Arguably one of the loveliest spots in Texas is Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, or Lake LBJ for short. Named for the 36th president of the United States, Lake LBJ in Kingsland, TX, is actually a reservoir. Located along the Colorado River and just a little less than an hour northeast of President Johnson’s hometown of Stonewall and an hour west of Austin, this is considered one of the most up-and-coming communities in the country and a true Texas hotspot.
The name of the lake, changed from Lake Granite Shoals, celebrates LBJ, who had a ranch on the water’s shore where he regularly entertained national and foreign dignitaries during his time as president and vice president.
Home to many of the most popular outdoorsy things to do in Kingsland, TX, Lake LBJ is an excellent weekend spot for boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, fishing, and more. There are also several beaches just for swimming.
Try these parks with your family
There are several parks along the shore of Lake LBJ in Kingsland, TX, that are ideal for swimming, even if that means just dipping in a few toes to start.
McNair Park is perfect for your family’s fishing fans. There is an excellent fishing area and a picnic area so you can grill your catch (if you don’t throw it back for conservation purposes) or toss on burgers that you picked up at an organic grocery store along the way.
Briar Park offers both a beach for swimming and a picnic area, making it ideal for family outings. The water is shallow at the shore, so it is perfect for kids of all ages. The park opens early, at 6 a.m., so if you want to beat the heat — or the crowds — to get your exercise and you’re a morning person, you’re in luck. There is also great fishing, so the park, although small, provides something for everyone.
Parks are one of the most relaxing and rewarding things to do in and around Kingsland, TX. But there are so many other entertainment options that make this lake spectacular.
McNair Park is perfect for your family’s fishing fans. There is an excellent fishing area and a picnic area so you can grill your catch (if you don’t throw it back for conservation purposes) or toss on burgers that you picked up at an organic grocery store along the way.
Briar Park offers both a beach for swimming and a picnic area, making it ideal for family outings. The water is shallow at the shore, so it is perfect for kids of all ages. The park opens early, at 6 a.m., so if you want to beat the heat — or the crowds — to get your exercise and you’re a morning person, you’re in luck. There is also great fishing, so the park, although small, provides something for everyone.
Parks are one of the most relaxing and rewarding things to do in and around Kingsland, TX. But there are so many other entertainment options that make this lake spectacular.
Indulge in wine
There are so many things to do in and around Kingsland, TX, and at Lake LBJ that spending time on the water might become an afterthought on some days. On a rainy day, one of the best activities might be to check out the Perissos Vineyard and Winery, which offers wines of all varietals and holds both wine tastings and wine tastings and tours, depending on the time you have available and what other activities are on the agenda.
If you want to make a day of it, other nearby wineries include Torr Na Lochs Vineyard & Winery, Flat Creek Estate Winery & Vineyard, Fiesta Winery Marble Falls, Stone House Vineyard, Elisa Christopher Wines, and many more.
While none are too far away from Lake LBJ, it would be wise to secure transportation — or plan for a designated driver — so you can take advantage of the many delicious wine varieties available through the wineries that pepper the region without a care in the world.
Golf is right next door
Alongside Lake LBJ is the Legends Golf Course, a course with memberships as low as $325 a month.
With beautiful greenery, the course offers plenty of amenities, including:
- Unlimited golf rounds with cart fees included.
- Access to the course’s practice facility, featuring an acre of space for practice swings or short games.
- Foursome play is available at discounted rates.
The course is known for its friendly atmosphere, so new members will be introduced to current members, who, along with staff, work to make sure all members feel welcome and utterly pampered. Golf players may decide to stay in Evergreen forever, given this amenity.
Other sports abound
Whether you prefer swimming, kayaking, cycling, water skiing, or parasailing, all are available at Lake LBJ.
Swimming is safest outside your home or rental property if you are not at one of the area’s amazing parks, while sunset cycling tours are an excellent way to get to know the entire lake and take in some of the more beautiful aspects the water has to offer.
Kayaking is safest near the shore to avoid large boats, but there are plenty of other ways to get to know the lake, whether you are just visiting or plan on making it your primary or vacation home.
Check out delicious restaurants
After a day on the water or golf course, the first thing on your mind is probably a bite or two to eat. There are several excellent, exclusive restaurants where you can dine in style.
Horseshoe Bay Resort Yacht Club is a private club, so it is exactly where you want to dine if you spend a lot of time at Lake LBJ. There are several different restaurants, such as the Waterfront Bar & Grill, which offers a casual menu, including a diverse array of taco options, but J’s Restaurant is where you want to be. In addition to some high-roller cocktails (the Millionaire Margarita, with 1942 tequila, and the Expense Account Old Fashioned, featuring Garrison Brothers small batch bourbon), the dinner menu ranges from Black Angus filet, and pecan-crusted trout to smoked chicken served with creamy cheddar grits.
The Canyon of the Eagles Overlook Cafe is located on the north shore of Lake LBJ and is among one of the best things to do in or near Kingsland, TX. The menu is expansive — Sunday offers brunch and a Mexican brunch buffet, while dinner includes the catch of the day, steak, chicken piccata, and wild boar, pairing local items with influences from across the globe.
Considering relocating to a lakefront paradise?
The homes that line the shore of Lake LBJ are similar to many lake homes across the country, which means they are large and opulent, ideal for creating space for family and friends or remote workspaces.
Most have a completely relaxed, recreational vibe with expansive decks to take advantage of the fabulous lake views and both docks and boat slips, depending on what type of watercraft you are using to enjoy the gorgeous 6,500-acre waterway that is Lake LBJ, a central Texas landmark since 1950.
If you are considering relocating — maybe making this gorgeous wonderland your retirement playland — consider finding a trusted Kingsland real estate agent like those at McAlister Realty with experience in the area who can find exclusive and diverse real estate offerings, including Kingsland homes for sale on Lake LBJ.
Most have a completely relaxed, recreational vibe with expansive decks to take advantage of the fabulous lake views and both docks and boat slips, depending on what type of watercraft you are using to enjoy the gorgeous 6,500-acre waterway that is Lake LBJ, a central Texas landmark since 1950.
If you are considering relocating — maybe making this gorgeous wonderland your retirement playland — consider finding a trusted Kingsland real estate agent like those at McAlister Realty with experience in the area who can find exclusive and diverse real estate offerings, including Kingsland homes for sale on Lake LBJ.
