A magical grotto, world-class barbecue, excellent hiking, and beautiful cliffside views: if that doesn’t sound like an idyllic Texas Hill Country town, I don’t know what does–and you can find all of it, and more, when exploring the best things to do in Spicewood, TX!
Located less than an hour from Austin, the unincorporated community of Spicewood is a quiet gem of a town, packed full of unforgettable natural beauty–most of it tucked behind unassuming signs and down quiet, two-lane roads.
Considering a stop in this beautiful corner of Texas? Here’s what to do in Spicewood!
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10 Fun Things to Do in Spicewood, TX
Go for a swim at Krause Springs.
These naturally occurring springs are home to one of the most magnificent natural swimming holes near Austin, and they belong at the top of any list of the best things to see in Spicewood!
With 32 springs on-site, and numerous places to swim, picnic, and relax, it’s easy to spend a full day enjoying Krause Springs (and if you’d like to camp, you can even stay overnight).
Sample some of the best barbecue in Texas at Opie’s BBQ.
Named one of the Top 50 barbecue joints in the world by Texas Monthly, Opie’s BBQ is everything you want from Texas barbecue: delicious, casual, and a completely relaxing place to be.
The jalapeno sausage, brisket, and ribs are all amazing, but the sides are impressive too–don’t skip the tater tot casserole, spicy corn, or cherry cobbler.
Go cliff diving at Pace Bend Park.
Located directly on the shores of Lake Travis, Pace Bend Park is most prominently characterized by the sheer limestone cliffs that allow visitors to leap into the water below (something that the park makes very clear you undertake at your own risk–cliff jumping can be dangerous).
Whether or not you want to literally jump in, though, the views at this gorgeous park are well worth checking out. There are also plenty of tamer swimming spots for those who want to enjoy the water without an adrenaline rush!
Enjoy a peaceful nature escape at Grelle Recreation Area.
This quiet park is home to 7 miles of trails, many of them shaded, and beautiful views on a secluded cove of Lake Travis.
There are also primitive campsites here, and horses are allowed.
Tour the incredible Westcave Preserve.
Home to a magnificent grotto and a 40-foot waterfall, visiting the Westcave Preserve is an otherworldly experience: it’s simply hard to believe that something this magical quietly exists in central Texas!
Of course, the Hill Country is no stranger to beautiful pools, waterfalls, and swimming holes, but the intensity with which the owners of Westcave Preserve work to protect this area from human intervention (you’ll need a guided tour to visit, and no swimming is allowed) provide it with an out-of-this-world vibe that is even more intense than in popular spots like Hamilton Pool or Jacob’s Well.
Admire the bluebonnets at Muleshoe Bend.
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area is arguably one of the best places to view bluebonnets in Texas each spring!
With almost 10 miles of trails to explore, hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and campers alike will all find something to love here.
Launch a boat from The Narrows.
While there are picnic facilities and views of a quiet part of Lake Travis here, most visitors to The Narrows Recreation Area come for one very specific reason: there’s a public boat launch here!
Enjoy an afternoon at a winery.
Like most small towns in the Hill Country, Spicewood is home to its share of beautiful, picturesque wineries–and when looking for fun things to do in Spicewood, you should definitely add at least one to your list!
Popular options include the Stone House Winery, El Gaucho Winery, and Spicewood Vineyards.
Sleep in a treehouse.
Ever dreamed of sleeping among the treetops? You may not have to travel as far as you think in order to do so: at Cypress Valley in Spicewood, you can choose from five unique treehouses!
… and go ziplining through the Hill Country.
Treehouses aren’t the only whimsical pastime at Cypress Valley, though: you can also go ziplining through the trees.
Where is Spicewood, Texas?
Spicewood is located on the shores of Lake Travis about 30 miles northwest of Austin.
Keep driving about another 15 minutes/14 miles or so, and you’ll hit Marble Falls, another Texas Hill Country gem.
This looks so fascinating!