Top Things To Do in Texas, By The Lake & In The Hill Country

Hidden Shores and Elevated Escapes

Texas is more than tumbleweeds and trails. It’s a freshwater haven—a state where lakes stretch wide under big skies, offering moments of reflection, exhilaration, and memory-making.

This curated guide offers you under-the-radar destinations and week-long itineraries for four kinds of travelers: families chasing wonder, couples craving connection, groups gathering across generations, and even guests bringing pets along for the splash.

The Highland Lakes: One Chain, Seven Distinct Charms

Welcome to the Lower Colorado River Authority’s crown jewel: a necklace of seven shimmering lakes—Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and Lady Bird Lake. Each holds its own magic.

Lake Buchanan

Pair a morning boat ride with bald eagle sightings on the Vanishing Texas River Cruise. For thrill-seekers, Spider Mountain—the state’s only lift-served downhill bike park—is tucked right beside the lake. After adventure, unwind with lakeside dining and local craft brews in nearby Marble Falls.

Inks Lake

Plunge into Devil’s Waterhole, a granite grotto that roars with waterfalls after rains. The adjacent Longhorn Cavern offers subterranean exploration to balance sun-drenched afternoons.

Lake LBJ

Its constant-level waters invite water skiing and pontoon picnics at LBJ. July brings Kingsland AquaBoom, a July 4th celebration featuring boat parades, flyovers, and fireworks. Stay at Log Country Cove, where log homes with private docks suit reunions and milestone gatherings.

Lake Marble Falls

Early risers will find tranquility paddling its canyon-like upstream corridor. Johnson Park provides both an easy launch and a shady post-paddle picnic spot.

Lake Travis

Known for its clarity and depth, Travis is a diver’s dream. Windy Point Park hides submerged sculptures, while Pace Bend Park offers cliffside stargazing. Families adore Volente Beach and Waterloo Adventures’ inflatable floating course. The Oasis and Oasis Texas Brewing Co. make for the ultimate sunset dinner.

Lake Austin & Lady Bird Lake

Lake Austin is your go-to for captained cruises and Red Bud Isle—Austin’s off-leash dog haven. Lady Bird Lake bans motorized boats, keeping paddlers safe while skyline views mesmerize. Don’t miss the bat boat tour at dusk as 1.5 million bats take flight from the Congress Avenue Bridge.

East Texas Cypress & Pines: Mystery and Majesty

Caddo Lake feels like a Southern fairytale: ancient cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, their roots submerged in dreamy, misty bayous. Explore via paddle or hire a guide from Johnson’s Ranch Marina or Captain Ron’s Swamp Tours. The nearby Victorian town of Jefferson adds charm with antique stores and porch swings.

Additional East Texas retreats include:

• Lake Tyler & Lake Palestine: Serene waters perfect for paddleboards and fishing lines.
• Lake Livingston: A family favorite with a catfish-rich pier and accessible state park.

North Texas Big Water: Power and Play

From striper fishing on Texoma to cliffside parties at Possum Kingdom, North Texas brings big energy.

Lake Texoma

Its natural salinity supports wild striped bass. Go out with a guide from Highport Marina for dawn topwater action. Celebrate after with cocktails at The Island Bar & Grill.

Possum Kingdom

Famous for Hell’s Gate’s limestone towers, this lake offers clear water, long ski runs, and family-friendly mornings. Quiet coves glow gold at sunset, especially near The Harbor.

Metro-Adjacent Lakes

• Lake Ray Roberts: Swim beaches and shady cabins make Isle du Bois a family favorite.
• Grapevine Lake: Learn to wakesurf with DFW Surf or book a sunset sail.
• Lake Ray Hubbard: Try a romantic schooner ride with Sail with Scott.

Southern Lakes & Gulf Plains: Resorts, Forests, and Forgotten Coves

Lake Conroe

Margaritaville Lake Resort blends cabanas, pools, and boat rentals—ideal for multigenerational stays. Head north for pine-laced serenity in Sam Houston National Forest.

Lake Livingston

Great for pier fishing, paddling, and guided kids’ programs at Lake Livingston State Park.

Lake Corpus Christi

Warm, shallow coves extend the paddling season. Spring is prime for kayaking and camping.

West Texas & the Border: Blue Horizons, Ancient Art

Amistad National Recreation Area

Boasting 100-foot visibility, flooded canyons, and even submerged pecan orchards, Amistad is an aquatic marvel. Scuba divers flock to explore sunken treasures, while paddlers cruise under rock art sites like Panther Cave.

Balmorhea State Park

Not technically a lake, this desert oasis features the world’s largest spring-fed pool. Families snorkel with turtles and fish in crystal-clear water.

Tailored Itineraries for Every Kind of Traveler

From pet-first paddling days to grandparents-on-the-dock reunions, Lake.com has created micro-itineraries tailored to your travel tribe—complete with top outfitters, local eats, and photo-worthy moments.

Explorer Families, Plan The Perfect Trip from Dallas to a Week at Possum Kingdom Lake

Set off from Dallas with the windows down and the playlist up. Just two hours west lies a limestone playground wrapped around Possum Kingdom Lake—where water meets wild, and adventure meets ease.

