Head about 45 minutes northwest of Austin and you will find one of Texas’ hidden gems, LBJ Lake. Lake LBJ is just one of the five lakes that make up the Highland Lakes of Burnet County, and is a fabulous weekend getaway! This area is exploding with craft breweries, boutique wineries, great restaurants, fun outdoor recreation, and more!
LBJ Lake was originally called Lake Granite Shoals as a result of the Granite Shoals Dam. The name changed from Granite Shoals Lake to Lake Lyndon B. Johnson and is now simply referred to as Lake LBJ.
Lake LBJ starts near Horseshoe Bay and goes all the way up to Kingsland, which is the area that we spent our weekend getaway in! The great thing about Lake LBJ is that it is a constant-level lake, thanks to the Colorado River and Llano River joining here and the control from the Granite Shoals Dam.
But you aren’t here to learn the history of the lake. You’re here to explore all of the great things there are to do during a weekend trip to this area, so let’s get to it!
*This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, we get a small commission at no additional cost to you. That Texas Couple is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.
In addition to these, Marty and I were guests of The Highland Lakes of Burnet County Tourism Board for this trip. This was a paid partnership, but as always, the opinions expressed here are unbiased and based upon our actual experience during the trip.
Things to do In and Around LBJ Lake
This area of the Texas Hill Country will welcome you with open arms. We had so much fun meeting the locals and learning all about Lake LBJ and the surrounding community of the Highland Lakes of Burnet County.
Play Golf at Legends Golf Course
If you are a golfer, then The Legends Golf Course has to be on your list of activities for your weekend trip to Lake LBJ. The Legends is a public golf course that is part of a lakeside community located in Kingsland, Texas.
Not only is the golf course kept in pristine condition, but you get the joy of seeing the lake from several areas on the course. One beautiful area, in particular, is where the Colorado River and the Llano River come together.
The fees are inexpensive when compared to other courses, so you can enjoy a day of golf without breaking the bank!
In addition to playing golf at The Legends, you can also make this area your home base as we did.
The Legends has vacation rentals located just steps from the golf course! These one-bedroom villas can be rented by the night even! More information on The Villas is below.
Go Fishing on LBJ Lake
Fishing is one of the most popular things to do on Lake LBJ. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the lake is home to white bass, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass.
The white bass are known to run up the Llano River in the spring, and the crappie are said to be best in the Highland Lakes area.
If you don’t have a boat, don’t worry, you can still go fishing.
You can fish from the bank in several areas around the lake you can rent a boat for the day or weekend, or you can hire a guide to take you out for a day of fishing on their boat!
Ride Jet Skis or Rent a Boat
Since LBJ Lake is a constant-level lake, you will find that it is a great place to just have fun on the water. The long Colorado River arm of the lake joins with the Llano River arm, giving you plenty of great areas to explore.
There is a boat ramp near the dam, at the marina, and several others located throughout the lake.
If you want to see some expensive real estate, hop on your jet ski or boat and head to Horseshoe Bay or Applehead Island. The homes in Horseshoe Bay and Applehead Island are multi-million dollar homes and estates, making this valuable Texas real estate for sure!
If you have a boat, The Llano River and Colorado River arms are also great areas for water skiing. Again, the constant water level makes water skiing a popular summertime activity.
While you are out on the water, don’t miss your chance to check out Sunrise Beach. Sunrise Beach is a shallow water area where boats come to drop anchor and socialize. Sunrise Beach is definitely where the party is on Lake LBJ.
You will find boat rentals at several marinas on the lake. Check them out to enjoy a day on the water!
Explore Texas Hill Country Breweries
Craft beer is the latest obsession in Texas, and lucky for you, the area in and around Kingsland, Texas has some great craft breweries!
Save the World Brewery
Save the World Brewery is located about 20 minutes from Lake LBJ in the small town of Marble Falls. The great thing about Save the World is that this is a 100% philanthropic business.
If that alone doesn’t make you want to visit Save the World, then go for the great beer. Their beer is naturally carbonated, unfiltered, and unpasteurized, meaning you are getting beer in the purest form possible.
The tasting room has a great patio area with several different seating options. There is also an area inside the warehouse that has several tables and televisions.
During your visit, you are welcome to purchase a flight of beer as we did. This allowed us to sample several of their beers to determine which is our favorite!
Bear King Brewery
Bear King Brewing Co. is located right in the heart of Marble Falls, directly behind the Bluebonnet Cafe.
The minute I stepped foot into Bear King, I knew this was unlike other breweries we had visited. The upbeat atmosphere welcomed us, and we were immediately greeted by several different seating areas to choose from, each with a different vibe.
During our visit, we had the opportunity to meet one of the owners, Grant, and learn more about Bear King. I loved discovering that the operation is run by Grant and his siblings, each represented in their logo by the four prongs on the king’s hat.
Grant walked us through the beer-making process and gave us recommendations for beers based upon our preferences (and I will say that he was right on point)!
In addition to great Texas craft beer, Bear King also makes a cider that changes flavors seasonally. For my wine lovers, they also offer several wines to choose from.
During your visit to Bear King, be sure and grab some food to accompany your beer. We recommend the Pimento Guy, a delicious pimento cheese burger with bacon and jalapenos!
Honestly, Bear King will become one of our go-to spots every time we visit Marble Falls!
Visit Sweet Berry Farms
You will find Sweet Berry Farms located about 20 minutes outside of Lake LBJ in Marble Falls. This family-owned farm is a fabulous thing to add to your weekend getaway itinerary.
Our visit was in October during their ‘Harvest of Fall Fun’. We had a great time taking pictures in the huge pumpkin patch, picking flowers from the flower field, going on a hayride, and finding our way through the giant Texas-shaped maze, and eating some of their homemade pumpkin ice cream!
