Canyon Lake is known as “the jewel” of Texas Hill Country and it truly is a gem with all that it offers, including some of the best water recreation activities in the area and a whole lot more.
If you’ve never visited Canyon Lake, you owe it to yourself to schedule a day trip this summer (or even a long weekend) and check out all there is to do.
Hit the Water
Developed as a reservoir back in the 1960s and fed by the Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake is one of the largest lakes in the area, spanning 8,000 surface acres of water and 80 miles of shoreline. All that shoreline means that there are plenty of ways to beat the heat and have some fun on the water.
The lake has several designated swimming beaches that are open to the public from 9 AM to 7 PM during the summer. Another summer highlight that beats any waterpark lazy river is renting an inner tube and floating down the Guadalupe River. Local outfitter TubeHaus will provide your inner tube as well as shuttle you back to your car at the end of your float.
Enjoying a relaxing day in a boat on the water is one of the best ways to see the lake with both boat and jet ski rentals available at Canyon Lake Marina. After you dock, be sure to check out the marina’s Baja BBQ Shack for its all-you-can-eat catfish on Fridays and a truly stunning sunset.
Now, if you’re the more adventurous type and want something a little more daring, then strap on your fins because Canyon Lake is one of the best places in the area to scuba dive. While you probably won’t find pirate treasure, you will see a side of the lake many never experience.
Hiking, Golfing, and so Much More
While the water itself is enough to draw thousands of visitors each summer, Canyon Lake offers a range of activities to be enjoyed throughout the year.
Nature enthusiasts will want to check out Canyon Lake Gorge, a rather recent “geological wonder” that was created only 20 years ago when 34 inches of rain fell on the Guadalupe River and carved out the gorge. The result is a series of beautiful rock formations that have attracted both professional and novice geologists eager to study the uncovered layers of limestone.
Other parks around Canyon Lake that are popular with both hikers and birding hobbyists include Overlook Park and Comal Park.
Canyon Lake is also a popular destination for golfers, with Lakeside Golf Club offering an 18-hole course and pro shop. If the history of the prehistoric kind is more your speed, then be sure to check out The Heritage Museum of Texas Hill Country. The museum features dinosaur fossils and footprints discovered right here in Texas!
With so much to offer and less than an hour’s drive from Kyle, a day trip to Canyon Lake is a great summer highlight. If you’re interested in finding a home in Kyle, reach out to learn more about available homes at Crosswinds.