Top Marble Falls Day Trip | Explore Nearby Hill Country Towns

Start your exploration of the beautiful Hill Country in Marble Falls, Texas. This Top Marble Falls Day Trip guide showcases easily reachable spots, from charming towns to magnificent natural wonders.

Its rich history, vibrant arts, and stunning views make it a perfect base for day trips.

Explore Nearby Towns and Marble Falls Attractions

There are various amazing towns near Marble Falls one should not miss. If you have time during your holidays and have already seen everything in Marble Falls, it's time to explore outside the city.

Here are various locations which I guarantee will not disappoint you. 

Fredericksburg - A Top Day Trip Destination from Marble Falls, TX

Fredericksburg offers a beautiful blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. It is well-known for its German roots and charming downtown. 

  • Explore Main Street, which is adorned with distinctive shops, eateries, and art galleries, to start your day. History enthusiasts should not miss the National Museum of the Pacific War.

  • Go visit the nearby wineries after that. Located in the center of Texas Wine Country, Fredericksburg is home to many wineries offering tastings. 

  • Visit Enchanted Rock State Natural Area if you need a dose of nature. There are hiking routes and breathtaking views of the Hill Country from this enormous pink granite dome.

Distance: 53 miles (85 km)

Drive Time: 55 minutes

Explore Johnson City Texas Near Marble Falls

Texas history may be seen in Johnson City, the birthplace of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The LBJ Ranch and the Johnson Settlement, where he spent his childhood, are all part of the LBJ National Historical Park. 

  • Explore the ranch, dubbed the "Texas White House," on your own at your own pace to gain insight into the life and administration of Lyndon B. Johnson.

  • The neighboring Science Mill is an interactive science museum housed in a historic mill, perfect for art fans. 

  • During the holidays, the city also puts on the annual Johnson City Lights Spectacular, a stunning light show that takes place all around the town.

Distance: 23 miles (37 km)

Drive Time: 24 minutes

Wimberley Texas - A Scenic Day Trip from Marble Falls

Cypress trees encircle the picturesque spring-fed swimming hole at Blue Hole Regional Park. Take a dip in the crystal-clear lake or explore the hiking and walking paths within the park. 

  • Visit the town's art galleries. Then, see a glassblowing demo at Wimberley Glassworks. 

  • The Leaning Pear serves comfort food with a Hill Country flair, including meatloaf, crab cakes, and chicken and grits. Stop by for brunch, lunch, or dinner. 

  • When planning your trip, try to avoid missing Wimberley Market Days. They are on the first Saturday of every month from March to December. Browse 490 vendor booths while three stages host musical performances.

Distance: 65 miles (106 km)

Drive Time: 1 hour 21 minutes

Dripping Springs Texas - Gateway to the Hill Country

A blend of local culture and scenic beauty may be found in Dripping Springs, which is referred to as the "Gateway to the Hill Country". 

  • A well-liked location with a gorgeous natural pool and a 50-foot waterfall is Hamilton Pool Preserve. Because this location is very popular, make reservations well in advance.

  • Visit one of the many breweries, vineyards, or distilleries in the region for a taste of the local alcoholic beverages. 

  • Both Deep Eddy Vodka and Dripping Springs Vodka provide tastings and tours. There are lots of galleries and live music venues in the town, which also has a thriving arts culture.

Distance: 40 miles (64 km)

Drive Time: 49 minutes

Llano Texas - A Historic Day Trip from Marble Falls

Llano is a quaint little town renowned for its picturesque surroundings and historic downtown. There are picnic spots, fishing spots, and kayaking options along the Llano River. 

  • A glimpse into the area's rich history can be found at the Llano County Historical Museum and the town's old courthouse.

  • Visit in spring to see the wildflowers, especially along the Willow City Loop. It's a stunning drive, especially when the bluebonnets are in bloom.

  • Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is a must-visit location for Llano's renowned barbecue.

Distance: 32 miles (52 km)

Drive Time: 37 minutes

Burnet Texas - Explore the Bluebonnet Capital Near Marble Falls

Burnet, the "Bluebonnet Capital of Texas," is a great spot for outdoor lovers and Texas history fans. 

  • Burnet is in the Highland Lakes region. It offers boating, fishing, and hiking.

  • The Fort Croghan Museum, which depicts frontier life in the middle of the 1800s, is located in the town itself. 

  • Another option is to take a historic train ride through the Texas Hill Country on the Hill Country Flyer, which runs on certain weekends.