Day 1:

• Depart Dallas mid-morning, arrive at Possum Kingdom by lunch.
• Check into a waterfront cabin at The Cliffs or a family-sized lodge with dock access.
• Explore Hell’s Gate Cove by boat—rent a pontoon from Bluff Creek Marina.
• Dinner: Bonitaville for tacos and lakefront views.

Day 2:

• Morning hike at Possum Kingdom’s Trailhead Park.
• Afternoon kayak lesson and swim session with the kids in a calm cove.
• Early dinner, followed by stargazing from the limestone bluffs of Pace Bend.

Day 3:

• Morning paddleboard session and optional cliff jump (for the brave) at designated safe zones.
• Visit Graham, a nearby small town, for pie and local history.
• Sunset boat cruise and a family movie night with s’mores on the dock.

Day 4:

• Lazy morning with breakfast on the deck.
• Take a guided fishing trip—catfish and striper are plentiful.
• Dinner at The Harbor with ice cream on the boardwalk.

Day 5:

• Morning nature walk and breakfast picnic.
• Drive back to Dallas with a detour stop at Mineral Wells State Park for one last taste of the wild.

Romantic Retreaters Departing from Austin, Heading to Lake Buchanan

Trade city buzz for the soulful quiet of the Texas Hill Country. Just 90 minutes northwest, Lake Buchanan offers cliffside sunsets, bat-filled evenings, and spa-side mornings designed for two.

Day 1:

• Depart Austin after brunch; arrive in Burnet by early afternoon.
• Check into a lakeside cabin at Canyon of the Eagles Resort.
• Sunset dinner at the resort’s Overlook Restaurant.
• Stargazing program at the on-site observatory.

Day 2:

• Couples paddle on Lake Buchanan’s quiet morning waters.
• Light hike to Fall Creek Falls—perfect for a picnic and a selfie.
• Massage session back at the resort spa.
• Dusk bat-watching cruise with Vanishing Texas River Cruise.

Day 3:

• Morning coffee at Lazy Heron Coffee House in Burnet.
• Afternoon wine tasting at Torr Na Lochs Vineyard.
• Private chef-catered dinner on your cabin’s deck.

Day 4:

• Yoga by the lake followed by breakfast in bed.
• Explore Inks Lake State Park’s Devil’s Waterhole by kayak or foot.
• Golden-hour photography walk and a final toast at Save The World Brewing Co.

Day 5:

• Breakfast and farewell stroll through Canyon of the Eagles’ nature trails.
• Scenic return to Austin with lunch in Marble Falls.

Legacy Gatherers Departing from Houston for a Week at Lake Livingston

For grandparents, grandkids, aunts, uncles, and everyone in between, Lake Livingston offers space to spread out and stories to share. Just 90 minutes north of Houston, it’s the ideal drive-to destination for meaningful connection.

Day 1:

• Depart Houston mid-morning; arrive at Lake Livingston in time for a lakeside lunch.
• Check into a large family cabin or house rental with multi-bedroom access and a private dock.
• Afternoon: explore Lake Livingston State Park, then settle in with a taco bar and welcome bonfire.

Day 2:

• Morning nature scavenger hunt and family paddle session.
• Afternoon nap and porch reading for grandparents while the kids swim.
• Group dinner at The Blue Duck Kitchen & Bar in Livingston.

Day 3:

• Optional golf or guided fishing trip for adults.
• Kids’ kayak relay and art activity (painting rocks or driftwood).
• Potluck-style dinner with everyone contributing a dish—followed by a movie under the stars.

Day 4:

• Rent a pontoon for a family cruise and onboard brunch.
• Afternoon lawn games and a shared journaling activity (a tradition starter).
• Sunset family photo session on the dock.

Day 5:

• Farewell breakfast and gratitude circle.
• Pack up and head back to Houston, stopping at a local fruit stand for jams and stories.

Each of these 5-day itineraries is designed to inspire, not dictate, so feel free to make them your own. Traveling with toddlers? Build in more downtime, early evening dinners, and sensory-friendly stops like shaded nature trails or splash pads.

Skipping the pets this time? Choose accommodations without pet fees and spend the extra time exploring vineyards, spas, or off-the-beaten-path hikes. Planning around Texas heat? Consider visiting in shoulder seasons—spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds, while fall offers golden light, cooler temps, and fewer crowds.

And if your visit overlaps with events like Kingsland AquaBoom (July 4th), Hell’s Gate firework shows, or a lighted boat parade in December, weave them into your plans for unforgettable, local flavor.

Every lake has its own rhythm. The best trips are the ones that match your own.

Essential Advice for a Smart, Safe Stay

• Reservations: Book early for peak weekends, especially wildflower season and holiday fireworks.
• Water Levels: Always check before towing a boat or planning a cliff jump.
• Etiquette: Gas motors are banned on Lady Bird Lake—paddle-only paradise.
• Safety First: Always scout cliff-jumping sites. Bring life jackets for all ages, including your dog.

Texas is full of lake life, but no two lakes are the same. Whether you’re stargazing from a canyon cove or toasting at a dockside brewery, the right lake—and the right planning—can turn a quick getaway into a lifetime memory.

Let Lake.com help you book your next waterside escape.