Recommended American cities for combining urban culture and scenery

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Want to enjoy urban culture along with spectacular scenery during your holiday to the U.S.? The two aren’t mutually exclusive – certain destinations are ideal for both. You’ll be able to enjoy the best of both worlds by heading to any one of these cities, taking in the culture, arts, history, nightlife and more, while including day trips to explore stunning surrounding areas.

Boston

Urban delights

One of America’s greatest and oldest cities, Boston is filled with fascinating history, jam-packed with museums, impressive architecture and a wide range of other attractions. You’ll want to spend at least a few days here exploring it all before heading out to take in the area’s especially impressive landscapes. One must-do is to walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, marked by a red stripe that travels through some of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods. There are 16 significant sites pertaining to the Revolutionary War that can be visited along the way from Boston common through downtown, the North End and Charlestown waterfront. You can visit the home of Paul Revere, explore the Old State Museum, viewing remarkable pieces like the vial of tea salvaged from the famous original Tea Party crowd and much more.

Brew enthusiasts won’t want to miss taking a Sam Adams Brewery Tour which includes as sampling of the ingredients used as well as a complimentary beer. If the Red Sox are in town, catch a game at Fenway Park, and you may want to head to the Charles Street Meeting House in the Beacon Hill neighbourhood. The 1804 building that played a key role in the abolitionist movement here has been transformed into a place filled with opportunities to delve into history and culture while hosting unique shops and charming cafes.

Spectacular scenery

There are many memorable day trips that can be made from Boston, from Cape Cod to the islands and pretty leafy towns to the west as well. It’s worth visiting Provincetown for the scenic drive alone, located at the northern tip of the cape. Home to over 30 miles of beaches, including beautiful dunes edged by gentle waves for swimming, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the sand, the sea and the sun. You can also hop on the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard from here. The town of Oaks Bluff is home to a picturesque lighthouse, sandy beaches and vibrantly painted gingerbread cottages. Another option is to head north to Maine with its breath-taking, wild coastlines – Kennebunkport is an especially appealing coastal town with lots of enticing eateries serving mouth-watering lobster that can be enjoyed with an ocean view.

For rural charms, history and especially brilliant autumn foliage when visiting during the season, journey southwest to Old Sturbridge Village, a living museum covering over 200 acres in the town of Sturbridge. It not only recreates life in rural New England during the late 18th- and early 19th-century, it’s surrounded by gorgeous wooded scenery.

Denver

Urban delights

Colorado’s largest city is just east of the Rocky Mountains, a metropolis dating back to the Wild West era. While you won’t find any ski slopes here, there are a wealth of cultural attractions, often with western flavour. Begin your exploits of the urban culture by taking a stroll down 16th Street. The 16th Street Mall is the place to go for shopping, dining and people watching. There are over 40 outdoor cafes for enjoying the more than 300 days of sunshine the city gets each year, and a wealth of local, independent shops alongside big-name brand stores. The Tattered Cover bookstore is an especially popular local hangout. History buffs shouldn’t miss the Molly Brown House – the former home of the real-life Titanic survivor and a staunch activist for women’s rights, now serves as a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, open to public tours. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is one of the most popular museums in the Mile High City showcasing everything from gems and dinosaur bones to Egyptian mummies, and it also hosts a planetarium and IMAX theatre. The Denver Art Museum, which consists of two architecturally magnificent buildings, is one of the largest of its kind in the West. It’s particularly renowned for its extensive collection of American Indian Art, with over 68,000 unique works from across the globe.

This is one of the country’s top cities when it comes to a tasty brew which means beer lovers will find plenty of options too, including highly acclaimed Great Divide Brewing which has a bar downtown offering 16 year-round taps and seasonal beers, while its facility in the River North neighbourhood offers free samples and guided tours. After dark, delve into the exciting nightlife in LoDo, which stands for Lower Downtown. It’s spread across 28 square blocks with restored Victorian buildings that now serve as sports bars, live music venues and more – Cooper Lounge offers 1930s glamour with the feel of a post-prohibition lounge.

