Texas Hill Country Road Trip 2016

Just 20 miles down the road from downtown Fredericksburg is Enchanted Rock State Park. If you're up for a bit of hiking, this state park is perfect. It would be difficult managing this hike with a baby or toddler because it involves a lot of walking and there's really not much shade, so a summer or early fall hike would be considerably hot. Bring plenty of water though, and even if you just picnic at the park, it's absolutely worth the detour.

Founded in 1955, the 115-acre Krause Springs in Spicewood, Texas (about 30 minutes outside of Austin) has become a classic stop for roadtrippers traveling around Hill Country. It offers camping and swimming at their historic natural springs. It's open year-round, but be aware that pets are not allowed, and there's no lifeguard on duty. Also, it's cash only so come prepared for the $7 adult admission fee (the price is $5 for kids 4-11), and if you wanna camp it's $14 per adult, $6 per kid, and $14 for an RV spot.

Next, head to Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs; remember to check beforehand to make sure it's open. You might even be able to make a reservation in advance, because this collapsed grotto-turned-swimming hole has become pretty popular. It's not hard to see why, though: imagine cooling off in the pool underneath that waterfall!

Once you leave Austin, you'll head about 12 miles to Driftwood. Driftwood was first settled in the mid-1800s and still retains that Old West feel. In fact, the town has been almost a ghost town since the 1970s, but its still got some pretty important places to visit, like the world-famous Salt Lick BBQ and Driftwood Estate Winery. Both are must-stops along your way to Jacob's Well Natural Area, which is about 8 miles from Driftwood. Jacob's Well is a hidden gem in every sense of the word. It's actually a spring-fed swimming hole with a system of caves running underneath it. The hike to Jacob's Well is a bit strenuous, and there are cliffs you have to circumnavigate in order to make your way down to the hole itself. But, it really is a gorgeous spring and one of Hill Country's best kept secrets.

New Braunfels is also home to the world-famous Schlitterbahn Waterpark, which has a resort attached as well (The Resort at Schlitterbahn.) If you want to shell out some extra cash, you could even spend the night in one of the Treehaus luxury suites!