Itching to get out of town before summer’s end? Just 45 minutes southwest of Austin, Wimberley feels worlds away with crystal-clear creeks and one of the most charming town squares in Texas.

Editor Morgan here — Wimberley is a place I’ll return to over and over again. Here are a few of my favorite locales + spots on my list for future visits.

👙 Swim at Blue Hole Regional Park

One of Wimberley’s most striking features is a famous, spring-fed swimming hole in the village’s center. Towering bald cypress trees shade Blue Hole, where remarkably clear water glows turquoise as sunlight filters through the canopy. Reservations are required, and you’ll want to book ahead — weekend slots fill up quickly.

Blue Hole Regional Park features crystal-clear waters under a canopy of cypress trees. — Jump in on a rope swing, bring a float to relax on, or laze in the shade of a fringed umbrella. | Photo by ATXtoday

🪴 Shop in Wimberley Square

You could easily spend an entire afternoon browsing Wimberley Square. Independent boutiques, cozy cafes, colorful murals, watering holes, and shady patios fill nearly every corner. A few favorites of mine include:

Rancho Deluxe, a treasure trove of decorative items from Mexico and across the globe. Shopping here filled a void in my heart left by Tesoro’s closing on South Congress.
Ceremony Botanical Studio, a true plant lover’s paradise packed floor to ceiling with some of the most unique flora + gardening accessories I’ve ever seen.
Creekside Vintage, a funky shop filled with fairly priced wares from the 1950s to the 1970s. Tons of gems within its walls await an owner who loves all things mid-century, retro, and kitschy.

A collage featuring three images from inside local stores in Wimberley Square, featuring ceramics, plants, and vintage goods. — From left to right: Rancho Deluxe, Ceremony Botanical Studio, and Creekside Vintage. | Photos by ATXtoday

Bonus: Wimberley hosts Market Days on the first Saturday of the month March-December, filling the square and its surrounding areas with over 490 vendor booths + live music performances.

🍷 Dine at a local restaurant

I followed the Rancho Deluxe owner’s recommendation into Chili's On The Creek, and it’s worth visiting for the creekside patio alone. After lunch, wander down the wooden staircase to explore the trail — and don’t miss climbing inside the massive, hollow tree behind the restaurant.

A plate of chili cheese fries next to a raspberry bear, with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a side of macaroni and cheese on the other side of the table. — A plate of chili cheese fries (drowned in queso — and without beans, of course) hit the spot. | Photo by ATXtoday

During my next visit, I'm planning to check out:

The Let Go, a wine bar nestled in the fork of a Y-shaped intersection in the heart of the village with a spacious patio perfect for people-watching.
CreekHouse Kitchen & Bar, a vibrant eatery where Texas flavors take center stage and reviewers rave about the fried green tomatoes.
Cypress Creek Coffee House, serving traditional espresso beverages complemented by homemade waffles and yogurt bowls piled high with fresh fruit.

Are you a huge fan of Wimberley, too? Send me your recommendations — I’m determined to try ‘em all eventually.