The Texas Hill Country, which includes the Highland Lakes area, was named one of the best places to visit in the world in 2024 by CNN Travel. Marble Falls’ Blue Bonnet Cafe and Spicewood’s Krause Springs received special recognition.
Editors focused on “largely undiscovered” destinations when compiling the list. The Central Texas region shares space with 23 other travel-worthy locales, including Uzbekistan, Morocco, Macedonia, and Chile.
CNN Travel highlighted Krause Springs’ natural allure, including “a butterfly garden full of magical wind chimes,” and Blue Bonnet Cafe, “home to some of the world’s most divine cream pies.”
Other Hill Country towns mentioned are New Braunfels, Luckenbach, and Fredericksburg.
Northwest Michigan and Florida’s freshwater springs were the only other U.S. travel destinations on the “best places” list.
The Texas Hill Country spans roughly 37,000 miles and includes 25 counties and the scenic Highland Lakes. Top attractions are wine-tasting, hiking, and boating. Discover more in the 101HighlandLakes.com guides for Outdoors, Eat & Drink, Play, See, Shop, and Stay. The Highland Lakes will be a top spot to visit in 2024 as it lies in the path of a total solar eclipse on April 8.