Overview
Kerrville is a city of 24,000 people (2020) in the Texas Hill Country. It is known for its parks that line the Guadalupe River, which runs through the city.
4 sights · 14 things to do · 17 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 12 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Kerrville
Downtown Kerrville
A historical site along the Guadalupe River. Water Street parallels the beautiful river for several blocks, and is home to many fine eateries and watering holes. Downtown shops are located in the same buildings that were…
Guadalupe River
The river is beautiful in this area of the Hill Country, and several local roads and highways provide wonderful access to the river. Highway 39 from Ingram (west of Kerrville) meanders along the banks of the river and cr…
Louise Hays Park
A wonderful escape in downtown Kerrville that can be accessed by foot from either side of the river, north or south, or by car from the south side (Thompson Drive). Tranquility Island is just across a footbridge in the p…
Museum of Western Art
Artwork by talented artists dedicated to preserving the American West. It also has a fine children's "hands-on" area, gift shop and beautiful grounds.
Center for Fitness
10,000 sq.ft. fitness facility with 2 indoor pools, cardio, and strength equipment. Classes include low impact aerobics, step, group strength, yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and water aerobics.
James Avery Craftsman
The company headquarters has a retail shop as well as welcome center where you can view craftsmen at work and watch a 15-minute video on the history of James Avery Craftsman.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 96°F; winter lows dip to about 41°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: May and Sep. (climate data from nearby San Antonio)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SAT San Antonio International Airport, San Antonio — 54 mi away (major hub). Directions
- AUS Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Austin — 89 mi away (major hub). Directions
Almost all major US airlines provide service to San Antonio International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the two closest major airports to Kerrville. Amtrak provides service to both San Antonio and Austin, as well. Bus service is provided into Kerrville by way of the Kerrville Bus Company. Kerrville has a small municipal airport, but access by automobile provides for a fascinating tourist experience and access to the beautiful surrounding hill country.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Downtown Kerrville, Museum of Western Art, Kerr Arts & Cultural Center
- Lunch Acapulco Mexican Restaurant
- Afternoon Kerrville-Schreiner State Park, Riverside Nature Center
- Dinner Billy Gene's
- Evening Inn of the Hills Pub
Day 2
- Morning Guadalupe River, Center for Fitness, Kerrville Arts & Crafts festival
- Lunch Cowboy Steakhouse
- Afternoon Mooney Airplane Co., Y.O. Ranch
- Dinner Francisco's
- Evening Ol'Watering Hole
Day 3
- Morning Louise Hays Park, James Avery Craftsman, Kerrville Folk Festival
- Lunch Hill Country Cafe
- Afternoon Rio 10, H.E.Butt Municipal Tennis Ctr.
- Dinner Mamacita's Mexican Restaurant
- Evening Pier 27 River Lounge & 8 Ball Pizzeria
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
According to City Hall, Kerrville is home to almost 90 restaurants. Kerrville has so many restaurants that overlook the Guadalupe River; some offer outside dining.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Get in
Almost all major US airlines provide service to San Antonio International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the two closest major airports to Kerrville. Amtrak provides service to both San Antonio and Austin, as well. Bus service is provided into Kerrville by way of the Kerrville Bus Company. Kerrville has a small municipal airport, but access by automobile provides for a fascinating tourist experience and access to the beautiful surrounding hill country.
Kerrville is on Interstate 10, about 60 miles northwest of San Antonio and about 100 miles west of Austin by way of Highways 290 and 16.
Get around
There are a few taxi services, but otherwise public transportation is non-existent in Kerrville. Renting a car is most optimal. A few rental car companies are available in town, such as Enterprise and National/Alamo.
See
See Downtown Kerrville
A historical site along the Guadalupe River. Water Street parallels the beautiful river for several blocks, and is home to many fine eateries and watering holes. Downtown shops are located in the same buildings that were built in the early 20th century.
See Guadalupe River
The river is beautiful in this area of the Hill Country, and several local roads and highways provide wonderful access to the river. Highway 39 from Ingram (west of Kerrville) meanders along the banks of the river and crosses it several times via low water crossings. The crossings are popular spots for swimming and fishing. Be warned, private landowners become cross when tourists (or locals for that matter) trespass on their property, and Texas law gives homeowners the right to use fire arms when they feel threatened by a trespasser. The area along Highway 39 is home to many nationally famous summer camps. Frequently you can find campers along the river canoeing, swimming, and horseback riding.
See Louise Hays Park
A wonderful escape in downtown Kerrville that can be accessed by foot from either side of the river, north or south, or by car from the south side (Thompson Drive). Tranquility Island is just across a footbridge in the park and is a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing, as well as many weddings.
Do
Before you go, check out the extensive calendar of events on the Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau website or stop by the visitor/welcome center at 2105 Sidney Baker (right next to Cracker Barrel, just south of I-10 exit 208).
Do James Avery Craftsman
The company headquarters has a retail shop as well as welcome center where you can view craftsmen at work and watch a 15-minute video on the history of James Avery Craftsman.
