on a rider's experience. All rides are private for your group and include a 2-hour guided tour meandering through 300 acres on a 7,000-acre ranch. Saddle up for a fun experience on the trails deep in the heart of Texas.
LET YOUR TASTE BUDS DELIGHT AT THE LEANING PEAR
Foodies delight when you let your taste buds experience The Leaning Pear, which is known as "Wimberley's destination spot for unique, well-crafted, delicious food in an idyllic hill country setting." A love for the Texas Hill Country is at the heart of more than just the cuisine—the owners, Rachel and Matthew Buchanan, are both native Texans.
With a food philosophy focused on fresh, seasonal, and local food, the European-inspired restaurant has been attracting foodies worldwide who want a taste of the "seasonally-inspired eclectic" cuisine. The Leaning Pear is open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and offers Sunday brunch service.
STEP UP FOR A HIKE UP OLD BALDY
If you want an incredible 360-degree view of the Texas Hill Country, step up the 218 limestone steps to the top of Old Baldy, also known as Prayer Mountain. Each step will bring you closer to the reward of magical views—but along the way, be on the lookout for inspirational messages painted on the rocks from visitors over the decades.
Once up for sale, the Wimberley community rallied together and formed the "Save Old Baldy Foundation," which successfully raised the funds that helped the City of Wimberley purchase the land and keep it open to the public. The total trip to the top is 0.53 miles, and it is worth the short and sweaty climb—but be sure to pack a hat and water, as there is very little shade.
INDULGE IN A 5-STAR PRIVATE MEAL AT YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Treat yourself to an incredible dining experience—without leaving the comforts of one of The Lazy Lavender luxury vacation rentals. Our team is ready to plan everything—from multi-course menu planning to sourcing and pairing local wines—we want to provide you with an unforgettable dinner under the stars.
We have a small network of experienced chefs available to design a lunch or dinner crafted just for you and your guests. We source the freshest local ingredients and take care of everything so you can relax and focus on titillating your taste buds and creating new memories with friends and loved ones. Contact us to learn more: https://www.thelazylavender.com/