A Total Eclipse, Juicy Peaches, and the Allure of Small Towns: Reasons to Visit This Destination in 2024

The soothing sound of a lazy river flowing. The soft creak of a rope swing hanging from a bald cypress. A stomach full of barbecue and the fragrant mix of blooming bluebonnets, earthy ashe juniper, and sunscreen in the air. There’s no place like the rolling hills of my youth: the Texas Hill Country.

The exact boundaries of the Hill Country are somewhat unclear, but it encompasses about 31,000 square miles. Bordered by the Texas High Plains to the north and San Antonio to the south, Austin defines its eastern limit, while the rugged terrain gradually transitions into arid high desert mountains to the west. Most Texans adhere to a simple guideline: If it’s not hilly, it likely isn’t the Hill Country.

This year, the spotlight is on the region, as it lies directly in the path of totality for the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. When the moon moves between the sun and Earth, daylight will turn into twilight. While North America experienced a total eclipse in 2017, the last one to grace what is now Texas occurred in 1397. The duration of visibility will hinge on location (the Hill Country will enjoy nearly four and a half minutes of totality, with a maximum potential of seven and a half) and weather (Central Texas boasts an annual average of 300 sunny days, which is promising).

“I know the feeling of being in the moon’s shadow during the day, and it’s an unparalleled experience,” says Jeff Stone, a former NASA engineer and eclipse aficionado from Kerrville, a Hill Country town an hour northwest of San Antonio. “It really gets to you. With temperature shifts and wildlife responding, it’s breathtaking. It’s going to be monumental.”

However, once the darkness fades and eclipse enthusiasts pack away their chairs, there will be countless reasons to linger. The Hill Country is free of large cities, featuring charming small towns, each with its unique vibe. The standout is arguably Fredericksburg (population: 11,257), located about 80 miles west of Austin. This town has rich German heritage, a historic downtown with over 150 local boutiques, and a flourishing winery scene (the Texas Hill Country American Viticultural Area is the third largest in the U.S.; organic winery Halter Ranch Texas will debut in 2024). Visitors should try schnitzel and potato pancakes at Fredericksburg’s Old German Bakery and Restaurant, then delve into the town’s homesteading history at the Pioneer Museum. For dessert, stop by Das Peach Haus, known for its jams, jellies, fruit cobblers, pie fillings, and fresh peaches—Fredericksburg is renowned for them.

Approximately 25 miles southwest, Kerrville will host an eclipse festival at Louise Hays Park on April 8, featuring science presentations, musical performances, and activities for kids—plus, NASA will be live streaming the celestial spectacle from the park. Kerrville is also located near the headwaters of the Guadalupe River. Enjoy the picturesque views by renting a kayak and exploring the river; keep an eye out for local fish, plants, and birds, including painted buntings.

Another 25 miles south of Kerrville lies the Cowboy Capital of the World—Bandera. Its downtown area looks like it came straight out of a spaghetti western: monthly gunfight reenactments occur at the visitor center, and several dude ranches, including the fifth-generation Dixie Dude Ranch, are in the vicinity. Bandera is also a stargazer’s paradise, as its county is part of the Hill Country Alliance Night Sky Program, which aims to minimize light pollution through advocacy and legislative changes.

Thanks to the Edwards Aquifer (one of the most productive in the world), 12 river headwaters originate in the Hill Country. The rivers here are typically gentle and crystal clear, and the locations of the best swimming spots are closely guarded secrets among locals (visitors are encouraged to explore state parks, such as Inks Lake). Additionally, the slightly acidic waters have created thousands of limestone caves in the area. Many are open for tours, including Longhorn Cavern State Park, known as the “national cave of Texas.”

While most visitors in 2024 will have their eyes on the sky, taking a moment to look around reveals genuine Texan beauty and culture. To quote Davy Crockett after his defeat in the 1835 Tennessee congressional race, “You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas”—and the Hill Country might just be the closest thing to paradise on Earth.

Planning Your Trip: Essential Tips

• Must-visit: Make sure to swing by Luckenbach, the town immortalized in Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson's 1977 song, “Luckenbach, Texas,” where they sang about returning to the simple joys of love. The town's dance hall features live music every day.
  
• Where to Stay: Accommodations are filling up quickly for the big day (April 8). Check traveltexas.com, visitfredericksburgtx.com, and kerrvilletexascvb.com for event details and lodging options. A standout option year-round is Fredericksburg’s Hoffman Haus, a charming boutique hotel that delivers breakfast to your room at 9 a.m. in a picnic basket.

To explore our complete list of favorite destinations this year, check out Where to Go in 2024.