Spectacular scenery

You’ve got a long list of options for discovering scenery – if you’re looking for a short drive, head to Boulder, located at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills. As you approach, the stunning Flatirons come into view. These iconic rock formations are popular with hikers and rock climbers, filled with trails and wildlife like mule deer, coyote and black bear. Of course, you’ll want to visit Rocky Mountain National Park which is easily doable in a day trip here too. The closest entrance can be found in Estes Park, its eastern gateway which offers plenty of impressive scenery itself. You might want to take what’s considered to be one of the country’s most jaw-dropping drives along the park’s Trail Ridge Road which spans for 48 miles leading to Grand Lake near the west entrance. Elk and deer are almost always spotted along the way, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot bighorn sheep and maybe a moose too.

Head 90 miles south of the city to Colorado Springs and you can explore the Garden of the Gods, showcasing more than 300 fiery red sandstone formations, while Pikes Peak provides a dramatic backdrop looming more than 14,000 feet above. Farther west, you’ll find Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument which is not only home to a museum with well-preserved small fossils, but trails that wind through lush meadows, alpine forest and even petrified redwoods.

Las Vegas

Urban delights

You know that Las Vegas is famous for its gambling, partying atmosphere and its shows, which you could easily spend your entire trip in this city taking advantage of, but there are quite a few other options too. Just walking ‘The Strip’ is an interesting experience, where you can feel the energy of the thick crowds and do some great people watching too, with all types coming here from across the globe. Watch the magnificent Bellagio fountains that skyrocket water some 460 feet into the air choreographed to music by legends like Frank Sinatra.

Las Vegas is a foodie’s fantasy too, with a long list of celebrity chefs and just about every cuisine you can imagine, from Michelin-starred French chefs like Pierre Gagnaire cooking up mouth-watering eats at the Mandarin Oriental to Steve Wynn’s SW Steak and Wolfgang Puck’s CUT. Head to Fremont Street to catch a live music performance, and when you’re in need of rejuvenation after all the action, you’ll find plenty of spas to indulge in too.

Spectacular scenery

While you might think Sin City is surrounded by desert with not much else to see, that’s far from the reality. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area is just 17 miles away and features more than 30 miles of scenic trails for hiking to and through spectacular boulders and rock hills, along with wildlife like bighorn sheep and petroglyphs. An hour from Vegas is Valley of Fire State Park, the largest of its kind, and the oldest, in Nevada. You’ll witness incredible rock formations that make it appear as if the landscape is shooting fire from the desert sands. There are ancient petroglyphs and plenty of short, easy trails for viewing it all. The Fire Wave trail is just 1.2-miles long and brings some of the most awe-inspiring vistas of colourful rock mounds stretched out in every direction. In the spring you’ll see gorgeous wildflowers too.

San Francisco

Urban delights

Known for its iconic, often fog-enshrouded Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars and clam chowder-filled sourdough bread bowls, San Francisco offers many urban cultural delights. Shop Union Square, the crown jewel of shopping districts with high-end stores and outstanding dining, as well as serving as a central gathering spot hosting events like lectures, music performances, theatre and art exhibitions. Golden Gate Park is not only home to meticulously landscaped gardens, forests and grassy areas for picnics, but it’s home to the De Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences which includes an aquarium, the world’s largest planetarium, a natural history museum and even a rainforest with a coral reef ecosystem.

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf to watch the sea lions lounging on the docks and then hop on the ferry to experience one of the city’s most popular attractions: Alcatraz. Located in the heart of the bay, it was a federal prison from 1934 to 1963, housing the likes of ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly and Al Capone. You’ll hear harrowing tales of escape attempts and some rather chilling ghost stories too. If you’re here on a Tuesday or Saturday, don’t miss the Ferry Building Farmers Market, a foodie’s delight with all sorts of produce and other items along with some of the city’s best restaurants like the Slanted Door renowned for its Vietnamese fare and bay views. If you didn’t book a table (well in advance), there is a no reservations bar.

Spectacular scenery

Just a short drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge, escape the hustle and bustle by walking among the giants at Muir Woods. There are all sorts of trails that will bring you through the massive trees, some of which are more than a thousand years old, while watching for glimpses of black-tailed deer and northern spotted owls. If you want to head to the beach, the Point Reyes National Seashore is only an hour north of the city, with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and even several waterfalls. Visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse and you’ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery. Watch for the harbour seals hanging out on the rocks or join a kayak tour to paddle out for a closer look.

