SXSW will be starting any day now, bringing with it a lineup of awesome musical artists, exciting new art installations, and thought-provoking speakers… oh, and hundreds of thousands of additional people in Austin’s downtown.

In 2019, more than 415,000 people attended SXSW during the festival’s 10-day duration. If this number has you already scratching your head trying to map a traffic-free route to your favorite brunch spot, it might be time to put away Google maps and bust out the guide books, instead.

Here are five Hill Country havens to consider, if getting out of town for a weekend trip seems like just what you need this year.

Fredericksburg | 1.5 hours away

In recent years, the small town of Fredericksburg has become a major destination for lovers of wine, antiques, and Hill Country views. Here’s what you can expect during your stay:

From Grape Creek Vineyards to Slate Theory and Fischer & Wieser, there are 50+ wineries in the Fredericksburg area. Explore them using the city’s 20+ wine tour companies. 🍷
Just 20 minutes outside Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area contains rock climbing routes, geocaching spots, and ~11 miles of hiking trails.
While you’re in the area, make like Waylon and Willie and stop by Luckenbach, the famed Texas country music venue. Check out upcoming shows. 🎶

Garner State Park | 2.5 hours away

Take advantage of the pleasant Texas March weather to take a weekend trip to 80-year-old Garner State Park, just outside of Concan. Here’s what you can do during your visit:

Float 2.9 miles of the Frio River, which winds through 1,774 acres of the Hill Country.
Rent a cabin, screened shelter or a campsite. ⛺️
Take a short trip out to a nearby park such as Kickapoo Cavern State Park or Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area.

Slate Theory is one of 50+ wineries in the Fredericksburg area. | Photo via @explorefredericksburg

New Braunfels | 45 minutes away

New Braunfels was established by German settlers in 1845, and the town prides itself on its heritage. From where to dance to how to enjoy beautiful natural spaces, here’s what to do around the town.

Put on your cowboy boots and head to Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest continually operating dance hall. Check out upcoming concerts. (Pro tip: While you’re not two-stepping, take a walk around and look at 90-year-old advertisements still preserved inside.) 🎶
Wander through half a mile of underground caves at Natural Bridge Caverns. If going underground isn’t your thing, this attraction also features canopy obstacle courses + a 5,000-sqft outdoor maze.
Look at historic buildings while meandering through the Gruene Historic District, a hot spot for antiquing, gift shopping and dining. 🛍

Wimberley | 45 min away

Wimberley is possibly most-known for Jacob’s Well, the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas. Although the well won’t be open for swimming until May 1, there’s still plenty to do in the charming city of Wimberley.

Known as an artist’s community, Wimberley is home to several art galleries, such as Wimberley Glassworks and Bent Tree Gallery.
Take a dip in Cypress Falls, named for the ancient cypress trees that ring Cypress Creek. 🏊
Pick your own lavender at Rough Creek Lavender Fields, the largest and oldest lavender farm in the valley.

Waco | 1.5 hours away

The Baylor University college town has become a hot spot in recent years, thanks in part to HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines. From the Gaines’ signature store to other must-see spots, here’s where to go during your stay.

Come face to face with the remains of a Columbian mammoth at the Waco Mammoth National Monument. These mammoths, which grew to be 20,000 pounds and 14 ft. tall, roamed the hills around Waco thousands of years ago. 🦣
Texas icon Dr. Pepper was founded in Waco, so it’s only right to pay homage to the soda at the Dr. Pepper Museum. Go on taste tests, hunt for ghosts, and make your own soda during this experience.
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget it — take time to visit Magnolia Market while you’re in Waco. The Gaines’ shopping center features home goods, gardening supplies, coffee shops, and bakeries. (Pro tip: Stop by one of the oldest buildings in Waco, an old church renovated by Chip + Jo themselves.) ⛪️