If you’re searching for “waterfalls near me,” this road trip to visit the Austin area’s best waterfalls just might be the ticket. As a bonus, we’re also leveling up this excursion by adding some area wineries full of stunning sights and splendid sips. There’s no need to venture to Napa when gorgeous waterfalls and wonderful vineyards are right in your own backyard. Call your best friends, pack up the car, and let the good times flow!

Check out this handy roadmap to help you along the way.

This waterfall and winery route takes you from Pedernales Falls State Park at the west end, toMcKinney Falls State Park at the east end.
Google Maps
At about the midway point you'll pass through the town of Dripping Springs, which has been called by some the coolest place in the South.
1. You'll begin this adventure at McKinney Falls State Park.
Rock Shelter Interpretive Trail, Austin, TX 78744, USA
mlhradio/Flickr
The Rock Shelter Interpretive Trail at McKinney Falls State Park is the perfect warm-up for your afternoon of exploring. This path isn't even a mile long, but it'll take your breath away. A large rock hangs over the trail, providing ample shade. It's easy to see why Native Americans flocked to this structure for shelter in the 1800s as well as one of the best waterfall hikes in Texas.
When you reach the end, you'll come to a remarkable view.
Rock Shelter Interpretive Trail, Austin, TX 78744, USA
atmtx/Flickr
The majestic falls at the Rock Shelter Interpretive Trail rush down the rocks onto the creek. You'll want to pause here and really take in your surroundings.
2. Next stop — wine!
Wimberley Valley Winery, 2825 Lone Man Mountain Rd, Driftwood, TX 78619, USA
Wimberley Valley Winery/Facebook
- Located about 30 minutes from downtown Austin, the Wimberley Valley Winery is an area favorite.
The al fresco setting here is simply gorgeous!
Wimberley Valley Winery, 2825 Lone Man Mountain Rd, Driftwood, TX 78619, USA
Wimberley Valley Winery/Facebook
In addition to amazing wines, Wimberley Valley, which is one of the best wineries in Texas, also has an onsite chef who whips up delicious meals.
3. Then, you'll venture into the Hill Country and experience the charming Bell Springs Winery.
Bell Springs Winery, 3700 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, USA
Bell Springs Winery/Facebook
Bell Springs Winery is a great change of pace offering a beautiful setting for soaking up their quaint splendor. Their wines are sweet and refreshing, and the grounds are bursting with beauty.
Grab a bite to eat from The Sidecar Tasting Room and enjoy your blissful surroundings.
Bell Springs Winery, 3700 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, USA
Bell Springs Winery/Facebook
Bell Springs' huge backyard is the perfect place to enjoy your glass of wine and munch on some flatbread pizza from their Sidecar Tasting Room.
4. For the grand finale, drive to Pedernales Falls State Park.
Pedernales Falls State Park Nature Trail, Texas 78663, USA
mlhradio/Flickr
A quick 20-minute drive will lead you to the exquisite Pedernales Falls State Park. It's a good idea to bring a bathing suit because the shimmering water is crisp and refreshing. In addition to wading in the lovely river, you can canoe and kayak along Trammell’s Crossing Trail. The tranquil hikes and jaw-dropping views will be the icing on the cake for your Hill Country getaway.
Wine and waterfalls just pair well together.
Pedernales Falls State Park Nature Trail, Texas 78663, USA
glg61/Flickr
The views at Pedernales State Park will stick with you for years to come. When you're planning your trip, it's a good idea to keep in mind the popularity of the park because on the weekends they often reach capacity by the late afternoon. But the best part is that you are only about an hour's drive from Austin so getting home is easy.

Wine and waterfalls are just the beginning. Even more picturesque places can be found along these eight amazing hiking trails.

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Austin Area Waterfalls and Wineries

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 17, 2022

Where are some of the other best waterfall hikes in Texas?

You can find one called the Gorman Falls inside Colorado Bend State Park. The trail here is not only one of the best waterfall hikes in the state, but the falls are among the most beautiful. Gushing down some 65 feet, a lot of people say it looks like a pinball machine because of the way the different segments come down. I would also recommend the Cattail Falls at Big Bend National Park. This one is a little more difficult to find but once you embark upon the 3.1-mile unmarked trail to the falls, you’ll be glad you expended the effort to enjoy this hidden gem.

Can you please tell me the name of a kid-friendly hiking trail in Texas?

There are some great kid-friendly hiking trails around The Lone Star State, that are also fun for the entire family. You might try the one in Mayfield Park, which is a lovely one-mile loop. The park also has a lily pad pond which is a great place to watch the various insects and wildlife that call the park home.

Are there wineries in Texas that have live music?

Yes, there are quite a few, as visitors love to extend their stays there to enjoy some great live music. Among them is the Arrowhead Creek Vineyard in Stonewall. On Saturday afternoons they feature music at their beautiful pavilion situated by the Pedernales River.

Can you suggest a unique winery in Texas?

Hands down I would definitely say that it’s the Calais Winery. Located in the small town of Hye not too far from Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, the Calais Winery is really an underground wine cave. Folks from all over the state rave about their wines, and they also hold special events throughout the year, some even encompassing great farm-to-table gastronomic fare. All of this together makes it one of the most unique wineries in Texas.

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