We may not experience the whimsy of winter snowfall here in Texas, but we have a spring phenomena all our own that just might be even more magical: wildflowers. Sure, they exist all over the country, but I have yet to find a state with such an abundance of the awe-inspiring plants. They bloom in many places throughout Texas, however Willow City Loop is definitely the best place to see them in all their glory.
Right about now, this remote farm road near Fredericksburg is starting to become absolutely overrun with vibrant wildflowers.
Not only is the entire 13-mile stretch lined with our state flower, the bluebonnet, but also with eye-popping reds, yellows, and whites that will take your breath away.
Experts have claimed that this particular area has one of the highest concentrations of wildflowers in the state - and these pictures definitely support their findings.
To access Willow City Loop from Fredericksburg, head north on State Route 16 for ~13 miles until you reach Willow City, and then go east on Ranch Road 1323 for three miles until you see the sign for Willow City Loop.
The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Texas’s Most Charming Small Towns
The towns I’ve chosen offer a nice mixture of urban and outdoor recreation, so you can enjoy a well-rounded vacation sure to leave you feeling refreshed.
Making a list of the best small towns in Texas is no easy feat, mostly because there are so many to choose from. The good news is there’s a perfect town for everyone, whether you’re an avid hiker or prefer passing the time with some window shopping. I’ve put together a trip that leads to five of my favorite small towns in Texas, most of which are located in or near the beautiful Hill Country region. The towns I’ve chosen offer a nice mixture of urban and outdoor recreation, so you can enjoy a well-rounded vacation sure to leave you feeling refreshed.
The entire trip will take you about 7.5 hours to complete, and I created a customizable Google Maps route for your convenience. Of course, you’ll want to spend some time exploring each destination, so I would recommend breaking it up into two days and staying the night somewhere along the way.
Brenham Texas. Downtown and white Gazebo
Our first stop is beautiful Brenham, best known for being the birthplace of Texas’s favorite ice cream brand, Blue Bell. Touring the creamery is the highlight of a trip to Brenham, but if it happens to be springtime when you visit, driving through the seemingly endless fields of wildflowers is a close second. There are also lots of cute shops and restaurants downtown.
Blue Hole Regional Park, Wimberley Texas at Sunset over the swimming hole.
Our next destination is Wimberley, which just might be my favorite small town in Texas. In addition to a quaint downtown area that looks like something from a Hallmark movie, Wimberley is a nature lover’s dream. You can swim at Blue Hole Regional Park, soar through the air with Wimberley Zipline Adventures, and visit the eponymous Jacob’s Well (when it’s open, which is, unfortunately, pretty rare these days).
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Now it’s time to head to Dripping Springs, a little town that harbors what is widely considered to be the most beautiful natural wonder in Texas: Hamilton Pool Preserve. The pool is often closed for swimming (even during summer) due to high levels of bacteria, but I think you’ll find that simply admiring this picture-perfect place, with its dramatic limestone overhang and 50-foot waterfall, is plenty of an adventure. Visit the Travis County Parks website to see if the preserve is currently open. Dripping Springs is also known for its breweries, like the celebrity-owned Family Business Beer Company if you’re into that kind of thing. This would be a good time to break for the night, and the Courtyard by Marriott Austin Dripping Springs has excellent reviews on Booking.com.
A long exposure shot of the Fredericksburg cityscape in fall in Texas, USA
Ennis is mostly talked about in the spring when it’s time for the annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, so many people don’t realize just how much the town has to offer during the other three seasons. First of all, it’s one of those towns where everyone knows each other, and tourists are made to feel like locals. You can catch a race at the Texas Motorplex, visit a museum or a winery, and more.
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Would you take this road trip to some of the most charming small towns in Texas? Which town is your favorite? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Check out our Ultimate Packing List if you need ideas for what to bring with you on the trip.
Texas' natural beauty is pretty unforgettable. If you need a reminder, though, we have you covered with this Texas road trip. Within this three-hour road trip, you'll see some of the most beautiful places in Texas, including a collapsed grotto and a 140-foot-deep underwater cave. As far as Texas scenic drives go, this one might just have you falling in love with the state's beauty all over again.
Our first destination on this scenic road trip in Texas is Jacob's Well Natural Area, a popular swimming hole best known for this 140-foot-deep well that leads to a complex network of underwater caves. The artesian spring surrounding the well is cool and crisp - the perfect antidote to a hot Texas day. Learn more about this Texas road trip stop.
Located about 30 miles west of Austin in Dripping Springs, Hamilton Pool is a collapsed grotto that looks like something from a fairy tale. This ancient wonder consistently ranks among the most beautiful places in America, and between its pristine waters and mossy limestone overhang, it's easy to understand why. Learn more about this beautiful place in Texas before you go.
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3. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center (Round Mountain)
A 15-minute stroll is all it takes to enter a whole new world at Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center. A 76-acre wildlife conservation preserve, the center boasts a 40-foot waterfall that cascades down moss-covered canyons into a sapphire pool below. You'll truly feel like you're in the Amazonian rainforest when you experience this lush and colorful landscape firsthand. This is one of the most scenic places in Texas.
One of the most iconic natural wonders in Texas, Enchanted Rock is a granite monolith that extends over 400 feet into the Fredericksburg sky. There are 11 miles of trails that weave through the park, including one that takes you all the way up to the summit. The sunsets are incredible! Learn more on this Texas road trip stop.
Last - but certainly not least - our journey takes us to another Tarzan-esque spot: Gorman Falls. Located within Colorado Bend State Park, this 70-foot waterfall is accessible via a three-mile hike (round-trip.) Prepare to be totally awestruck by the all-encompassing sound of the falls' powerful roar! Make sure to enjoy one of the most beautiful places in the state right here. And a great way to end one of the most scenic drives in Texas!
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Would you take this road trip to some of Texas's most scenic natural wonders? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for more places that showcase the beauty of Texas.
Which one of these Texas scenic drives and road trip options are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below! But before you go, check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide to ensure you have everything you need.
