Tucked into the Hill Country between Austin and Dripping Springs, Driftwood may be small, but it leaves a big impression. Known for legendary BBQ, wineries, craft breweries, and its easy-going Texas charm, Driftwood is the kind of place where you come hungry, sip slowly, and leave feeling like family.
Whether you’re here for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or just passing through, here’s your insider’s guide to the best things to do in Driftwood, Texas.
Things to do in Driftwood Texas
Food & Drink
Hays City Store
Best Audience: Families, live music fans, comfort food lovers
Cost: Meals $15–25
Website: Hays City Store
Insider Tip: Go when they’ve got live music on the patio — the atmosphere is unbeatable.
A Driftwood staple, Hays City Store is a restaurant, bar, and music venue rolled into one. Expect hearty Texas fare, creative cocktails, and a lively crowd that feels like family.
The Salt Lick BBQ
Best Audience: BBQ lovers, groups, families
Cost: Platters $15–25
Website: Salt Lick BBQ
Insider Tip: It’s BYOB, so bring a six-pack or bottle of wine to pair with legendary brisket.
Known worldwide, The Salt Lick put Driftwood on the map. With its rustic ranch setting and iconic open pit, this is bucket-list BBQ. Expect long waits on weekends — but it’s worth every bite.
Trattoria Lisina
Best Audience: Couples, foodies, special occasions
Cost: Meals $30–60 per person
Website: Trattoria Lisina
Insider Tip: Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.
Set among vineyards, this upscale Italian restaurant serves scratch-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and fine wines. The ambiance is romantic, rustic, and perfect for a date night.
Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries
Fall Creek Vineyards – Driftwood
Best Audience: Wine enthusiasts, couples, groups
Cost: Tastings ~$15–25
Website: Fall Creek Vineyards
Insider Tip: Don’t miss their award-winning Tempranillo.
As one of Texas’s oldest wineries, Fall Creek is known for high-quality wines and Hill Country hospitality. Their Driftwood tasting room offers a relaxing escape in the vines.
Duchman Family Winery
Best Audience: Couples, families, dog lovers
Cost: Tastings ~$15–20
Website: Duchman Family Winery
Insider Tip: Dogs are welcome on the patio — bring your pup along for the fun.
Designed like a Tuscan villa, Duchman focuses on Italian varietals such as Vermentino and Sangiovese. The setting and wine make it a local favorite.
Driftwood Estate Winery
Best Audience: Wine lovers, sunset seekers, couples
Cost: Tastings ~$15–20
Website: Driftwood Estate Winery
Insider Tip: Go late in the day — the sunsets from the patio are stunning.
Nicknamed the “Texas winery with the million-dollar view,” Driftwood Estate is as much about scenery as it is about wine.
Vista Brewing
Best Audience: Beer lovers, couples, families
Cost: Beers ~$6–8
Website: Vista Brewing
Insider Tip: Their farm-to-table menu is just as good as the beer.
Vista Brewing combines quality craft beer with a 21-acre ranch setting. Trails, gardens, and a working farm make it a unique stop in Driftwood.
Desert Door Distillery
Best Audience: Adults, adventurous drinkers, groups
Cost: Tastings ~$15–25
Website: Desert Door Distillery
Insider Tip: Try a sotol cocktail — it’s a uniquely Texan spirit unlike tequila or mezcal.
Desert Door crafts sotol from West Texas plants, offering a stylish tasting room that blends rustic and modern design.
Attractions & Experiences
Historic Texaco Gas Station
Best Audience: History buffs, photographers
Cost: Free
Location: Driftwood, TX
Insider Tip: Quick stop, but great for vintage photos.
This preserved 1940s-era Texaco station is pure small-town Texas charm and perfect for a roadside photo op.
Mercer Street Dance Hall
Best Audience: Dancers, country music fans, night owls
Cost: Cover varies
Website: Mercer Street Dance Hall
Insider Tip: Take a beginner two-step lesson before the band starts.
This honky-tonk brings live country music and dancing to Driftwood with an authentic Texas atmosphere.
Driftwood Church
Best Audience: History buffs, culture seekers
Cost: Free
Location: Driftwood, TX
Insider Tip: Pair a visit here with Driftwood Cemetery across the way.
A simple country church that reflects Driftwood’s pioneer roots and community spirit.
Driftwood Cemetery
Best Audience: History enthusiasts, genealogy fans
Cost: Free
Location: Driftwood, TX
Insider Tip: Look for the oldest markers dating back to Driftwood’s earliest settlers.
Quiet and reflective, the cemetery gives you a glimpse into Driftwood’s past.
Camp Ben McCulloch
Best Audience: Families, campers, music fans
Cost: Day-use and camping fees vary
Website: Camp Ben McCulloch
Insider Tip: Visit in summer for a dip in Onion Creek or during the Old Settlers Music Festival.
Since 1896, Camp Ben has been a gathering spot for families and music lovers, with shady campsites and a rich festival history.
Events & Festivals
- Salt Lick BBQ Festivals & Cook-offs – Foodie events that draw BBQ fans statewide.
- Winery & Brewery Celebrations – Seasonal grape harvests, beer releases, and live music weekends.
Golf
Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club
Best Audience: Golfers, members, scenic course seekers
Cost: Private / membership-based
Website: Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club
Insider Tip: Designed by Tom Fazio, the 18-hole course weaves through vineyards and creeks for stunning views.
A luxury private golf and residential community set on 800 acres with championship golf, vineyards, and Hill Country scenery.
Wine Tours
Taste of the Hills Wine Tours
Best Audience: Couples, groups, wine lovers
Cost: Tours vary
Website: Taste of the Hills
Insider Tip: Best if everyone in your group wants to partake — local guides handle the driving.
Customizable wine tours covering Driftwood’s best wineries with insider expertise.
Wrapping It Up
For a blink-and-you-miss-it Hill Country town, Driftwood sure knows how to leave a mark. From BBQ legends like The Salt Lick to award-winning wineries and historic gems, Driftwood is a destination that combines rustic charm with big flavors.
The best way to enjoy Driftwood? Come hungry, sip slowly, and let the music, sunsets, and Hill Country hospitality do the rest.