When you drive through the Texas Hill Country, you will pass by gorgeous terrain.
We are talking lakes, rivers, and, of course, small Texas towns.
While we love all Texas small towns, there is one in particular that is a hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country.
This award goes to Kingsland, Texas!
With a population of just over 7,000 (according to the United States Census Bureau), Kingsland, Texas meets the definition of a small Texas town.
Don’t let the population or size of Kingsland deter you from visiting.
Kingsland, Texas, is big on charm, full of friendly people, and has a fabulous lake and several fun restaurants to enjoy.
Now, that sounds like a great small town to us!
Kingsland started with a few businesses and a cotton gin in the 1880s.
The location in the Hill Country was then “put on the map” in 1892 when the Austin and Northwestern Railroad connected to Llano through Kingsland, Texas.
The railroad brought about a population increase that turned Kingsland into the tourism destination it is today.
Located on the banks of Lake LBJ between the Llano and Colorado Rivers, Kingsland is one of the Texas escapes that is all about lake life!
Here you can enjoy all that the Highland Lakes area of Central Texas has to offer.
While visiting Kingsland, TX, you can enjoy boating or fishing on the beautiful Lake LBJ, exploring some of the histories of Llano County, visiting the many businesses around town, or just kicking back in a local café or restaurant while getting to know the locals!
It’s easy to see why tourism is growing so quickly in Kingsland, TX.
It is such a great place that you might find yourself staying put where the rivers flow and the bluebonnets grow in Central Texas!
Let’s get busy exploring all the things to do in Kingsland, Texas so that you can start planning your Texas Hill Country adventure.
Kingsland, TX, is a city that will make you feel like a king!
Disclaimer- We were invited and compensated by the Kingsland Chamber of Commerce to feature Kingsland, TX. As always, the opinions expressed are unbiased and honest based on our experience during our time in Kingsland. We want to extend a special thank you to the Kingsland Chamber of Commerce for inviting us to visit their great city.
*This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, we get a small commission at no additional cost. That Texas Couple also participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Go Boating on Lake LBJ In Kingsland
One of the lakes in the Highland Lakes area of Texas, Lake LBJ, is about 45 minutes northwest of Austin.
One of the great things about Lake LBJ is that it is a constant-level lake thanks to the Llano and Colorado Rivers that join here.
The convenient location on Lake LBJ, combined with the fact that it is a constant-level lake, draws visitors not only from Austin but from all over Texas.
To get an authentic feel for Kingsland, TX, you must get off the banks and hit the waters of Lake LBJ.
Trust us when we tell you there is no better way to do that than by taking a boat ride on Lake LBJ, the Colorado River, and the Llano River.
We were fortunate that our host, Tara, from McAlister Realty, treated us to a day on the water on her boat. I quickly realized that skimming along the waters in Kingsland, TX is truly the way to go!
We also had the opportunity to enjoy a sunset cruise thanks to Captain Andy from Landmasters Realty in Kingsland, bot were a delightful experience!
If you don’t have access to a boat or jet ski, you should consider one of the boat rental businesses in town, such as Wave Chasers or Splash Boat Rentals.
Once you have your boat ready to gas it up, be sure to stop in at Buddies. Conveniently located in town, Buddies felt a little like a marina/gas station combo.
They had everything you would need for a day on the water, including fishing supplies, sunscreen, and snacks. In addition to all of this, you can also grab some Krispy Krunchy Chicken during your visit.
When you are ready to launch your boat, you can head to Kingsland Community Park and use their new public boat launch!
In addition to the new boat launch, Kingsland Community Park also contains a community rental building and an outdoor pavilion that are both available to rent.
These seem like the perfect place to host fun events!
Of course, the park also has boat docks, a fishing pier, picnic tables, and washers and horseshoe pits. All of this is in a park surrounded by gorgeous oak trees!
The location in town makes this TX park convenient and easy to get to.
You truly have not experienced Kingsland, Texas (or the Hill Country) if you haven’t spent time swimming, boating, and enjoying the water!
Read Next: 20 Fabulous Waterfalls in Texas
2. Play a Round of Golf in Kingsland, TX
The beautiful Texas Hill Country is the perfect place to tee off for a round of golf, and Kingsland, Texas, offers visitors two courses to choose from.
Legends on Lake LBJ is located in a beautiful lake-side community on Lake LBJ.
Guest at Legends can enjoy playing on a course designed by Tom Kite, Roy Bechtol, and Randy Russell.
Another great thing about Legends is that you can also stay on the property, thanks to The Legends Villas. These villas have everything you need to enjoy a peaceful retreat in Kingsland, Texas.
Golfers will also want to consider Lighthouse Country Club during their visit to Kingsland, TX. Nestled away in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Lighthouse Country Club features an 18-hole course on the shores of Lake LBJ.
A highlight of this course in Kingsland, Texas, is the view of Packsaddle Mountain, a Texas state landmark commemorating the last major Native American battle in the area.
