If you’ve had your fill of walking around Downtown Austin and are looking for other hot spots to visit, don’t fret: there are tons of lovely towns just outside of the Austin city limits that are perfect for spending a day in. One of the most popular towns for visitors (and locals) is Dripping Springs, Texas located about 40 minutes west of Austin and home to just over 8,000 people, not to mention gorgeous scenery and the Hamilton Pool Preserve. And for aspiring sommeliers and cicerones out there, Dripping Springs is also a brewery, distillery and winery destination, making it the perfect day trip that includes a combination of family and adult fun!

Couple jumping into hamilton pool in dripping springs near austin texas
Hamilton Pool. Credit Dave Mead.

Things to Do In Dripping Springs

Hamilton Pool Preserve
Hamilton Pool Preserve is hands-down the most visited site in Dripping Springs. After a short and easy hike, you arrive at the stunning oasis surrounded by overhung maiden-hair ferns and the sounds of nature. It’s never too crowded, and the shade of the cliffs makes hot summer days tolerable. Although swimming is not currently available, the hiking trails and the beauty of the pool are enough to make the trip well worth it. Reservations are required every day of the week and fill up fast! Reserve your time slot online.

Reimers Ranch
Explore your outdoorsy side at Reimers Ranch. Spend a day in the Hill Country with equestrian trail riding, fishing, hiking, educational programs and more. Visiting in the warmer months? Dip your feet in (or full on swim) in the Pedernales River to cool off. Reservations aren’t required for access to the park, but they are required to use the Astronomical Observatory on site. There is also a nominal, cash only fee to use the park.

Aerial view of Dripping Springs Distilling property with distillery, tasting room, and rolling hills.
Dripping Springs Distilling. Credit HLK Photos.

Where to Grab a Drink In Dripping Springs

The Barbershop
Looking for a laid-back atmosphere with dozens of microbrews on tap? Join the Barbershop’s social and friendly local crowd while sipping on local favorites like the 512 Nitro Pecan Porter or a Thirsty Goat Amber or Mural Agua Fresca, while taking in the unique atmosphere of the garage-turned-barbershop-turned-bar.

Bell Springs Winery
Get a generous five glasses of excellent wines and enjoy their gorgeous view while snacking on a meat and cheese plate. Take a private tasting tour and learn the history of Bell Springs, how they make their wine and get an overview of the winemaking process.

Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room
No trip to Dripping Springs is complete without a stop at the Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room. Located at their former bottling plant, this vibrant spot is perfect for sampling their handcrafted vodkas. Enjoy a variety of delicious cocktails, explore a tasting flight of unique flavors, and even grab a bite from the on-site Crimson Creek BBQ food truck.

Dripping Springs Distilling
This small batch distiller is home to award-winning vodka and gin. Stop by their Distillers Bar for craft cocktails and southern bites. Take a distillery tour and visit the Bottle Shop for merch and bottles to take home with you!

Image of five short tasting glasses sitting on a wooden plan on a table with the large Treaty Oak Distilling barn in the background.
Courtesy of Treaty Oak Distilling. 

Treaty Oak Distilling
There’s no denying you’re in Texas when you step into Treaty Oak Distilling. Grab a stiff drink at the bar and head out to the large backyard space, which is frequently filled with live music, families, food trucks and yard games. 

Twisted X Brewing Company
Look no further than Twisted X Brewing Company for handcrafted, high-quality craft beer and taste their new recipes Thursday through Friday in their tasting room. Sip on a McCOnaUhaze or Austin Lager while eating some food from local barbecue joint, Pig Pen BBQ.

Westcave Cellars
A gem of central Texas is Westcave Cellars, where you can stroll through nine acres of 100% pure Texan grapes. Taste all the different varieties of wine in the vineyard, then take a couple of bottles home with you and enjoy their unique Texas wine all year long.

Places to Eat In Dripping Springs

Abby Jane Bakeshop
You can’t get more local than Abby Jane Bake Shop. Not only does owner Abby Love use only Texas heritage grains, the shop is INSIDE the Dripping Springs grain mill - about as close to the source as you can get! Watch the grain millers do their thing as you sip on a latte and enjoy the fruit of their labor like one of the croissants.

Crepe Crazy
Crepe Crazy is a beloved Austin spot, famous for its incredible crepes, with a convenient location in Dripping Springs. Whether you're in the mood for a sweet indulgence like Nutella and banana or a savory creation packed with ham and cheese, their extensive menu offers something to please every palate.

Homespun Kitchen and Bar
For a real taste of Dripping Springs, you need to eat like a local... and locals love Homespun. The menu features hearty appetizers like a skillet mac and cheese, fried pickles and Hung's chicken lettuce wraps. Belly up to entrees like their steak burger, made with freshly ground prime rib and NY strip steak or their Southern fried catfish, hand-breaded with buttermilk and saltine crackers. 

Mazama Coffee Co.
Mazama is no coffee chain - this local hang focuses on high quality roasts, brews and bakes all done in house. Coffee lovers go crazy for Mazama, right in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. 

Rolling in Thyme and Dough
If you’re craving a local treat, head over to Thyme and Dough for some of their seasonal breakfast croissants, turkey and thyme sandwiches, or maybe a slice of one of their dozens of pies, guaranteed homemade.

Summer Revival
For those looking to unwind with a glass of something special, Summer Revival Wine and Picnic House is a must-visit. This charming spot offers a delightful selection of natural wines, ciders, and refreshing sangria, perfect for a relaxing afternoon in the Hill Country. Beyond the unique beverage offerings, you can also enjoy delicious bites like their gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and delectable cheese and charcuterie boards.

Tillie’s
Take your tastebuds on an international trip at Tillie’s. The restaurant was named after owner Whit Hank’s great-grandmother - a world traveler who brought tokens of her journeys back to Austin. The menu focuses on cuisine with Texas roots and international flair (just like Great Grandma Tillie).

With Austin as home base, it's easy to explore the Texas Hill Country! See what other towns you can explore just outside of Austin on our Hill Country Day Trips page.