What To See, Eat, And Do In Burnet County, Texas

March 2022

If you are looking for a low-key vacation and one that will connect you to nature, Burnet County may be the place for you. Located deep in the heart of Hill Country, Texas it’s a great destination that offers a wide array of activities. Making it super easy to find the perfect adventure that you are looking for. You can be as active as you like or if you prefer just to relax and be one with nature, you can easily do that too. From wildflowers, star gazing, hiking trails, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, bird watching, and the list goes on. A nature lover’s dream paradise.

Where to stay in Burnet County, Texas

Canyon of the Eagles

This year-round nature-based park and resort is named after the American Bald Eagles. They nest in the area during the fall-spring every year. It’s a full-service resort and LCRA nature park that sits on 940-acres, located on the northern bank of Lake Buchanan. It has 16 hill-top buildings that offer 61 pet-friendly spacious units. My unit had a view of the lake. It was a fantastic way to wake up in the morning and also a wonderful way to unwind at the end of the day. Highly recommend getting a unit with a view. If you are more into camping, Canyon of the Eagles has 33 spacious campsites and 25 full-hookup RV sites.

What I loved most about this resort is its laid-back feel and everything I needed was right at my fingertips. Lobby gift shop, outdoor pool, and a full-service restaurant, The Overlook. Also, a variety of activities are available to guests. Check out some of their available activities below under the “Things to do in Burnet County, TX”

The resort was only a 3.5-hour drive from Houston and it’s about 60mins from Austin, TX.

Click here to learn more about Canyon of the Eagles or make reservations.

Container City

If you are looking for unique accommodations, Container City may be the place for you. It’s a contained city property that has 6 individual home units all made by repurposing and reusing shipping containers. Cool right?!! All the units have a full kitchen, beds, bathrooms, showers, patios, balconies, living rooms, televisions, internet, and picnic areas.  It’s located on the southern foot of the Spider Mountain Bike Resort. Container City is also equipped with 9 full service RV slips.

Learn more about this unique and modern overnight accommodation on their Container City website.

Where to eat in Burnet County Texas

Templeton’s Tavern

Templeton’s Tavern is located right on the same property as the Container City units. The tavern is also made from a shipping container and is a great spot to grab a wood-fired pizza, have a drink, and listen to live music. The tavern serves a variety of local beers, wines, and spirits. Fun and relaxed outdoor space. Be sure to check their current hours before visiting.

The Overlook

The Overlook is located on the Canyon of the Eagles property. It’s open to resort guests and also to the public. The hill-top restaurant is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset with panoramic views of Lake Buchanan. Their menu changes seasonally. The restaurant makes everything from scratch and uses local and organic food items whenever possible. Check out their menus: breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch, dinner, and has a kid’s menu too.

Blue Bonnet Cafe

The Blue Bonnet Cafe started in 1929. Family-owned and operated diner-style restaurant. The cafe offers dine-in and curbside service. That serves breakfast(all day long), sandwiches, burgers, salads, and desserts. They are known for their delicious homemade pies. Freshly made every day. Be sure to stop by for their Pie Happy Hour (Monday- Friday 3 pm-5 pm). Purchase a pie at a discounted price. Learn more about Blue Bonnet Cafe here.

Warehouse BBQ & Meetery

Warehouse BBQ & Meetery has made a home for itself in the old 1940s Coca-Cola warehouse. They renovated the warehouse and created a space that is clean and modern vs the traditional style BBQ places. They serve brisket, pork ribs, turkey, and sausage. They also have a covered patio where they often have live music. Only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Click here for more info on Warehouse BBQ & Meetery.

Wingman Brothers Smokehouse

Wingman Brothers Smokehouse is family-owned and operated. Their meat is cooked low and slow using high-quality meat, spices, and wood. Choose from BBQ meats like brisket, turkey, chicken, pulled pork, pork ribs, and sausage. Check out their daily lunch specials, menu, and order online here.

River City Grille

River City Grille is a family-friendly large casual waterfront restaurant. They have indoor and outdoor seating and the deck is a perfect spot to sip on a drink and take in the beautiful views overlooking Marble falls. Be sure to try their Big Bad BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger, their famous tower of onion rings, and their delicious carrot cake. If you don’t have time to dine at the restaurant you can also order online as well. Click here for more River City Grille info.

Things to do in Burnet County Texas

Bluebonnet Festival

Bluebonnet Festival is an exciting small town weekend event that takes place every year on the second weekend in April. This family-friendly festival is packed with live music acts, food, tons of shopping, carnival and so much more. Click here for more Bluebonnet Festival event info and schedule.

Downtown Marble Falls

If you don’t feel like driving around all day, Downtown Marble Falls is completely walkable and may be the place for you. With so much to do here shopping, dining, brewery, water activities and so much more. If you need some travel inspiration on what to do check out the Downtown Marble Falls page.

Longhorn Cavern State Park

Longhorn Cavern State Park is beautiful above ground and under. The cavern is a MUST-see. I have never experienced anything like it. The guided tour was educational and also gave a good lesson in some Texas history. Be sure to block off enough of your day so you can also enjoy the grounds at the park. Click here for more Longhorn Cavern State Park information.

Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake State Park is the perfect spot for the land or water adventurer since you can do both. The park store is where you can rent kayaks, paddleboats, or canoes. Life vests and paddles are also available at the park store. The park boasts 9 miles of hiking trails to enjoy as well. You can visit for the day or stay for a few days. The park offers 200 campsites and 22 cabins options. Check out the Inks Lake State Park website here.

