15 Must-Try Things to Do in Kingsland TX, USA

Things to do in Kingsland TX offer endless fun for anyone who loves lakes, adventure, and small-town charm. This beautiful spot in Texas Hill Country sits right on Lake LBJ, where the Colorado River meets the Llano River. From our lakeside retreats at Playcation Homes, we've watched countless guests discover why Kingsland is such a special place to visit.

Whether you want to spend lazy days on the water, explore caves, or enjoy great food with lake views, Kingsland has something for everyone. Our guests often tell us they didn't expect so many fun activities in such a peaceful setting. That's what makes this area perfect - you get the best of both worlds.

We've put together this guide based on what our guests love most about staying here. These are the spots and activities that keep people coming back year after year. From our lakehouse windows, we see families making memories, friends reconnecting, and couples finding their perfect escape.

Top Things to Do in Kingsland TX

1. Spend the Day at Lake LBJ

Lake LBJ is the heart of everything fun in Kingsland. This beautiful lake stays full all year long, which means you can enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing no matter when you visit. The lake stretches for miles, giving you plenty of space to explore.

Many of our visitors rent boats from local marinas or bring their own to launch at Kingsland Community Park. The calm waters are perfect for beginners, while more experienced boaters love the open areas for water skiing and wakeboarding.

⭐ Best time to visit: Summer months for warmest water

💵 Price Level: Free to access, boat rentals vary

📍 Location: Throughout Kingsland area

⏰ Access: 24/7 public access

2. Get Your Adrenaline Pumping at Spider Mountain

Spider Mountain is the only place in America where you can ride a chairlift up with your mountain bike, then race down amazing trails. This unique spot draws bikers from all over Texas. They have nine different trails, so whether you're just starting out or you're an expert, there's a perfect trail for you.

Our guests love coming back to our lakehouse after a day of mountain biking. There's something special about cooling off in our pool after an adventure-filled day on the trails.

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 from 505 reviews

💵 Price Level: Mid-range adventure activity

📍 Location: 200 Greenwood Hills Trail, Burnet, TX 78611

📞 Contact: +1512-756-4878

Learn more about Spider Mountain Mountain Bike Park

3. Explore Longhorn Cavern State Park

Longhorn Cavern is called "The National Cave of Texas" for good reason. This amazing underground world was formed over millions of years. You'll see incredible rock formations that look like animals, castles, and other magical shapes.

The guided tours are perfect for families. Kids love the adventure of going underground, while adults enjoy learning about the cave's history. The temperature inside stays cool all year, making it a great escape from hot Texas summers.

⭐ Perfect for: Families with kids, nature lovers

💵 Price Level: Affordable state park entry

📍 Location: About 10 minutes from Kingsland

⏰ Tours: Multiple times daily

4. Taste Amazing Wines at Perissos Vineyard

Perissos Vineyard makes some of the best wine in Texas. The Martin family who runs it are incredibly friendly and passionate about their craft. If you visit during July or August, you might even get to help with the grape harvest!

Many of our guests make wine tasting a regular part of their Kingsland visits. The vineyard has beautiful views, and the tasting room has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that matches perfectly with the peaceful vibe of our lakehouse retreats.

⭐ Rating: 4.9/5 from 347 reviews

💵 Price Level: Mid-range wine tasting

📍 Location: 7214 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611

📞 Contact: +1512-820-2950

⏰ Hours: Daily 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM (6:00 PM on weekends)

Learn more about Perissos Vineyard and Winery

5. Dine at the Famous Hooper's Café

Hooper's Café has a claim to fame that movie buffs love - it's housed in the original building where "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" was filmed! Don't worry though, the only thing scary about this place now is how good the food is.

The restaurant serves excellent steaks, delicious omelets, and has one of the best chocolate cakes you'll ever try. Our guests often walk here from our properties for a fun dinner out. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, with movie memorabilia throughout.

⭐ Rating: 4.3/5 from 1,461 reviews

💵 Price Level: Moderate dining

📍 Location: 1010 King Ct, Kingsland, TX 78639

📞 Contact: +1325-388-6022

⏰ Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (opens earlier on weekends)

Learn more about Hooper's Cafe

6. Enjoy Waterfront Dining at Boat Town Burger Bar

Boat Town Burger Bar offers something really special - you can actually have your meal delivered right to your boat! This lakeside spot serves great burgers and has live music on weekends. The atmosphere is casual and fun, perfect for a relaxing evening after a day on the water.

Our guests love the convenience of being able to boat over for dinner. The sunset views from the patio are incredible, and there's often live Texas music to enjoy while you eat.

