🌟 EXPLORE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY 🏞️

Local Attractions & Adventures

Discover the magic of Texas Hill Country! From award-winning distilleries to charming vineyards, there's something special waiting around every corner near Canyon Lake. 🍷✨

Make the most of your visit to Canyon Lake!

Start Exploring πŸ—ΊοΈ
🏞️
🍷
πŸ›οΈ
🎡

πŸ›οΈ Local Shopping

From charming boutiques to Texas-made treasures, discover unique finds and local crafts that capture the spirit of Hill Country!

Historic Downtown New Braunfels

Stroll through charming Main Plaza with unique boutiques, antique shops, and German-inspired crafts. Perfect for finding authentic Texas souvenirs and handmade goods.

Antiques Local Crafts Boutiques
πŸ“ 15 minutes from Canyon Lake | ⏰ Most shops open 10am-6pm

Gruene Historic District

Browse the historic Gruene General Store and local artisan shops. Find everything from Texas-made goods to vintage treasures in this authentic 1800s town.

General Store Vintage Texas Made
πŸ“ 20 minutes from Canyon Lake | ⏰ Daily 10am-6pm

San Marcos Premium Outlets

Major shopping destination with 200+ brand name stores offering designer goods at outlet prices. Perfect for familia shopping sprees!

Designer Brands Outlets 200+ Stores
πŸ“ 25 minutes from Canyon Lake | ⏰ Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm

Local Farmers Markets

Fresh local produce, artisanal foods, handmade crafts, and Texas specialties. Experience authentic Hill Country culture and flavors.

Fresh Produce Local Honey Handmade
πŸ“ Various locations | ⏰ Saturday mornings 8am-1pm

πŸ›’ Shopping Tips for Visitors

πŸ’³

Tax-Free Savings

Texas has no state income tax - enjoy more savings!

πŸ•’

Best Times

Weekday mornings for less crowds, better service

🎁

Local Specialties

Pecans, bluebonnet items, BBQ sauces

πŸš—

Free Parking

Most historic districts offer free parking

🍷 Texas Hill Country Vineyards

Discover award-winning Texas wines in stunning vineyard settings! The Hill Country is home to over 50 wineries producing world-class wines with breathtaking views.

Dry Comal Creek Vineyards

Award-Winning Estate Winery

Family-owned winery specializing in premium Texas wines. Beautiful tasting room with panoramic Hill Country views and award-winning Tempranillo and Viognier.

Estate Wines Hill Country Views Family Owned
πŸ“ 1741 Herbelin Rd, New Braunfels (12 mins away)
⏰ Thu-Mon 12pm-6pm | 🍷 Tastings $15
πŸ“ž (830) 885-4076

Jacob's Well Vineyard

Boutique Hill Country Winery

Intimate vineyard experience with handcrafted wines made from estate-grown grapes. Known for exceptional Sangiovese and unique blends in a picturesque setting.

Estate Grown Small Batch Italian Varietals
πŸ“ 2725 Vineyard Trail, Canyon Lake (8 mins away)
⏰ Fri-Sun 12pm-6pm | 🍷 Tastings $12
πŸ“ž (830) 964-2800

Wimberley Valley Winery

Scenic Creek-Side Location

Charming winery along Cypress Creek with indoor/outdoor seating. Famous for their sweet wines and unique fruit blends, plus live music on weekends.

Creek Views Live Music Sweet Wines
πŸ“ 14246 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley (25 mins away)
⏰ Daily 10am-6pm | 🍷 Tastings $10
πŸ“ž (512) 847-2592

Driftwood Estate Winery

Sustainable Hill Country Wines

Sustainable winery focusing on estate-grown Texas grapes. Beautiful tasting room with educational tours and exceptional red wine blends perfect for special occasions.

Sustainable Educational Tours Premium Reds
πŸ“ 4001 Elder Hill Rd, Driftwood (35 mins away)
⏰ Thu-Mon 11am-6pm | 🍷 Tastings $15, Tours $25
πŸ“ž (512) 829-1441

πŸ‡ Hill Country Wine Trail

Self-Guided Tours

Create your own wine adventure with our recommended routes and timing tips.

Group Tastings

Perfect for familia celebrations! Most wineries offer group reservations and discounts.

Designated Drivers

Many offer non-alcoholic options and food pairings for designated drivers.

πŸŽ“ Texas Wine Facts

50+
Wineries in Hill Country
5th
Largest wine producer in US
1970s
Modern Texas wine era began
Tempranillo
Texas signature grape

🍺 Deep Eddy & Local Breweries

Experience iconic Texas spirits and brews! From Austin's famous Deep Eddy Vodka to the legendary Shiner Bock, discover the authentic taste of Texas near Canyon Lake.

Deep Eddy Distillery

Austin's Original Since 2010

Texas's first legal distillery since Prohibition! Famous for smooth, naturally flavored vodkas made with real fruit juice and Hill Country spring water.

$15
Tours + Tastings
45 min
Guided Tours
πŸ“ 400 E 6th St, Austin (45 mins from Canyon Lake)
⏰ Wed-Sun: Tours 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
πŸ“ž (512) 523-2884

Spoetzl Brewery

Home of Shiner Bock Since 1909

Texas's oldest independent brewery! Home of the legendary Shiner Bock beer. Free brewery tours showcase over 100 years of German brewing tradition in the heart of Texas.

Since 1909 Free Tours German Heritage
πŸ“ 603 E Brewery St, Shiner (60 mins from Canyon Lake)
⏰ Mon-Fri 11am & 1:30pm | 🍺 FREE tours & tastings
πŸ“ž (361) 594-3383

Wimberley Brewing Company

Local craft brewery in charming Wimberley featuring Hill Country-inspired beers. Beautiful outdoor beer garden perfect for familia gatherings with live music weekends.

Local Craft Beer Garden Live Music
πŸ“ 13187 RR 12, Wimberley (25 mins from Canyon Lake)
⏰ Wed-Sun 12pm-9pm | 🍺 Tastings available
πŸ“ž (512) 847-2739

Local Lakeside Bars

Multiple lakeside establishments around Canyon Lake serving local Texas beers, spirits, and cocktails. Perfect spots for sunset drinks and familia toasts right by the water!

Cranes Mill Marina: Waterfront bar with boat access
The Oasis Restaurant: Sunset views & full bar
Overlook Park Bar: Casual lakeside drinking
Lakeside Sunset Views Local Favorites
πŸ“ Various locations around Canyon Lake (5-15 mins)
⏰ Most open daily 11am-10pm
🍺 Shiner Bock & local favorites on tap

🍺 Local Texas Favorites You'll Find

Shiner Bock

Texas's most beloved beer since 1913

Deep Eddy Vodka

Smooth vodka with natural fruit flavors

Local Craft Brews

Hill Country's finest craft beer selection

Texas Cocktails

Margaritas, Ranch Water & local specialties

🍺 Brewery & Distillery Tips

Best Times

Weekday tours less crowded, call ahead for groups

Bring ID

21+ required for tastings, some allow all ages for tours

Designated Driver

Plan safe transportation, especially for multiple stops

Familia Groups

Most offer group rates for 8+ people

Ready to Taste Texas? 🍺

Experience the authentic flavors that make Texas famous - from Deep Eddy's smooth vodka to Shiner's legendary beer!

πŸ›οΈ San Antonio Riverwalk

Experience one of America's most beautiful urban waterways! Just 90 minutes from Canyon Lake, the historic San Antonio River Walk offers world-class dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.

San Antonio, Texas Riverwalk at sunset. Long Exposure photo.