Of course, there were loads of kids’ activities also.
Spring activities at Sweet Berry Farms include picking your own strawberries or tulips from the farm.
It is free to park at Sweet Berry Farms and there is no admission fee, but you do have to pay for the activities that you choose to participate in.
Visit their website for the most up-to-date information and fees.
Explore the Caverns at Longhorn Cavern State Park
Longhorn Cavern State Park is located in Burnet County just a few miles from Lake LBJ.
To begin your visit, take a hike on the many trails that are a part of the State Park. Along these trails, you will notice several of the historic buildings that are remnants from the days of the CCC being here.
One such building is the lookout tower. Be sure to climb to the top of the lookout tower to get a beautiful view of the surrounding Texas Hill Country.
While these trails are great, that is not the main attraction at this state park. People visit Longhorn Cavern State Park to tour the gorgeous caverns that are here.
Visitors are taken on a guided tour of the cavern to learn all about how the geology of the cavern formed and the important place that it has in Texas history.
This is truly an incredible cavern, so don’t miss it while on your Lake LBJ adventure!
Check Out the Local Restaurants
Wakepoint
Wakepoint is located waterfront on Lake LBJ and is a local hangout for sure.
Behind the store, you will find loads of activities at this waterfront location. There is a park-like area with picnic tables and yard games for you to enjoy while you are waiting on your food from the onsite restaurant.
The restaurant serves up casual Texas cuisine like bar-b-que, hamburgers, tacos, and pizzas, making it a family-friendly place to visit for sure.
Wakepoint is also home to ‘The Spot’, a waterfront bar that is located on the upper story of a dock. Here you can enjoy some tasty adult beverages while listening to live music or singing along with the Friday night karaoke.
The Spot at Wakepoint is the perfect place to watch the sunset over Lake LBJ!
The Real New Orleans Style Restaurant
When we heard there was an authentic New Orleans-style restaurant just a few miles from Lake LBJ, we had to go check it out!
Believe me when I tell you that the Real New Orleans Style Restaurant did not disappoint! You have to start with their hand-battered onion ring with the rosette sauce, trust us!
For our meal, I went for my favorite, the shrimp and grits, and Marty went for their special, the half rack of smoked ribs.
The shrimp and grits were incredible and Marty’s ribs literally fell off the bone.
Not only is the food amazing, but the story is even better. Be sure and check out the wall in the restaurant that tells all about the families that relocated to this area after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
La Tequila Jalisco
If you are in the mood for some Mexican food during your time in the Kingsland and Lake LBJ area, then be sure and go to La Tequila Jalisco.
La Tequila Jalisco serves up all of your Tex-Mex favorites along with some traditional choices also. Their patio overlooking the water is the perfect place to sip a margarita while enjoying the Texas sunshine.
Let me warn you though, their portions are huge, so be ready.
We visited during breakfast. I chose the chilaquiles and Marty chose an omelet. Both were delicious, but there was no way we could finish all of it.
Where to Stay on Lake LBJ
The Villas at The Legends Golf Course
The Villas at Legends Golf Course were the perfect rentals for our weekend getaway and are a great place for a couple or a small family.
The spacious condo allowed us to have a large king-size bed, a living room, and a full kitchen that was stocked with everything you could possibly need.
Add that to the fact that you are overlooking a pond on the property and you have a great weekend getaway.
The gated golf course community was welcoming and safe, and we especially loved the deer that would frequent the area in the mornings and evenings.
Not only that, the golf course is literally in your backyard, so if you are a golfer, there is no better place to be!
Log Country Cove
Another great place to consider staying on your visit to Lake LBJ is Log Country Cove.
Log Country Cove is located on the shores of Lake LBJ and consists of several log cabins and homes that are available for rent.
The resort has a fabulous shared common area that is right on the water, allowing easy access to the lake and lake sports for all of their guests.
They also offer boat rentals, jet ski rentals, and more right at the resort. They are very near Kingsland in the town of Burnet, so you are super close to all of the attractions that we have listed here in this article.
Final Thoughts on a Weekend Getaway to Lake LBJ
Whether you are riding jet skis or cruising in one of the many boat rentals on the lake, LBJ Lake will not disappoint you. This Texas gem has people flocking to Kingsland to enjoy fishing on this fun lake reservoir.
If you are here in the spring, this is also a great area to see bluebonnets in Texas!
Of course, these are only a few of the great things to do on a weekend getaway to Lake LBJ. While here you can check out the local parks, enjoy the acres of hiking trails, and explore the wineries in the region.
The Highland Lakes of Burnet County, and specifically Lake LBJ just have so much to offer!
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Erin
Saturday 16th of October 2021
I've spent so many fun weekends on Lake LBJ. It's one of my favorite spots in Texas, and one of the places I miss most since moving to the East Coast. You make me want to head back for a visit!
thattexascouple
Monday 18th of October 2021
Thank you so much, Erin! It really is a great place to visit!
Terri
Saturday 16th of October 2021
I would love to be escaping here right now.
thattexascouple
Monday 18th of October 2021
It is a great escape for sure :)
Elena Pappalardo
Saturday 16th of October 2021
Lake LBJ looks like the perfect place to escape the daily grind. I'd definitely love to check out the breweries too!
thattexascouple
Monday 18th of October 2021
Oh yeah! The lake is perfect and the breweries are fun!
Alex
Saturday 16th of October 2021
Wish I knew about LBJ Lake when I visited Austin last. Thanks for the information! Pinning for my next visit! Yay!
thattexascouple
Monday 18th of October 2021
So glad to hear this, Alex! Thanks so much!