Read Next: 18 Fabulous Beaches in Texas
3. Do Some Texas Fishing
One of the most popular things to do in Texas Hill County and Kingsland, Texas, is to spend the day fishing.
Kingsland gives you easy access to Lake LBJ, the Llano River, and the Colorado River means that visitors have several bodies of water to choose from.
Anglers love casting under the many boat docks located on this Texas lake. Just be sure to watch out for people swimming!
4. Check Out The Fun Murals In Kingsland
Several fun murals in Kingsland, Texas, are worth a few minutes of your time.
You will find the perfect mural for this Hill Country community on the side of the Kingsland, TX, Chamber of Commerce office.
Here you will find a ‘lake life’ mural highlighting Lake LBJ and the Kingsland, Texas community that artist Crystal Nobles created.
We loved the addition of the little surfboard off to the side of the mural that made you feel like you were a part of the scene!
This is a fun little site to visit while in Kingsland, TX, so don’t miss it!
Another impressive mural in Kingsland, TX, is the map mural located at Prosperity Bank.
This mural maps the Highland Lakes area of the Texas Hill Country. I love how the map illustrates the relationship between the Highland Lakes and how Lake LBJ and the Llano County rivers connect to the other lakes and the city of Kingsland, TX.
When visiting the mural at the Prosperity Bank, note that this mural is made entirely out of small tiles. This map is a work of art that the city and county will continue to preserve.
I mean, it is a piece of Kingsland, TX history.
There is also a great mural at Boat Town Burger Bar that is a tribute to the “Hill Country Riviera” (aka Lake LBJ and the Llano River).
Read Next: 12 Awesome Things To Do In Marble Falls
5. Try Wake Surfing
If you haven’t tried wake surfing, then you are missing out!
Trust me when I tell you that Kingsland, TX is the perfect place to give this one a go.
Boating on the lake is fun, but there is nothing like cruising on a wave behind the boat.
I tried wake surfing for the first time during our trip to Kingsland and couldn’t believe that I got up and could do it!
Thanks to Greg and Daphanie for being such patient teachers! LOL!
Read Next: 25 Fun Things To Do In Corpus Christi, Texas
6. Do Some Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Another fun lake activity to enjoy during your trip to Kingsland, TX, is stand-up paddle boarding.
If you are new to stand-up paddle boarding, I recommend that you find a site on the lake that is out of the way of the main body of water.
The lack of waves in these areas will help give you the confidence to stand up and enjoy being on the board.
If you don’t have a board of your own, you can check at the local marina and boat rentals to see about renting one during your trip to Kingsland, TX.
7. Go Shopping in Kingsland
I love that Kingsland offers some great locally owned shops and boutiques to browse during your visit.
If you are looking for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts or souvenirs, you definitely want to visit the nonprofit Kingsland House of Arts and Crafts, where over 99% of their products are from local artists.
If you are into vintage home decor, then I highly recommend a visit to Duo Trading Co. This store is full of beautiful and unique items for you home, and it is staged wonderfully!
Another fun vintage shop to visit is The Treasure Nouk. Here you can find over 60 vendors showcasing antiques and vintage consignment merchandise.
Read Next: 15 Fun Things To Do In Canyon Lake, Texas
Where To Eat In Kingsland, Texas
8. Hooper’s
Movie buffs flock to Hooper’s in Kingsland, Texas. Suppose you’re wondering why then let me fill you in.
Hooper’s is housed in the original house where the 1970s movie The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was filmed!
Visitors can tour the house turned restaurant to see the original staircase and the infamous door from which Leatherface (the guy with the chainsaw) emerged.
Of course, you will also find memorabilia, including signed photographs from the actors, throughout the site.
During your visit, grab a meal and a co*cktail in this piece of Texas history to Kingsland, TX.
We had brunch at Hooper’s, and it was delicious. If you are a Bloody Mary fan, then don’t miss the opportunity to try their homemade Bloody Mary mix.
9. Boat Town Burger Bar
If you want to enjoy a meal while looking out over Lake LBJ during your time in Kingsland, Texas, you should head straight to Boat Town Burger Bar.
This Kingsland, TX hot spot serves up delicious pub-style food accompanied by yummy craft co*cktails, all with a view of Lake LBJ!
Locals and visitors flock to Boat Town on the weekends to enjoy the lively atmosphere accompanied by live music under the Texas stars.
They also host events throughout the year. During our visit, they were having a Texas crawfish boil, and boy, it looked and smelled delicious!
This is truly a hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country.
10. Patio 2900
You will find Patio 2900, located right next to Boat Town Burger Bar. While both boast great lake views, Patio 2900 serves delicious pizza instead of burgers and pub food.
After ordering your favorite pizza (we went for the Texawaiian, which was terrific), head outside to enjoy their fabulous location on Lake LBJ.
The great thing about this location is that you get to check out the events at Boat Town at the same time!
That makes for a great night out in the Hill Country!
Read Next:
11. The Potato Shack
Located right in the heart of Kingsland is a fabulous locally owned restaurant, The Potato Shack.
