The Texas Hill Country offers stunning mountain views and crisp waters. Canyon Lake is situated in the heart of the hills, and offers an abundance of activities and attractions. Look forward to exciting things to do ranging from tubing down the Guadalupe River to exploring the Canyon Lake Gorge. Bike along the shoreline, or take a fishing excursion to catch your dinner for the evening. Fun in the sun year-round is inevitable when staying at a Canyon Lake vacation rental. Check out the top 10 things to do in Canyon Lake.
1. Tour the Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country
Learn more about the Canyon Lake area when browsing through the artifacts of the Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country. This popular Texas attraction includes a native plant trail where you can learn about the natural surroundings of Texas. The dinosaur tracks are what attract the masses. Let the kids put their feet in the tracks before heading back to your vacation rental or grab a bite to eat at Granny D’s, a local diner serving up hearty breakfasts and sandwiches.
2. Catch a Show at the Whitewater River Amphitheater
Tap your toes to the country tunes radiating from the Whitewater River Amphitheater, a world-class venue that offers views of the river and sounds of local and national talent. After an entertaining show, enjoy the nightlife in Canyon Lake when stopping in for a beverage at the Silly Rabbit Saloon or the Dam Red Barn.
3. Tube Down the Guadalupe River With a Rental From Tube Haus
Take advantage of the warm temperatures in Canyon Lake while sunbathing in a tube and floating down the Guadalupe River. Make a pit stop at the Tube Haus or Shanty Tubes to rent kayaks, floatable tubes, or rafts. These outfitters also provide transportation to the river to simplify your all-day trip. After a day on the river, head over to Baja BBQ Shack for some Southern cuisine or Silver Sage Grille for some comfort food.
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4. Bike Canyon Lake Trails With a Rental From Barton Springs Bike Rental and Tours
Get in a workout and see the lush trees on the Canyon Lake trails that run adjacent to the Guadalupe River when renting bicycles from Barton Springs Bike Rental and Tours in nearby Austin. The trails available for walking, biking, or hiking cross Canyon Dam and line the lakeshore, ultimately leading you to Overlook Park where you can get an up close and personal look at the Texas Hill Country. After a thrilling day of exploring this Texas city on bicycles, head back to your vacation rental and get dressed up for a semi-formal dinner at Gennaro’s Trattoria, a popular attraction for locals and residents who love Italian fare.
5. Take a Boat Tour With a Rental From Canyon Lake Adventures
Test your captain skills when renting a boat from Canyon Lake Adventures. Tour the lake with a guide as captain or put on your own captain’s cap to see thousands of acres of water that winds around 80 miles of shoreline. Tow a few jet skis from Canyon Lake Adventures when you feel the need for speed on the water.
6. Spend the Day Fishing with Reel Fly Fishing Adventures
Grab your rods and reels from your vacation rental or acquire all the equipment you need from Canyon Lake’s Reel Fly Fishing Adventures. Expert fishing guides can point you toward the best spots to find Guadalupe, largemouth, and smallmouth bass. You can also opt to take a guided tour of Canyon Lake or the Guadalupe River while the team from Reel Fly Fishing Adventures offers tips and advice on your fishing techniques. If you’re lucky, you may even catch some catfish to take back to your vacation rental for dinner.
7. Sample BBQ at the Annual Canyon Lake BBQ Cook Off
Time your vacation for April to participate in the Annual Canyon Lake BBQ Cook-Off. Foodies can spend a few days sampling the best barbecue Texas has to offer as local restaurants and residents showcase their talents. The annual festival includes opportunities to taste test and even vote for your favorite vendor. Additional vendors selling crafts, antiques, and handmade art also line the downtown area for this annual event. If you are not a fan of barbecue, stop in at Las Barcas Tex-Mex Grill for some authentic Mexican food.
8. Sip on Some Wine at La Cruz de Comal
When you have a day reserved for adults, head over to La Cruz de Comal Wines to sample some wine. Learn about how the wines evolved from the owner while relaxing in this quaint facility constructed using all local materials. Take home a bottle or two to your vacation rental after visiting this popular Canyon Lake attraction.
9. Exert Some Energy at the Canyon Lake Event Center
The Canyon Lake Event Center offers something for everyone with activities that range from Zumba classes and youth dance parties to martial art classes and arts and crafts workshops. Check the event center’s schedule to see if your vacation coincides with the Canyon Lake Trade Days, where you can find homemade gifts and artwork. When the holidays roll around, reserve a ticket for one of the formal galas and fundraisers hosted by the city.
10. Explore the Area With a Canyon Lake Gorge Tour
Create memories and learn about geology when signing up for the Canyon Lake Gorge Tour. Certified members of the Gorge Preservation Society guide you through the gorge to see preserved fossils, dinosaur tracks, and natural irrigation systems. The fractures and faults that have seeped into the limestone are visible as you walk along the limestone layers and the exposed Trinity Aquifer. The three-hour tour is open to the public year-round.
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