Cottonwood Shores TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cottonwood Shores, Texas.
1. Hill Country Community Theatre
LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
Hill Country Community Theatre is a beloved cultural venue located in downtown Cottonwood Shores. The theater offers a variety of performances throughout the year, showcasing local talent and bringing arts to the community. Visitors can enjoy plays, musicals, and special events in an intimate setting that has become a cornerstone of the local arts scene.
2. Cottonwood Shores Public Boat Ramp
LAKE ACCESS AND RECREATION
Cottonwood Shores Public Boat Ramp provides convenient lake access on Lake Marble Falls for residents and visitors. The municipal facility includes a swimming area and boat parking, making it perfect for water recreation enthusiasts. Located off the intersection of Lakeview and Westwood drives, this spot offers a gateway to enjoy the beautiful Highland Lakes.
3. Sweet Berry Farm
PICK-YOUR-OWN PRODUCE EXPERIENCE
Sweet Berry Farm offers a charming agricultural experience where visitors can pick their own seasonal produce throughout the year. The farm features strawberries in spring, pumpkins in fall, and various other fruits and vegetables depending on the season. Families particularly enjoy the additional activities like hay rides, mazes, and special seasonal events that make this a popular destination near Cottonwood Shores.
4. Longhorn Cavern State Park
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Longhorn Cavern State Park showcases a stunning underground limestone cave system formed by ancient river waters. Visitors can take guided tours through the caverns to see fascinating geological formations, historical features, and learn about the cave's colorful past, which includes use as a speakeasy during Prohibition. The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational programs about the unique natural history of the Texas Hill Country.
5. Inks Lake State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Inks Lake State Park is a picturesque outdoor destination featuring a constant-level lake perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing year-round. The park's pink granite outcroppings, including the popular Devil's Waterhole swimming spot, provide dramatic scenery and opportunities for hiking, camping, and rock climbing. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the diverse wildlife and plant species that can be observed throughout the park's 1,200 acres of Hill Country terrain.
6. Dead Man's Hole Historical Landmark
CIVIL WAR ERA SITE
Dead Man's Hole Historical Landmark is a sobering historical site with connections to the tumultuous Civil War period in Texas. This natural limestone sinkhole reportedly served as a disposal site for up to 17 bodies of Union sympathizers during the war. The site now features informational displays that educate visitors about this dark chapter in local history while honoring those who lost their lives.
7. LeStourgeon Seafood Company
FRESH SEAFOOD DINING
LeStourgeon Seafood Company offers a delightful dining experience featuring fresh seafood in the heart of Hill Country. The restaurant specializes in Gulf Coast favorites with a Texas twist, served in a welcoming atmosphere. Patrons appreciate the quality of the seafood dishes and the attentive service that has made this establishment a standout in the local dining scene.
8. Julie's Cocina
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE
Julie's Cocina serves up authentic Mexican cuisine that has become a favorite among locals and visitors to Cottonwood Shores. The restaurant features traditional recipes passed down through generations, with specialties including handmade tortillas and flavorful house salsas. Diners enjoy the warm, family-friendly atmosphere and generous portions that showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region.
9. Bay View Restaurant & Bar
LAKESIDE DINING EXPERIENCE
Bay View Restaurant & Bar offers a scenic lakeside dining experience with beautiful views of Lake Marble Falls. The menu features American classics with a Southern influence, complemented by a well-curated selection of drinks to enjoy while watching the sunset over the water. The restaurant's relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for casual meals or special occasions while visiting the Highland Lakes area.
10. Lakeside Thai Food
AUTHENTIC ASIAN CUISINE
Lakeside Thai Food brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand to the shores of the Highland Lakes region. The restaurant offers authentic Thai dishes prepared with traditional techniques and fresh ingredients, creating a unique dining option in Cottonwood Shores. Patrons appreciate the balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory elements that characterize this beloved Southeast Asian cuisine.
11. Cowtown Texas Barbecue
CLASSIC TEXAS SMOKEHOUSE
Cowtown Texas Barbecue serves up classic Texas-style smoked meats that honor the state's rich barbecue tradition. The restaurant specializes in brisket, ribs, and sausage slowly cooked over wood fires to achieve that perfect smoke ring and tender texture. Visitors can enjoy their meals with traditional sides like potato salad and beans in a casual, family-friendly setting that captures the essence of Hill Country hospitality.
12. Hamilton Pool
NATURAL SWIMMING GROTTO
Hamilton Pool is a stunning natural swimming hole formed thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed. The site features a 50-foot waterfall that cascades into a jade-green pool surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. Visitors should note that advance reservations are required to visit this popular natural attraction located about 30 kilometers from Cottonwood Shores.
13. Granite Beach Recreation Area
LAKEFRONT FAMILY FUN
Granite Beach Recreation Area offers a pristine lakefront experience on the shores of Lake LBJ near Cottonwood Shores. The family-friendly destination features sandy beaches, swimming areas, and picnic facilities perfect for a day of relaxation by the water. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and beautiful views of the Highland Lakes that make this spot a favorite for both locals and tourists.
14. Falls on the Colorado Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
Falls on the Colorado Museum preserves and celebrates the rich history of the Highland Lakes region in a historic schoolhouse building. The museum features exhibits on local pioneers, Native American artifacts, and the development of the Colorado River dams that created the chain of lakes. Visitors can explore photographs, documents, and artifacts that tell the story of how this unique landscape shaped the communities that call it home.
15. Canyon of the Eagles
NATURE RESORT AND PRESERVE
Canyon of the Eagles is a 940-acre nature park and resort offering an immersive experience in the Texas Hill Country wilderness along Lake Buchanan. The preserve features over 14 miles of hiking trails with opportunities to spot native wildlife including the bald eagles that give the park its name. Guests can enjoy amenities including an observatory for stargazing, boat tours, and comfortable lodging options that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.