The Potato Shack is best known for their delicious baked potatoes that you can fill with all sorts of yummy toppings. Of course, they have your standard butter, cheese, and chives, but they also offer some unique toppings like tomatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, and jalapenos.
In addition to their delicious baked potatoes, The Potato Shack also serves a pineapple chicken salad, and fun, daily specials.
We visited The Potato Shack for breakfast and enjoyed their special Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict.
They topped a honey butter biscuit with BBQ pulled pork, a poached egg, and hollandaise sauce. It was delicious!
12. Grab a Coffee at Lazy Heron Coffee Shop or The Thirsty Armadillo
You cannot visit Kingsland, Texas, without going to Lazy Heron Coffee Shop. This fun Highland Lakes coffee shop serves delicious coffee in a laid-back, cozy atmosphere.
We loved all of the fun coffee combinations on the menu. I went for the Cinn-A-Bomb, and it was incredible!
If you visit later in the day, you can try out their wine selection!
Another options for a great coffee is The Thirsty Armadillo.
Offering up hundreds of flavor combination, everyone is sure to find their perfect coffee when they visit the Thirsty Armadillo. I tried their Texas Pecan iced coffee and it was delicious!
If you aren’t in the mood for coffee, The Thirsty Armadillo also offers fresh squeezed lemonade, teas, and shaved ice!
13. Spyke’s BBQ
When you enter into Spyke’s BBQ, you know you are in for a treat. (I mean, just look at all of the awards lining their walls!)
Spyke’s serves up delicious Texas-style BBQ with all of the sides. Here you can enjoy a delicious brisket plate, or the perfect cut of sausage, complete with cole slaw and potato salad.
If you’re smart, you will save room for dessert and try their peach cobbler, it is divine!
Read Next: Glamping in Texas: 15 Fabulous Places To Go
Where To Stay In Kingsland, Texas
Vacation Rental
One of the great things about the lakeside location of Kingsland, TX, is that several properties on Lake LBJ offer lodging.
You can easily rent a lakeside home to enjoy in Kingsland, TX.
Many of the rental homes here include boat docks as well. This makes them one of the perfect Texas escapes for you and your family.
Thanks to Hill Country Stays and McAlister Realty, we had a great stay!
This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home had everything you need for the perfect weekend in the Texas Hill Country. Of course, the best part was the view from the home of Lake LBJ. Marty said he felt like a king for sure staying in this home.
Read Next: 101 Travel Experiences For Your Couple’s Bucket List
Valentine Lakeside Resort
Located on the beautiful banks of the Llano River, Valentine Lakeside Resort has been a part of the Kingsland community since the 1950’s.
Current owners, Pat Muller and Susan Patten, pride themselves on their love for not only their resort, but for the Kingsland community as a whole.
This love is apparent is everything they do. Families return to Valentine Lakeside year after year to continue time honored family reunions and traditions.
Staying at Valentine Lakeside means you get to choose between 19 guestrooms, each offer a different number of bedrooms, but all with a great lakeside location.
In addition to the cabins, Valentine Lakeside also offers 8 full hook up RV sites for guests, complete with a bathhouse.
During your time here, you can watch amazing sunrises and sunsets, try out canoeing or kayaking, go swimming, or just relax under the shade of their gorgeous pecan trees.
Antlers Inn
Another lodging option in Kingsland, TX, is Antlers Inn. The Antlers Hotel is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is a Texas Historic Landmark Hotel. History seems to radiate from the hotel the moment you approach it.
The Antlers Hotel was initially built to provide passengers of the Northwestern Railroad with an elegant place to stay on the river. The gorgeous porches surrounding the hotel welcome guest and invite them inside to enjoy a piece of Texas history.
They offer three different types of accommodations for visitors to choose from means that there is the perfect lodging option for all visitors here. You can live out history in traditional hotel rooms, enjoy serenity in one of their cottages, or spend the night in their on-site train cars!
Spread the Love! Please Share This Post on Social Media!
While You’re Here, Check Out These Other Texas Posts:
15 Fun Things To Do In Glen Rose, TX
5 Reasons to Visit This East Texas Winery
6 Reasons to Take an East Texas Wine Tour
12 Unique Things to Do in Alpine, Texas
Gaylord Texan Christmas: 15 Reasons to Visit
16 Fun Things to Do in Georgetown, Texas
80 Ideas For Date Night In Fort Worth
Bluebonnets In Texas: 12 Great Places to See Them
15 Awesome Things to Do in Spicewood, TX
Lavender Fields in Texas
50 Awesome Texas Bucket List Experiences
5 Fabulous Road Trips In Texas
Covered Wagon Camping: Unique Places To Stay In Texas
An Amazing Weekend at an Oklahoma Elephant Sanctuary
Romantic Weekend in Downtown McKinney
20 Awesome Things To Do In Wimberley, TX
30 Incredible Day Trips From Dallas
15 Romantic Getaways In Texas
30 Fun Things To Do In Fredericksburg, TX
About the Author
Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through creative content creation and her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel and accompanying social media accounts. She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.