Spider Mountain Bike Park

Spider Mountain Bike Park was opened in 2018. It has the first chair lift in Texas It’s the only lift-served, year-round mountain bike park in the U.S. The lift takes riders(and bikes) up 350 feet vertical feet up the mountain. You don’t need to be a mountain biker pro to enjoy this park. If you know how to ride a bike, they have trails for every level. Nine trails range from beginner to expert riders. Their staff will get you on the right size bike and provide a helmet. If you are not into biking and want to just ride the lift, you can do that too for a small charge. Click here for more info on Spider Mountain Bike Park.

Eagle Eye Observatory

Eagle Eye Observatory is located on the Canyon of the Eagle’s property. Its main building has a retractable roof and 31 observatory pads located on the grounds. You are welcome to bring your own telescope and set it up on the pads before nightfall. Eagle Eye Observatory has an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet above sea level, which is why it’s considered one of the best astronomic viewing sites in Texas. Click here for more info on times and fees for Eagle Eye Observatory.

Activities Available at Canyon of the Eagles

• Kayak on Lake Buchanan– Paddle on Lake Buchanan, taking in all the views of wildlife and waterfalls.
• Guided hike with a naturalist -Canyon of the Eagles has 14 miles of manicured trails to enjoy and learn about.
• Pontoon cruise on Lake Buchanan-Canyon of the Eagles’ boat cruise is a fun way to cruise down the Colorado River.

Vanishing Texas River Cruise

The Vanishing Texas River Cruise is a popular ecological experience. They have been cruising Lake Buchanan and the Colorado River since 1981. It’s a wonderful way to spend a part of your day taking in all of central Texas’s beauty. The cruises have a tour guide narrating the history and geology. They also offer sunset cruises between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Click here for hours and information on the Vanishing Texas River Cruise.

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to visit if you are looking to step away and connect with nature. It’s a special place that protects that land, species, and water. There is no charge to visit the refuge. Below are suggestions on what to do based on time. I found it on their website and thought this would be helpful to share.

If you have 15-minutes: 

• Drive to the Sunset Deck at Warbler Vista and take in the amazing view. 
• Visit the photo blind or hike our short trails located at the refuge headquarters. 
• Hike the easy 0.4 mile Pond and Prairie Trail at Doeskin Ranch to look for butterflies and other wildlife. 

If you have one hour:

• Hike the Cactus Rocks trail at Warbler Vista. 
• Hike the Creek and Pond & Prairie trails at Doeskin Ranch.  

If you have half a day or more:

• Visit Warbler Vista and hike or drive to the Sunset Deck for an amazing view of Lake Travis and the Texas Hill Country. 
• Hike 4 miles of trails at Warbler Vista. 
• Hike 5 miles of trails at Doeskin Ranch. 
• Drive to and hike at each of our public areas: Warbler Vista, Doeskin Ranch, and the Shin Oak Observation Deck. 

Click here to learn more about Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Wine and Beer in Burnet County Texas

Torr Na Lochs

In 2014, Owners Blake and Karen DeBerry decided to convert their private 180-acre ranch property into their own vineyard and winery. They had been inspired to do so after having been on a wine tour in Australia. On the tour, they noticed similarities between the land there and also their ranch. That’s when they decided to go for it and start their own vineyard. The name Torr Na Lochs means Hill Over Lakes (loosely translated from Gaelic. They have a year-round tasting room and an assortment of different wines to try. They also host weddings and corporate events too. Click here for more info on Torr Na Lochs.

Perrisos Vineyard & Winery

With no prior vineyard experience, owners Seth and Laura Martin decided to do some research on how grapes grow in certain soil. After testing different sites they decided to buy land and start their own vineyard and Perrisos was born. Since their start, they have perfected their winemaking and have 8 best in class wine winners. Click here to learn more about Perrisos tastings and wine.

Save the World Brewing

Save the World Brewing was started in 2012 by a husband and wife team. Dave and Quynh Rathkamp left their jobs as Doctors and decided to take their individual passions to create something that would do good in the world. Dave was into brewing beers and Quynh had a philanthropic spirit. Together they decided to start a brewing company that would be the very first in the US to be a 100% philanthropic production craft brewery. They serve beer and lite snacks on-site or to go. And they also refill growlers as well. Click here to learn more about Save the World Brewing.

Spicewood Vineyards

Spicewood Vineyards is a pet-friendly vineyard. Come and enjoy a tasting or a tour at the oldest vineyard in the state of Texas. This 32-acre vineyard was started in 1992 and hasn’t disappointed since. This Texan grape vineyard has produced award-winning wines. Which I think is due to the family’s dedication to the land. Cultivating it and caring for it in a way that shows in the quality of each bottle of wine they make. Click here to learn more about Spicewood Vineyards.

Fiesta Winery

The Baxter Ranch runs along the Colorado River and has owned the ranch for over 6 generations. Stephan Baxter decided to grow grapes on the ranch. From there winemaking became a big part of the family’s journey and that’s when Fiesta Winery was born. The Baxters have three main things they focus on, love, respect, and family. Staying true to those core values has helped the family come together to work on the vineyard and develop wines that they are proud of. Wines that are brought into a home to celebrate life and love. Click here to learn more about Fiesta Winery and its tasting room locations.

If you are looking for more Hill Country Texas Travel inspirations or recommendations, be sure to check out What To Do, Eat & See In Fredericksburg, TX

Thank you to Highland Lakes Region and Burnet County for sponsoring this post. Allowing me this fantastic opportunity to explore the area to be able to create this travel guide to share with my readers.