If you’re looking for laid-back vibes and a relaxed, authentic Texas getaway, Llano County is your place to enjoy a weekend getaway this summer. Just a quick drive from Austin, San Antonio, Waco or the Hill Country, and you’re in a whole different world…one where you can relax, enjoy nature and let your cares drift away on our rivers and lakes. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer stay, we have a guide that can help you make the most of your trip to Llano County. From swimming to hiking to dining, we have you covered. 

Cool Off: Water Activities & River Fun

First things first – time on the water. 

Llano County is known for its beautiful lakes and peaceful flowing rivers. It’s the perfect place to get outside in nature and beat the heat at the same time. 

Enjoying the water can mean renting a boat, but it also can mean just splashing around and having fun with little ones. Some of our favorite ways to enjoy the water in Llano County include 

• Swimming and splashing in shallow, family-friendly areas. The Slab near Kingsland is a favorite spot, and if you want to fish while you’re there, you can grab your bait and supplies at Llanorado Lodge and Bait Shop nearby.
• Tubing and floating along the river without a care in the world. City Park is an easy spot to put in to the water and enjoy a relaxing float. 
• Kayaking and paddleboarding at the state parks or near your lakeside rentals. Valentine Lakeside offers a full range of kayaks canoes and other water toys to make your stay simple and seamless. 
• Boating on Lake LBJ. Dock your boat – or rent one! – at Lake LBJ Yacht Club and Marina. 
• Fishing for bass and catfish. While there are dozens of great places to get out on the water, Castell Crossing offers 950 feet of river frontage for bank fishing, as well as plenty of space to peacefully canoe and kayak. 

For parents of little ones, there’s also a splash pad in Badu Park where you can sit for a while and watch them play, splash and enjoy cooling off in the water. The park also has a fishing pier and barbecue pits, so you can make a day of it. 

Celebrate Together: Events and More 

In addition to all the outdoor exploration, there are also plenty of great community events that give you small town flavor, fun and charm. A few on the slate for this summer include: 

• The Llano Open Pro Rodeo takes place the first weekend in June and is a fun weekend to be in town and enjoy some of the rodeo-related activities. Watch the talented riders and let kids get in on the fun with mutton busting. 
• Aquaboom, over Independence Day weekend, is a must-see celebration with parades, street dances, fireworks, and more in the Kingsland area. 
• Lake Buchanan Big Bass Tournament is a family-friendly fishing event that gets people out on the water and having fun together. 

More Outdoor Adventures 

While the water is the star of summer in Llano County, there are also great places for other outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling and more. 

• Hiking granite hills and scenic trails: Enchanted Rock is the must-do hike in the area. While the summit trail is the most popular, the State Natural Area includes a variety of other routes. Echo Canyon is one of the most popular for rock climbing and exploring. 
• Wildlife watching: Llano County is known as the Deer Capital of Texas, but it’s also a wonderful place for watching birds and other wildlife. Bald eagles, great blue herons, and colorful buntings are common sites in the area. 
• Stargazing under wide-open Hill Country skies. The City of Horseshoe Bay is a certified Dark Sky community. Tow, one of our rural communities, is a Bortle Class 2 rated community, which means you can clearly see the Milky Way and other astronomical phenomena. 
• Gravel biking and off-road exploring: Great for adventure seekers, Lanno County has some outstanding gravel bike routes. The Castell Grind, a 44-mile gravel route, is probably the best known, but the county has plenty of places to ride and explore. 

Local Food Favorites 

You’ve probably heard about the barbecue in Llano County. That’s not all we have to offer. Llano County has plenty of great spots to enjoy a coffee, eat a great meal, or grab a beer or cocktail. Some favorite local options include: 

• Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que: Cooper’s is available in Llano but also ships its famous barbecue nationwide. Visitors can enjoy ribs, brisket, sausage and more – and can even grab a barbecue-topped pizza (the brisket mac-and-cheese is a favorite!). 
• Castell General Store: Tiny spot perfect for grabbing a bite to eat during your outdoor adventures. While food is not served daily, you can grab groceries and cold beer and can enjoy their specials (often burgers on Friday, barbecue on Saturday and steaks on Sunday). The casual vibe and easy river access is a plus. 
• Hooper’s: A great place to eat in Kingsland, Hooper’s serves up Southern favorites from a scratch kitchen. From hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners to cocktails with a Texas Chainsaw Massacre theme, there’s plenty of good options to fuel you up before or after a day of exploring. 
• Lazy Heron Coffee House: Get your caffeine buzz at this charming local coffee shop. You can even order ahead to ensure your drink is ready for you to grab before you head out on a day of adventures. Online reviewers rave about the Honey Bunny and suggest the smoothies and sweet treats as other delicious choices. 

Your Sample Summer Day Itinerary

While there are many ways to plan a perfect day in Llano County, we’ve put together a fun weekend itinerary that might be a great fit for your visit. 

Morning

• Grab a coffee from a great local spot. The options are different depending on which area of the county you’re staying in, but some great choices include Lazy Heron, Fuel Coffee House and Crazy Gals Café 
• Stop in to take photos of Llano’s historic courthouse.

Midday

• Head to the water. You can tube or kayak on the river, or rent a boat on the lake. 
• Bring a picnic lunch so you can enjoy a full day out on the water – and don’t forget your sunscreen! 

Evening

• Grab dinner and a cold at Boat Town Burger Bar. Most weekends they’ll have live music on-tap as well, and you can catch a beautiful sunset view while you dine. 

Night

• Head back to your short-term rental (so many great places to stay around the area!) and dedicate a few minutes….which could turn into an hour or more… just stargazing and reflecting on the Stargazing or a quiet evening drive

Llano County offers so much scenic beauty and so much adventure. Plus, because it’s a slow-paced community, you can explore without feeling the pressure of needing to check off a lot of boxes. Just come as you are and plan for a relaxing weekend. Whether you float the river, eat legendary barbecue, watch for wildlife or just explore and shop downtown, you can enjoy a special and unforgettable getaway in Llano County.