If your ideal Texas getaway involves being active and trying new things, Llano County is here and ready for you to explore.  

Our little corner of the world is a perfect spot for you to climb, fish, splash, hunt, and explore. For those who love the outdoors, Llano County provides everything you need to get outside and have the best time.  

We’ve put together a list of some of the fun options you can take on in a weekend, but it’s too much to do all in ONE weekend. You’ll want to plan to stay in Llano County at a couple of different times throughout the year, so you can enjoy the woods, the water, the hiking and more.  

Make a Splash on Lake LBJ 

Lake LBJ is one of the best parts of Llano County and of all the Highland Lakes area. It’s a wonderful place for all types of active water fun, including:  

• Swimming 

• Tubing 

• Wakeboarding  

• Wakesurfing  

You can also just enjoy taking the boat out and cruising around, or can enjoy a water-based wellness class with Board and Body.  

No boat? No problem. You can rent a boat or other watercraft like jet skis from a local marina, like Splash Boat Rentals, or making it even easier to go out and explore the lake. Some lodging options may also offer their own selection of fun water activities. For example, at Valentine Lakeside, you can use the lodge’s selection of kayaks, canoes, and swim mats for a day full of aquatic fun. 

The Kingsland area of Llano County is a great place to stay when you’re exploring Lake LBJ, with plenty of rentals that are lakeside and easy to access by land or by water.  

It’s worth adding that after all the fun is done for the day, a Lake LBJ sunset is hard to beat.  

Make it a Family Fun Day at Inks Lake State Park 

Inks Lake State Park gives visitors the best of both worlds – great options for hiking rugged granite hills, as well as plenty of opportunity to paddle, splash and explore on the water.  

The park includes nine miles of hiking trails with gorgeous views, as well as plenty of room to get out and explore on the water and rentals for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. You can also combine your options for fun by hiking to Devil’s Waterhole, an iconic natural swimming area where you could spend the whole day splashing and exploring.  

There are cabins and camping spaces in the park, but you can also stay at other lodgings outside the park and just enjoy a day pass for the weekend. Wind up your outing with a sweet treat from the on-site shop or from the shaved ice truck that’s often parked in the center of the park area.  

Explore Lake Buchanan 

Need more room to roam and explore? Head to Lake Buchanan.  

Lake Buchanan is known for wide-open water, dramatic limestone canyons, cedar-covered hills and excellent opportunities for fishing and boating. Anglers come looking for striped, white and largemouth bass, while paddlers and boaters can explore the lake from the water. 

Get Out on the Llano River 

The Llano River is another great spot for fun. Visitors (and locals!) of all ages love The Slab in Kingsland, a beautiful piece of the outdoors that’s easily accessible and perfect for all types of water fun, from fishing and splashing around to just soaking up some sun.  

You can also easily access the river from the city parks in Llano (Badu City Park and Grenwelge Park), whether you want to stroll along the banks or actually launch into the water. And, if you visit the area near Castell, you’ll find more great spots for exploring and paddling the river.  

Climb Enchanted Rock 

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is instantly recognizable to most Texans, an imposing pink granite dome that rises dramatically above the Hill Country. The summit climb delivers panoramic views and a satisfying workout, while the surrounding trails offer plenty of opportunities to explore the area's unusual landscape. 

With the new backcountry area now open, visitors to Enchanted Rock have even more opportunities to hike and explore the area and to take on 10+ miles of new trails and scenery.  

More Fun Adventures around the County   

• Vanishing Texas River Cruises give you a little natural beauty, a little education and a little exploration all in one. These Lake Buchanan cruises highlight the scenery and the ecology of the region.  

• Fish all day – the Llano River is an excellent spot for fishing and exploring. There are plenty of great spots to cast a line and set up all day. You can even plan for guided fly fishing on the river, or can sign up for one of the many annual fishing tournaments on the lakes.  

• There are multiple courses in the Llano County area, including several championship level courses in the Horseshoe Bay area. The Llano River Golf Course and The Legends Golf Course are two public options and there are several other private courses that require membership to play. 

• Gravel biking – This may be a more specialized hobby, but it’s certainly a reason people love getting out to the Llano County area. The annual Castell Grind is one of the region’s best-known cycling races, with up to 62 miles of challenging gravel road to traverse.  

• LCRA Parks – While the state parks are stunning, our area is also home to two LCRA parks:  

• Black Rock Park includes cabins and camping spots, a mini-golf course, and canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.  

• Cedar Point Recreation area is a more rugged option where you can camp, fishing, swim and boat on Lake Buchanan. 

Your Next Adventure Is Closer Than You Think 

You deserve a weekend away from it all and a chance to have fun and explore. Your next adventure doesn’t have to be next summer. Just a short drive can get you here for a Texas Hill Country weekend of fun and exploration. Come ready to be outside, explore, and make a few good memories. Start planning your trip now.