There’s no better place in the Hill Country to take your family!
Whenever I want to see breathtaking views, rolling hills, and good wine, I head to the Texas Hill Country. After taking a girls’ trip to Marble Falls, I knew I had to go more often, as there is so much to see and do. I’ve now been several times with friends and family. Marble Falls is about 86 miles north of San Antonio and a little over 3 hours from Dallas/Fort Worth. There are many things to do in the small towns of the Hill Country, and one of our favorite family trips is to Marble Falls, TX.
A Family Trip To Marble Falls, TX
Marble Falls is the hub of outdoor adventure, nature exploration, and winery visits in the Texas Hill Country. It’s the perfect place to see all the beautiful lakes in the area. The lakes form a chain: Lake LBJ, Lake Buchanan, Lake Travis, and Inks Lake. As they flow farther downstream, they all empty into the Colorado River. If you have a long weekend, definitely go out on a fun watercraft.
Where To Stay In Marble Falls
There are plenty of places to stay in Marble Falls and nearby. Our first overnight visit was at a sweet cabin off FM 1431 that I found on Airbnb. On my second visit, I took a friend, and we stayed at the Hidden Falls Inn on Lake Marble Falls. On my third visit, I brought my mom and son, and we stayed in a rustic cabin near town in Liberty Hill that I found on VRBO. But my latest stay was this year (2025) at the beautiful Horseshoe Bay Resort.
And of course, I’ve driven through many times. I’ll never tire of this beautiful small town on Lake Marble Falls. See our trip to Horseshoe Bay Resort.
Historic Downtown Marble Falls
The Historic Downtown District has everything to love, from antiques to art galleries to candy shops and great restaurants. Also, an essential part of walking around is having clean public restrooms—there are plenty of them, too! Downtown is an easy walk to the lake and Lakeside Park, with a lovely picnic area.
Eat Pie at Blue Bonnet Cafe
Although I loved the downtown area and there are plenty of places to dine, I was told I had to eat at Blue Bonnet Cafe… and that it’s the best restaurant in town for breakfast and pies! Check whether they still offer “Pie Happy Hour.”
Travel Tip: Go early and expect a long line.
Sweet Berry Farm
Sweet Berry Farm offers spring fun, including berry and flower picking, along with many family activities.
It also offers sweet fall activities for the whole family, including pick-your-own flowers (zinnias) and a stuff-a-scarecrow activity. We did both. It was so fun that we ended up going back the next day. There is no admission fee, and free parking – a win-win in my book! All activities do have a fee. We did the hayride and the corn maze, but the farm offers so much more. It was the largest pumpkin patch we’d ever been to. Activities were on both sides of the road, and people were everywhere.
Stuffing that scarecrow was the best $20 I have ever spent …and we made some cute memories. That was a couple of years ago so that the fee may be higher. From its appearance, it’s a popular destination for families to spend the day.
Be sure to check their schedule, as they are closed at certain times of the year.
Lake Marble Falls
Lake Marble Falls is a fun lake for boaters, swimmers, and kayakers. There are two parks on the lake. Dogs are always welcome in Marble Falls, and Westside Park has a leash-free dog park (Ruff Park). Kayaking and other water sports are available to rent year-round, and you could certainly have a fun weekend on the water.
Travel Tip: Bring bathing suits – even in October!
Longhorn Caverns Cave Tour
Longhorn Caverns State Park offers a guided walking tour, and though the stairs were steep, and you had to walk like a duck several times, it was probably the best cave I’ve ever been in. It was wide open inside, and it was a pleasant 68 degrees, not too stuffy or humid like some caves I’ve visited. If you go, arrive early and take a walk along one of the many well-maintained nature trails.
I’ve never seen bats on a cave tour until now. We saw at least nine bats – all sleeping except for one. It flew right above a lady’s head, scaring us all to pieces. I didn’t realize how cute these little mammals are.
Take A Scenic Drive on FM 1431
Aside from venturing downtown on Main Street and to the lake, everything else we did was off FM 1431. This road is very curvy and hilly, offering spectacular views of the hill country and a couple of lookout stops. The Sweet Berry Farm and the Longhorn Caverns are both off this road. Even that sweet rustic cabin was on this road, but on the opposite side of Hwy 281. So, I’m very familiar with the area and can attest that it’s a beautiful, scenic drive, with natural beauty on both sides of the road. Neither one of us ever got tired of driving that road!
Balcones Canyonland National Wildlife Refuge
Speaking of FM 1431, you’ll be traveling about 30 miles from town to reach the refuge. Step into the visitor’s office and ask about the wildlife you may be able to see. Bring your hiking shoes!
Bay View Restaurant & Bar in Marble Falls
Enjoy lunch or dinner at the upscale Bay View Restaurant & Bar, and be sure to request an outdoor table on a beautiful day to enjoy the stunning lake views.
Horseshoe Bay Resort & Spa
Get out of town and head to Horseshoe Bay Resort, where there are loads of family activities inside and out. I brought a friend, but this hotel is suitable for everyone, especially families. Please see above for what my friends and I did during our two nights there, including putt-putt and a boat ride.
Flat Creek Winery in Marble Falls
Again, off FM1431, is this lovely winery, vineyard, restaurant, and even a room to rent. It’s one of our favorite wineries to visit on the Texas Hill Country Wine Passport.
Family time is essential, so why not spend it somewhere fun? We recommend a family trip to Marble Falls, TX, every time!
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