Things To Do
in Kerrville

Kerrville is a relaxed small city in the Texas Hill Country centered on the scenic Guadalupe River, known for its parks, arts scene, and annual music gatherings. The town blends outdoor recreation — river tubing, hiking, and birding — with a compact downtown of galleries, cafes, and local shops. Kerrville attracts families, retirees and festival-goers with a friendly, small-town atmosphere and easy access to nearby Hill Country attractions.

It’s a practical base for exploring state parks, wineries and fall foliage within a short drive.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the famous Riverside Nature Center, where you can enjoy a hearty meal surrounded by beautiful gardens. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the Kerrville Historic District, admiring the charming architecture and local boutiques. Don’t forget to stop by the Kerr County Courthouse to capture some memorable photos of this historic landmark.

afternoon
:

For lunch, head over to a local café for some Texas-style barbecue, savoring the rich flavors of the region. Spend the afternoon exploring the Museum of Western Art, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culture of the American West. Take a moment to enjoy the art exhibits and perhaps even participate in a guided tour.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot along the Guadalupe River for a relaxing picnic dinner, soaking in the beautiful natural surroundings. Later, enjoy live music at one of Kerrville's local venues, showcasing talented musicians from the area. Wrap up your evening with a stroll along the riverwalk, illuminated by soft lights reflecting on the water.

day 2
Adventure at Guadalupe River State Park
morning
:

Begin your day with breakfast at a local diner, fueling up for a day of adventure ahead. Afterward, make your way to the Guadalupe River State Park, where you can rent a kayak or canoe to explore the beautiful waters. The morning sun glistens off the river, making it the perfect time to enjoy the serenity of nature.

afternoon
:

After a thrilling morning on the water, have a picnic lunch at one of the park’s scenic spots, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. Spend the afternoon hiking the trails, taking in the stunning views of the Texas Hill Country and spotting local wildlife along the way. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.

evening
:

As the day winds down, head back to Kerrville and treat yourself to a hearty dinner at a local steakhouse, where you can enjoy some of the best cuts of meat in the region. After dinner, unwind at a local brewery, sampling craft beers and mingling with locals. If you're lucky, you might catch a special event or live music happening at the brewery.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Regular coffee$3-5
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$90-150
Gasoline (per gallon)$3.00-4.50
🛒Groceries (weekly, single person)$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Easy access to Hill Country outdoor activities and scenic drives
  • Friendly small-town atmosphere with local arts and music events
  • Lower cost and less crowded than major Texas cities
  • Good base for day trips to state natural areas and wineries
  • Limited public transportation — a car is useful
  • Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with big cities
  • Summer heat can be intense for outdoor activities
  • Some scenic destinations require a drive of 45–90 minutes

Places to Visit in Kerrville

Visit one of these nice places.

Guadalupe Riverbanks

River scenes at sunrise or sunset offer reflections, kayaks, and tree-lined banks ideal for landscape and candid photos.

Schreiner Park

Large live oaks, shaded trails and scenic picnic areas provide classic Hill Country compositions and family-friendly portrait backdrops.

Downtown Main Street

Historic storefronts, murals, and storefront signage create colorful street photography opportunities, especially during golden hour.

Riverside Nature Center

Native plant gardens and small wildlife make this a good spot for macro and nature photography close to town.

Overlooks and Hill Country Roads

Short drives from town lead to rolling hill vistas and wildflower-filled fields (spring) that reward landscape photographers.

Kerrville Folk Festival Grounds (seasonal)

During the festival, stages, crowds and tents present dynamic festival photography opportunities and candid portraits.

Museum of Western Art exterior

Architectural lines and sculpture display Western themes suited to cultural and travel photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Kerrville

Kerrville’s food scene reflects Texas Hill Country flavors: barbecue and Tex‑Mex staples sit alongside cafés, bakeries and casual American fare. Local produce and pecans feature in desserts and seasonal dishes, and there are a handful of tasting rooms and small wineries within driving distance.

Kerrville Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Texas-style Barbecue

Smoked brisket, ribs and sausage are local favorites — look for counter-style BBQ joints and smokehouse platters served with traditional sides like coleslaw and potato salad.

Must-Try!

Tex‑Mex Classics

Enchiladas, tacos and fajitas are ubiquitous and tasty; expect simple, flavorful preparations at family-owned Mexican restaurants.

Pecan Desserts & Kolaches

Pecan pie and pecan pralines highlight local nuts; Central Texas bakeries and cafés often serve kolaches and other regional pastries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Kerrville Farmers Market

A weekend farmers market typically sells seasonal produce, baked goods and local honey — a good place to sample local flavors and meet producers.

Downtown Food Stalls & Festivals

During festivals and summer weekends, expect food trucks and pop-up stalls offering barbecue, tacos and sweet treats along Main Street or near event venues.

Climate Guide

Weather

Kerrville has a humid subtropical/Hill Country climate with hot summers, mild winters, and moderate spring and fall seasons. Summer highs often reach the 90s°F (30s°C) with occasional heat waves; winter nights can dip near freezing but daytime temperatures are usually comfortable. Rainfall is moderate and can occur year-round, with spring and fall sometimes bringing the most variable weather.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Southern friendliness

People tend to be polite and conversational—greetings, holding doors and friendly small talk are common and appreciated.