Beautiful sunset view of the San Antonio Riverwalk with its iconic cypress trees and scenic waterway

🌟 Must-See Attractions

Historic Sites

The Alamo: Historic 1718 mission and site of the famous 1836 battle
San Antonio Missions: UNESCO World Heritage Spanish colonial missions
Majestic Theatre: 1929 atmospheric theater with touring Broadway shows
Historic UNESCO Sites Cultural

Dining & Entertainment

Riverside Restaurants: Over 50 waterfront dining options with patio seating
Live Music Venues: Jazz clubs, mariachi performances, and outdoor concerts
Howl at the Moon: Dueling pianos and high-energy entertainment
Tex-Mex Live Music Nightlife

Shopping

Rivercenter Mall: 3-story mall with 125+ stores and dining court
Artisan Markets: Local crafts, jewelry, and handmade Texas goods
Souvenir Shops: Authentic Texas memorabilia and gifts
Shopping Mall Local Crafts Souvenirs

River Activities

Rio San Antonio Cruises: Narrated boat tours with historical insights
Go Rio Cruises: Hop-on/hop-off transportation between attractions
Dinner Cruises: Evening dining experiences on the water
Boat Tours Sightseeing Dinner Cruises

πŸ—ΊοΈ Riverwalk Sections

Downtown Reach

Main tourist area with restaurants, shops, and boat tours

Museum Reach

Cultural district with museums and art installations

Mission Reach

Natural area connecting to historic Spanish missions

Southtown Reach

Hip neighborhood with breweries and local eateries

San Antonio, Texas Riverwalk at sunset. Long Exposure photo.

Riverside Dining

Enjoy outdoor cafes and restaurants with beautiful waterfront views along the River Walk.

Verbania, Italy - September 17, 2024: Visitors enjoy dinner at outdoor tables while the sun sets behind the mountains in Verbania, Italy, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Evening Ambiance

Experience magical sunset dining and nighttime illumination along the scenic waterway.

ℹ️ Visitor Information

Open 24/7

Riverwalk is open year-round, businesses vary by hours

Parking

Multiple downtown garages, $10-20 daily rates

Accessible

ADA compliant walkways and boat access

15+ Miles

Of connected walkways and waterfront paths

πŸ—ΊοΈ Travel from Canyon Lake

πŸ“ Distance & Directions

Distance 90 miles (1.5 hours)
Route I-35 South to San Antonio
Best Day Trip Full day recommended

πŸ’‘ Planning Tips

Start early (9am) to beat crowds and heat
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated
Perfect for familia photos and memories

πŸŽͺ Local Events & Festivals

Experience the vibrant culture of Texas Hill Country! From German festivals to music celebrations, there's always something exciting happening near Canyon Lake.

πŸͺ… PIΓ‘ATA FIESTA WEEK SPECIAL πŸͺ…

July 13-20, 2026 | Local Events During Your Visit

Perfect timing! Here are the exciting events happening in Hill Country during your Torrez Family PiΓ±ata Fiesta celebration week!

Weekend Kickoff | July 13-14

Gruene Market Days
SAT-SUN

Historic Gruene's monthly artisan market with local crafts, music, and food

πŸ“ Historic Gruene | ⏰ 10am-6pm
Canyon Lake Summer Concert
SAT 7PM

Live country music at Canyon Lake Park - perfect pre-fiesta entertainment!

πŸ“ Canyon Lake Park | 🎫 Free admission
New Braunfels Farmers Market
SUN

Fresh produce, local honey, and artisanal goods for your fiesta preparations

πŸ“ Downtown New Braunfels | ⏰ 9am-1pm

Midweek Activities | July 15-17

Wine Wednesday Specials
WED

Half-price tastings at local Hill Country wineries

πŸ“ Multiple Vineyards | ⏰ 12pm-6pm
Deep Eddy Extended Tours
TUE-THU

Special summer schedule with additional tour times for visitors

πŸ“ Deep Eddy Distillery | ⏰ Every 2 hours
Comal River Float Trips
DAILY

Beat the Texas heat with refreshing river tubing adventures

πŸ“ New Braunfels | ⏰ 10am-6pm | 🌑️ Perfect July weather

Grand Finale | July 19-20

San Antonio Riverwalk Festival
SAT-SUN

Summer festival with live mariachi, food vendors, and cultural performances

πŸ“ San Antonio Riverwalk | ⏰ 12pm-10pm
Whitewater Amphitheatre Concert
SAT 8PM

Major touring act (TBA) - perfect post-fiesta celebration!

