Let’s be honest—driving through Texas Hill Country is half the fun of visiting. You’ve got hills that roll like ocean swells, oak trees leaning over narrow backroads, rivers sneaking alongside your tires, and skies big enough to swallow your thoughts whole.
It’s a region made for slow cruising. For windows down. For detours you didn’t plan.
So if you’re trying to figure out the best scenic drives in Texas Hill Country, well… I’ve got you covered. Here are 7 of the most stunning (and occasionally under-the-radar) routes to take, whether you’re road-tripping in a convertible, a truck, or towing the whole dang house behind you.
And if you’re looking for a spot to park the RV or just catch your breath for a few days? Texas Hill Country Resort makes a solid home base. You’ll be near the good stuff—without the big-city noise.
1. Willow City Loop
Short and sweet, and absolutely iconic.
You’ll find this little loop north of Fredericksburg. It’s only 13 miles long, but don’t let that fool you. Folks come from all over to drive it, especially in spring when the bluebonnets go crazy.
The road climbs, dips, twists… and then suddenly opens to views that feel like they belong in a painting. Wide open ranch land, ridgelines, the occasional cow standing in the middle of the road like it owns the place.
Heads up: it’s narrow. No shoulder. And it’s all private land, so don’t go pullin’ off the road or trespassing for that perfect photo.
2. The Twisted Sisters (Ranch Roads 335, 336, 337)
This one’s for drivers who actually like to drive.
If you’re more into curves than coasting, the Twisted Sisters are where it’s at. You’ll be climbing canyons, weaving along cliff edges, and holding the wheel with both hands. Definitely not your typical Sunday drive.
Motorcyclists love it. So do RVers—at least, the ones with nerves of steel.
Just be sure to:
- Fuel up before you go
- Don’t rely on cell service
- Take it slow if your rig’s on the bigger side
This isn’t the place to rush. It’s the kind of road that reminds you to pay attention.
3. Devil’s Backbone (FM 32)
Between Wimberley and Blanco sits one eerie, beautiful road.
Locals will tell you Devil’s Backbone is haunted. Whether you believe that or not, there’s no arguing the scenery. The road rolls along the edge of the Balcones Escarpment, with steep drop-offs and panoramic views for days.
You’ll pass old ranch fences, windblown oaks, and limestone outcrops that shimmer in the sun. And the Devil’s Backbone Tavern? Stop in. It’s a Hill Country icon—gritty, real, and full of stories.
Just maybe don’t stay past dark. Or do. Up to you.
4. Loop 360 – Austin
The best scenic drive that most folks in Austin forget about.
Sure, it’s technically a city road. But Loop 360 is easily one of the prettiest urban drives in Texas. The road dips under cliffs, crosses the Colorado River, and offers killer views from the Pennybacker Bridge.
Take it in the early morning or just before sunset, when the light hits those hilltops just right.
Good stops nearby:
- Mount Bonnell
- Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
- The overlook near the bridge (easy to miss but worth the detour)
5. Highway 16 – Kerrville to Bandera
Easy, peaceful, and packed with Hill Country soul.
Want something mellow? Something that feels like a lazy Sunday morning? Highway 16 between Kerrville and Bandera is your ride. It follows the Guadalupe River for a stretch, wanders through quiet towns like Medina, and ends in Bandera—the self-proclaimed Cowboy Capital of the World.
You’ll find peach stands, picnic pull-offs, and the occasional deer hopping across the road just when you least expect it.
Which brings me to…
Tip: Always drive these roads slower than you think you need to. Not just for the scenery, but ‘cause of the critters.
6. LBJ Country: Stonewall to Johnson City
A drive through Texas history, wine country, and peaceful pastureland.
This one’s more of a loose route than a strict road. But if you start in Fredericksburg and head toward Stonewall, you’ll cruise through Lyndon B. Johnson’s stomping grounds, plus some of the most underappreciated wine country in the state.
Hit the LBJ Ranch, swing through Johnson City, and stop for a glass along the Texas Wine Trail.
Bonus: You won’t see many cars out here. It’s quiet, scenic, and peaceful in that slow, old-Texas kind of way.
7. River Road (FM 170) – Bonus Drive
Okay, it’s west of Hill Country… but man, it’s wild.
If you’re already leaning west, consider heading all the way to Big Bend country and taking FM 170 from Terlingua to Presidio. It’s one of those drives that feels like it belongs in a movie.
You’ll follow the Rio Grande along craggy cliffs, see Mexico across the water, and maybe not see another soul for miles.
Not exactly Hill Country. But close enough—and worth every minute.
Make It a Base Trip, Not Just a Day Trip
Every one of these drives can be done in a day. But truth be told? They hit different when you’re not rushed.
That’s why a central stay like Texas Hill Country Resort makes the whole thing easier. You can head out in a new direction each day, come back for a swim or a nap, and avoid the burnout that comes with long-haul road trips.
It’s not about covering ground—it’s about seeing it.
Hill Country Driving Tips You’ll Thank Me For Later
- Avoid driving right at dusk. Deer. Everywhere.
- Bring cash. Some old gas stations and diners still don’t take cards.
- Don’t rely on GPS alone. Some routes have zero signal. Bring a paper map just in case.
- Watch out for low-water crossings. If it rains, turn around. No drive is worth floating your truck.
- Take your time. This isn’t the interstate—don’t drive it like one.
Final Word: The Hill Country Isn’t Flat. Neither Is the Experience.
If you’re looking for postcard views, hidden taverns, backroad charm, and space to breathe, these scenic drives in Texas Hill Country are hard to beat.
You don’t need a big plan. Just pick a road, point your wheels that way, and go see what shows up.
Half the time, the detours end up being better than the destination anyway.