Wine enthusiasts can’t miss Napa Valley, California’s top wine country region, just a 90-minute drive from San Francisco. Not only can you do some tasting and touring of wineries, but the vineyard-covered hills are especially picturesque. A hot-air balloon ride over the landscape is sure to be unforgettable.

Portland

Urban delights

Portland truly offers it all – foodies flock to its endless food trucks and artisanal restaurants, and there are more microbreweries than you could visit even if you had a month here. Shopping is fantastic with everything from designer boutiques to some of the country’s best vintage stores, and after dark, you’ll find countless music venues showcasing local, national and international artists. Stop to smell the roses in the oldest continuously operated public test garden in the nation, the Rose Test Garden, and thumb through pages at Powell’s, the world’s largest independent bookstore - you’ll need a map to get around. Be sure to stand in line for a unique pastry at legendary Voodoo Doughnut and don’t miss brunch at the Screen Door, which serves everything from biscuits and gravy to chicken and waffles.

Spectacular scenery

You don’t have to go far to immerse yourself in some gorgeous scenery here – just a short drive east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge carves a path through the Cascade Mountains, and is famous for its more than two dozen waterfalls, including one of the world’s most photographed: Multnomah Falls, plunging 620 feet into a tranquil pool framed by lush greenery. The Oregon coast is one of the most scenic stretches of coastline you’ll find anywhere in the country, and Cannon Beach is just 80 miles away. Its home to breath-taking wild beaches and crashing waves with its famous monolith, Haystack Rock, the largest of the many rock formations found along the shore. Enjoy walking through old growth rainforest on trails that lead to views of the Pacific and Tillamook Rock lighthouse in Ecola State Park too.

Silver Falls State Park, 60 miles south of Portland is another wonderful place to view waterfalls, with 10 of them, one of which you can walk behind. You’ll be just minutes from Willamette Valley, the hub of Oregon’s food and wine scene, with pretty vineyards to visit and plenty of tasting to be enjoyed from the area’s internationally acclaimed pinot noir to organic cheeses, piquant preserves and even artisan chocolate.

Charleston

Urban delights

An enchanting southern city with all sorts of culture to explore, a rich history and arts galore, stroll the cobblestone streets of Charleston’s Historic District with something interesting to enjoy around nearly every corner. Gaze up at the magnificent mansions and pop into world-class art galleries too. The food scene is fantastic, with many restaurants serving up Low Country cuisine with influences that range from French and English to African, introduced by slaves in centuries past. If you’re here in late spring, catch Spoleto Festival USA, one of the world’s biggest performing arts festivals, and on any given day of the year you’ll find plenty of opportunities for nightlife action.

Spectacular scenery

Just an hour and 20 minutes from Charleston, Beaufort is the second-oldest city in the state. Located on Port Royal Island, it showcases grand historic antebellum architecture, lots of scenic natural beauty that includes moss-draped oak trees, along with plenty of outstanding local cuisine. A half-hour’s drive south of Myrtle Beach and just over 90 minutes north of Charleston, Brookgreen Gardens is spread across 9,100 acres. Visitors come from across the globe to experience its magical allure from a butterfly garden with its many horticultural gems to Live Oak Allee with 250-year-old live oak trees, planted in the early 18th-century, when the grounds were thriving rice plantations. The Terrace Garden features a stunning display of mature trees, roses, perennials and shrubs, but you’ll find much more here, enough to keep you snapping photos for at least an afternoon.

If you want to venture further north to Myrtle Beach, you’ll find 60 miles of white, powdery sands along with a boardwalk to stroll for taking in gorgeous views.

Los Angeles

Urban delights

You’ll have a ton of options in Los Angeles when it comes to culture. In between all the shopping, dining and celebrity spotting, you might want to head to the L.A. County Museum of Art, the largest of its kind in the western U.S. with impressive collections from around the world. The Latin American collection is a highlight with its pre-Columbia masterpieces as well as works by contemporary artists like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Art lovers can also join art walks or just enjoy a stroll through the Arts District to discover the latest street art. Of course there are the usually ‘Hollywood’ delights like the Walk of Fame along with movie and television studio tours.

