12 Best Things To Do In And Near Canyon Lake, Texas

things to do in canyon lake texas
Clare
Clare 
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Located about an hour outside of San Antonio, Canyon Lake is a wonderful place to stop while traveling through Texas. With the lake just around the corner and so much to do, there are tons of reasons to visit and stay in this great Texan town. Where to stay is not a problem, as there are plenty of Airbnb rentals for your accommodation needs. From relaxing on the water to learning about the history of Texas, here are 12 of the best things to do while in Canyon Lake.

1. Enjoy a day at Overlook Park

Canyon Lake TX wide
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Considering Canyon Lake’s name comes from the juxtaposed lake, what better way to start your tour of this beautiful spot than in the water? Head down to Overlook Park where you can swim in the lake, relax on the beach, or walk through the park and enjoy a sunny day outdoors. The ground can be a tad rocky, so if you want to sit and relax, consider bringing a chair.

Overlook Park

Address: O Trade Center Dr, Canyon Lake, TX 78133

Website: Overlook Park

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2. Head to Canyon Lake Marina

USACE Canyon Lake and Dam Texas
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user U.S. Army Corps o... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

If a quick dip in the lake isn’t enough to fully relax you, head over to the Canyon Lake Marina where you can rent a boat for the day and soak up the hot Texas sun out on the water. No matter how you want to spend your day on Canyon Lake, you’re sure to remember it for a long time, thanks to these diverse options.

Canyon Lake Marina

Address: 280 Marina Drive, Canyon Lake, TX 78133

Website: Canyon Lake Marina

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3. The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country


If you would like to expand your knowledge while visiting Canyon Lake, you can spend some time at the Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country. Filled with tons of both indoor and outdoor exhibits that span thousands of years of history, this museum has something for any person interested in the past. Subjects covered in the museum include but are not limited to paleontology, Native American Indian exhibits, old time farming equipment, antique showcases and fossil displays. A wonderful choice if you have friends or family (especially children) who want to explore the history of Canyon Lake.

The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country

Address: 4831 FM 2673, Canyon Lake, Texas 78133

Website: The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country

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4. Go camping


Grab your camping gear and head out into the great outdoors for some camping while in Canyon Lake. Potters Creek Park in Canyon Lake is on the north shore of the area and is a great spot for relaxing. The scenic views on offer are stunning and the area provides access to Guadalupe River - which is the perfect place for fishing, boating, and swimming. There are also tons of trails to hike or bike along while in the area. Potters Creek Park is the perfect place to stay active during the day and to relax under the stars during your time in Texas.

Potters Creek Park

Address: 3145 Potters Creek Rd, Canyon Lake, TX 78133

Website: Potters Creek Park

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5. Comal Park


Comal Park is an excellent option if you want to have the feeling of camping without actually sleeping on the ground at night. This day-only park on the south shore of Canyon Lake has the water to play around in, beautiful scenery to enjoy and picnic benches for a meal or two. Spend a day relaxing by the water and having a delicious picnic before returning to a nice, comfy bed at night.

Comal Park

Address: 1178 Comal Park Rd, Canyon Lake, TX 78133

Website: Comal Park

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6. Tour Canyon Gorge

Canyon Lake Gorge March 2017 IMG1728
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Larry D. Moore used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Just off of the Guadalupe River lies Canyon Gorge, an excellent place to visit if you’re in search of information on the geology of Canyon Lake and how the area came to be. Take a tour with a knowledgeable guide and make your way through the Gorge while observing all the beauty and history the area has to offer. Guests must be at least seven-years-old to journey through the Gorge, as the trail can be arduous at times. In addition to this, guests between the ages of 7-20 require a chaperone. Prices start at just 10 USD and tours begin at 8:00 am every day.

Canyon Gorge

Address: 16029 S Access Rd Canyon Lake, TX 78133

Website: Canyon Gorge

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7. River sports

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

When it's this hot, there's only one way to spend the day, and that's to come tube with us!