⭐ Rating: 4.3/5 from 754 reviews

💵 Price Level: Moderate dining

📍 Location: 1538 RR 2900, Kingsland, TX 78639

📞 Contact: +1325-762-7980

⏰ Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Learn more about Boat Town Burger Bar

7. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding

The calm waters around Kingsland are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Just Yakin Kayak Rentals will deliver kayaks right to you and pick them up when you're done. This makes it super easy to explore the quiet coves and hidden spots along the shoreline.

Many of our guests start their day with a peaceful paddle, then come back to relax by our pools. The gentle current makes it easy for beginners, while experienced paddlers can explore further up the Colorado River or Llano River.

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 from 24 reviews

💵 Price Level: Affordable rental rates

📞 Contact: +1325-668-2536

⏰ Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (1:00 PM start on Sundays)

Learn more about Just Yakin Kayak Rentals

8. Fish in Some of Texas's Best Waters

Fishing in Kingsland is fantastic year-round. Lake LBJ, the Colorado River, and Llano River all offer different types of fishing experiences. Bass fishing is especially popular, and many of our guests catch their dinner right from our lakefront properties.

The constant water level means fish are always active, and there are plenty of boat docks and structure that attract fish. Whether you prefer fishing from shore, a boat, or wading in the rivers, you'll find great spots everywhere.

💵 Price Level: Free from shore, boat rentals available

📍 Best spots: Lake LBJ, Colorado River, Llano River

⏰ Best times: Early morning and evening

9. Swim at The Slab

The Slab is a local favorite swimming spot on the Llano River right in the middle of Kingsland. This sandy beach area has shallow, clear water that's perfect for families with kids. The natural swimming hole stays cool even on hot summer days.

Our guests often go here from our Misty Waters pet-friendly rental for a quick swim or to let kids play in the shallow water. It’s a great spot for picnics and just relaxing by the river.

⭐ Perfect for: Families with children, swimming

💵 Price Level: Free

📍 Location: Llano River, central Kingsland

⏰ Access: Daylight hours

10. Take a Relaxing Lake Cruise

WorryBGone Cruises offers the perfect way to see Lake LBJ without having to drive a boat yourself. Captain Randy knows all the best spots and loves sharing local stories and history. These cruises are especially popular for sunset tours.

Many of our guests book a cruise on their first day to get familiar with the lake, then rent boats for the rest of their stay. It's a great way to learn about the area and see parts of the lake you might miss otherwise.

⭐ Rating: 5/5 from 52 reviews

💵 Price Level: Very reasonable cruise prices

📞 Contact: +1830-798-5716

⏰ Hours: Daily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Learn more about WorryBGone Cruises

11. Shop for Local Art and Crafts

Kingsland House of Arts & Crafts showcases the work of local artists and crafters. Over 99% of their items are made by people from the area. You'll find everything from handmade jewelry to unique home decor items that you won't see anywhere else.

Our guests love browsing here for special souvenirs that remind them of their lake getaway. The shop also hosts workshops where you can learn new crafts.

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 from 13 reviews

💵 Price Level: Varies by item

📍 Location: 112 W Chamberlain St, Kingsland, TX 78639

📞 Contact: +1325-388-6159

⏰ Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Learn more about Kingsland House of Arts & Crafts

12. Play Golf with Lake Views

Lighthouse Country Club offers 18 holes of golf with stunning views of Lake LBJ and Packsaddle Mountain. This course is perfect for golfers of all skill levels, and the scenery makes every round enjoyable even if your score isn't perfect.

Legends Golf Course is another great option, designed by famous golfer Tom Kite. Both courses offer a peaceful way to spend a morning or afternoon, and they're both close to our lakehouse properties.

⭐ Perfect for: Golf enthusiasts, scenic views

💵 Price Level: Standard golf course rates

📍 Location: Multiple courses in Kingsland area

13. Explore Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake State Park is just a short drive from Kingsland and offers incredible outdoor activities. The park has hiking trails, swimming areas, camping spots, and even scuba diving opportunities. The lake here is also a constant-level lake, so it's always full and beautiful.

Many of our guests make day trips here for hiking and swimming, then return to the comfort of our lakehouse for the evening. The park has over 200 campsites if you want to extend your outdoor adventure.

⭐ Perfect for: Hiking, swimming, camping

💵 Price Level: Affordable state park entry fee

📍 Location: Short drive from Kingsland

⏰ Hours: Daily access

14. Visit Danger Island

Danger Island became a local hotspot after flooding in 2018 created this unique sandbar area. Despite the scary name, it's actually a fun place where boaters gather to swim, socialize, and enjoy the sun. The island changes shape depending on water levels, making each visit a little different.

