The Essential Guide to Horseshoe Bay, Texas

Living in San Antonio, I’ve learned that the city does food and culture exceptionally well—but lakes? Not so much. So when I’m craving time by the water, I usually head toward Austin, the Hill Country, or the Gulf Coast. Turns out, I’d been overlooking a postcard-worthy Hill Country hidden gem just 90 minutes away in Horseshoe Bay.

Set along the southern bank of Lyndon B. Johnson Lake—better known as Lake LBJ—Horseshoe Bay feels like a bit of a mirage: it feels like a slice of the Gulf Coast tucked away neatly into the Texas Hill Country. Anchored by a sprawling lakeside resort, the town invites slow mornings, star-filled nights, and a sense of romance rarely found so close to the buzzing nearby cities of Austin and San Antonio. 

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Horseshoe Bay, Texas.

Best Things to Do

Stretching roughly 23 miles, Lake LBJ is a constant-level lake fed by the Colorado River, offering a markedly different experience from its flashier neighbor to the east. While Austin’s Lake Travis has earned a reputation as a party hub, Lake LBJ feels like its calmer, more refined counterpart—unhurried, scenic, and refreshingly serene. From the water, the views unfold effortlessly: sunlight glinting off the water’s surface, shoreline homes tucked among the hills, and quiet coves that invite you to slow down. A boat tour makes it easy to take it all in—no effort required beyond sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the view.

For nature lovers seeking a break from the lake, Horseshoe Bay Nature Park is a quiet retreat tucked into the Hill Country. What was once slated to become a condominium complex has since been lovingly transformed into a sanctuary for wildlife and nature lovers alike. A half-mile loop trail winds through shaded trees, leading to an observation deck where a bird blind provides glimpses of feathered visitors. Along the path, benches invite you to pause to enjoy the Texas sunlight, while nesting boxes, bee hives, chimney swift towers, and a wildlife watering station hint at the rich ecosystem. 

Speaking of the Texas sunlight—Horseshoe Bay is a designated dark sky community, the second of its kind in the Lone Star State and only one of eight in America. In Horseshoe Bay, the experience doesn’t end when the sun sets—it deepens. Designated a Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International in 2015, the city is now a prime hub for stargazing and regularly hosts community events centered around viewing the heavens. However, visitors can also partake in the beautiful night sky from any part of the city on their own. 

Where to Stay 

The sprawling Horseshoe Bay Resort is the crown jewel of the city, spanning 7,000 acres with three championship golf courses and eight bars and restaurants. First opened in 1971, the resort is now celebrating 55 years as a Hill Country destination—but its age belies its energy. Following a sweeping $100 million renovation in 2020, Horseshoe Bay continues to evolve, with several new developments in the works, including a 10,000-square-foot event pavilion, a45,000-square-foot wellness center, and a new clubhouse and pool.

Guests will find a wide breadth of amenities designed for guests of every age. Three distinct pools anchor the experience—including the only floating pool in North America, dramatically perched above Lake LBJ. Families, in particular, will find plenty to love, from a two-story jungle-themed kids club to a robust calendar of family-friendly activities. The holidays are an especially magical time to visit, with festive programming that includes Christmas caroling, holiday markets, and a Christmas yacht cruise, alongside a magnificent Christmas tree that illuminates the main resort courtyard. 

There are several options when booking a stay at the resort—standard hotel rooms, private condos, homes, and townhomes. Guests who opt for a stay at one of the full-sized private homes, condos, or townhomes can enjoy access to the members-only Yacht Club amenities, including an exclusive beach, a 27-person hot tub, and a lagoon-style pool. 

Where to Eat and Drink 

Dining in Horseshoe Bay largely centers around the resort, where several standout restaurants anchor the culinary scene. Chief among them is the Waterfront Bar and Grill, a lakeside favorite set directly on the banks of Lake LBJ.  Open to both resort guests and visitors, the restaurant invites lingering meals—whether brunch, lunch, or dinner—on its breezy deck or inside a coastal-inspired dining room. While the menu leans Southern, it’s punctuated by unexpected flourishes, from Korean barbecue pork belly fried rice to tender beef short rib finished with rosemary veal jus.

After a round on the greens, golfers gravitate toward J’s Restaurant and Bar, a relaxed, classic American spot that hides one of the resort’s most compelling culinary surprises. There’s also the Whitewater 360 Sports Club, which has plenty of TVs to catch the latest game, in addition to house-crafted pizzas and meatball subs, hot dogs, and red chile chicken nachos. All three restaurants have full-service bars and feature an assortment of signature and classic cocktails. 

Another nice aspect of Horseshoe Bay’s location is its relative proximity to the heart of Texas wine country. Guests at the resort can take advantage of the on-site shuttles, which can take guests to Fredericksburg, Texas, and wineries for the day. The closest wineries to Horseshoe Bay are Pedernales Cellars, William Chris Vineyards, and Fall Creek Vineyards—all less than an hour away from Horseshoe Bay.