Top Things to Do in Round Mountain, Texas: A Hidden Hill Country Getaway
Some places weren’t meant to be rushed through or “checked off” as a quick stop — they were meant to be experienced. Round Mountain, Texas is one of them.
Tucked quietly between Marble Falls and Johnson City along Highway 281, Round Mountain is a tiny, peaceful community surrounded by rolling ranch land, massive oak trees, and panoramic Hill Country views. Blink, and you might miss the town itself — but don’t let its size fool you. The experiences around Round Mountain are abundant, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Whether you're a traveler exploring the Hill Country or a future homeowner searching for more space and less noise, Round Mountain offers a slower pace and a refreshing breath of Texas air.
Here are the top things to do when visiting Round Mountain — whether you're staying a day, a weekend, or falling in love and never leaving.
1. Get Up Close with Wild Animals at Exotic Resort Zoo
The Exotic Resort Zoo is Round Mountain’s most recognized attraction, and it’s an absolute must-do for families, couples, or anyone who wants to unleash their inner child for a few hours.
This isn’t a traditional zoo — it's a drive-through wildlife safari right on a sprawling Hill Country ranch. You’ll see more than 700 animals across 137 acres, including:
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Zebras
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Camels
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Bison
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Elk
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Kangaroos
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Lemurs
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Giraffes (yes — giraffes in the Texas Hill Country)
Visitors have the option to drive themselves or hop on the guided tour wagon, where an experienced tour guide shares stories and fun facts while animals trot up to the vehicle for snacks.
Pro Tip:
Purchase a bucket of feed — the animals know the sound of that bucket and will come right up to you.
Leave your expectations at the gate and enjoy becoming best friends with a camel.
2. Sip Hill Country Wine with a View
The Round Mountain region sits right at the gateway of the Texas Wine Trail — one of the largest wine regions in the United States.
Within 10–20 minutes of Round Mountain, you’ll find boutique wineries that offer:
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Relaxed tasting rooms
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Vineyard views for miles
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Outdoor patios and fire pits
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Live music on weekends
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Food trucks with charcuterie and small bites
The atmosphere is intimate and laid-back. There’s no dress code and no rush. It's the kind of place where you grab a glass, sit outside, and let the afternoon unfold.
You’re also just minutes from Johnson City, which has rapidly become one of the area’s hottest wine and tasting destinations.
You're not just tasting wine — you're tasting Hill Country character.
3. Stargaze Under a Big Texas Sky
Round Mountain is a quiet ranching area surrounded by acreage and protected land, meaning very few street lights or commercial developments. The result?
Some of the darkest, clearest night skies in the entire Hill Country.
Grab:
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A blanket
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A cooler
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A couple of lawn chairs
Pick a quiet roadside pull-off or open field (respect private property), sit back, and look up. On cloudless nights you’ll see:
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The Milky Way
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Constellations
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Shooting stars
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Sky colors you haven’t seen since childhood
The stars alone are worth the trip.
4. Explore Nearby State Parks and Natural Wonders
Round Mountain puts you in the middle of outdoor adventure territory.
Within minutes, you can reach:
Pedernales Falls State Park
Hike massive limestone slabs, swim in the river, or wade into crystal-clear pools.
Johnson City Nature Trails
Short hikes with views and picnic areas — ideal for small children.
Inks Lake State Park
Kayaking, boating, camping, and cliff-jumping (for those who love a thrill).
Longhorn Cavern State Park
A guided walking tour through a natural underground cave system.
Round Mountain is surrounded by adventure — without the crowds.
5. Take the Most Relaxing Scenic Drive in the Hill Country
Nothing says “Texas freedom” like driving along FM roadways framed by ranch fences and rolling hills. Round Mountain offers exactly that.
The roads between:
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Round Mountain ➝ Johnson City
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Round Mountain ➝ Marble Falls
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Round Mountain ➝ Llano
…are some of the most peaceful, aesthetically stunning drives in the state.
Roll down the windows. Slow down. Let the landscape do the talking.
6. Enjoy a Hill Country Meal in a Small-Town Setting
There are no fast-food chains in Round Mountain — which honestly adds to the charm. But food and drink options are close by in Johnson City and Marble Falls, including:
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Texas BBQ
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Farm-to-table cafés
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Distillery restaurants
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Comfort food diners
These are the kinds of places where:
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The menu is handwritten in chalk,
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Someone is strumming a guitar on a patio,
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The server treats you like family, not a ticket number.
7. Slow Down and Breathe
You don’t come to Round Mountain because it's busy.
You come because it isn’t.
The town offers what many people are searching for:
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Silence
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Nature
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Space
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Peace
Here, time moves differently. Days feel longer. Stress melts away.
You come for the activities — but you stay for the stillness.
Why Round Mountain Is Becoming Hill Country’s “Hidden Gem”
People are discovering Round Mountain not just as a place to visit — but a place to live.
Buyers are drawn to:
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Larger acreage tracts
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Big sky views
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Privacy
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Low traffic
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A true rural lifestyle close to Austin, Fredericksburg, and Marble Falls
Whether you're looking for land to build a custom home, a weekend retreat, or an investment property, Round Mountain offers opportunities that disappear quickly in surrounding areas.
