Major city · United States
Driftwood
Driftwood is a half-day stop for barbecue and wine, not an overnight base. Go for lunch at The Salt Lick, then a tasting at a nearby winery or distillery.
Driftwood is an unincorporated community in the Texas Hill Country, population about 100. Its draw is The Salt Lick, a BYOB barbecue destination that has been packing in crowds for decades. A handful of wineries and distilleries in the surrounding ranchland make it a natural pairing with a Hill Country road trip. Most visitors come from Austin (about 30–40 minutes) or San Marcos (about 20 minutes) for a long lunch and a tasting, then leave. There is no lodging in town.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat), Dec–Feb (cold, but still busy on weekends)
- Airports
- Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) · San Antonio International (SAT)
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Driftwood911 ▾
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Driftwood, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyDriftwood is very safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportAUS Austin-Bergstrom International (About 40 min drive; rental car needed).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- AUS Austin-Bergstrom International (About 40 min drive; rental car needed) · SAT San Antonio International (About 1 h 15 min drive)
Map of Driftwood
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Driftwood
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Dripping Springs · 9.3 km straight line
- Kyle, Texas · 21 km straight line
- Bee Cave · 22 km straight line
- Lakeway · 27 km straight line
- San Marcos · 29 km straight line
- Austin · 32 km straight line
- Blanco · 38 km straight line
- Johnson City, Texas · 39 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Feb
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Mar
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Apr
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
May
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jun
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Aug
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Sep
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Dec
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest May (8 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Driftwood: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
6 rd
Feb
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
6 rd
Mar
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Apr
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
May
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7 rd
Jul
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
Aug
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6 rd
Nov
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
5 rd
Dec
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The Salt Lick, Trattoria Lisina and Desert Door are each a few km apart on FM 1826 and FM 150. Ride-share is possible from Austin but expensive for the return.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 30–40 min
Drive north on FM 1826, about 30–40 min
Combine Driftwood with a morning or afternoon in Austin.
Door to door: 20 min
Drive east on RM 150, then south on I-35, about 20 min
Outlet shopping and the San Marcos River.
Door to door: 25 min
Drive east on RM 150, then south on I-35, about 25 min
Schlitterbahn waterpark and Gruene historic district.
Door to door: 1 h
Drive west on US 290, about 1 h
Hill Country wine trail and German heritage.
Door to door: 45 min
Drive west on US 290, then south on I-10, about 45 min
Cute main street and Cibolo Creek.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
No lodging in Driftwood
Stay in Austin, San Marcos, or Fredericksburg and drive in for lunch.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Half-day visit (lunch + tasting)
- $30–60 per person
Trip budget
| No lodging in Driftwood2 × 3 nights × US$0 | US$0 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × US$50 | US$300 |
| The Salt Lick all-you-can-eat2 × US$16 | US$32 |
| Wine tasting flight (typical)2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Distillery tasting flight (typical)2 × US$12 | US$24 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$39 |
| Trip total≈ US$71 per person per day, bed included | US$425 |
Stay in Austin, San Marcos or Fredericksburg.
2026 estimate in USD; flights and rental car excluded.
Prices of common things
| The Salt Lick all-you-can-eatCash only; BYOB. | $16 adults, $5 children under 12 |
| Wine tasting flightcheck | $10–20 |
| Distillery tasting flightcheck | $10–15 |
| Bottle of wine at Mandola Estatecheck | $25–50 |
| Coffee at a tasting roomcheck | $3–5 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Salt Lick is cash only; there is an ATM on site but it often runs out on busy weekends.
- The Salt Lick is BYOB; bring your own beer or wine, or buy from the small shop on site.
- Weekend lunch queues at The Salt Lick can be 45–90 min; go at opening (11:00) or on a weekday.Weekend lunch queues at The Salt Lick can be 45–90 min; go at opening (11:00 AM) or on a weekday.
- Cell reception is patchy on FM 1826 and FM 150; download maps before you leave Austin.
Emergency numbers
- Police, Fire, Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
DriftwoodDriftwood
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Take me to this address, pleaseTake me to this address, please
Emergency
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Austin (downtown) to Driftwood by ride-share: $35–55 one way (check)
- San Marcos to Driftwood by ride-share: $20–30 one way (check)
Say or show
- How much for the all-you-can-eat? — How much for the all-you-can-eat?
- Do you have a corkage fee? — Do you have a corkage fee?
- Can I pay with a card? — Can I pay with a card?
- Where is the nearest ATM? — Where is the nearest ATM?
The Salt Lick is cash only; bring cash or use the on-site ATM (often runs out on weekends).
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Driftwood. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (heat), Dec–Feb (cold, but still busy on weekends) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 1 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for The Salt Lick, Trattoria Lisina, Desert Door Distillery, Stinson Distilling and Winery.
- Eat pages with last-order times and cash-only warnings.
- Drink pages with tasting flight prices and hours.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures for AUS and SAT.
Sources
Ask about Driftwood
Loading…
Was this useful?