πŸ“ New Braunfels | 🎫 Tickets available online
Sunday Sunset at the Lake
SUN

Perfect way to end your familia reunion with lakeside dining and views

πŸ“ Canyon Lake restaurants | ⏰ 6pm-9pm

Familia-Friendly All Week

Schlitterbahn Waterpark
DAILY

World-famous waterpark perfect for all ages - beat the summer heat!

πŸ“ New Braunfels | ⏰ 10am-8pm | πŸ’° Group discounts available
Natural Bridge Caverns
DAILY

Underground cave tours - cool 70Β°F temperature year-round!

πŸ“ Natural Bridge | ⏰ 9am-6pm | ❄️ Natural air conditioning
Historic Train Rides
WEEKENDS

Vintage train excursions through Hill Country - perfect for photos!

πŸ“ Austin Steam Train | ⏰ Multiple departures

πŸŽ‰ Make the Most of Your Fiesta Week!

With so many amazing events happening during July 13-20, 2026, your familia can enjoy local attractions before, during, and after the PiΓ±ata Fiesta celebration. Plan your itinerary to experience the best of Hill Country!

πŸ—“οΈ Annual Celebrations

Wurstfest New Braunfels

πŸ“… Late October/Early November

The largest German festival in Texas! Celebrate with authentic German food, beer, music, and dancing. A 10-day celebration of Bavarian culture with over 100,000 visitors annually.

German Culture Live Music Authentic Food
πŸ“ Landa Park, New Braunfels | 🎫 $12-15 admission

Fredericksburg Easter Fires

πŸ“… Easter Weekend

Historic German tradition dating back to the 1840s. Hilltop bonfires create a magical landscape across the Hill Country, celebrating spring and renewal.

Historic Tradition Hill Country Views Family Friendly
πŸ“ Multiple locations, Fredericksburg | 🎫 Free viewing

Summer River Festivals

πŸ“… May - September

Multiple river festivals celebrating Texas water culture. Tubing competitions, live music, food vendors, and family activities along the beautiful Comal and Guadalupe Rivers.

River Activities Water Sports Live Music
πŸ“ Various river locations | 🎫 Varies by event

Hill Country Wine & Food

πŸ“… Various dates, Spring/Fall

Celebrate Texas wine and cuisine with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and vineyard tours. Features local chefs, wineries, and artisanal food producers.

Wine Tastings Local Cuisine Chef Demos
πŸ“ Multiple Hill Country locations | 🎫 $25-75 per event

πŸ“… Seasonal Event Calendar

Spring Events

  • β€’ Easter Fires (April)
  • β€’ Bluebonnet Festivals
  • β€’ Wine Release Parties
  • β€’ Farmers Markets Begin

Summer Fun

  • β€’ River Festivals
  • β€’ Outdoor Concerts
  • β€’ Lake Activities
  • β€’ Night Markets

Fall Festivities

  • β€’ Wurstfest (Oct/Nov)
  • β€’ Harvest Celebrations
  • β€’ Oktoberfest Events
  • β€’ Wine Harvest Tours

Winter Warmth

  • β€’ Christmas Markets
  • β€’ Holiday Light Tours
  • β€’ Winter Wine Tastings
  • β€’ New Year Celebrations