Do Kerrville Arts & Crafts festival
Near the Kerr County Ag Complex on Highway 27 east of town. Held annually in May.
Do Kerrville-Schreiner State Park
Camping is also available. The park is split by the road. The southern side is by the Guadalupe River, the north side has a few hiking trails, some of which lead up some wooded hills. It's a bit of a trek, but the view at the very top makes it more than worth it.
Do Y.O. Ranch
In nearby Mountain Home. Home to many exotic wildlife and outdoor recreational activities. Not to be confused with the hotel of the same name.
Do H.E.Butt Municipal Tennis Ctr.
Fourteen lighted courts open to the public. Pro shop. Lessons available.
Do Schreiner Golf Course
18 hole course nestled among the rolling hills. Pro shop, electric golf carts, putting greens, showers and lockers. Reservations required. Open year-round.
Do Hill Country Museum
Beautifully restored and furnished Victorian mansion of early Kerrville prominent businessman Capt. Charles Schreiner. Hours vary, (latest is W-Sa 11AM-4PM). Call for times. This museum offers a glimpse at Kerrville during the mid to late 1800s and early 1900s. Admission charged.
Buy
Downtown shops along Water Street, Earl Garrett Street, and Main Street are locally owned and have a ton of local flair.
Shop Riverhills Mall
Located across the river from downtown, the mall has three major department stores (JCPenney, Belk, and Bealls) as well as stores with local flavor. The mall is rarely crowded and has nearby restaurants.
Artwork
If you're looking for art, Kerrville and surrounding towns have numerous privately owned art galleries, as well as three nonprofit public art galleries which frequently have art by local artists on sale.
Eat
According to City Hall, Kerrville is home to almost 90 restaurants. Kerrville has so many restaurants that overlook the Guadalupe River; some offer outside dining.
Eat Billy Gene's
Excellent homestyle cooking.
Eat Cowboy Steakhouse
Famous throughout the area, though a bit on the pricey side.
Eat Mamacita's Mexican Restaurant
The flagship location of the regional chain.
Eat Alpine Lodge
Full service dining at Inn of the Hills Resort & Conf. Ctr. Daily breakfast buffet. Lunch buffet features carving station and three entree choices. Evenings: W pasta, F seafood, Sa prime rib buffet, Su champagne brunch. Full menu and bar. Banquet facilities.
Eat Good Taste Asian Buffet
Chinese buffet, sushi, salad, soup and dessert bars. Seniors discount; 3 and under free.
Eat Branding Iron
Southwestern specialties, steaks, seafood, soups, sandwiches and appetizers. Lunch buffet M-F; Champagne Brunch on Sunday.
Eat Chili's on the River
Burgers, salads, ribs and fajitas. Patio overlooks the Guadalupe River; some outside tables. Full service.
Eat Del Norte
Old fashioned cafe service, with home cooked food at good prices. Friendly staff. A local favorite.
Eat The Humble Fork Kerrville
Restaurant, bar and soda fountain set in the historical downtown former Opera House.
Eat Rails, a Cafe at the Depot
Casual dining in a beautifully restored train depot. Outdoor patio, extensive wine list, daily specials.
Eat Save Inn Restaurant
Home cooked meals. Breakfast all day. Daily lunch specials and desserts. A local favorite!
Eat The Lakehouse
Family dining on the Guadaulpe River. Catfish, seafood, chicken-fried steak. Request a table to overlook the river. Outside dining available.
Drink
Contrary to popular beliefs, there are many popular watering holes in and around town.
Drink Inn of the Hills Pub
About the only place for dancing. They play primarily country music, but mix in some pop and hip-hop as the night progresses. The crowd here includes mostly middle-aged folks, and may be too loud and crowded for some tourists.
Drink Ol'Watering Hole
A hole-in-the-wall dive bar that is a lot of fun. The bartenders are friendly and very helpful, while the place is a little crowded on busy nights. They have great music many nights, and you will find a very mixed crowd.
Drink Pier 27 River Lounge & 8 Ball Pizzeria
Pizza place with drinks.
Sleep
Hotels are plentiful in Kerrville because of the large tourism industry.
Budget
Stay Hill Crest Inn
Stay Flagstaff Inn
Stay Motel 6
Mid-range
Stay Holiday Inn Express
Stay LaQuinta Inn
Stay Days Inn of Kerrville
Stay Best Western Sunday House Inn
Splurge
Go next
- Fredericksburg is only 25 miles up Highway 16, and the drive through the hill country is pleasant.
- Nearby Bandera is home to many dude ranches and styles itself the "Cowboy Capitol of the World."
Nearby
Comfort
City / town · 1 listings · 15 mi away
Fredericksburg
City / town · 33 listings · 22 mi away
Bandera
City / town · 5 listings · 23 mi away
Luckenbach
City / town · 25 mi away
Boerne
City / town · 9 listings · 30 mi away
Stonewall
City / town · 2 listings · 31 mi away
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Park · 2 listings · 34 mi away
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Park · 37 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.