Five Things: Your Lists for All the Best Ways to Explore Johnson City
There’s so much to see, do, taste and explore in Johnson City, Texas.
Johnson City is your gateway to the Hill Country, and it’s also filled with fun activities you can enjoy with family and friends, or on a solo excursion.
We’ve put together some “Five Things” lists to help you plan your visit to Johnson City and to pick the activities, meals and more that will make your visit fun, flavorful and unforgettable.
Headed into town for a girls’ weekend? Pick some restaurants, boutiques and drinks to sample.
Bringing the kids or grandkids to town? You can keep them busy with our historical sites, family-oriented museums and beautiful, nature-filled parks.
Planning a couple’s getaway? Take a look at our short-term rentals list, then find places to explore – whether that means a star-lit stroll or a relaxed weekend breakfast.
We’ll keep refreshing this list over time and adding more options, so it’s always fresh and filled with fun itinerary options for you to get the most from your time in Johnson City.
Grab your favorite lists here, or screenshot them so you can save easily to your phone’s camera reel.
Five Things In Johnson City: Places to Get a Burger
Fat Boy Burgers: Outdoor dining garden under live oak trees with burgers and more.
Pecan Street Brewing Company: Local brewpub with inventive burger combinations
Proof & Cooper: Family-friendly eatery with burgers, barbecue and an arcade game room
Herencia Cuisine: Casual food truck with flavorful, elevated offerings from internationally acclaimed Chef Christophe.
Hill Country Cupboard: Old-fashioned comfort food, including burgers and hamburger steaks.
Five Things in Johnson City: Family Edition
Science Mill: Interactive children’s museum for hands-on, minds-on STEM learning.
Exotic Resort Zoo: Hundreds of animals to meet and interact with – petting zoo and drive-thru safari.
Texas Motorcycle Museum: Collection of more than 100 vintage motorcycles – perfect for kids who want to explore everything on wheels.
Hill Country Ice Cream: Tasty treats perfect to finish a day of exploring.
Pig Pen BBQ: Authentic Texas barbecue for the adults, outdoor play space for the kids
Five Things in Johnson City: Parks and Outdoors Edition
LBJ State Park: Hiking trails, wildlife viewing and historic sites associated with President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Pedernales Falls State Park: Limestone waterfalls, hiking and swimming.
Pedernales River Nature Park: Riverside park with plenty of room for fishing, birdwatching and exploring.
Exotic Resort Zoo: Drive-thru safari that includes animal interactions – more than 500 animals from around the world.
Blanco State Park: Riverside park ideal for tubing, swimming and kayaking.
Five Things in Johnson City: Dining Out Edition
Bryan’s on 290: Farm-fresh American bistro dining with cozy indoor and outdoor seating options.
El Agave: Tex-Mex favorites served in a casual, kid-friendly atmosphere.
West Main Streatery: Food truck park featuring delicious options from Our Little Kitchen, Herencia Cuisine and Double G Tejas Tex Mex.
Vinovium: Small plates that pair perfectly with local wines, as well as sandwiches, salads and sweets.
Lady Bird Lane Cafe: Farm-to-table casual soups, sandwiches and other options, perfect for lunch.
Five Things in Johnson City: Wine Edition
Farmhouse Vineyards: Working farm and winery with small-batch wines served in a Tipsy Trailer, with charcuterie and other provisions
Pebble Rock Cellars: Charming tasting room with opportunities to drop in or to participate in curated tasting conversations.
Tatum Cellars: Winery and tasting room focused on single-vineyard wines that are expressive of the Texas Hill Country.
Vinovium: Neighborhood winery with fun atmosphere, tapas, wine and wine cocktails, and signature events.
290 Locale Winery and Pizzeria: All-local wine and beer paired with New York and Detroit-style pizza.
Five Things in Johnson City: Drinks Edition
Nice & Easy: Inventive cocktails, relaxed atmosphere and vibes.
The Local Bull: Wines and beers, with an emphasis on local production, plus food specials on a rotating schedule.
Tottie’s: Craft cocktails, local wine and live music in an ambient space.
Pecan Street Brewing Company: Local mainstay with new seasonal brews released on a regular basis.
Proof and Cooper: Beer and elevated cocktails alongside casual, family-friendly fare.
Five Things in Johnson City: Breakfast & Coffee Edition
The Jittery Biscuit: Fun selection of biscuits, baked goods, coffee and more.
Johnson City Coffee Co.: Drive-thru or sit down and enjoy Greater Goods Coffee Company brews and creative comfort food.
Hometown Donuts: Fresh daily made donuts, kolaches, breakfast sandwiches, tacos, coffee and more.
El Charro: Tex-Mex breakfast plates, breakfast tacos and more
Tottie’s Sunday brunch: Brunch collaborations with local favorites
Five Things in Johnson City: History Edition
Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm: Working early 1900s farm where living history representatives take you into the past and demonstrate early 20th-century rural life.
LBJ Ranch tour: Scenic drive through the former president’s beloved Hill Country ranch.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park: Park protecting the birthplace, home, ranch and grave of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
President Johnson’s Boyhood Home: Restored downtown home highlighting the humble beginnings of our nation’s 36th President.
Texas White House: LBJ’s official home where he and the First Lady hosted leaders and dignitaries from around the world.
Five Things in Johnson City: Shopping Edition
Camp Bubba Antiques and Curiosities: Family-owned business dedicated to curating an exceptional collection of antique and vintage pieces.
Grace and Gratitude: Co-op featuring local artists, makers and resellers.
The Haloed Hippie: Local clothing boutique and salon featuring women’s fashions.
June Bloom Lavender: Boutique celebrating all things lavender, including floral bundles and handcrafted products.
Vintage 205: Antique market that offers a variety of vintage and new items, including painted furniture, art, militaria, lighting, jewelry and clothing.
Five Things in Johnson City: Sweet Treats Edition
The Jittery Biscuit: Cookies and baked goods along with coffees, lemonades and other drinks sweet enough to be called dessert all on their own.
Hill Country Ice Cream: Shakes, sundaes, nostalgic candies and lots of other options that kids (and adults!) will enjoy.
Johnson City Coffee Co.: Pastries to go along with your morning coffee, and sweet treats to help you power through the afternoon. Includes gluten-free options.
Bryan’s on 290: Delightful gourmet dessert options perfect for finishing off a meal, or for stopping in for a late-night dessert date.
Proof & Cooper: Hometown flavor with desserts that you remember from family gatherings – cobblers, pies and more.
Find More to Explore and Enjoy in Johnson City
Whether you’re craving a plate of savory, delicious Texas barbecue or trying to plan an evening of music and fun on the town, Johnson City has plenty to explore and enjoy. Plan your whole trip – thanks to our small town’s compact footprint, plenty of downtown options are easily walkable. Other great adventures are only a short drive away!