Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Top Things to Do: Central Texas & The Hill Country Edition
31
items Born and raised here, these are My top picks for things to do, eats, drinks and treats in central Texas and the Hill Country!
Map
Sections
5
Restaurants
Outdoor Activities
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Shopping
Restaurants
Tried and true Hill Country BBQ! Don’t miss this Texas classic when visiting the area. I worked at the Salt Lick as a teen and still enjoy dinning there with my family!
The Salt Lick BBQ
A local favorite! You won’t be disappointed visiting this eatery for dinner and drinks and on weekends they have live music.
Hays City Store & Ice House
The food and drinks are delicious! Some friends and I went for lunch/shopping one day and had a blast!
CreekHouse Kitchen & Bar - Downtown Wimberley, Wimberley, TX
Esther’s has the BEST food and drinks! Their margaritas are my number one pick. If you eat there during happy hour you can get their loaded nachos for $5!!
Esther's Tex Mex - Restaurant Reviews - Yelp
Spicy Bite has some of the crunchiest tacos and the best breakfast tacos. The chicken tortilla soup is a full-on experience. 🌶️
Spicy Bite
Close and casual. My family has been eating at this Mexican cantina for decades. The margs and fajitas are top notch. Enjoy!
Texican Cafe
If you need a fancy dinner this one hits the spot. The grounds are beautiful and perfect for a date-night, girl’s lunch or rehearsal dinner!
Trattoria Lisina by Damian & Trina Mandola - Trattoria Lisina by ...
If you’re looking for ‘comfort food’, you need to visit the Wimberly Cafe. Set in the heart of Wimbery square, the homemade meals are warm and friendly and give that down home feeling. You have to start your day with their breakfast menu and then hit...
Wimberley Cafe
Outdoor Activities
We love this park because the kids can play on the big playground and I can walk the walking trail.
Buda Amphitheater & City Park
My kids love Wonder World Cave! We’ve been going for years and it’s always a fun adventure. You’ll climb steps into the underground system and hear the history of the cave from a guide. There is a cute gift shop and across the drive way you can take ...
Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park
Trails, camping, swimming and fishing. I've been visiting this park since I was a kid.
Camp Ben Mc Culloch
Find fresh eggs, produce, hand made goods and honey!
Budaful Farmers' Market
Beautiful hiking, camping and secnic look outs at this classic outdoor adventure.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - Texas Parks and Wildlife
Fun & free local Kyle park. The pool costs a nominal fee to enter but it has a great splash pad and lap lanes.
Gregg-Clarke Park
We've visited these gardens for 20 years! Great for a day out, picnic and photo-ops!
Zilker Botanical Garden
An adorable place to take your family and great for kids! They have animals and you can do your own berry picking in the spring/summer. We love it!
Sweet Berry Farm
Hands down one of the best hidden gems in central Texas. My kids love going to Animal World and beg us to take them back. They've been on field trips there too. Not only snacks of all kinds to see but large exotic animals too and a petting zoo! Conve...
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
Our family loves The Dinosaur Park in Cedar Creek, TX. They have picnic tables and a gift shop! We've had my son's birthday parties there and always love to visit to finish the dino scavenger hunt!
The Dinosaur Park
Other Food & Drinks
Nate’s has the friendliest bar tenders and the best Old Fashions! Sit inside for a more intimate mood or out on the patio at the fire pit with multiple nights of live music. I’ve been to Nate’s for a work “choir practice” and for a date-night with th...
Nate's Coffee & Cocktails
Welcome to Buda’s old fashion soda shop! They have some of the best treat and eats. You can even get gluten free items from their pastry case, made fresh from a local vendor.
Welcome - Buda Drug Store and Soda Fountain - Your Local Buda ...
This is my father’s favorite winery in the hill country so of course he started taking me when I was in my 20’s. Beautiful grounds and friendly staff!
Grape Creek Vineyards: Heath Family Brands
My husband and I visited this winery on an anniversary trip! We love supporting local wines and vineyards.
Messina Hof Winery – Award-winning Texas wine since 1977.
A cute place to get some of the best coffee around! Their Moon Milk is a secret recipe creamer they make and can add to your coffee at varying amounts based on your preference. For me, I get the “Whisper Moon” iced coffee. It has just of dash of the ...
Summer Moon Coffee (Buda)
Our family’s favorite sweet shop that helps beat the Texas Heat! They have so many flavors and their Mexican inspired treats are so delicious! Gluten free options available!
La Ola Pop Shop - Kyle, TX
Such a fun place to grab a treat while shopping in down town Wimberly! Get some unique candy or an ice cream to cool down.
Candy Cottage In Wimberely Tx | Wimberley TX
Arts & Entertainment
Whether it’s for a work party or an after party, check out Buck’s in Buda! The drinks are great and there’s always live music.
Buck's Backyard
You can’t visit the hill country without stopping by legendary Gruene Hall for some drinks, live music and bootscootin’ boogie! Don’t miss this Texas treasure.
Gruene Hall
Such a fun family adventure! They have a “Polar Express” ride during Christmas where they serve hot chocolate, sing carols and Santa visits!
Austin Steam Train (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
Explore the Great State of Texas all in one place. Our family lives near Austin so we've visited this museum many times including field trips for school.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Shopping
Hands down my all-time favorite boutique! I never leave without finding something to add to my wardrobe. They have the cutest, trendiest styles and amazing prices! Go check them out!
The Wildflower
Super trendy and so many hats! We love this place and step in to see what new jewelry, bags and clothes they have.
Wall Street Western