The Local Guide

One of the newest spots in the area and already a favorite — upscale, farm-to-table Mexican with great vibes and seriously tasty food. An easy pick for a date night or a fun dinner out with the group.

Worth the drive out to Driftwood for great food in an upscale, polished setting. Right next door is Mean Eyed Cat — from the same owners as the beloved Austin bar — so it's easy to turn dinner into a little bar hop.

Our top pick for a night to remember. Set inside a reassembled 19th-century Vietnamese town hall on the Camp Lucy resort grounds, it's genuinely breathtaking — chandeliers, carved beams, a seasonal menu that borrows from Italy, Japan, India and beyond. Reserve well ahead.

Country-style Italian at the Duchman Family Winery, and it feels like stepping into Tuscany. Handmade pasta, an all-Italian wine list, and a courtyard overlooking the vineyard that's unbeatable at golden hour. Ask about the lasagna and the gnocchi.

Truly a one-stop shop: coffee shop, bodega, pizza counter, ice cream shop, and a restaurant and bar open for lunch and dinner. There's a covered playground and arcade for the kids, plenty of TVs for game day, Hill Country views, and delicious frozen margaritas. Something for everyone.

A charming neighborhood spot that shines at lunch — fresh salads, great sandwiches, and a lovely natural wine list. Perfect for a relaxed midday break between winery stops.

Great pizza and salads, and they're known for their house pastrami — don't skip it. Laid back, with an open area where kids can play while y'all eat.

The best barbecue in Dripping Springs if you want the real deal without heading into Austin. It comes from the team behind Stiles Switch BBQ in Cedar Park, so you're in very good hands.

A restored 1908 general store turned neighborhood gastro-pub, with a big shaded patio and live music on weekends. Terrific burgers and a laid-back Hill Country feel — the kind of place you settle into for an afternoon.

You can't visit the Hill Country and skip the barbecue. This one's an institution — open-pit brisket and sausage, family-style platters, and it's cash-only and BYOB, so plan ahead. Iconic for a reason.

If you're making the drive to Wimberley, this is a family-friendly gem — live music, a play area for the kids, great food, and good cocktails for the grown-ups.

The best Tex-Mex and margarita combo we've found close by. Worth planning a Wimberley afternoon around.

Just up the road on RR 12 and the closest spot for a quick morning run. Friendly service, solid espresso, and good breakfast bites. If you want a coffee in hand before a hike or a lake day, this is your stop.

A family-run roastery and micro-bakery in the historic downtown district, roasting in small batches right on site. Cozy inside, lovely patio, fresh pastries — everyone falls in love with this place. Worth lingering over a second cup.

Delicious coffee, fresh-made pastries, and great breakfast items. On weekends, folks start lining up a little before opening — go early and it's well worth it.

Tucked in next to a few food trucks off 290 — easy to miss, but the coffee is amazing. A great stop on your way out for the day.

A local, family-owned bakery, café, and bistro and a wonderful breakfast spot. Cozy, homemade, and a lovely way to start the day.

A gluten-free, organic café with açaí bowls, smoothies, breakfast, lunch, and happy hour — plus a play area for the kids. Light, fresh, and one of our own favorites.

A big, shaded playground for the kids and good drinks and bites for everyone else. An easy, relaxed afternoon.

Tons of shaded outdoor space for kids to run and play, with live music and entertainment most weekends. A great spot to post up for an afternoon.

Craft beer and good food on a beautiful property, with a playground for the kids, lots of open space, and live music.

Lots of shade, a playground, and — the real draw — llamas on the property that kids can feed. Guaranteed to be a highlight of the trip for the little ones.

There's a splash pad, so it's the perfect place to let the kids cool off in the Texas summer heat — and great margaritas for the grown-ups.

Want a grown-ups' dinner out, a winery afternoon, or just a quiet evening by the pool? We know trusted local nannies and sitters who can come to the ranch and look after the kids while y'all enjoy yourselves. Reach out to us ahead of your stay and we'll share our trusted contacts so you can book directly.

Our absolute favorite, and worth the extra time in the car. A leader in 100% Texas-grown wine, set on a gorgeous property with a farmhouse tasting experience. Reserve a tasting ahead — this is the one to build a day around.

Right in the neighborhood, with a scenic patio, live music, and a relaxed vibe. Perfect if you want the winery experience without the longer drive. They've also got a brewing side if your group is split between wine and beer.

Another beautiful one out toward Johnson City, now part of the William Chris family. Award-winning 100% Texas wine poured in an intimate tasting room set on nine acres of vineyard, with live music, vineyard views, and a lovely courtyard. Pairs perfectly with a William Chris day.

A family-owned, veteran-owned estate tucked into the hills northwest of town, known for a limestone barrel cellar dug right into the rock and small-batch wines in old-world styles. Commanding views, generous charcuterie boards, and it's dog-friendly. Ask about the cellar tour — it's a memorable one.

