Texas Hill Country's Best Lake Town Offers A Major Resort, Golf, And Fun On The Water

The Texas Hill Country is a great place to unwind, whether you're exploring the marvelous Enchanted Rock State Natural Area or relaxing by the Highland Lakes. But to truly immerse yourself in region's rugged beauty, you have to visit the small city of Horseshoe Bay.

Horseshoe Bay is around 53 miles outside of Austin on Lake Lyndon B. Johnson — or Lake LBJ for short — a reservoir on Texas' Colorado River. It was a ranch until the early 1970s and was developed into a resort community around five decades ago. The city of about 5,700 is anchored by the Horseshoe Bay Resort, a 7,000-acre luxury destination for outdoor fun and wellness. The resort offers a variety of dining experiences, spa treatments, and activities for those young and young at heart. On the property, guests will have access to world-class golf courses, racquet sports, swimming facilities, and boating activities on the water. 

Horseshoe Bay is just over an hour's drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), the primary gateway to Hill Country. Travelers flying in are recommended to rent a car, or arrange transportation in advance through the Horseshoe Bay Resort if staying on site. Be sure to book your rental car and tee times in advance, especially if you visit on a weekend or holiday.

Horseshoe Bay Resort, a recipient of the AAA Four Diamond rating for outstanding hospitality, has several types of accommodations for guests to choose from. The resort's 250-room tower offers picturesque Hill Country views and is just a few steps from the family-friendly outdoor pool. Families and those seeking greater privacy may prefer the villas, lakeside condos, or the exclusive residences. The resort also has several on-site dining destinations, including an upscale restaurant, sports bar, poolside cafe, and more. The Jungle Kids Club is a big highlight for the little ones, complete with a two-level jungle gym and special activities.

Golfers are particularly drawn to Horseshoe Bay Resort, rated one of the "Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America" by Golf Magazine. Three courses on the resort were designed by renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. For a challenging round, take on the par 72 Ram Rock Golf Course, which has a 75.6 rating and slope rating of 137.  Try the resort's state-of-the art golf simulator to sharpen your game, or round up the family and head to the artfully-designed 18-hole Zoysia grass putting course beside the hotel tower. The course is illuminated beautifully at night, with discounts and drink specials offered on select evenings throughout the week.

Much like the charming towns along the Great Lakes, Horseshoe Bay offers countless opportunities for fun on the water, with Lake LBJ at its heart. Resort guests can swim in North America's only floating pool, perched on the edge of the lake. Kids can splash the day away at the on-site floating water park, open on select weekends from May to September. Horseshoe Bay Resort also charters lake trips and rents sporting equipment, boats, and personal watercraft. 

You don't need to splurge on a resort stay to enjoy the best of Lake LBJ. Several local companies in the city of Horseshoe Bay, including Just Yakin' and EZ Boat Rental, offer the convenience of paddle board, kayak, and larger watercraft deliveries to Lake LBJ. Visitors wanting to rent a pontoon, ski boat, or jet ski for a day of fun in the sun will find several options at the Lake LBJ Yacht Club and Marina. All operators must be over 21 years old, and those born after September 1, 1993 must carry a valid boater education card, per Texas law. If you have your own boat, there is a publicly accessible ramp near the Wirtz Dam, and a boat launch fee is required.

In the evenings, Lake LBJ provides a stunning foreground for a beautiful Texas sunset. Enjoy the view from the water's edge or on the covered patio at The Wave Bar & Grill, a beloved local eatery. "Everything was exceptional, and worth the drive in from the main highway," reads one Google review of the restaurant. Once the sun goes down, the lights largely go off in town. Horseshoe Bay is a designated Dark Sky Community. It has very little artificial light, so come nightfall, you'll have incredible views of the cosmos, just like you'd find in Texas' Dark Sky state parks for stargazing adventures.