Central Texas is known for its abundance of wildflowers, from the iconic bluebonnet to the dainty pink evening primrose and purple winecup. And while the weather conditions during the fall, winter, and early spring can affect the exact growing season, there’s a good chance you’ll find many a hill country roadside painted in rainbow colors this month. Wondering where the best spots are for blooms? Here are three driving routes for those in search of wildflowers.

UPDATE: While Austin exercises precaution in regards to the the COVID-19 pandemic, some places (such as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower and St. Edward’s University) may be closed. Before mapping out your route, keep this in mind—adjustments should be made accordingly.

WEST ROUTE

1. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Home to more than 900 species of native Texas plants, including claret cup cactus, red yucca, and Carolina larkspur, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is in full bloom by April. Head to the Austin center in the morning to avoid the crowds and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy under the shade of the live oaks at the Texas Arboretum. For an insider’s guide, book a tour at least two weeks before you plan to visit. Want to grow your own garden? Take home a plant or two of your own at the Spring Native Plant Sale on April 13.

2. Wildseed Farms

As the nation’s largest working wildflower farm, Wildseed Farms is on a mission to keep Texas highways beautiful. The more-than-200-acre farm in Fredericksburg has planted 1,000 acres of flowers throughout the state over the past 35 years. Take in the beauty of red corn poppies, rocket larkspur in shades of purple and pink, and golden poppies now through October.

3. Willow City Loop

This picturesque 13-mile loop near Fredericksburg is one of the best places in the state for wildflower viewing, with Indian paintbrush, Mexican poppy, horsemint, and verbena set among the live oak, mesquite, and pecan trees. If possible, plan to visit on a weekday when the two-lane road is much less congested. Enjoy the drive as the scenery transforms from rolling hills to rugged canyons.

MAP AND DIRECTIONS

West Route: Start at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (4801 La Crosse Ave.). Take 45 West, Farm to Market Road 1826, and Nutty Brown Road to US-290 West/East Highway 290. Wildseed Farms will be on your right (100 Legacy Drive, Fredericksburg). From there, continue onto US-290 East. Turn left onto Jung Lane and take Ranch Road 1631 to Willow City Loop.

EAST ROUTE

1. St. Edward’s University

If you don’t have time for a leisurely drive through the Hill Country, visiting St. Edward’s University in South Austin is an optimal way to spend a sunny spring afternoon. The campus is covered in bluebonnets during April, and one of the best viewpoints is located at the corner of St. Edwards Drive and University Loop.

2. McKinney Falls State Park

Just 7 miles from St. Edward’s University, McKinney Falls State Park offers nearly 3 miles of hike-and-bike trails, fishing, swimming, and camping. And, during the spring, it’s a prime location for wildflower lovers. Take a hike by the Upper Falls, snap some pictures of the bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, thistles, and cacti, and see how much wildlife you can spot.

3. Brenham​

Situated between Austin and Houston, Brenham, the home of Blue Bell Ice Cream, is worth the drive this spring. The quaint town’s bluebonnets continue to thrive throughout April. Look out for coreopsis, evening primrose, Mexican hats, and firewheels along Highway 290, Washington County’s Bluebonnet Trail, and in nearby Chappell Hill.

MAP AND DIRECTIONS

East Route: Start at St. Edward’s University (3001 S. Congress Ave.). Turn left onto Woodward Street, then turn left onto East Ben White Boulevard. Turn right onto Burleson Road, then turn right onto McKinney Falls Parkway. The state park will be on the right. From there, take McKinney Falls Parkway to South Highway 183. Follow Texas 71 East to West Main Street Drive, then take US 290 Business East to Brenham.



NORTHWEST ROUTE

1. Muleshoe Bend Recreation area

An ideal spot for hiking, horseback riding, biking, and camping, Muleshoe Bend in Spicewood also boasts stunning fields of bluebonnet and Indian paintbrush in the springtime, which span the entire park.

2. Llano

Just over an hour’s drive from Austin lies a sea of bluebonnet and Indian paintbrush. This Hill Country town is known for its scenic routes, so drive down either State Highway 16 or State Highway 29, two of the main highways in Llano, for plenty of photo opportunities.

3. Burnet

Known as the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, Burnet hosts a family-friendly bluebonnet festival every spring, drawing 30,000 guests. This year, the festival will take place April 12-14 and will feature a grand parade, live music, and pet parade. While in Burnet, check out the 16-mile, self-guided Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail as well.

MAP AND DIRECTIONS

Northwest Route: Take Texas 71 West from Austin, turn right on Paleface Ranch Road, and turn right on County Road 414 to Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area (2820 County Road 414, Spicewood). Head west on County Road 414, then turn right onto County Road 404. Take a slight left onto Gregg Drive, then take Texas 71 West to Llano. From Llano, head northeast on Texas 29 East to Burnet.

See if you can spot 10 common Texas wildflowers this season.

Texas Bluebonnet

The most common wildflower in Texas, the bluebonnet was declared the official state flower in 1901.

Indian Paintbrush

This bloom is pretty but parasitic: Indian paintbrush steals a portion of its nutrients from nearby root systems of other plants.

Firewheel​

Texas summers don’t put a damper on this flower’s bloom: Also known as Indian blankets, firewheels thrive in heat and are able to flourish through drought.

Pink evening primrose

Thankfully, this sprawling wildflower grows in large colonies; the delicate cup-like blossom only lasts a single day.

Mexican hat

Teas made from this red-and-yellow flower have been historically used to treat headaches and stomach pain.

Winecup

Often found in pastures and open woods, this flower has a vibrant fuchsia color, which catches the eyes of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

Horsemint

Rub the leaves of this plant to release a distinctively citrus scent.

Prairie verbena

Moradilla is its Spanish name, which means “little purple one.”

Plains coreopsis

Because of its bold coloring and daisy-like shape, this flower is extensively cultivated.

Huisache daisy

Also known as the honey daisy, this bloom has a scent that some liken to the smell of vanilla extract.