Don’t miss the La Brea Tar Pits, one of the world’s most famous ice age fossil excavation site. Formed 40,000 years ago when oil seeped through the rock, the pits would entrap passing animals, leaving them stuck inside. It’s served as a preservative for fossils throughout the ages. A museum at the site includes fully reconstructed fossils of mammoths and many other creatures that walked the Earth ten to forty thousand years ago.

Spectacular scenery

There’s no shortage of spectacular beaches in the L.A. area, from Malibu to San Diego and beyond. For desert scenery, head to Joshua Tree National Park two hours east of the city. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped onto another planet with its unique trees and plants like the Joshua tree which all seem to have a personality of their own. There are massive boulders that rise hundreds of feet above the landscape, and in the Cholla Cactus Garden are hundreds of cacti in varying shapes, colours and sizes. Yet another option is a scenic ferry ride away – Santa Catalina Island, one of the top spots in the continental U.S. for snorkelling.

Atlanta

Urban delights

Atlanta may be a big city, but you’ll find plenty of Southern hospitality here along with a small-town feel and a wide range of cultural attractions. Delve into its history by exploring the Atlanta History Center, home to the city’s history museum (one of the largest of its kind in the south-eastern U.S.), the Centennial Olympic Games Museum, the 1928 Swan House, historic gardens and more. You might want to explore the Margaret Mitchell house to take a tour of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author’s house and apartment where she penned her most lauded novel, Gone With the Wind. At the Center for Civil and Human Rights, you can learn more about how the American Civil Rights Movement is linked to the global human rights movements of today through interactive exhibits and cutting-edge.

Just a few of the other attractions here include the renowned Georgia Aquarium, Broadway shows and a long list of music venues for live concerts. The Peach Tree City has also been named as one of the nation’s most exciting food cities, with everything from comfort fare like fried chicken and grits to fantastic BBQ.

Spectacular scenery

Just a short drive from downtown and you can enjoy 3,200 acres of natural beauty and a wealth of outdoor adventure at Stone Mountain Park. Ride the cable car or hike to the summit for a panoramic view from the top. Less than a two-hour drive south-west of the city is Columbus, where you can enjoy the Chattahoochee River walk of even a thrilling ride on the rapids, while Dahlonega is tucked within the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, popular for wine tasting and touring as well as scenic drives and opportunities for gold panning as the site of the first major gold rush in the U.S.

New York City

Urban delights

A mecca for culture, you’d have to spend a month in New York City just to experience a fraction of what it has to offer. Perhaps start with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, better known as The Met, the largest museum in the Western Hemisphere. With a collection of over two million works spanning the globe from antiquity to present, you could spend a week here alone. Some of the highlights include the Temple of Dendur built by Roman Emperor Augustus in 15 BC, the Egyptian Collection and European paintings by greats like Rembrandt and Vermeer. The cinematic epicentre is Times Square, home to Broadway and the American theatre industry with over three dozen Broadway theatres. Of course, shopping and dining opportunities are endless, and with something for just about every budget too, from flea markets like the Brooklyn Flea to Tiffany’s, delicious street foods and high-end eats.

Spectacular scenery

While it can be fun to be immersed in the hustle and bustle, if you need a break you’ll find plenty of getaways within a few hours of the city for tranquil scenery and outdoor activities, like the Catskill Mountains, popular for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and rafting. On a hot summer day, locals like to come here to cool off in one of the swimming holes or rent an inner tube at the Town Tinker in Phoenicia to float down Espopus Creek. If you want to spend the day at the beach, Long Beach is just 45 minutes by train from Manhattan and offers pristine sands and rolling dunes. Or take the ferry to Shelter Island and its unspoiled beaches that are preserved by The Nature Conservancy.

Washington D.C.

Urban delights

A cultural treasure trove, in D.C. you can visit the Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and nearly 60 museums and art galleries. The Smithsonian Institution includes 20 museums showcasing 137 million objects and the National Zoological Park as the world’s largest museum complex. There are art festivals, art walks and frequent book singings too. Politics & Prose is a popular spot for signings, author readings and other events, a literary institution here for hobnobbing with the locals.

