About The Inn

It's been said that the Hill Country has a special spirit all its own. That once you've been there you can't wait to go back. That it is almost magic.

2023 marks the 39th year that the Dillon family and Crystal River Inn have been sharing our version of that Hill Country spirit. All three of our children grew up at the inn, and now their 5 adorable littles add light to our lives. Sleep until noon and have breakfast in bed. Join new friends for brunch. Hold business meetings and seminars in the sunlit library. Go float a river. Celebrate morning over fresh-ground coffee and homemade muffins, or evening with margaritas and bocce ball in the pretty garden bar that shares our giant backyard trees.

Shop 'til you drop at San Marcos' famed designer factory outlet (Donna Karan, Saks Fifth Avenue, Adolpho, Coach Leather, and 250 fabulous others). Go river walking in San Antonio, antiquing in Wimberley, dancing on Saturday night. Have a sunset picnic up on the Devil's Backbone, then come back to our favorite fountain courtyard, at nearby Palmer's Restaurant, for dessert and drinks. For more things to do in the area around Crystal River Inn, check out our "Fun Things to Do" page! Or check out the San Marcos Visitor Guide.

If you're in the mood for fun, our specialty packages are famous. Die laughing at a murder mystery, run a whitewater river, and learn some gourmet secrets. Taste wine, take a carriage ride, have a romantic encounter, and get pampered by the therapists in our very own spa.

The Crystal River Inn is especially known for our hilarious murder mystery weekends. Each year we do a New Year's Eve Mystery Gala, a discounted January mystery that makes a great Christmas gift, mysteries in February and March; and a fall series with dates in August, September, and a ladies' mystery in November. Book them early, even if it's several months away because they are popular and the best rooms fill up quickly.

Try corporate retreats, birding, wine-tasting excursions, horseback riding, river trips (canoeing, rafting, and tubing), wildflower drives, and candlelight cave tours. Whichever package you choose, or whether you want to come to the beautiful Hill Country to simply chill out and enjoy, we promise to send you home relaxed and smiling. After all, the spirit around here is hard to resist! We look forward to seeing you soon.

The Dillon Family