Respect private property

Much of the surrounding land is private ranchland—do not trespass and follow signage for public-access trails and parks.

Festival etiquette

At music events and community gatherings be mindful of noise rules, recycling and designated camping areas; support local vendors and follow event guidelines.

Dress and behavior

Casual attire is normal; avoid loud or confrontational behavior and be respectful of local faith communities and family-oriented spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Kerrville is generally safe with lower violent crime rates than larger cities, but petty theft and vehicle break-ins can occur—lock cars and secure valuables. If enjoying the river, be aware of currents, submerged hazards and changing conditions; wear life jackets for boating and supervise children closely. In summer take precautions against heat-related illness by carrying water, sun protection and planning strenuous activities for cooler parts of the day. Call 911 for emergencies.

Tipping in Kerrville

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants tip around 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for full service; bartenders usually get $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the tab; taxis and rideshares typically receive 10–15%.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; many small businesses also accept cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common, but keep cash for farmers markets, small vendors and tips.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and often humid with temperatures frequently in the 90s°F (30s°C); river activities like tubing and kayaking are popular — bring sunscreen, hydration and plan outdoor activities for mornings or late afternoons.

Autumn

Milder days and pleasant evenings make fall an excellent time to visit; color changes in nearby areas (notably Lost Maples) attract leaf-peepers and hikers.

Winter

Winters are mild compared with northern climates but can have cool nights and occasional freezes; most outdoor amenities remain open and off-season lodging can be cheaper.

Spring

Wildflowers and bluebonnets bloom across the Hill Country, temperatures are comfortable, and spring festivals increase activity — book ahead for popular weekends.

Nightlife Guide

Kerrville at Night

Kerrville’s nightlife is low-key: expect relaxed bars, neighborhood pubs, live acoustic music and seasonal concert series rather than late-night clubs. During the Kerrville Folk Festival and similar events the town’s evening scene livens up with nightly shows, outdoor performances and food vendors. There are also tasting rooms and wine bars nearby for quieter evenings.

Hiking in Kerrville

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kerrville‑Schreiner Park trails

Easy-to-moderate trails along the Guadalupe River with picnic areas, playgrounds and scenic loop options right near town.

Riverside Nature Center loops

Short interpretive trails focusing on native plants and wildlife — suitable for families and casual nature walks.

Lost Maples State Natural Area

About a 1–1.5 hour drive away, famous for fall foliage, rugged limestone canyons and several well-maintained hiking trails of varying difficulty — a top day-trip destination for hikers and photographers.

Hill Country backroads and private ranch trails (access varies)

Numerous gravel lanes and ranch roads offer scenic walks and drives; obtain permission before entering private property and respect posted access rules.

Airports

How to reach Kerrville by plane.

Kerrville Municipal Airport (general aviation)

Small local airport primarily serving private and general aviation — convenient for pilots and chartered flights, limited commercial service.

San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

Major commercial airport about 65–85 miles (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car), offering national and international flights and rental car options.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Another major airport serving Austin, about 2–2.5 hours’ drive depending on traffic — a practical option for flights with different carriers or schedules.

Getting Around

Walkability

Downtown Kerrville is compact and very walkable — Main Street, shops and riverside parks are easy on foot. However, many attractions, neighborhoods and trailheads are spread out, so a car or bicycle is useful for exploring beyond the central area.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Long-term residents and families

Multi-generation families and local business owners who form the backbone of community life.

Retirees

Kerrville attracts retirees drawn to the mild climate, slower pace of life and access to outdoor recreation.

Hispanic/Latinx community

A significant and longstanding portion of the population contributing culturally and economically to the region.

Seasonal visitors and festival-goers

Art and music festivals bring a rotating crowd of visitors, musicians and campers, especially in spring and summer.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

High School Football

Like much of Texas, local high school football is a community focal point in fall with strong local support and spirited Friday night games.

Kayaking and River Sports

Recreational paddling, tubing and fishing on the Guadalupe River are popular outdoor pastimes.

Golf

There are nearby golf courses and country clubs used by residents and visitors for leisurely play in scenic settings.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Kerrville is generally light compared with urban centers, though local roads can get busy during festivals, holiday weekends and special events. There is limited public transportation; most visitors rely on private vehicles, rideshares or local taxi services for getting around.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Kerrville.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Options exist but are more limited than in larger cities; many restaurants will accommodate with salads, grilled vegetable plates, or cheese enchiladas—call ahead to confirm vegan or gluten-free substitutes.

Gluten-free

Some bakeries and restaurants can provide gluten-free options, but cross-contamination is possible; carry snacks if you need reliable GF choices.

Allergies

Communicate allergies clearly when ordering; smaller family restaurants are often accommodating but may have limited ingredient lists.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Kerrville has local clinics and a regional hospital providing emergency and routine care; for specialized treatment or major medical centers the nearest large hospitals are in San Antonio (about 1–1.5 hours away). Pharmacies are available in town and urgent care clinics can handle minor emergencies.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide