Wimberley, nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, has emerged as a top must-visit destination for travelers seeking scenic beauty and tranquility. 

As drive-to destinations gain momentum for travel in 2025, Wimberley aligns with search terms like “calm places” and “quiet life.”

The Rise of Road Trips

Recent surveys indicate a significant shift in travel preferences, with many Americans choosing road trips over flying. A survey by The Vacationer highlights that 75% of Americans plan to take at least one road trip this summer, with many preferring destinations within 100 miles of their homes. This trend is fueled by the desire for cost-effective travel and the joy of exploring the open road. Additionally, factors such as inflation and budget constraints have made road trips an attractive option for many.

Why Wimberley?

Scenic beauty and outdoor activities: Wimberley offers breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country and is known for its natural wonders, including the Blue Hole Regional Park and Jacob’s Well Natural Area, providing endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Proximity and accessibility: Located within reasonable driving distance from major Texas cities such as Austin, San Antonio and Houston, Wimberley is easily accessible for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle without venturing too far from home.

Where in Wimberley?

Inn at Sunset Mill Ranch

Tucked away in Wimberley, the three-year-old Inn at Sunset Mill Ranch is the definition of quiet relaxation. From the moment you arrive, the breathtaking 360-degree skyline views and peaceful atmosphere create the perfect setting for a romantic escape.

The inn offers a range of unique accommodations (6 rental choices), including spacious suites in the second-story Carriage House, a cozy two-bedroom Winter’s Mill Cabin, and even a stylish Airstream Glamper with a second large bathroom. Each stay is designed for comfort and relaxation, with private decks, covered porches, and outdoor amenities like fire pits, an outdoor movie theater (typically playing romantic classics), and an open-air bar with a big-screen TV. 

Couples can wake up to the scent of freshly brewed coffee and enjoy a homemade farm-to-table breakfast (included with your stay) while taking in the rolling hills and oak-covered landscape. For nature lovers, the property’s 25 acres offer scenic walking trails and up-close encounters with grazing cattle and local wildlife.

Creekhaven Inn

Creekhaven Inn, situated alongside Cypress Creek, featuring a gorgeous outdoor lawn, provides a picturesque backdrop for relaxation among the pops of color in the manicured garden. With big beautiful Cypress trees and its green lawn along the water, the inn’s buildings are built into the mountain. The hero of the property is the gorgeous gardens with trees strung with lights at night.

With 14 rooms available, Creekhaven Inn offers comfortable accommodations, featuring over 1,500 square feet of indoor space, expansive decks, patios and gardens, perfect for hosting a couple to a group. 

The Water Lily suite with floor-to-ceiling windows in both the living room and bedroom just can’t be beat! Extra soft linens and bedding, a comfortable living area with streaming TV, a desk that overlooks the beautiful property, and a small kitchenette with coffee service combine for a unique and comfy setting.

With a dedicated meeting room/space, Creekhaven Inn is an ideal location for small team retreats, with team-building activities and collaborative sessions on the beautiful property. The property is large enough for family reunions, girls trips and other group activities.

Filling Stations

Located in the heart of Wimberley Square, Wimberley Café is the go-to spot for American comfort food, making it an ideal destination for both locals and visitors. The café’s menu boasts a variety of hearty appetizers and main courses. Start with fried mozzarella sticks, share a salad and hearty appetizer like the pecan crusted chicken entree. 

At Wimberley Café, a special mug tradition has become a symbol of community and connection. It started with a local regular helping the new owner remember her name, and now, anyone who visits five days in a row earns a personalized mug proudly displayed on the mug shot wall. To keep your spot, you simply continue visiting regularly, and if you don’t your mug will go on the time-out wall on the ceiling. It is a beloved and special tradition at Wimberley Cafe. 

The Leaning Pear, owned by a couple of Texas A&M Aggies, is casual, yet elegant. The restaurant, originally housed in the historic Lowery House, now resides in a stunning space overlooking Cypress Creek. Designed with sustainability and the natural landscape in mind, the architecture mirrors the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Guests can share a bottle of wine, savor wood-fired pizzas, and enjoy dishes crafted with seasonal flavors, all while soaking in the views.

If you’re seeking a lively night out, look no further than Devil’s Backbone Tavern, a legendary Texas bar steeped in history and local lore. Perched along the Devil’s Backbone ridge, the venue offers breathtaking views of the rugged landscape shaped by an ancient earthquake. It’s not just the music and scenery that draw people in; the tavern is rumored to be haunted, with patrons sharing tales of ghostly encounters and shadowy figures. Despite its spectral reputation, Devil’s Backbone remains a cherished hub for musicians and locals, where visitors can dance, swap stories, and experience an unforgettable night of live music.

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 Cover photo courtesy Jill Maxick.

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News, Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime (FOX), and Studio 512! Follow Marika’s travels here.