Spectacular scenery

For dazzling scenery near DC, it doesn’t get much better than Shenandoah National Park, just a 75-minute drive away. Look forward to breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains all year round, although early autumn is a favourite time to go, when those undulating slopes are blanketed with an array of fall colour. There are 500 miles of trails for hiking, some of which lead to waterfalls, or you can enjoy the views by embarking on the very scenic Skyline Drive. Watch for wild turkey, deer, black bear and more along the way. Look forward to a magnificent view underground by heading to Luray Caverns, less than two hours from DC. A national landmark, the cathedral-sized caverns feature stalagmites and stalactites, stone columns, crystal-clear pools and mystical rock formations.

Memphis

Urban delights

Rock ‘n’ roll traces its history back to this southern city, with the sounds of the blues coming from the likes of B.B. King, John Lee Hooker and other influencing later rockers. Elvis Presley is most closely linked to Memphis, building his elaborate home Graceland here as well as recording at Sun Studio, both of which can be toured today. Delve into civil rights history too - the Lorraine Motel is the place where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. It’s been transformed into the National Civil Rights Museum featuring a variety of artefacts and multimedia presentations. Take a self-guided tour to see Dr. King’s motel room and view the many exhibits to learn more about the fight for equal rights and his role in the movement.

Spectacular scenery

Less than a 25-minute drive from Memphis and you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty in Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. It’s filled with rivers, streams, forest and all sorts of wildlife, although the highlight is its unique swampland that sits at the edge of the Mississippi River. The best thing to do here is paddle through in a canoe or a kayak. If you follow the might Mississippi south for a little over an hour, you’ll reach beautiful Mississippi River State Park across the border in Arkansas. It’s an ideal place for hiking, biking, fishing, swimming and kayaking among lush green scenery.

Seattle

Urban delights

The city of Seattle is surrounded by mountains and water in nearly every direction while offering a ton of urban attractions. Go touring and tasting at Theo Chocolate, watch the adorable sea otters, giant Pacific octopus and other marine creatures at the Seattle Aquarium, and take an underground tour at Pioneer Square. The original downtown area for nearly 40 years, most of it was destroyed in a fire in the 19th-century, including the waterfront. The city was rebuilt on top of the ruins and today the buildings, alleyways and labyrinth of streets can all by explored with a knowledgeable guide. Of course, you won’t want to miss visiting Pike Place Market, popular among the locals and visitors offering a whole lot more than your typical farmer’s market, including talented buskers and the famous fishmongers who toss the fresh-catch back and forth while cracking jokes.

Spectacular scenery

There’s no shortage of places to go to find beautiful scenery around Seattle. Hop on the ferry for a scenic ride to Bainbridge Island, enjoying views of Mount Rainier, the Cascades and soaring Olympic Mountain range along the way. The forested isle is filled with parks and paths for exploring. Along the way keep an eye out for the area’s famous orca whales. Snoqualmie Falls, a 268-foot-high waterfall that’s been spotlighted in films and on television, including the cult hit ‘Twin Peaks,’ is just 40 minutes east in the Cascade foothills. It’s surrounded by parkland which includes an observation deck and walking paths.

Golden Gardens is a beach park north of downtown in the Ballard neighbourhood with golden sands and spectacular Olympic Mountain and sunset views ideal for picnics and barbecues, strolls and more.

Orlando

Urban delights

Orlando is famous for its many theme parks, from Disney World to Universal Studios, but you’ll find a whole lot more than that in this Central Florida city. Wander through the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, renowned for housing the world’s largest collection of Tiffany glass, including lead-glass windows, jewellery, lamps and more. The Orlando Science Center is one of the city’s top attractions with its fascinating list of exhibits and experiences sure to please both science and history enthusiasts.

There are hundreds of art galleries, theatres, museums, gardens and historic homes in Orlando and the surrounding area, not to mention an endless array of shopping and dining options.

