Bluebonnets and other legendary Texas blooms? They’re hard to beat come springtime. With our handy guide, however, wildflowers won’t be hard to find!
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Between the following options scattered across the Hill Country region, we’re confident you’ll get your bluebonnet game on this spring, one way or another. See, our list of places to visit includes a mix of free-range and cultivated spaces.
Keep in mind that our state’s native wildflowers typically begin their bloom at the southern half of the Hill Country in mid-to-late March and then slowly spread northward through to late April.
And, yes, although 2021 brought a heckuva winter storm in February, experts predict this year’s wildflower season will still be worth the wait.
(Plus, don’t forget to check out the frozen bluebonnet photo at the end of this article.)
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (Austin)
Situated on the outskirts of the capital city and named for one of America’s greatest environmental advocates (not to mention a former First Lady), this center is regarded as one of the country’s top botanic gardens.
As the name suggests, heavy emphasis is placed on the conservation of native plants in natural and designed landscapes—making it a wonderful place not only to see wildflowers but also to contemplate how you can showcase them in your own yard. (We also appreciate their online guide to seasonal plants.)
Address: 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, TX 78739. Telephone: 512-232-0100. Website.
Willow City Loop (Fredericksburg)
Even off-season this rural road between Llano and Fredericksburg is something to see, with its rugged landscape, grazing cattle, and beautiful, open fields filled with native flora and fauna.
Come spring, however, you’ll find a variety of blooming plants (bluebonnets, coreopsis, sunflowers, firewheels, and more) along with a ton of weekend traffic on this legendary 13-mile loop not far from Enchanted Rock. (Because so many people line up in their cars to see the wildflowers on weekends, we suggest you visit during the week.)
To reach the scenic drive, you’ll want to head north from Fredericksburg’s Main Street on 16N (Llano Street) and drive 13.3 miles to RR1323. Take a right toward Willow City and a left on Willow City Loop.
San Antonio Botanical Garden (San Antonio)
In addition to SABOT’s conservatory and formal gardens, this remarkable facility is home to the 11-acre Texas Native Trail showcasing over 250 plant species from three Lone Star State ecosystems.
Thus, the trail offers visitors a remarkable chance to see the native flowers of the Hill Country (Edwards Plateau), the East Texas Pineywoods, and South Texas in close proximity. Also of note for homeowners is SABOT’s WaterSaver Garden and WaterSaver Lane, a cooperative project of the San Antonio Water System.
Address: 555 Funston Pl., San Antonio, TX 78209. Telephone: 210-536-1400. Website.
Wildseed Farms (Fredericksburg)
See the farm in our Instagram video during last autumn’s monarch migration.
At the nation’s largest working wildflower farm, guests have the rare opportunity to see 200-acres of blooming beauties, enjoy lunch at the Brewbonnet Biergarten (get it?), shop the nursery, and pick up packets of fresh wildflower seeds. The company ships seeds nationwide, too.
Address: 100 Legacy Dr., Fredericksburg, TX 78624. Telephone: 800-848-0078. Website.
Inks Lake State Park (Highland Lakes)
As is the case with the Willow City Loop, Inks Lake State Park is beautiful to behold year round with its sparkling water, rugged geology and famous sunsets. Located about an hour from Austin, the park also routinely makes the list of top places to see bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush against stony outcroppings typical of our region.
Address: 3630 Park Rd. 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611. Telephone: 512-793-2223. Website.
