I’ve Lived in Texas for 20+ Years and This Is the Hill Country’s Best Lake Town—and No, It’s Not Canyon Lake

Dwelling in San Antonio, I’ve discovered that town does meals and tradition exceptionally properly—however lakes? Not a lot. So after I’m craving time by the water, I normally head towards Austin, the Hill Nation, or the Gulf Coast. Seems, I’d been overlooking a postcard-worthy Hill Nation hidden gem simply 90 minutes away in Horseshoe Bay.

Set alongside the southern financial institution of Lyndon B. Johnson Lake—higher generally known as Lake LBJ—Horseshoe Bay looks like a little bit of a mirage: it looks like a slice of the Gulf Coast tucked away neatly into the Texas Hill Nation. Anchored by a sprawling lakeside resort, the city invitations sluggish mornings, star-filled nights, and a way of romance hardly ever discovered so near the buzzing close by cities of Austin and San Antonio. 

This is what you might want to know earlier than planning a visit to Horseshoe Bay, Texas.

Greatest Issues to Do

Stretching roughly 23 miles, Lake LBJ is a constant-level lake fed by the Colorado River, providing a markedly totally different expertise from its flashier neighbor to the east. Whereas Austin’s Lake Travis has earned a repute as a celebration hub, Lake LBJ looks like its calmer, extra refined counterpart—unhurried, scenic, and refreshingly serene. From the water, the views unfold effortlessly: daylight glinting off the water’s floor, shoreline houses tucked among the many hills, and quiet coves that invite you to decelerate. A ship tour makes it straightforward to take all of it in—no effort required past sitting again, enjoyable, and having fun with the view.

For nature lovers in search of a break from the lake, Horseshoe Bay Nature Park is a quiet retreat tucked into the Hill Nation. What was as soon as slated to develop into a condominium advanced has since been lovingly remodeled right into a sanctuary for wildlife and nature lovers alike. A half-mile loop path winds by way of shaded timber, resulting in an statement deck the place a hen blind gives glimpses of feathered guests. Alongside the trail, benches invite you to pause to benefit from the Texas daylight, whereas nesting bins, bee hives, chimney swift towers, and a wildlife watering station trace on the wealthy ecosystem. 

Talking of the Texas daylight—Horseshoe Bay is a delegated darkish sky neighborhood, the second of its form within the Lone Star State and solely certainly one of eight in America. In Horseshoe Bay, the expertise doesn’t finish when the solar units—it deepens. Designated a Darkish Sky Group by DarkSky Worldwide in 2015, town is now a primary hub for stargazing and often hosts neighborhood occasions centered round viewing the heavens. Nevertheless, guests can even partake within the stunning night time sky from any a part of town on their very own. 

The place to Keep 

The sprawling Horseshoe Bay Resort is the crown jewel of town, spanning 7,000 acres with three championship golf programs and eight bars and eating places. First opened in 1971, the resort is now celebrating 55 years as a Hill Nation vacation spot—however its age belies its power. Following a sweeping $100 million renovation in 2020, Horseshoe Bay continues to evolve, with a number of new developments within the works, together with a ten,000-square-foot occasion pavilion, a45,000-square-foot wellness heart, and a brand new clubhouse and pool.

Friends will discover a extensive breadth of facilities designed for company of all ages. Three distinct swimming pools anchor the expertise—together with the one floating pool in North America, dramatically perched above Lake LBJ. Households, specifically, will discover lots to like, from a two-story jungle-themed youngsters membership to a sturdy calendar of family-friendly actions. The vacations are an particularly magical time to go to, with festive programming that features Christmas caroling, vacation markets, and a Christmas yacht cruise, alongside an impressive Christmas tree that illuminates the primary resort courtyard. 

There are a number of choices when reserving a keep on the resort—customary lodge rooms, non-public condos, houses, and townhomes. Friends who go for a keep at one of many full-sized non-public houses, condos, or townhomes can get pleasure from entry to the members-only Yacht Membership facilities, together with an unique seashore, a 27-person sizzling tub, and a lagoon-style pool. 

The place to Eat and Drink 

Eating in Horseshoe Bay largely facilities across the resort, the place a number of standout eating places anchor the culinary scene. Chief amongst them is the Waterfront Bar and Grill, a lakeside favourite set instantly on the banks of Lake LBJ.  Open to each resort company and guests, the restaurant invitations lingering meals—whether or not brunch, lunch, or dinner—on its breezy deck or inside a coastal-inspired eating room. Whereas the menu leans Southern, it’s punctuated by surprising thrives, from Korean barbecue pork stomach fried rice to tender beef brief rib completed with rosemary veal jus.

After a spherical on the greens, golfers gravitate towards J’s Restaurant and Bar, a relaxed, traditional American spot that hides one of many resort’s most compelling culinary surprises. There’s additionally the Whitewater 360 Sports activities Membership, which has loads of TVs to catch the most recent sport, along with house-crafted pizzas and meatball subs, sizzling canine, and pink chile hen nachos. All three eating places have full-service bars and have an assortment of signature and traditional cocktails. 

One other good side of Horseshoe Bay’s location is its relative proximity to the guts of Texas wine nation. Friends on the resort can make the most of the on-site shuttles, which might take company to Fredericksburg, Texas, and wineries for the day. The closest wineries to Horseshoe Bay are Pedernales Cellars, William Chris Vineyards, and Fall Creek Vineyards—all lower than an hour away from Horseshoe Bay.