Horseshoe Bay, located just 45 miles northwest of Austin city limits, is bringing luxury vacationing to central Texas, putting only a short road trip in between you and a day or two of care-free relaxation. Nestled in the Hill Country right alongside LBJ Lake, the quiet town of about 2,500 residents has quickly gained a reputation for being a luxurious getaway destination with a relaxed atmosphere. So, if you’re thinking of treating yourself to one of the best getaway destinations Texas has to offer, here are a few things you should be sure to check out while you unwind and enjoy Horseshoe Bay.

Apple Rock Golf Course at Horseshoe Bay Resort.
Apple Rock Golf Course. Courtesy of Horseshoe Bay Resort.

Where to Eat

While you live in luxury, treat yourself to some of the fine dining offered in Horseshoe Bay. Some of the local favorites include the Lantana Restaurant where you can enjoy American-Southwestern fare with a glass of wine from their long list of Hill Country wines. Or pick up everything needed for a picnic or day on the water at the Bayside Fresh Market, specializing in fresh and seasonal seafood, deli items, prepared foods and baked goods. Venture east to nearby Marble Falls, where you can enjoy indulge like a local at the iconic Blue Bonnet Cafe or enjoy a spectacular food and wine experience at Flat Creek Enoteca, an urban wine bar.

Where to Play

Golf reigns supreme in Horseshoe Bay, as it has been named one of the best golf destinations in the country. Horseshoe Bay Resort's three courses are the main attractions of the area, bringing in golfers from all over. What’s unique about these courses is their proximity to each other, and the location yields some of the most scenic rounds available in Central Texas. The three championship courses, two of which designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., include dramatic elevated greens, challenging bunkers and a natural ebb and flow that can only be designed by one of the greatest golf architects in the world. If you want a shorter round, the Blue Lake Golf Club is the perfect 9 hole course situated on the shores of Lake LBJ.

Whether you're in the mood for a luxury escape or a golf getaway, be sure to leave time for a day trip to Horseshoe Bay during your next visit to Austin!

Contributed by Maggie Rosenbohm, ACVB Marketing Intern