It is no secret that the Texas Hill Country is full of fun Texas small towns to explore. Kingsland, Texas, is one of the towns at the top of our list.
There are so many fun and unique things to do in Kingsland, Texas, that we are sure you will also fall in love with it!
According to the United States Census Bureau, Kingsland, TX, has just over 7,000 residents, which fits the definition of a small town in Texas!
Kingsland is big on Texas personality. Kingsland, Texas, is the perfect weekend getaway in Texas, boasting a fabulous lake and several fun restaurants!
The Austin and Northwestern Railroad added in 1892, contributed to the population increase in the community and helped turn Kingsland, Texas, into a tourism destination.
Today, visitors come to see the small town on the banks of Lake LBJ and enjoy all that the area has to offer.
Whether you want to kick back in a local restaurant or enjoy some of the best boating and fishing on one of the lakes in Texas, Kingsland, TX, has you covered!
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 in Kingsland. We want to extend a special thank you to the Kingsland Chamber of Commerce for inviting us to visit their great city.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, we get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Follow Us on Social Media
Kingsland, Texas Things To Do
1. Lake LBJ
You will find Lake LBJ about 45 minutes outside of Austin, Texas.
Lake LBJ is part of the Highland Lakes area and is a constant-level lake thanks to the Llano and Colorado Rivers joining here.
Since the lake is a constant-level lake, it draws visitors from all over the state and is an excellent inclusion on any Texas road trip.
A visit to Kingsland would not be complete without spending some time on the waters of Lake LBJ.
There is just something about cruising the waters of Lake LBJ, the Colorado River, and the Llano River that gives you a real feel for the area.
There are several boat rentals in town to take advantage of if you don’t have a boat.
Check out Wave Chasers or Splash Boat Rentals to find the perfect vessel for your day on the water.
There are boat launch sites all around the area. Consider checking out the new boat launch at Kingsland Community Park.
Kingsland Community Park is also a great place to hang out for the day.
A community rental building and an outdoor pavilion are available if you want to have a space for family and friends!
The park has a fighting pier, boat docks, washer and horseshoe pits, and picnic tables. It has everything you need for a great outdoor day in Kingsland, Texas!
The best part is the park is conveniently located close to town!
2. Check Out Hooper’s
People flock from all over the United States to visit Hooper’s in Kingsland, Texas.
Hooper’s is in the original house used to film the 1970s movie, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre!
Take time to tour the house, which is now a restaurant, to see the original staircase from the movie.
You can also see the famous door where Leatherface (the guy with the chainsaw) emerges from in the movie.
As you make your way through the house, take note of all of the movie memorabilia; the actors even sign several pieces.
Of course, you won’t want to leave without grabbing a meal and a cocktail from Hooper’s!
We visited during brunch. The food was delicious, and the cocktails were fabulous.
They even make a homemade Bloody Mary mix!
3. Explore the Fun Murals in Kingsland
To my surprise, Kingsland, Texas, is home to several fun murals.
A ‘lake life’ mural that features Lake LBJ and the Kingsland Community can be found on the side of the Kingsland, TX, Chamber of Commerce office.
This mural, which artist Crystal Nobles created, is a fun and interactive piece of art thanks to the addition of the little surfboard in front of the mural.
Another great mural in Kingsland can be found at Prosperity Bank.
The mural located at Prosperity Bank is a map of the Highland Lakes area of the Texas Hill Country.
This map shows the relationship between Lake LBJ and the other Highland Lakes.
Seeing how the Llano County rivers connect the different lakes to one another is such a treat.
While visiting, notice that this mural is made of small tiles. It is truly a work of art!
Boat Town Burger Bar visitors will also notice a fun mural painted on their building.
This mural is a tribute to the “Hill Country Riviera,” which equates to Lake LBJ and the Llano River!
4. Golf in Kingsland, TX
Golf lovers will feel right at home when they visit Kingsland, Texas, thanks to the great golf courses found in this area.
Golfers can choose from two beautiful golf courses to visit.
Legends on Lake LBJ allows golfers to play on a course designed by Roy Bechtol, Randy Russell, and Tom Kite.
This beautiful lakeside golf course is a fabulous way to spend a day outdoors in Kingsland, Texas.
Another great course in the Kingsland area is the Lighthouse Country Club.
The Lighthouse Country Club is tucked away in the beautiful Texas Hill County and features an 18-hole golf course on the banks of Lake LBJ.
Golfers here love the amenities and the view of Packsaddle Mountain, a Texas State landmark.
5. Go Fishing
Fishing is a popular Texas recreational sport and one of the best things to do in Kingsland, Texas.
Kinglands boasts access to the Llano River, the Colorado River, and Lake LBJ, ensuring that you have plenty of water to fish on.
Try your luck casting under the boat docks on Lake LBJ and see what you can catch after a day of fishing!
Lake LBJ is known to have a large population of largemouth and Guadalupe bass. In addition, anglers note that this lake has white bass, crappie, and catfish!
6. Visit Boat Town Burger Bar
Boat Town Burger Bar is the perfect place to spend an evening in Kingsland, TX.
This lakeside establishment serves up delicious craft cocktails and great pub-style food.
If you visit Boat Town Burger Bar on the weekends, you will likely find it loaded with locals enjoying some live music under the stars.
During our visit, Boat Town was hosting a crawfish boil. That and the live music and lively atmosphere made for a great evening out!
7. Try Wake Surfing
Wake surfing is a water sport where the rider rides the wave created by the boat’s wake instead of being directly pulled by the boat.
If you’ve never tried wake surfing, Kingsland, Texas, is the perfect place to try it!
There is something so freeing about riding along on the wave of the wake.
During our visit to Kingsland, I was treated to a lesson from Greg and Daphanie and could get up on my first try!
8. Try Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
If you haven’t noticed, many recreational opportunities in Kingsland, TX, revolve around the water.
Take advantage of that during your visit to try out some new activities.
My first time trying stand-up paddle boarding was during my trip to Kingsland.
If you are new to stand-up paddle boarding, try to find a spot on the lake off the main body of water.
This will ensure that you aren’t fighting with the waves from the boats as you get used to the board.
There are several areas on the lake, including the local marina, where you can rent paddle boards and other water toys to help ensure that you have a great time out on the water.
9. Enjoy Pizza From Patio 2900
Next door to Boat Town Burger Bar is Patio 2900.
Another fun lakefront establishment, Patio 2900, serves delicious pizza and fun drinks to its customers.
We ordered the Texawaiian and enjoyed it on their patio while taking in the views of Lake LBJ.
Combining Patio 2900 with Boat Town Burger Bar is an awesome way to enjoy a great night out in the Texas Hill Country!
10. Grab Breakfast at The Potato Shack
We love that Kingsland offers up so many great locally owned restaurants.
When you’re ready for breakfast, check out The Potato Shack.
The Potato Shack serves us a mean pulled pork eggs benedict for breakfast.
This unique combination consists of a homemade honey butter biscuit topped with BBQ pulled pork, a poached egg, and hollandaise sauce. It is served alongside rosemary skillet potatoes (which are divine) and a side of fruit, and it was amazing!
Of course, the potato shack also serves up their namesake, stuffed baked potatoes!
11. Get a Cup of Joe
The Lazy Heron Coffee Shop is the perfect small-town coffee shop.
Their menu boasts traditional coffee favorites and some fun and unique coffee combinations, so there is something to suit everyone’s taste.
Enjoy the cozy, laid-back atmosphere of the shop while you sip your favorite cup of coffee.
I tried the Cinn-A-Bomb during my visit, and it was delicious!
If you return later in the day, you can try the Lazy Heron’s wine selection!
Another fun coffee shop to visit is the Thirsty Armadillo.
The Thirsty Armadillo boasts hundreds of flavors so you are sure to get a unique, and delicious coffee treat.
If you aren’t into coffee, the Thirsty Armadillo has you covered there as well serving up delicious teas, fresh squeezed lemonade, and shaved ice!
12. Eat BBQ at Spyke’s BBQ
Spyke’s BBQ has been a Kingsland staple for years.
Voted Best BBQ Place for years, Spyke’s serves up delicious brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage, all cooked to perfection.
To top off your BBQ meal, don’t miss out on their delicious peach or blackberry cobbler.
13. Go Shopping
If you’re looking for some fun shopping, Kingsland has you covered there also thanks to the many locally owned shops and boutiques in town.
Check out The Wild Cactus Clothing Boutique for some fun clothing, jewelry, and shoes.
Vintage and antique dealers will definitely want to check out the local vintage stores.
The Treasure Nouk is home to over 60 vendors, supplying vintage knick knacks, clothing, furniture, and more.
My favorite vintage store in Kingsland is Duo Trading Co.
I just love how Duo Trading Co. displays their fun vintage finds. They truly allow you to see how these fun finds could fit into your home.
To find a great handmade souvenir or gift, hit up Kingsland House of Arts and Crafts. This nonprofit organization prides itself on the fact that 99% of its merchandise is handmade from local artists.
Where To Stay In Kingsland, Texas
Kingsland Vacation Rental
One of my favorite things about Kingsland, TX, is the lakeside location!
To take full advantage of this, I suggest you rent a lakeside property in Kingsland.
There are numerous rental homes located right on Lake LBJ that are perfect for a fun weekend getaway.
Whether looking for a small home for a couples getaway or a large one perfect for a family, you will find one in Kingsland, Texas.
We stayed in a great house on the water, thanks to Hill Country Stays and McAlister Realty.
The four-bedroom, three-bath home we stayed in was an excellent property.
Large picture windows surrounded the house, showing off the views of the lake, while the outside boasted an excellent entertainment area.
There was a large covered porch, a fabulous pool, and a big yard overlooking the lake below. It was truly incredible!
Antlers Inn
Staying at the Antlers Hotel is a treat for sure.
This hotel, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, is also a Texas Historic Landmark Hotel, so you know you are in for a treat.
Built initially to provide passengers of the Northwestern Railroad with a nice place to stay, today, the Antlers Inn is an authentic piece of Texas history.
The Antlers Inn offers guests three different types of accommodations for visitors.
Visitors can opt to stay in a traditional hotel room or enjoy one of the small cottages on the property.
For an extra special treat, book one of the train cars that have been converted into guest suites!
No matter what you choose, you know that you are staying in a true Texas gem when you stay at the historic Antlers Hotel.
Valentine Lakeside Resort
Valentine Lakeside Resort has a longstanding history in the Kingsland community, welcoming guests for over 65 years.
This vintage lakeside resort boasts an incredible lakeside location that offers up magnificent sunrises and sunsets, and loads of Texas hospitality.
Offering 19 guestrooms, that range from 1 to 3 bedrooms, all with fully stocked kitchens, BBQ grills, and picnic tables, ensures you can find the perfect accommodation for your group, no matter what its size!
In addition to the guestrooms, Valentine Lakeside also boasts an RV camp with a bathhouse boat slips, a heart-shaped swimming pool, water toy rentals, and an on-site store full of essentials.
When you meet current owners, Pat Muller and Susan Patten, you can’t help but fall in love with the duo.
Their passion and love for not only their resort, but for the Kingsland community as a whole is truly contagious.
Like This Post? Please Pin It!
You Might Also Like:
The 20 Best Places to Visit in Texas
5 Reasons to Visit Taste Highland Lakes Food Festival
Spring Break at South Padre Island: the Ultimate Guide
11 Amazing Places to Experience Fall in Texas
12 Cool Things to Do in Alpine, Texas (& the Big Bend Region)
8 Wineries in East Texas You Must Visit
9 Fun Things to Do in Johnson City, TX
12 Awesome Places to See Bluebonnets in Texas
Great Lavender Fields in Texas
12 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Terlingua, Texas
25 Fun Things to Do in Fredericksburg, TX
The Best Wineries in Fredericksburg, TX
16 Fun Things to Do in Georgetown, TX
Castroville, TX: 9 Reasons to Visit the Little Alsace of Texas
27 Fun Things to Do in New Braunfels, Texas
7 Awesome Things to Do in Munster, TX
19 Great Things to Do in Granbury, Texas
21 Fun Things to Do in Denton, TX
24 Awesome Things to Do in Port Aransas, TX
Tubing in Texas: Your Ultimate Guide to Float the River in Texas
Follow Us on Social Media
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.
Phoenyx
Saturday 24th of June 2023
Wake surfing looks like so much fun! And I love the bonus that you have something to hold onto unlike traditional surfing ?
texasonly
Sunday 25th of June 2023
It was such a blast. You are supposed to let go of the rope but I wasn't to that point just yet. LOL!
Sammie
Monday 17th of April 2023
You had me at the Grand Central Cafe. Part of me really wants to go because it's the filming site of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and the other part of me does NOT want to go because of that! Haha, amazing. The city looks gorgeous being right on the lake!
texasonly
Monday 17th of April 2023
Haha! You would love it. It's a cool house that serves up delicious food these days! ;)
Tanya T
Sunday 16th of April 2023
I have never tried wake surfing or paddle boarding, but I am loving all the water activities!
texasonly
Monday 17th of April 2023
It was so fun. I could easily get addicted!
Melanie
Saturday 15th of April 2023
I would travel to Texas for a good burger and crawfish boil :)
texasonly
Monday 17th of April 2023
Yes!!!
Marga
Saturday 15th of April 2023
Kingsland looks like an amazing town! Especially the lake is great with so many activities around it
texasonly
Monday 17th of April 2023
It is fun for sure. Texas has so many little hidden gems like this!