Sunset views over Lake LBJ from Lookout Mountain in Kingsland. Photo by JoAnna Kopp
Austin has grown into a major tourist destination, renowned for the huge events it hosts throughout the year. You’ll find music and film festivals in the “Live Music Capital of the World” such as South by Southwest, Austin City Limits, Sound On Sound Fest and the Austin Film Festival. The city hosts world-class sporting events, block parties and gatherings such as the Pecan Street Festival, the Kite Festival, ROT Rally and Eeyore’s Birthday Party (yes, they throw a party for a fictional character, and yes, it’s a blast).
This is all great fun, but sometimes you just have to escape the big city. Whether you’re a native Austinite who wants to escape the overrun city or a visitor who wants to see a little bit more of Texas than its Capitol, the Highland Lakes is a perfect, nearby retreat.
Drive just one hour west of Austin through the rolling Hill Country for a trip to that will award you with peace, serenity and total relaxation. The Highland Lakes chain (on the Colorado River) is made up of Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls and Lake Travis. Each lake has its own charm. The inviting water gives ample opportunity for swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating and more.
The great outdoors are abundant with state and national parks to explore as well as private ranches that offer adventure parks and shooting clubs. The area is also a golfer’s paradise with several elite and daily-fee courses from which to choose. At night, lean back and gaze upwards: The lack of big city lights means you’ll be able to see every star in the sky — even the Milky Way — on a clear night.
While the music scene in the Highland Lakes is no rival to Austin’s, there is still an abundance of live music at festivals and events: the Bluebonnet Festival and the Summer Concert Series in Burnet; the Crawfish Open, the Fiddle Festival and monthly Llano Country Opry in Llano; and FiestaJAM in Marble Falls. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and coffee shops that feature live bands as well. To find out more, take a look at our events calendar at 101HighlandLakes.com/EVENTS. Touch or click on the “Add to Favorites” button on your computer or smartphone and email events to family and friends for instant party planning.
Convinced to plan a Hill Country Retreat and escape the big city? Whether you’re staying at a hotel, in a vacation rental or camping, we’ve got you covered. Use our "Where to Stay" Guide to compare area hotels, resorts, cabins and vacation rentals.