Posted by River Sports Tubes on Friday, June 25, 2021

One of the great activities you can enjoy while in Canyon Lake involves heading out on to the water for some fun! Go to River Sports Tubes to try tubing and make your way down the Guadalupe River. You can also try out jet skiing, kayaking, wakeboarding, paddle boarding - even paramotoring! All in all, numerous great options exist here for cooling off and enjoying the Texas heat.

River Sports Tubes

Address: 12034 FM 306, Canyon Lake, TX 78133

Website: River Sports Tubes

Boat and Jet Ski Rentals

Address: 161 Canyon Bnd Canyon Lake 78133

Website: Canyon Lake Adventures

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8. Go fly fishing

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Another great way to spend a day out on the water is to go fly fishing. Whether you’re a novice or a longtime pro, you can go to Reel Fly Fishing Adventures and enjoy a day testing your luck with the fish at Guadalupe River. This is an excellent way to spend an afternoon while in Canyon Lake.

Reel Fly Fishing Adventures

Address: 1642 FM 2673 #3, Canyon Lake, TX 78133

Website: Reel Fly Fishing Adventures

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9. Visit the James C. Curry Nature Center


Take a hike through the James C. Curry Nature Center. There’s a paved road allows for easy access. Graveled paths make for easy walking, but it’s not ideal for wheelchairs. The hike is easy and won’t tax you too much, but there are hilly areas. Nevertheless, there’s space to sit and enjoy a picnic before taking a walk.

There’s a drinking fountain and a bench near the parking lot. Pets may go as well, but you will need to clean up after your furry friend. Bird lovers enjoy the variety of species.

James C. Curry Nature Center

Address: 1889 Skyline Dr., Canyon Lake, TX 78133

Website: James C. Curry Nature Center

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10. Take a trip out to the neighboring Dry Comal Creek Vineyards

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

#veraison2021

Posted by Dry Comal Creek Vineyards and Winery on Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Just 12km (7miles) from Lake Canyon, is New Braunfels and The Dry Creek Vineyards. The establishment offers wine tasting, and on weekends, you may enjoy live music, dining and of course, wine.

Taste port and chocolate, or their frozen sangria for variety. Outside, there are shady spaces under the trees where you can try their wines along with the famous meat and cheese platter. Guests also enjoy their sweet port over vanilla ice cream as a dessert. Tables are also provided inside if you prefer. Spend an hour or so thereafter exploring the nearby Natural Bridge Cavern.

Dry Comal Creek Vineyards

Address: D1741 Herbelin Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132-1838

Website: Dry Comal Creek Vineyards

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11. Enjoy a laidback evening at Lucky's Sports Bar & Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Lucky's Sports Bar & Grill on Monday, February 4, 2019

Lucky’s Sports Bar & Grill is the place to be if you want a laidback evening filled with cold drinks and good fun. With great music and a comfortable atmosphere, this bar will surely give you a wonderful time. They have a really friendly staff that will make your experience more pleasant. Enjoy a few beers with your friends and munch on some of their delicious must-tries such as their fried catfish and burgers, all while watching sports. If you want some quiet time, savor your meal at their outdoor dining area.

Lucky's Sports Bar & Grill

Address: 18100 Farm to Market 306, Canyon Lake, Texas 78133

Website: Lucky’s Sports Bar & Grill

Opening hours: 11:30am - 12am (daily)

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12. Check out Devil's Backbone Overlook

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Tourists often like to take a scenic drive along Devil’s Backbone and admire the stunning views of the rolling hills and broad valleys. See the lavish green trees that will leave you in awe. There is a picnic area you might enjoy spending your afternoon in. Wait until sunset and appreciate the lovely skies. Don’t forget to bring your camera to document the beauty of the area.

Devil's Backbone Overlook

Address: Ranch to Market 32, Canyon Lake, TX 78133, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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Have some fun at Canyon Lake!

Canyon Lake has so much to offer those visiting the great state of Texas. From relaxing on the lake to learning about the history of the area, there is something for everyone on offer here. This is definitely a place you don’t want to miss while traveling through Texas!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Clare Fitzgerald is a recent graduate of Franklin and Marshall College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and an honors Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. She continues to pursue...Read more

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