Our guests often boat over here during busy weekends to join the party atmosphere. It's become one of those "locals know" spots that makes you feel like you're part of the Lake LBJ community.

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 from 94 reviews

💵 Price Level: Free (need boat access)

📍 Location: Lake LBJ

⏰ Access: Daylight hours by boat

Learn more about Danger Island

15. Experience AquaBoom July 4th Celebration

AquaBoom is Kingsland's amazing July 4th celebration that happens right on Lake LBJ. Hundreds of boats gather on the lake to watch fireworks explode over the water. It's one of the most spectacular Independence Day celebrations in Texas.

Our lakehouse guests have front-row seats for this incredible show. Many people book their stays specifically for AquaBoom weekend. The celebration includes live music, food, and a party atmosphere that lasts all day.

⭐ Perfect for: July 4th celebrations, fireworks

💵 Price Level: Free to watch

📍 Location: Lake LBJ

⏰ When: July 4th weekend annually

Tips for Making the Most of Your Kingsland Adventure

After hosting hundreds of guests at our Playcation Homes properties, we've learned what makes a Kingsland trip truly special. Here are our insider tips:

Best Time to Visit: Summer months offer the warmest water and most activities, but spring and fall have fewer crowds and beautiful weather. Winter is surprisingly mild and perfect for hiking and cave exploring.

Getting Around on the Water: If you're new to boating, start with a guided cruise to learn the lake layout. Local boat rental companies like Splash Boat Rentals offer quick orientations that make you feel confident on the water.

Where to Stock Up: Stop at local grocery stores before heading to more remote activities. Many of our guests enjoy grilling at our properties after days of adventure.

Making Reservations: Popular spots like Perissos Vineyard and Spider Mountain can get busy on weekends. Calling ahead saves disappointment, especially during peak season.

Packing Essentials: Don't forget sunscreen, comfortable water shoes, and a cooler for drinks. Lake days can last from sunrise to sunset when you're having fun.

From our lakehouse retreats, we've watched countless families create memories that last lifetimes. The key is balancing adventure with relaxation - that's what makes Kingsland so special.

Wrapping Up Your Perfect Kingsland Getaway

Kingsland offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation that makes every visit memorable. From thrilling mountain bike rides to peaceful sunset cruises, there's something here for everyone who loves the outdoors and lake life.

What makes these experiences even better is having the perfect place to return to each evening. Our Playcation Homes properties provide the comfort and tranquility you need after days filled with adventure. Whether you're cooling off in our private pools, enjoying lake views from our decks, or gathering with family in our spacious living areas, our lakehouse retreats enhance every moment of your Kingsland experience.

Discover Playcation Homes and explore our beautiful lakehouse rentals and begin your escape to the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kingsland known for?

Kingsland is known for Lake LBJ, excellent fishing and boating, the famous Hooper's Café (from Texas Chainsaw Massacre), and being home to Spider Mountain - America's only year-round lift-served mountain bike park. The area is also famous for its constant-level lakes and beautiful Texas Hill Country setting.

What's in Kingsland, TX?

Kingsland has Lake LBJ for water activities, The Slab swimming area on the Llano River, Perissos Vineyard, multiple golf courses, boat rentals, restaurants like Boat Town Burger Bar, local art shops, and easy access to state parks. The town sits where the Colorado River meets the Llano River.

Is Kingsland, TX a good place to live?

Kingsland offers a peaceful lakeside lifestyle with year-round outdoor activities, friendly small-town community, and proximity to Austin (about 45 minutes). The constant water levels and mild climate make it attractive for those who love lake living and outdoor recreation.

What is Kingsland, Texas close to?

Kingsland is close to Austin (45 minutes), Burnet, Marble Falls, and Llano. It's also near several state parks including Inks Lake State Park, Longhorn Cavern State Park, and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The town provides easy access to the entire Highland Lakes region of Texas.

When is the best time to visit Lake LBJ?

Lake LBJ is great year-round due to its constant water level and Texas Hill Country's mild climate. Summer offers the warmest water for swimming and the most activities. Spring and fall have perfect weather with fewer crowds. Even winter is pleasant for hiking and exploring caves.

Can you swim in Lake LBJ year-round?

Yes, Lake LBJ maintains constant water levels throughout the year, making it swimmable in all seasons. Summer months offer the warmest water temperatures, while spring and fall provide comfortable swimming conditions. Many locals swim year-round, especially in sunny winter weather