Dripping Springs
OVERVIEW
“Just West of Weird,” this charming town west of Austin is a the city of Dripping Springs. It’s small-town feel is perfect for those who want to escape the city life, but close enough to Austin that those who work downtown or in south Austin can comfortably have the best of both worlds.
Proximity
U.S. Highway goes right through Dripping Springs, which means Austin is a straight shot to the east. If you take Highway 290 westward, you’ll hit Highway 281 and Johnson City. Intersecting 290 from north to south is Ranch Road 12. Ranch Road 12 goes from Dripping Springs through Wimberly to the south and eventually hitting Interstate 35 in San Marcos.
Population
As of 2018, the population of Dripping Springs was 3,277, which is about an 80% increase since 2013. Many Dripping Springs citizens live outside of the city limits in the beautiful hill country. The zip code 78620 has a much larger population of 14,367. This means the school district is a whopping 5A.
School System
Dripping Springs Independent School District has enrolled approximately 7,200 students. There are four elementary schools (Dripping Springs, Walnut Springs, Sycamore Springs, and Rooster Springs). These feed into two middle schools (Dripping Springs Middle School and Sycamore Springs Middle School). All little tigers will end up at the acclaimed Dripping Springs High School.
WHAT TO EAT, SEE, DRINK, AND DO
Nightlife + Entertainment
While you won’t catch many neon lights in town, you can head south on Ranch Road 12 to the Mercer Street Dancehall. It used to be on Mercer Street, but has since moved to a bigger and better venue outside of town. There are free dances every Thursday night and live music several times a week. Head down for a dance and a drink! If it’s more the drinking than the dancing you’re feeling, check out a local brewery or distillery, particularly Deep Eddy Vodka and Twisted X Brewery!
Shopping
Historic Mercer Street is the perfect spot for shopping small. The buildings here were built between 1870 and 1940, and the storefronts have hardly changed! Get an ice cold beer at the beloved Barber Shop or hit the boutiques and antique stores up and down the street. Stop in at Mazama Coffee for a homemade lavender latte to end the day.
Food Scene
There are plenty of places to get a bite! In downtown, you can stop at Mazama or Thyme & Dough for some lighter fair. If you want a home-cooked meal, check out the beloved Oak Creek Cafe or Homespun Kitchen and Bar. Need a quick bite? There are food trucks sprinkled across the city, as far north as Hamilton Pool Road. You can’t go hungry in Dripping Springs!
Parks & Natural Landmarks
Dripping Springs is famous for Hamilton Pool Preserve, a beautiful limestone pool with a cascading waterfall. As one of Austin’s most famous tourist spots, you do need to book a reservation in advance, but it’s worth it! If you don’t want to wait for spot, you can check out Reimer’s Ranch, and of course, the original dripping springs! According the Historic Mercer Street website, park at the Visitor’s Bureau near The Homestead Bed and Breakfast, and follow the trail past the FedEx mailbox.
