Where to See Wildflowers in Central Texas
Take a drive through the Hill Country to view the best wildflowers around. From wineries to historic homes, the blooms are everywhere you look
Wildflowers line the hills all around the Hill Country in Central Texas. With a range of colorful buds including bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, red poppies, purple tansy, ox-eyed daisies and wine cup flowers, you can’t miss the incredible views. The best viewing happens in March and April, so we’ve rounded up a few of the best spots to see all the wild blooms this spring.
The Bluebonnet House
Along Highway 281 near Burnet, TX
Grab a camera and head up to Fredericksburg to the most photographed house in Texas, known as The Bluebonnet House. Surrounded by a sea of blue and purple, visitors can see bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, a large two-story house, lush trees, a fence line and an open field of grass.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, TX
Inspire the conservation of native plants at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. With its internationally recognized sustainable gardens, education programs and research projects, visitors can experience an environmental legacy. Take the family out on a walk on the one-mile path through the 16-acre Texas Arboretum to experience beautiful Texas trees, such as bigtooth maples, pecans and live oaks.
Planning to have a day trip around Austin? Stop by the delicious Wildflower Cafe for sandwiches, light snacks, desserts and beverages, including beer and wine. Extend your day and stop by the Observation Tower to get a bird’s eye view of the Hill Country and the Wildflower Center.
Llano
The Llano area is known to be bountiful of wildflowers. Two Texas highways are recognized for their beauty — Texas 16 and Texas 29. To get an up-close and personal look at the wildflowers, head out to a back road in Llano. You can also drive through the town to get a more roadside display of wildflowers.
Wildseed Farms
100 Legacy Dr., Fredericksburg, TX
The special town of Fredericksburg was born in 1846 and has been an incredible asset to the Hill Country, with new shopping and fine dining. Although viewing wildflowers is not always an exact science, most nature lovers can find bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, red poppies, purple tansy, ox-eyed daisies and wine cup flowers on the roadside and at the nation’s largest working wildflower farm Wildseed Farms. Take in the stunning flora and shop for gifts, home decor, Texas native plants and pottery.
Bonus: Guests can also enjoy Guided Wine Tastings through a 42-acre vineyard. Wildseed Farms produces a full range of Hill Country and High Plains grape wines. For just $20 a person, you will receive six wine pours. They also accept walk-ins.
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site
199 Park Rd. 52, Stonewall, TX
Born and raised in the Texas Hill Country, former president Lyndon B. Johnson was born just across the Pedernales River from the park. In honor of him, Johnson’s friends purchased 269 acres of land, which is now the state park. To enjoy this unique site, visitors can walk 1.2 miles of trails, fish in the river, play outdoor games and swim in the summer pool.
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
2820 Co. Rd. 414, Spicewood, TX
This 616-acre park nestled in the Texas Hill Country, offers picturesque views of wildflowers along Lake Travis. With miles of multi-use trails, tent camping by the lakeshore or under oak-tree canopies, and access to the lake via boat ramp or kayak rental, it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Entrance fees range from $2 to $12, with lodging options including campsites at $25 or $35.
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX
Just 13 miles southeast of downtown, McKinney Falls State Park spans 726 acres, boasting hiking and cycling trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and enchanting fields of bluebonnets in spring. Reservations recommended. Entrance fees: Adults $6 daily; Children (12 and under) free. The park showcases scenic upper and lower falls along Onion Creek, inviting visitors to camp, hike, bike, geocache, boulder, picnic, fish, and swim in the creek’s refreshing waters.