11 Fun Things To Do In Kingsland, Texas

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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.

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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!

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!

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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.

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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).

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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. Bating 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!

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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.

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Where To Eat In Kingsland, Texas

7. Grand Central Cafe Restaurant

Movie buffs flock to Grand Central Cafe in Kingsland, Texas. Suppose you’re wondering why then let me fill you in.

Grand Central Cafe 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 cocktail in this piece of Texas history to Kingsland, TX.

We had brunch in the café, and it was delicious. If you are a Bloody Mary fan, then don’t miss the opportunity to try their homemade Bloody Mary mix.

This is also a great place to grab a drink. The Club Car Bar is an addition to the original house and serves delicious cocktails.

8. 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 cocktails, 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.

9. 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!

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10. The Place Downtown

Right in the heart of Kingsland, TX, visitors will find The Place Downtown. What started as a little coffee shop for their church quickly became a thriving business.

We were told that The Place Downtown is a great breakfast place, so we tried it out during our visit to Kingsland, TX, and it didn’t disappoint!

Marty enjoyed a grilled breakfast burrito, and I went for one of their delicious handmade fried pies. Both were amazing, especially that pie!

The Place Downtown also serves as a church, so they hold services and host events here, so keep that in mind when planning your visit. Of course, visitors are always welcome to attend the services!

11. Lazy Heron Coffee Shop

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!

Coffee and wine! That puts this at the top of my Texas escapes list.

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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.

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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!

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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 her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel.  Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region.  She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.