The crown jewel — a 165-acre farmhouse brewery famous for wild ales and spontaneously fermented beers. Wood-fired pizza, goats, picnic tables, and rolling views. Dog-friendly and endlessly photogenic. A must even if you're not a big beer drinker.

Veteran-owned and delightfully off the beaten path, focused on clean, traditional European-style beers. A big beer garden, rotating food trucks, and live music make it an easy hangout for families and beer lovers alike.

Dramatic tiered limestone falls along the Pedernales River, with everything from an easy half-mile stroll to longer loops around 5–6 miles. Wading and swimming downstream, shady trails, and classic Hill Country scenery. Reserve your day-use pass online ahead of time.

A jaw-dropping jade-green grotto beneath a 50-foot waterfall — one of the most photographed spots in Texas. A short quarter-mile hike gets you down to it. Swimming depends on conditions and isn't guaranteed, and reservations are required every day, so book your morning or afternoon slot online early. Note: no dogs here.

Right next to Hamilton Pool and, in our opinion, criminally underrated. Miles of trails, river beaches for swimming, world-class rock climbing, and mountain biking. No reservation needed, dogs welcome on leash, and a modest per-person fee. Pair it with Hamilton Pool for a discount on the second park.

A mesmerizing artesian spring and one of Texas's most famous swimming holes. The surrounding natural area has lovely, easy trails even if you're not swimming. Swim slots are reserved and seasonal, so check availability before you set out.

A wonderful private-chef experience right in the ranch kitchen — a custom menu tailored to your group, beautifully prepared and served, with none of the cooking or cleanup. Perfect for a special-occasion dinner, a welcome night, or simply treating the whole crew.

Another favorite for in-home dining, great for groups and gatherings. They'll build a menu around your tastes and handle everything start to finish, so you can relax and enjoy the evening together.

They specialize in private, in-home wine tastings and come directly to the ranch with a certified sommelier, the wines, and everything needed for a fun, guided experience. Optional charcuterie pairings available — a lovely way to spend an evening in.

A highly rated option offering personalized, sommelier-led tastings at the home, customized around your group's preferences. You really can't go wrong — pick whichever style suits your crew.

A local party-planning service that will design, source the decor, and set everything up — so the house is ready and decorated before you arrive. Perfect for bachelorettes, birthdays, or a themed weekend. Email Taylor to plan.

The same bakery from our breakfast list also makes beautiful custom cakes. Availability is limited, so order well ahead. Great for birthdays, bachelorettes, and anniversaries.

Custom home-baked cakes, cupcakes, and cookie cakes, with pickup in the Belterra neighborhood. Order in advance — a sweet touch for any celebration.

There are wonderful local instructors who will come to the ranch for a private session — poolside, on the lawn, or indoors — tailored to your group and experience level, from a gentle restorative flow to something more energizing. A beautiful way to start a morning together. Reach out and we'll connect you.

Lie back while crystal singing bowls wash over you — it's the ultimate reset, and a favorite for bachelorette groups, girls' weekends, and anyone craving some calm. It can be paired with yoga or enjoyed on its own, indoors or under the stars.

One of the chicest tables in Austin and one of the toughest reservations for good reason. East Coast–inspired coastal cooking — fresh oysters, a legendary burger, cold seafood platters. Small, buzzy, and worth planning around.

A retro, red-sauce Italian-American spot with a glamorous, high-energy downtown room. Perfect for a fun night out with a group — classic dishes done beautifully, great cocktails, and a scene worth dressing up for.

An Austin institution since 1975 and the city's grande-dame special-occasion restaurant. Dry-aged steaks, an enormous wine list, tableside touches, and impeccable service. If Clark's is the see-and-be-seen pick, this is the classic celebration.

Chef Tyson Cole's nationally acclaimed Japanese restaurant — inventive sushi and small plates that put Austin on the culinary map. If your group loves great sushi, this is the reservation to chase.

A friendly neighborhood bar with live, local music and real small-town Hill Country charm — the kind of place that feels like family. Come for a local beer, pub bites, and an easy night out close to home.

A relaxed Hill Country beer-garden vibe with a great patio — perfect for a laid-back afternoon or evening drink with the group. Easygoing, local, and always a good time.

A cool speakeasy-style cocktail lounge with pool tables, craft cocktails, Belgian beers, and a well-curated wine list. The most elevated of the downtown bars — a fun spot to end the night.

The nearest full grocery store and a Texas institution in its own right — a genuinely great one, with fresh produce, a big prepared-foods section, and everything you'll need to stock the kitchen for your stay.

A family-owned, classic local butcher and deli. If you're planning to grill out by the pool, this is where to pick up great cuts — plus sandwiches and deli favorites.

The nearest liquor store, just five minutes away by Lucky Lab. Texas's beloved wine-and-spirits chain with a deep selection and good prices — grab a bottle for the evening or something to toast with out by the pool. Closed Sundays, so plan for the weekend.