In the Texas Hill Country, not far from Austin, Wimberley is a small town known throughout the state for its natural beauty and famed swimming spots. The pristine, cypress-shaded waters of Jacob’s Well and the Blue Hole Swimming Area dazzle in gorgeous shades of azure and turquoise. Beyond these spectacular swimming holes, hiking trails wander throughout Wimberley and the Cypress Creek Nature Preserve, leading you past breathtaking landscapes, verdant valleys, and Old Baldy Mountain.

The town itself is home to a thriving arts community. You’ll find small art galleries sprinkled throughout the town and along Ranch Road 12, and a popular glass blowing studio features hand-blown vases, glassware, lighting, and sculptures. In recent years, the nearby Texas Hill Country has gained momentum as a wine destination, and you can spend a day or more visiting nearby wineries.

The hot, hot summers of the Texas Hill Country lure people to Wimberley’s stunning swimming holes. The swimming season for both Jacob’s Well and the Blue Hole Swimming Area begins in May and lasts until September. Wimberley Market Days, featuring hundreds of booths offering crafts, plants, jewelry, food, and more, take place the first Saturday of each month between March and December, when it transforms for another month into a holiday-themed market featuring seasonal gifts and treats.

During the fall months, the town’s lush foliage changes into vibrant red, orange, and yellow shades, creating a picturesque backdrop for a visit to a park or nature preserve to admire towering maple, cypress, and oak trees. The chilly temperatures of the winter months make it a great time to explore Wimberley’s vibrant art scene.

Jacob’s Well Natural Area

Jacob’s Well is a famous swimming hole boasting pristine natural spring water sheltered by soaring Cypress trees, which provide much-needed shade along the rocky banks during the summer. The “well” connects to a deep cave, estimated to be around 140 feet, but diving into its depths is not considered safe. In order to swim in Jacob’s Well, you must make reservations (sometimes months in advance) through the county parks department.

Old Baldy Trail

Just a couple miles outside downtown Wimberley, you’ll find the Old Baldy Trail. The climb to the summit, which includes ascending a whimsical staircase with more than 200 rock steps, leads to panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country and the Wimberley Valley. During the steep but short hike, you can keep an eye out for inspirational messages painted on several of the rocks along the way.

Blue Hole Regional Park

The Blue Hole Regional Park is a hub for outdoor recreation that spans 126 acres. In addition to the famed Blue Hole Swimming Area, the park features a community pavilion, basketball court, sand volleyball court, and amphitheater. The park itself remains open for use year-round, while the swimming area is open during the designated swimming season, which spans May through September. Do note that you must make reservations to access the swimming hole through the city’s parks and recreation department.