Named by early settlers for the Mexican honey bees that inhabited the local creeks, Bee Cave, TX is a place where you can “bee” your best self. Today, it’s most widely recognized by gamers as the home of the deadly contraption building rough-neck “Fortress II” game character known as The Engineer – “a good old boy…who loves barbecue, guns, and higher education.” However, closer to home, it’s known as the eighth best suburb to raise a family near Austin and a perfect destination for a laid-back day trip. So, where is Bee Cave Texas, precisely?
If you’d asked “Where is Bee Cave Texas?” back in 1986, your answer would have been nowhere. That’s because this area, which prides itself on offering life “without the influence of big city government,” didn’t come into existence until 1987, all two square miles of it. Today, fewer than 7,000 people call Bee Cave home. A far cry from its humble beginnings, this up-and-coming area has a small town appeal with a big vision that seeks to sustain the exceptional quality of life for its residents while reinvesting and adding businesses in a way that maintains a focus on the character of the city.
Today, if you ask, “Where is Bee Cave Texas?,” the answer might surprise you. At the heart of this charming and culturally rich city lies the belief that outdoor and recreational activities promote community and build an enviable quality of life and mind-opening experiences. Even the city’s mission says so: “To create a sense of place/community by enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors through the provision of passive/active recreational opportunities; the preservation of gathering places such as facilities, parks, trails and open spaces; and the promotion of arts and culture through events and activities.”
The Community
This is a town that’s small enough to keep you current on community events and activities via Facebook, yet large enough to have the vision and wherewithal to pursue their overarching and comprehensive plan for growth and development. Described as well-kept, family-friendly, and one of the best places to live in Texas, Bee Cave hasn’t earned its high ratings by accident.
The Infrastructure
The small city is recognized for its great school systems, new and affordable housing, and many amenities and shopping. Additionally, it’s a safe place for families. Let us not forget that the people are friendly, and there’s easy access to the airport.
Not only will this post answer the question “Where is Bee Cave Texas?,” but it’ll let you know what to do when you get there to make your experience memorable.
On a map, this spot is located in Travis County, just 12 miles west of Austin, TX. That helps a bit, but really, where is Bee Cave Texas?
It’s not just near Austin, as Bee Cave is a suburb with a population of 5,802. This spot is rated as one of the best places to live in Texas. Living in Bee Cave offers residents a suburban feel, and most residents own their homes. This little-known town is home to a variety of restaurants, coffee shops and parks. Many families live and play in Bee Cave, and residents tend to have moderate political views.
The most important question to ask is not where Bee Cave Texas is, but where is Bee Cave Texas as it relates to the action and entertainment. While you may float like a butterfly or sting like a bee, it’s not all bees-ness in Bee Cave, TX. Don’t let the name fool you, as there’s something for everyone in Bee Cave. While it centers much of the activity around Hill Country Galleria within the Bee Cave city limits, venturing just a few miles out, the Austin and Lake Travis areas offer something for thrill seekers, romantics and the young at heart.
Below is a list of the 10 best things to do in or near Bee Cave, TX based on the reviews of actual visitors.
Get Active Like Locals
Weaving throughout a seven-acre natural setting, The Bee Cave Sculpture Park showcases a combination of permanent and rotating sculptures. Not only that, you can spend your day viewing a spring-fed pond, some of the largest oak trees in the city and over 20 different native species of plants.
Explore Your Inner Artist
Con Olio’s Oils & Vinegar allows you to take a class and use, taste and possibly purchase the product. Many are shocked by how much you can actually learn about oil and truly enjoy the experience.
Shop Until You Drop
Hill Country Galleria and the Shops at the Galleria span all types of shopping needs and preferences. At the core of the city, you cannot visit Bee Cave without the Galleria. You’ll also want to stop by James Avery Jewelry if you’re looking for anything from a charm to a diamond.
Explore And Get Physical
Mountain bike, hike, or even rock climb in Travis County Park. If you name it, they have it for the outdoor enthusiasts. With almost three miles of continuous frontage along the Pedernales River, Reimers Ranch is recognized as a world-class destination for rock climbing. Plus, it boasts 18 miles of trails, bass fishing, deep canyons and panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country.
Relax And Revitalize
Milk & Honey Spa offers an upscale pampering experience that you can enjoy on your own, with a friend, or in a group. Its warm and inviting atmosphere make it a must visit location for massages, facials, mani-pedis or whatever your pampering desires.
Sit Back And Simmer On Song
The Backyard Live Oak Amphitheater is best known for its intimate, natural setting. It has hosted names such as Bob Dylan, David Bowie and Willie Nelson.
Seek Thrills And Adventures
Spend a magical day on Lake Travis. Chartering a yacht offers a unique way to enjoy a sunset cruise and take in some breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country. There, you can also enjoy a Zipline excursion at one of the newest attraction for thrill seekers: Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. If you need more, experience the exhilaration of Fly Lake Austin offers more fun on the water.
Satisfy Your Need For Competition
Tee off at the full-service 18-hole golf course of Falconhead Golf Club. With picturesque rolling hills, creeks and ponds, this course, which was laid out by the PGA Design Center, offers you the same quality golf that the pros experience.
Eat And Be Married
Star Hill is a re-creation of a Texas Hill Country community typical of the early 1900s. They offer a unique backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions, holiday parties, film and production, and any event needing diverse facilities and flexibility in a beautiful setting.
Kick Back
After an afternoon of exploring, sink into the picturesque Sonesta Bee Cave hotel and resort. It’s chic, blends modern Austin luxury with the natural landscape, and provides a scene for both relaxation and rooftop food and fun.
Some beekeepers may hear the city name and ask the question “where is Bee Cave Texas?” because they think it might be a great place for beekeeping. Let’s take a look.
History of Bee Cave, TX
Legend has it that big bee colonies once inhabited Bee Cave’s limestone cliffs along Little Barton Creek, which actually flows through the city, hence the origin of the name “Bee” Cave. Supposedly, this was back in the 1800s. While there may have been a lot of bees back then, today, there aren’t much. Really, the amount of bees in this city is so ordinary that it’s hard to bee-lieve there were ever any, at least not enough to inspire the city name. Ironically, some have tried to put the bees back in Bee Cave by introducing hives to the area. The impact has been minimal.
Tours of the Bee Caves
However, you may be interested in learning that back in 2013, the much-discussed, never seen, yet historically relevant bee caves were discovered on the property of local residents. Today, there are bee cave tours. While there are no bees, the area is rich in history and validates the authenticity of the Mexican honeybees stories. So, if beekeepers have Bee Cave, TX on their radar, they need only visit if they are history buffs or interested in shopping, outdoor trails or water fun. Even beekeepers need a vacation, right?
Now that you don’t have to ask “Where is Bee Cave Texas?” anymore, you might be interested in visiting. So, let’s look at their weather.
In Bee Cave, the summers are hot and muggy, and the winters are short, cold and windy. The best months to visit are September to November or March to May, when the daytime temperatures range in the 70s and 80s. The days are mild and comfortable. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 42°F to 95°F and is rarely below 30°F or above 100°F.
Spring is the most beautiful for any outdoor or recreational activities and festivals abound in Bee Cave.
Summer
Summertime sees heavy visitors, despite the 90+-degree temperatures, which makes Bee Cave a great place for water activities.
Fall
The fall is festival time once again, offering music, film, Grand-Prix and fun.
Winter
Winters are notoriously mild with short-lived cold fronts, snowfall is rare, and the average high temperatures are generally mild, while rest are in the low 60s.