Spectacular scenery

Less than an hour north of Orlando is Blue Spring State Park which sits along the St. Johns River. Not only is it incredibly lush, but it’s filled with wonders. Take a stroll along the boardwalk for scenic views of the spring that warms the river to just over 22 degrees Celsius, and perhaps jump in for a refreshing dip. The park also hosts the Crystal Springs National Wildlife Refuge for close encounters with wild manatees in the winter. Only 10 minutes from here is Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, inhabited by Florida panthers, white-tailed deer, black bears, bobcats and all sorts of birds, including flamingos and blue herons. There are aquatic species too, including manatees, alligators, crocodiles and river otters.

Miami

Urban delights

Miami not only offers beautiful white sand beaches, but it’s renowned for its Art Deco Historic District. There are more than 800 historic pastel-coloured buildings here that were constructed between 1923 and 1943, all following the Art Deco architectural style. It’s one of the largest areas on the National Register of Historic Places in the country. Take a walk through the area and you’ll also discover beachside pop-up art projects and glowing neon signs that make for great photos. Foodies won’t want to miss taking a culinary tour, bringing the opportunity to sample everything from Peruvian ceviche to authentic Cuban bites and tapas.

Spectacular scenery

For some of the best scenery in the state, hop on the Overseas Highway which begins in Miami and stretches 113 miles through the Florida Keys, over roads and trans-ocean bridges. Here you’ll feel as if you’re in the Caribbean with striking turquoise waters and endless palm-lined beaches. One of the best places to snorkel among colourful tropical fish and coral reefs is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. No matter where you are, on land or in the water, keep an eye out for dolphins as they can often be seen dancing in the surf.

Just a short drive from Miami, spread across Florida’s southern tip, is the 1.5 million-acre Everglades National Park. Drive the 26-mile-loop through Big Cypress National Preserve and you’ll see alligators right along side the road. There are swamp tours and may other adventures that can be enjoyed here among the impressively lush scenery.

New Orleans

Urban delights

The city famous for Mardi Gras, grand mansions and delicious creole cuisine, is a culture vulture’s delight.  It’s the birthplace of jazz, with countless venues to enjoy it, and it offers plenty of opportunities for exploring art, like the Ogden Museum of Southern Art for a fun way to learn more about this fascinating region through photographs, paintings and more. Architecture and history buffs will want to explore the Garden District with its stunning 19th-century mansions that range in style from classically southern to Greek revival and Gothic. The St. Louis Cathedral offers a perfect selfie spot, facing Jackson Square as the tallest and most recognizable feature of the French Quarter, pictured in countless television shows and films.

Spectacular scenery

Just over a two-hour drive south of New Orleans is Grand Isle, Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island. A nature lover’s oasis, here you can enjoy picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico from Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge and at the Butterfly Dome, wander through plants and native butterflies, take advantage of white sandy beaches and walk the nature trail that’s popular for bird watching. Look for the official state bird, the brown pelican, along with herons and some 100 different species of songbirds.

For swamp scenery, Manchac Swamp is only 45 minutes from New Orleans and there are multiple outfitters that will take you out for an in-depth look at the wetlands as well as the area’s unique flora and fauna. You’ll even come within just a few feet of the famous jumping gators while learning all about these toothy animals.

Austin

Urban delights

The Texas capital is a favourite for many in the Lone Star State. It boasts one of the best music scenes in the country with countless venues hosting genres of just all types along with mouth-watering barbecue and a wealth of other delicious dishes in everything from food trucks to fine dining restaurants. Visit the Texas State Capitol building, a National Historic Landmark offering free guided and self-guided tours along with a fabulous view of downtown and, if you’re here during college football season, attend a University of Texas home game to mingle with the locals. From March through October, you can also witness the 1.5 million bats that live under Congress Avenue Bridge. Just before sunset, everyone gathers on the bridge to watch them emerge to feast on 10,000 to 20,000 pounds of insects every night.

Spectacular scenery

Texas Hill Country is just west of Austin and offers some of the best scenery in the state. The town of Dripping Springs is home to rolling wildflower-covered hills and deep creeks, and it’s home to one of the area’s most popular swimming holes, Hamilton Pool, a magnificent natural oasis surrounded by massive slabs of limestone. In Fredericksburg, you can enjoy an incredible 360-view from Enchanted Rock, and in Wimberley, day hikes along the Cypress Creek Trail and through Mount Baldy. This is also Texas wine country, with lots of opportunities for sipping in between.