Found in the Texas Hill Country, Marble Falls is one of the most charming Southern small towns in the U.S. It’s just an hour outside of the state’s capital city of Austin. From swimming holes to hiking trails to local shopping spots, Marble Falls has plenty to offer travelers. There is no better way to explore the Texas Hill Country than by visiting Marble Falls and its surrounding attractions. Make the most out of your trip with these best things to do in Marble Falls, Texas.
Shop in the Historic Downtown District
What Is It? Marble Falls is not only one of the most charming small towns in Texas, but it’s home to a historic shopping district located in its small downtown area. Locally-owned businesses make up the shopping district along Main Street, from clothing shops to antique stores to even a candy store.
Why Do It? This downtown shopping area is a great place to snag a souvenir, whether you’re hunting for a rare antique find or the richest chocolate bar. Along with shops and restaurants, there are also small art galleries here too.
Good to Know: The downtown district is walkable, so there is no need to worry about transportation to and from the stores along Main Street.
Watch the Sunset at Lake Marble Falls
What Is It? Spend a day out on Lake Marble Falls, a freshwater lake within the Highlands Lakes chain. Since Marble Falls is a lakeside town, visiting Lake Marble Falls doesn’t require a long commute.
Why Do It? There are plenty of recreational opportunities to enjoy at Lake Marble Falls. Fishing, swimming, and kayaking are the most popular activities here.
Good to Know: You can enjoy the lake from one of the lakeside parks mentioned on this list, such as Lakeside Park and Johnson Park.
Order Pie at Blue Bonnet Cafe
What Is It? This long-standing cafe is known for its pies. However, Blue Bonnet Cafe also serves American eats and all-day breakfast dishes.
Why Do It? Since 1929, Blue Bonnet Cafe has pleased diners with its iconic pies. You can’t visit Marble Falls, or the Texas Hill Country for that matter, without trying a slice of pie here. The cafe serves a variety of pies, however, the meringue and cream pies are the restaurant’s specialty. They’re so good, they’re even considered to be one of the best things to do in the Texas Hill Country.
Good to Know: Since Blue Bonnet Cafe has become a popular local institution, prepare to wait for a table here during peak dining times.
Explore a Cave at Longhorn Caverns State Park
What Is It? Fifteen miles outside of Marble Falls are the must-visit caves of Longhorn Caverns State Park. This state park is where you can take cave tours through one of Texas’ limestone underground caverns.
Why Do It? Longhorn Caverns is known as the “National Cave of Texas.” One of the most popular ways to explore the cavern is through a walking tour. However, if you’re looking for more adventure, the state park also offers a “Wild Cave Tour,” where guests wear safety equipment to explore the deeper, lower levels of the cavern.
Good to Know: Tickets are required to enter the cave. There are ticket bundles available, which include a tour and gemstone mining. Additionally, Longhorn Caverns also has a gift shop and snack bar onsite.
Pick Your Own Fruit at Sweet Berry Farm
What Is It? If you’re heading to Marble Falls, make room in the itinerary to pick your own produce at Sweet Berry Farm – one of the top things to do in Texas in the Spring. It’s not just limited to spring, either. This pick-your-own farm has strawberries and blackberries in the spring, sunflowers in the summer, and pumpkins are grown in the fall. Aside from harvesting your own crop, Sweet Berry Farm also offers a number of fun attractions, like hayrides, a corn maze, and other onsite activities.
Why Do It? This is a kid-friendly attraction in the Marble Falls area that not only connects kids with nature by picking their own fruit and vegetables but also offers interesting activities, from a petting zoo to live music. Additionally, the iconic Texas-shaped corn maze is a must-do experience here.
Good to Know: Sweet Berry Farm is open year-round, rain or shine. However, one of the most popular times to visit the farm is during its yearly fall festival.
Birdwatch at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
What Is It? Found 20 miles east of Marble Falls, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is one of the top natural wonders to visit in Texas. It’s a natural area with limestone canyons, lush grasslands, and spring-fed creeks. This protected wildlife area is an important ecosystem, which is home to various native plants and wildlife, including two endangered bird species.
