Things To Do

On the water, in the water, around the water and beyond: There is so much to do around Canyon Lake, so whatever your interests, this is a great Texas Hill Country destination. Put these spots and activities on the agenda during your visit:

Parks

Relax in one of Canyon Lake’s main day-use parks: Overlook Park, Canyon Park, Comal Park, and Guadalupe Park. You’ll find trails, picnic areas, grills, scenic views, and more.

Swim Beaches

Enjoy sand, sun, and the crystal waters at the two swim beaches near Canyon Park (known as Swim Beach #1 and Swim Beach #2), or head to Comal Park Beach.

Paddle Sports

Whether you’re an experienced paddler or new to the sport, you can kayak or standup paddleboard the waters of Canyon Lake. Rentals are available through Paddle Canyon Lake or Canyon Lake Adventures. Paddle sports are a great way to experience the water and a great workout.

Boats and Other Watercraft

There are 23 boat ramps around Canyon Lake, so there’s an access point near you. There’s also plenty of boat storage on or near the lake. Don’t have your own boat or jet ski? Rent one for a day of fun and sun.

Camping

Bring your tent or your RV and spend a night (or multiple nights) on the campgrounds around Canyon Lake. Cranes Mill Park, Potters Creek Park, and North Park all have campsites. You can click on any park name to get more information about that specific park. If you’re active-duty or retired military, you can also access the RV park at Joint Base San Antonio.

Dining

The best on-lake dining is Baja Icehouse and Grill, located at Canyon Lake Marina. Enjoy the lake views, a beer or two, and all the Tex Mex favorites you can handle. Startz Cafe is another local favorite, known for its homestyle cooking since 1946. Got a hankering for pizza or pasta? Try Gennaro’s Trattoria.

Golf

Play your choice of 72 holes at Canyon Lake Golf Club for a day off the lake and on the links.

Photo Sessions

Canyon Lake makes a beautiful backdrop for senior pictures, engagement portraits, maternity pictures, and family photos. Tara Star Photography, Karlie Hall Photography, and Amanda Leigh Photography are just a few of the photographers who have snapped gorgeous sessions by the water and in the surrounding parks.

Rent a Cabin

Find a charming rental home on sites such as Airbnb (which offers up a shipping container cabin and a tiny house, among other Canyon Lake options).

Float the Guadalupe

Flowing out of the dam of Canyon Lake is the Guadalupe River. There are several tube and raft rental companies located just south of the Canyon Lake dam that will hook you up with all the gear you need to float the river.

Gruene Historic District

Head over to Gruene—just minutes from the shores of Canyon Lake—for a beer and some live Texas country music at legendary Gruene Hall (Texas’ oldest dance hall, built in 1878). You can also make a day of Gruene and stop in the many of the shops and restaurants nestled throughout the town.

Whitewater Amphitheater

If you enjoy live music, don’t miss a concert at the Whitewater Amphitheater, located just south of Canyon Lake on the Guadalupe River. This beautiful venue should not be missed.

Canyon Lake Gorge

This stunning geological formation developed just two decades ago, when more than 34 inches of rain fell and set off flooding that carved out the gorge. It’s is a great spot for photos and exploring. Check out the Canyon Lake Gorge website for more info.

Dinosaur tracks

Canyon Lake is right by the Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country, dedicated to protecting and preserving hundreds of dinosaur footprints and tracks made some 110 million years ago. Check out the museum’s hiking trails and fossil digs.

San Antonio sites

You’re not far from San Antonio, so make the drive over and check out the Alamo, the River Walk, and other popular destinations.

San Marcos sites

You’re even closer to San Marcos, home to Texas State University and its Meadows Center glass bottom boat tours, outlet shopping centers, and Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park.