Frequently asked questions

For the Hill Country and most day trips, yes — distances are real and public transit between towns is thin. Rail and chartered bus or van options exist for some routes, and we cover them in By rail and By bus & van, but a car gives you the most freedom to stop where you like.

March through May for wildflowers and mild weather, and October through November for cool, clear days. Summer is hot but fine if you plan the day around a spring-fed river. Reserve popular spots like Hamilton Pool and Enchanted Rock ahead in peak season.

Most Hill Country destinations are 45 minutes to two hours out — Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Johnson City, Fredericksburg, Marble Falls and the river parks. San Antonio and the missions are a bit over an hour. The coast and Big Bend are longer, plan-ahead trips. See the Hill Country guide for specifics.

The Hill Country is full of spring-fed water: the Pedernales River, Hamilton Pool (reservation required), Jacob's Well and Blue Hole near Wimberley, and tubing rivers like the San Marcos and Comal. Go on a weekday and early in the day in summer.

Tour of Texas is written and published by the WholeTech Network, an independent Austin publisher building websites since 1996. Every recommendation is original and in our own words; we never reprint another publisher's list. More on the About page.