A stay at The Goldie House puts your family or group within easy reach of some of the area’s best experiences, including one of our favorites: Pedernales Falls State Park near Johnson City.
From exploring limestone falls and hiking scenic trails to grabbing burgers, ice cream, and wandering through Johnson City’s charming downtown, here’s an easy weekend itinerary for experiencing the Hill Country while making The Goldie House your home base.
Friday: Arrive, Settle In & Stay Golden
Afternoon: Welcome to The Goldie House
Check in, unpack, and give yourself time to settle into Hill Country mode. Instead of immediately filling your schedule, spend your first afternoon enjoying the property. Let the kids explore, take in the views, relax outside, or gather around the pool when the weather is warm.
The Goldie House was designed around the idea that some of the best moments happen when you aren’t rushing anywhere.
Evening: Dinner & a Hill Country Sunset
Keep your first night easy with dinner at the house or venture into nearby Blanco or Johnson City. For a relaxed family meal in Johnson City, try Pecan Street Brewing, a family-owned Hill Country brewpub located on the historic courthouse square. The menu includes pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and other approachable options that work well for groups.
After dinner, head back to The Goldie House, put away the phones, and spend the evening outside. Depending on the season, that might mean a dip in the pool, board games with the kids, or gathering together under the Hill Country stars.
Saturday: Pedernales Falls State Park Adventure
Morning: Breakfast & Head to the Park
Start the morning slowly with breakfast and coffee at The Goldie House before heading toward Pedernales Falls State Park, located east of Johnson City. The park follows the Pedernales River as it flows across massive layers of limestone, creating the distinctive cascades and rocky landscape that make this one of the most beautiful state parks in Central Texas.
Pedernales Falls State Park is located at 2585 Park Road 6026 near Johnson City, Texas. The park is open daily, although hours, trail conditions, river access, weather closures, and other restrictions can change. The park is popular—especially during weekends, holidays, and school breaks—so reserve a day pass in advance rather than counting on purchasing admission when you arrive.
Explore Pedernales Falls
Once inside the park, make the falls your first destination. Spend some time exploring the overlooks, limestone formations, and trails surrounding the Pedernales River. It’s an incredible place for family photos and for kids to experience a completely different side of the Texas landscape.
Important: Swimming and wading are not permitted in the Pedernales Falls section of the river. The park has a separate designated swimming area downstream.
Take a Family-Friendly Hike
You don’t need to tackle an all-day hike to enjoy the park. For families, consider the short Twin Falls Nature Trail, which leads to a scenic overlook. Groups looking for more adventure can explore additional trails throughout the park.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, hats, and snacks. Texas Parks & Wildlife recommends preparing carefully for the Hill Country heat and changing weather conditions.
Cool Off
If swimming conditions are appropriate, head to the park’s designated swimming area after your hike. Keep in mind that reaching the swimming area requires a strenuous hike of at least a quarter mile and includes steep rock stairs without a handrail, so families with very young children or anyone with mobility concerns may prefer to stick to hiking and sightseeing.
River conditions can also change rapidly. Always follow posted signs, weather warnings, and park ranger instructions.
Saturday Afternoon: Lunch in Johnson City
After a morning outdoors, you’ll probably be ready for a big lunch. Head into Johnson City and try Fat Boy Burgers for a casual meal. The laid-back restaurant serves made-to-order burgers and offers an outdoor beer-garden-style area beneath the live oaks, making it an easy option for families and groups. Another fun choice is Pig Pen BBQ, where you can dig into Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex-inspired dishes. Its large outdoor area and kid-friendly setup make it especially convenient when traveling with children.
No family adventure is complete without ice cream. Stop by Hill Country Ice Cream in downtown Johnson City for cones, sundaes, shakes, floats, and other classic treats. Then spend a little time walking around downtown Johnson City before heading back to The Goldie House.
Saturday Evening: Back to The Goldie
After hiking, exploring, and eating your way through Johnson City, don’t schedule anything else. That’s part of the experience. Come back to The Goldie House, change into comfortable clothes, pour the adults a glass of wine, and let everyone relax. Then head outside and enjoy one of the best parts of staying outside of the city: the quiet.
Sunday: Explore Blanco Before Heading Home
Before your weekend officially ends, spend a little time exploring Blanco. Grab coffee and a pastry at Buchanans Coffee House, a locally focused café in downtown Blanco, and take a walk around the historic town square.
Depending on how much time you have, explore the shops around downtown or simply enjoy one final slow morning before heading home.
Make It a Three-Day Weekend
Have another day? Extend your itinerary with more of the experiences that make this part of the Hill Country special. Pedernales Falls State Park is also only one piece of the area’s outdoor experience. Scenic drives, swimming holes, hiking trails, wildflowers, and charming Hill Country towns make it easy to build a completely different itinerary every time you visit.