Boerne – An Elevated Hill Country Experience

The City of Boerne

Boerne is the hub of the Texas Hill Country. Centrally located, one can enjoy all that Boerne has to offer by way of unique shopping, over-the-top dining, history, art, and events while making it their home base for day-tripping to other charming Hill Country communities like Comfort, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, Bandera, or the bustling big city neighbor 20 minutes to the south, San Antonio.

Hill Country Mile

Nestled in the heart of downtown Boerne, guests will discover the Hill Country Mile, a walkable hotbed of history, art, culture, shopping, and exceptional dining.

Eclectic boutique shopping that is sure to appeal to any taste can be found all along the 1.1-mile stretch of Main Street’s historic district. Amongst the unique shops, the Mile is dotted with art galleries filled with works from local and regional artists and craft breweries that have taps flowing with fan-favorite styles of beer as well as carefully and creatively crafted brews that you’ll be intrigued to try.

Boerne is a destination that is sure to make every foodie’s bucket list. Elevated selections from a southern-inspired steakhouse to a wine bar that specializes in Spanish tapas to family-friendly burger joints and bakeries with goods that inspire road trips all on their own – and everything in between- can be found in this very manageable footprint.

 

History

Boerne’s origin story dates back to 1852, but visitors to Boerne can step back in time to embrace and incorporate local history and heritage into their visit today. A free DIY historic walking tour can be found online or collected at the Boerne Visitors Center to embrace the past and explore the stories that the numerous historic buildings that house local shops, eateries, and more in the downtown area have to tell.

If you want to dive a little deeper into the past while in downtown Boerne, check out the calendar of events and swing by the Old Jail Museum and the Kuhlmann-King Historical Complex for a tour. Plan to incorporate a visit to The AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center or the Historic Herff Farm on Saturdays for some independent exploration.

Natural Beauty & Outdoor Adventure

Boerne’s location in the Texas Hill Country positions it in the center of some of the most beautiful landscapes and parklands in the state. It offers not only one nationally acclaimed show cave but two. Explore down under at Cave Without a Name and Cascade Caverns.

Aboveground adventures can be had in numerous parks around the community, including The Cibolo, which is home to the Nature Center, the historic Herff Farm Homestead, and the weekly farmers market. Stretch your legs and take a leisurely stroll along one of the urban trails that crisscross around town.

The most popular being the Cibolo Trail, which hugs its namesake, the Cibolo Creek, and can be accessed at multiple points along the Hill Country Mile. If a day of water play and fishing is in the cards, plan a day at the lake that can include paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, and more. 

 

Events

There’s never a dull moment in Boerne; live music can be found in numerous venues, including breweries, restaurants, parks, and even down in the cave. The Hill Country Mile and Main Plaza maintain a bustling schedule packed with regular markets, car shows, and festivities for all ages. Check the calendar regularly, as new events are always popping up.

Solar Eclipse

Boerne will be a hot spot for viewing not one but two solar eclipse events in the near future! Mark your calendars for the annular eclipse on Saturday, October 14, 2023, and the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. Experiencing totality during a total solar eclipse is an awe-inspiring, beautiful, and eerie experience that people travel far and wide for and that is hard to describe. To witness a complete and total eclipse to the max, plan to be in the path of totality. Boerne will be a prime location for viewing both solar events, so book your stay early. 

Hotels & Lodging

No matter your lodging preference, Boerne has you covered! Looking for something unique? The historic Kendall Hotel built in 1859 offers a stay in a renovated historic church, a quaint little red schoolhouse, the original carriage house for the property, as well as the original rooms that are now stunning suites in the stagecoach stop turned hotel.

If a cozy, pet-friendly short-term rental is more your style, there are plenty of options to accommodate a romantic getaway or a family vacation.

The community of Boerne is ready to greet you with open arms. Reach out to the team at the Boerne Visitors Center for help crafting your perfect Boerne adventure.