15+ Lively Things to Do in Llano, Texas

Located in the Highland Lakes region of the Hill Country, exploring the best things to do in Llano, TX, can include everything from seeking out local street art to spotting wild bald eagles–and quite a bit in between!

Sitting along the Llano River and home to what is often considered one of the most beautiful courthouses in Texas, Llano makes for a fantastic Hill Country retreat.

Here’s what to do in Llano, Texas–plus a few nearby places not to miss.

one of the major intersections in llano tx, with traffic lights visible in the foreground

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Fun Things to Do in Llano, Texas

Sample some of the best barbecue in Texas.

Llano is, unsurprisingly, home to some truly fantastic barbecue–and in the case of Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, it just may be the best in Texas! Just ask its many fans and long lines–in a near-impossible competition, Cooper’s tends to rank near the top.

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However, its neighbor across the street, Inman’s Kitchen Bar-B-Q, should not be overlooked.

Known for their turkey sausage and boasting delicious details like homemade bread, their food is bound to please.

The best solution? Stay in Llano long enough for two gut-busting meals and enjoy both!

plate of barbecue from inmans kitchen being eaten at a black metal table on the front porch of the llano restaurant

Stroll across the Roy B. Inks Bridge.

Sometimes called simply the Inks Bridge or even the Llano Bridge, this 1935 bridge spans the Llano River and is the only bridge in town!

You can easily walk across it, and it makes for excellent views of the river below.

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Check out Llano’s historic Red Top Jail.

Dating to 1895, Llano’s Red Top Jail has–what else–a distinctive red roof, and a well-preserved interior (which only makes sense: it was a functioning jail until 1982).

With a little advance planning, visitors can tour the interior: call 325-247-5354 for information if you’d like to plan a visit.

llano red top jail as seen on a winter day with no leaves on the surrounding trees

Seek out Shakedown Street.

Part public art project and part local hangout, Shakedown Street is a collection of colorful murals and decor situated behind Charlie’s Furniture in Llano.

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Located in the heart of town, it’s easy to access Shakedown Street, but you may miss it unless you’re specifically seeking it out!

As an art project that clearly delights in its own whimsy, it’s definitely not to be missed while visiting Llano.

colorful murals in shakedown street, one of the best places to visit in llano tx

Drive Highway 71 during bluebonnet season.

Highway 71 near Llano is home to some of the prettiest bluebonnet patches in Texas from roughly late March to mid-April each year.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during wildflower season, be sure to add this scenic drive to your list of fun things to do in Llano, TX!

patch of texas bluebonnets along highway 71 near llano

Admire one of the most beautiful courthouses in Texas.

On any list of the most gorgeous Texas courthouses, you’re virtually guaranteed to find the Llano Courthouse listed.

Built in 1893, the courthouse and its distinctive clocktower are well worth checking out while visiting Llano, TX.

llano county courthouse as seen from a corner

Pay a visit to the Llano Historical Museum.

Housed in the former Bruhl’s Drugstore (you can still see the original soda fountain inside when you visit), the Llano Historical Museum explores the history of Llano County.

The small museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

While you’re there, don’t miss the Pioneer Garden out back!

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Stop by the Dabbs Railroad Hotel.

Built in 1907, this hotel overlooking the Llano River is one of the last remaining railroad hotels of its kind.

Situated near the train station, in the early 20th century the Dabbs Railroad Hotel catered to visitors passing through Llano.

Though it features beautiful views and plenty of Texas history, the Dabbs Railroad Hotel is arguably best known for its two most (in)famous guests: Bonnie and Clyde.

As of spring 2021, the Dabbs Railroad Hotel is currently listed for sale–hopefully, a new owner will arrive to reopen its doors soon!

front facade of dabbs railroad hotel in llano texas

Seek out bald eagles.

Each winter, bald eagles call an area near Llano, Texas home–and lucky visitors can view them from afar.

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Without a doubt, this is one of the most unique things to do in Llano.

November to March is generally the best time to spot the eagles, but their arrival date changes by the year: ask around if you’re visiting Llano in the fall to see if they’ve arrived yet!

bald eagle sitting in a tree with no leaves texas

Grab a drink at the Fuel Coffee House.

Housed in a historic grocery store mere steps from the main square, Fuel Coffee House doesn’t just serve up some of the best coffee in Llano–it also provides a busy and beautiful non-profit community space.

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Live music is common here, as are community meals, and of course plenty of casual studying and hanging out.

Be sure to add the charming Fuel Coffee House to your list of things to see in Llano!

exterior sign of the fuel coffee house, one of the best places to visit in llano, with traffic in the background

Follow the Llano Trail of Deer.

No, not live deer–statues!

Uniquely painted deer statues are scattered throughout town, and they make excellent photo spots in Llano.

llano deer statue painted in the form of a texas flag

Check out the LanTex Theater.

Dating to 1927, the LanTex Theater’s red-and-white marquee is bound to catch your eye when wandering the main square.

Showing first-run movies 3 times a week, and, once a month, the Llano County Opry, the theater is a delightful piece of both Llano’s past and present.

front marquee of the lantex theater advertising a chili cookoff on the marquee

Stroll along the Llano River.

Running through the center of town, it’s impossible to miss the beautiful Llano River when visiting–and no trip to Llano is complete without a stroll alongside it!

Badu Park and Robinson City Park are both great places to visit and enjoy the river, but Badu Park is closer to the center of town.

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Stop by Baby Head Cemetery for an interesting piece of local history.

This small cemetery dating to the 19th century lies a short drive outside of Llano, and it is the last remaining link to a town that no longer stands here: where was there was a town called Baby Head, now there is only this cemetery.

overview of baby head cemetery in llano tx

Head over to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

The fascinating and ever-popular Enchanted Rock lies only 25 minutes south of Llano!

If you’re planning a weekend getaway in Llano, be sure to add climbing Enchanted Rock to your plans.

We recommend planning ahead: the park often fills to capacity, so booking reservations in advance is highly encouraged.

loop trail enchanted rock texas

… or Inks Lake State Park.

Looking for a lake instead of a giant granite rock?

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The beautiful Inks Lake State Park is also only 25 minutes from Llano, this time due east.

It’s a popular place to combine with the best things to do in Llano, and for good reason: the lake is the perfect place to either hike or cool off in the water.

inks lake as seen from above with a road in the foreground, one of the best day trips in texas

Where is Llano, TX?

Llano is located in the northwest part of the Texas Hill Country, about 1.5 hours (or 74 miles) from Austin.

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The best things to do in Llano can easily be combined with a visit to Marble Falls, Inks Lake State Park, Lake LBJ, Burnet, or even Fredericksburg.

3 photos of llano texas: bluebonnets, street art mural, courthouse. black and red text on a white background reads "13 fun things to do llano tx"

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