Distance: 13 miles (21 km)

Drive Time: 15 minutes

Lake Buchanan Texas - A Scenic Water Adventure Near Marble Falls

The largest Highland Lake, Lake Buchanan, is a water lover's paradise. You may unwind by the water, rent a boat, and go fishing. 

  • One of the biggest multiple-arch dams in the United States, the neighboring Buchanan Dam provides excellent photo ops.

  • See the breathtaking cliffs along the Colorado River and native species by taking a trip on the Vanishing Texas River trip for a more structured experience. 

  • When you get back, stop by the adjacent Falls on the Colorado Museum in Marble Falls if you're interested in history.

Distance: 17 miles (27 km)

Drive Time: 25 minutes

Conclusion | Top Marble Falls Day Trip

Each day trip has unique offerings. There is small-town charm and local culture. There are natural wonders and historical sites.

You can kick off your Texas Hill Country adventure in Marble Falls. It’s perfect for history, outdoor fun, or a leisurely day of exploration.

Top Marble Falls Day Trip FAQs

1. What are the best day trips from Marble Falls?

  • Fredericksburg: Explore historic Main Street, visit the National Museum of the Pacific War, enjoy wine tastings, and hike at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
  • Johnson City: Discover the LBJ Ranch, visit the Science Mill, and experience the Johnson City Lights Spectacular.
  • Wimberley: Swim at Blue Hole Regional Park, see a glassblowing demo, dine at The Leaning Pear, and explore Wimberley Market Days.
  • Dripping Springs: Visit Hamilton Pool Preserve, taste local spirits at Deep Eddy Vodka and Dripping Springs Vodka, and enjoy the town’s vibrant arts scene.
  • Llano: Enjoy outdoor activities along the Llano River, visit the Llano County Historical Museum, see spring wildflowers, and try Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que.
  • Burnet: Engage in boating, fishing, and hiking, visit the Fort Croghan Museum, and take a ride on the Hill Country Flyer.
  • Lake Buchanan: Relax by the lake, explore Buchanan Dam, take a Vanishing Texas River trip, and visit the Falls on the Colorado Museum.

2. How far are these day trip destinations from Marble Falls?

  • Fredericksburg: 53 miles (85 km) - approximately 55 minutes drive
  • Johnson City: 23 miles (37 km) - approximately 24 minutes drive
  • Wimberley: 65 miles (106 km) - approximately 1 hour 21 minutes drive
  • Dripping Springs: 40 miles (64 km) - approximately 49 minutes drive
  • Llano: 32 miles (52 km) - approximately 37 minutes drive
  • Burnet: 13 miles (21 km) - approximately 15 minutes drive
  • Lake Buchanan: 17 miles (27 km) - approximately 25 minutes drive

3. What outdoor activities can I do near Marble Falls?

  • Fredericksburg: Hiking at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
  • Wimberley: Swimming at Blue Hole Regional Park, hiking and walking paths
  • Dripping Springs: Boating and fishing at local spots, visiting Hamilton Pool Preserve
  • Llano: Picnicking, fishing, and kayaking along the Llano River
  • Burnet: Boating, fishing, and hiking in the Highland Lakes region
  • Lake Buchanan: Fishing, boating, and exploring the lake

4. What historical sites can I visit on these day trips?

  • Fredericksburg: National Museum of the Pacific War
  • Johnson City: LBJ Ranch, Johnson Settlement, and the Science Mill
  • Wimberley: Art galleries and local historical sites
  • Llano: Llano County Historical Museum and the old courthouse
  • Burnet: Fort Croghan Museum

5. Are there any special events or seasonal activities in these towns?

  • Fredericksburg: Wine tastings and seasonal events
  • Johnson City: Johnson City Lights Spectacular during the holidays
  • Wimberley: Wimberley Market Days (first Saturday of each month from March to December)
  • Llano: Spring wildflower viewing along the Willow City Loop

6. What is the best time to visit these day trip destinations?

  • Fredericksburg: Year-round, with peak seasons during wine harvest and spring
  • Johnson City: Year-round; visit during the holiday season for Lights Spectacular
  • Wimberley: Spring and summer for Blue Hole swimming and Market Days
  • Dripping Springs: Spring and summer for outdoor activities
  • Llano: Spring for wildflower viewing
  • Burnet: Year-round, with spring bluebonnets being particularly notable

Lake Buchanan: Year-round, with pleasant weather for water activity.

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