We have been going to New Braunfels and the hill country for many years. Depending on your adventure level, you can check out the following:
There is a boat rental place on Canyon Lake if you want to get out on the water. It's just around the corner from the resort. (
https://canyonlakemarinastx.com/rentals/) We dragged the kids around the lake on a tube and they loved it.
Overlook park is about 4 miles from Hill Country Resort. You can park and have a picnic, fish, or walk across the dam. (
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attract...-Reviews-Overlook_Park-Canyon_Lake_Texas.html)
Tubing on the Guadalupe river. What they call the horseshoe is about 5 miles south of the resort. There are a number of operators right there. (
https://riversportstubes.com/shortfloat.htm,
https://www.tubehaus.com/) If you want a longer tube ride, there are more operators downriver. (
https://rockinr.com/guadalupe/) Just so you know, the water is cold even in August since it comes out of the bottom of the lake. Helpful hint: always get a tube with a bottom.
There is a Fossil museum about 9 miles from the resort in Sattler. (
https://www.theheritagemuseum.com/) We took the kids there when they were younger. They have very well-preserved dinosaur tracks among some other artifacts. Quick & easy side trip.
The Natural Bridge Caverns and Wildlife Ranch are not too far from there. The caverns have a nice facility and well-maintained walking paths through the caverns. (
https://naturalbridgecaverns.com/) The wildlife ranch is next door. (
https://www.wildliferanchtexas.com/) It's a pretty typical drive-through wildlife experience, where you feed the animals as you go. We found that the animals really come out to the road when the staff put the hay out. We got there at exactly noon and followed the staff putting out hay. Got to see everything. Beware, the ostriches are aggressive.
The Gruene Historic District is down FM306 from the resort.
https://www.gruenetexas.com/ They have small touristy kind of shops, occasionally live music at the Gruene Dance Hall, and a nice restaurant called The Gristmill
https://gristmillrestaurant.com/ that overlooks the river and hill country.
If you like hiking, Enchanted Rock State Park is about an hour and a half from the resort. (
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock) If you go, make sure you get there early. They do capacity control, and you may have to wait or not get in at all if you get there too late.
Fredericksburg is a nice side trip about an hour from the resort. They have shops and wineries in the area. (
https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/)
If you are really feeling adventurous, Wimberley Zip lines are great. Nice long rides. A little bit of walking is required. (
https://www.wimberleyzipline.com/)
My wife always ends up at the outlet malls in San Marcos. If you are looking to stimulate the economy, this is not a bad place. (
https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/san-marcos,
https://www.tangeroutlet.com/sanmarcos) There are two malls right next to each other.
Of course, there are attractions in San Antonio: The Alamo, The Riverwalk, Sea World, Six Flags-Fiesta Texas, San Antonio Zoo, etc.
Let me know if you have any questions. Good Luck.
P.S. Hill Country Resort has three types of units. (Lodge, Presidential, and Ambassador.) The Lodge units are the oldest ones. They have rustic furnishings but overall fine, basic accommodations. The Presidential units are nicer and pretty modern. The Ambassador units are the largest and nicest. I believe the Presidential and Ambassador units are across FM 306 from the clubhouse and check-in desk. If I remember correctly, they have their own pools for those buildings. Most units at the resort are lock-off units, so depending on the size you reserved, it may be the small side, large side, or both. They actually have number of things to do at the resort. Mini golf, pools, small theatre room, game room, etc. Be aware... they will try to rope you into a sales pitch when you try to get your parking pass, or at least they used to.