Why Do It? This wildlife refuge isn’t just a place for animals; it also has various hiking trails and observation decks for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Good to Know: One of the best places to watch the sunset in the area is at Sunset Deck at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, an observation deck with onsite parking.
Take a Hike at Turkey Bend Recreation Area
What Is It? This natural recreation area is where you can fish the Colorado River, hike and bike the limestone landscape of the Texas Hill Country, and, in the spring, view the bluebonnets – an iconic Texas wildflower.
Why Do It? Turkey Bend Recreation Area offers visitors a chance to explore the Colorado River. This recreational area has 29 primitive campsites and offers canoes and kayaks to rent.
Good to Know: Since this area is located roughly between Austin and Marble Falls, it’s a great place to stop and enjoy a hike before heading back to the big city.
Sip Wine at Flat Creek Estate Winery
What Is It? As one of the most popular local wineries near Marble Falls, Flat Creek Estate Winery offers wine tastings and guided tours. There is also an onsite restaurant here too.
Why Do It? Sip a glass of red or white while enjoying a great view of the Texas Hill Country, as this winery is located on 80 acres. There are both indoor and outdoor tasting rooms here.
Good to Know: Guided tours of the winery’s facility are only available on Saturdays and Sundays – the perfect excuse to turn this visit into an exciting weekend getaway in Texas.
Go Off-Roading at Hidden Falls Adventure Park
What Is It? Rent an ATV or dirt bike (or bring your own) to this 2,000-acre off-roading adventure park, one of the most amazing off-road destinations in the U.S. With miles of dirt trails to explore here, there is an off-roading route for all skill levels. Jeeps and other 4×4 vehicles are also welcome on certain roads within the park.
Why Do It? One of the best ways to take in the Hill Country scenery around Marble Falls is through its backcountry trails. Exploring on an ATV allows you to soak in more scenery than if you were on a hiking trail.
Good to Know: With campsites available, you can stay multiple days at the park. There are RV sites, primitive campsites, bunkhouses, and even an onsite motel.
Go Kayaking in Johnson Park
What Is It? Johnson Park is a public green space that has a playground, walking and biking trails, an amphitheater, and picnic areas.
Why Do It? After strolling the shops of one of Texas’ most beautiful cities, take a break at Johnson Park. Within walking distance to Marble Falls’ downtown district, this park offers an easy way to enjoy a beautiful day without having to take a drive out into the Hill Country.
Good to Know: This waterfront park has a boat launch into Lake Marble Falls. Kayaks are available to rent here too.
Learn About the Legend of Dead Man’s Hole
What Is It? This Marble Falls attraction is for history buffs. Dead Man’s Hole is a 155-foot-deep sinkhole that was discovered in 1821. It has grown as a popular tourist site due to its creepy backstory. Infamous during the Civil War, this Texas sinkhole was known to be a dumping spot for bodies.
Why Do It? Whether or not the legend behind Dead Man’s Hole is true, Civil War enthusiasts will learn more about the history of Burnet County from a visit to the now-covered sinkhole. You will find a historical marker at the site explaining more about the area and its past.
Good to Know: Dead Man’s Hole is a short pit stop to visit if you’re traveling either to or from Austin. Just take Co Rd 401, which connects to Highway 71 that leads to Austin.
Picnic at Lakeside Park
What Is It? Located along Marble Falls Lake, Lakeside Park is a go-to green space for locals and visitors. A family-friendly place, Lakeside Park features plenty of amenities, whether you’re just visiting for a picnic or hoping to spend a day near the water.
Why Do It? From covered picnic tables to an onsite public pool, tennis courts, and basketball courts, this waterfront park is well-equipped for a warm day in Marble Falls, just one more reason this town is one of the best places to visit in the Texas Hill Country.
Good to Know: There is a sandy beach and swimming area here so that guests can take a dip in Marble Falls Lake.