πŸ”„ Regular Events

Farmers Markets

Every Saturday morning

Multiple locations in New Braunfels, San Marcos, and Wimberley

Art Walks

First Friday of each month

Downtown galleries and studios open late with special exhibits

Food Truck Fridays

Every Friday evening

Various parks rotate hosting local food vendors

πŸ’‘ Event Planning Tips

Book Early

Popular events sell out quickly, especially Wurstfest

Plan Transportation

Use shuttles or ride services for larger festivals

Check Weather

Most events are outdoors, come prepared

Group Discounts

Many events offer familia group rates

🎡 Live Music Scene

From honky-tonk legends to indie artists, the Hill Country music scene is legendary! Discover intimate venues and outdoor stages where Texas music comes alive.

🎀 Legendary Venues

Gruene Hall

Texas's Oldest Dance Hall (1878)

The legendary "oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas" where legends like Willie Nelson, George Strait, and Lyle Lovett have played. Authentic Texas atmosphere with original wood floors and tin ceiling.

1878
Established
6,000+
Capacity
Country Legends Dance Hall Historic
πŸ“ 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels (20 mins from Canyon Lake)
🎫 Shows most weekends | Tickets $15-40
πŸ“ž (830) 606-1281

The Saxon Pub

Austin's Home of Austin Music

Intimate venue known for supporting singer-songwriters and acoustic music. Where many Austin music legends got their start. Famous for their "no talking during the music" policy.

150
Capacity
7 Nights
Live Music
Singer-Songwriter Intimate Acoustic
πŸ“ 1320 S Lamar Blvd, Austin (45 mins from Canyon Lake)
🎫 Shows nightly | Cover $5-15
πŸ“ž (512) 448-2552

Whitewater Amphitheatre

Hill Country's Premier Outdoor Venue

Stunning outdoor amphitheatre carved into the Hill Country landscape. Hosts major touring acts from country to rock, with breathtaking natural acoustics and scenery.

8,000
Capacity
Natural
Acoustics
Outdoor Major Acts Hill Country Views
πŸ“ 11860 FM 306, New Braunfels (25 mins from Canyon Lake)
🎫 Major concerts Apr-Oct | Tickets $30-150
🌐 whitewatermusic.com

Local Honky-Tonks

Authentic Texas Music Experiences

Experience authentic Texas culture at local honky-tonks featuring live country music, two-stepping, and cold beer. From dive bars to family-friendly dance halls.

Riley's Tavern: Hunter | Classic honky-tonk atmosphere
Pat's Hall: Bulverde | Family-friendly dance hall
Tin Hall: Cypress | Intimate listening room
Country Music Dancing Local Culture
πŸ“ Various locations within 30 mins
🎫 Most shows $5-20 cover charge
⏰ Live music Thu-Sat nights

🎸 Music Styles You'll Hear

Country & Western

Traditional Texas country, honky-tonk, and western swing

Singer-Songwriter

Intimate acoustic performances and storytelling

Blues & Rock

Austin's famous blues scene and Texas rock

Folk & Americana

Rich storytelling and traditional American music

πŸ“… Weekly Live Music Schedule

🌟 Regular Weekly Shows

Tuesday - Open Mic Nights Various venues
Wednesday - Songwriter Circles The Saxon Pub
Thursday - Honky-Tonk Nights Local dance halls
Friday/Saturday - Featured Acts Gruene Hall

πŸŽͺ Special Events

Summer Concert Series
Outdoor venues β€’ May - September
Music Festivals
Various locations β€’ Spring & Fall
Holiday Shows
Special themed performances
Songwriter Showcases
Monthly featured artists

🎡 Music Lover's Guide

Buy Tickets Early

Popular shows at Gruene Hall sell out quickly

Respect Artists

Many venues have no photo/talking policies

Plan Transportation

Designated driver or ride service recommended

Support Local

Buy merchandise and tip musicians generously

Ready to Experience Texas Music? 🎸

From legendary dance halls to intimate songwriter venues, the Hill Country music scene awaits your familia!