Belton, Texas
Belton, TX offers a diverse range of activities for a memorable weekend, from outdoor adventures to unique attractions like a Texas winery and llama Airbnb.
Looking for a weekend getaway with a small-town charm? Belton, TX has it all! Discover beautiful lakes, parks, and hidden gems like the first Texas state park and a local winery. With so much to explore, you’ll find endless fun and interesting things to do in Belton.
Why Visit
Belton offers a variety of activities for a fun-filled weekend, including outdoor adventures, unique attractions like a Texas winery, an Airbnb surrounded by llamas, and exploring the first Texas state park.
Belton’s got the charm of a small town, but the big city vibes are definitely within reach! Depending on what you’re looking for, you have two great options:
Austin: Just an hour south, Austin’s the place to be for live music, quirky shops, and that famous keep-weird spirit. Think food trucks, funky bars, and outdoor adventures galore.
Dallas-Fort Worth: Head north for 2 hours and you’ll find the DFW metroplex, bursting with world-class museums, trendy restaurants, and major sporting events. From cowboys to culture, it’s a diverse mix waiting to be explored.
Lake Belton is known for boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, water skiing, family-friendly parks, scenic views, and a healthy variety of fish.
Outdoors
Lake Belton wears many hats, attracting various interests and earning its reputation for different things:
Boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and water skiing are some of the popular Belton activities.
Belton Lake is a haven for families. Parks with picnic areas, playgrounds, and beaches offer opportunities for relaxation and quality time.
The rolling hills and rocky cliffs surrounding the lake create breathtaking vistas.
The lake boasts a healthy population of various fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and sunfish, making it a popular fishing destination.
You don’t have to drive out to the coast to spend time on the beach. Lake Belton is surrounded by sand and beautiful turquoise waters. You can spend all day simply soaking up the sun, swimming in the water, and grilling under one of the pavilions.
You might even see people windsurfing and kitesurfing at Temples Lake Park. There’s also a beautiful waterfall that can be found right across from Temples Lake Park and you can have fun with the rentals at Frank’s Marina.
Temples Lake Park is a great spot to hang out near Belton Lake! It’s on the southern side of the lake and has plenty of open space to relax without being too crowded. The park features a playground, boat ramps, and a beach where you can swim in the lake or just lounge on the shore!
Another great spot right outside of Belton TX for some outdoor activities is Stillhouse Hollow Lake. It is managed by the US Army but is still accessible to everyone. The lake has beautifully clear water and is the perfect place for a picnic or a day out on the water.
When the water is low, you can even walk across to the island in the middle, but it is usually super muddy so just be cautious.
Hiking the trails that wind through Chalk Ridge Falls Park on the Lampasas River is a must when in Belton TX. A couple of the different nature trails wind throughout the park, where you are likely to see a variety of wildlife. A highlight of exploring this park is definitely passing over the cool suspension bridge and getting up close to the gorgeous waterfalls.
But that’s not all! Don’t forget about the trails at Miller Springs Nature Center, which is another hotspot for hiking aficionados. With its rugged terrain and panoramic views, it offers a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. Whether you’re into bird watching, photographing nature, or just enjoying a leisurely hike, Miller Springs Nature Center is a great place for all the nature lovers out there.
An expansive park along the shore of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, Stillhouse Park is a great picnic spot. There are two large pavilions, plus plenty of private picnic sites. The park also offers basketball, fishing, and swimming if this piques your interest.
For a fun experience out on the water in Belton, try tubing on Nolan Creek. If you start off near the MLK bridge, you can float down the river for about two hours and reach Confederate Park or hop out early for a shorter journey. Be prepared to run into a few small rapids and cascades if you go the whole stretch.
Dana Peak can be found on the peninsula of Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Aside from offering easy access to all of the lakeside activities, the peak boasts incredible views of the lake and the surrounding area.
Browse
Make sure to include a visit to Cochran, Blair & Potts on your list of things to do in Belton. One of the historic buildings is where you’ll find unique shops with a variety of clothes, suits, boots, and gifts. This is the oldest operating department store in Texas.
Cochran, Blair & Potts was originally founded as Cook Mercantile & Company in Centerville in 1869. The store actually changed locations twice and names five times before landing in Belton and becoming what it is today.
Anyone interested in history, or just looking for a cultural experience in the area, should visit Bell County Museum in Belton. The museum has a few permanent exhibits regarding the rich history of Bell County and the surrounding area.
Plus, rotating exhibits display items like WWII paintings from the South Pacific, so be sure to look into what will be on display during your visit to Belton TX.
The McWha Bookstore is a used bookstore in Belton, and they have tons of different books for any interest! The bookstore works to highlight local authors by advertising and hosting book signings that will bring greater attention to these authors.
Belton has a variety of different antique shops scattered throughout the city. Touring these shops is a fun way to explore Belton through its local businesses. You can find some really cool and unique items at these antique shops, so don’t hesitate to pop in!
The Bell County Flea Market is an outdoor flea market that has been running for over 30 years and is open every weekend. This is definitely something that should be on your list of things to do in Belton, especially if you like shopping; they have over 200 booths spanning 14-acres!
Eat
AR•U•SHA is a cute and cozy coffee shop with stylish brick walls and hardwood floors. The coffee shop boasts an extensive list of high-quality coffee and teas, plus breakfast and pastries, making it a great place to stop for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
I love a good taco spot and El Potosino was a Belton gem on our way back from Mother Neff State Park. They serve blue corn tortillas, the flavors are incredible, and they serve large portions of meat. I ordered three but could only eat half!
This trendy eatery in a historic 19th-century building combines rustic charm with modern style and great food! Situated in downtown Belton, this is the best brunch spot.
Water Street Waffle Co serves delicious waffle creations with fresh ingredients, as well as coffee, mimosas, fresh-squeezed juices, and other breakfast items.
Miller’s Smokehouse is the place to go for Texas BBQ in Belton. They pride themselves in being a family-run restaurant and delivering the best smoky BBQ. Make sure to stop by for a drink and some amazing food while you’re in town!
Visiting the Walker Honey Farm and its on-site winery is probably one of the most unique Belton TX things to do. The farm operates on a bee-to-bottle philosophy and offers tours to learn about the process of harvesting, extracting, and packing raw honey.
Their store sells a variety of honey-based products, such as soaps and candles, and the Dancing Bee Winery creates a variety of unique wine flavors. The blackberry honey wine is one of their most popular, so make sure to try it! If you’re lucky enough to be able to visit in the spring, you’ll also be treated to a beautiful mix of bluebonnets!
A charming, old-fashioned movie theater, the Beltonian Theatre is the perfect place for a night out in Belton. They show a mixture of classic and current movies with a full menu that serves, not just concessions, but full meals delivered right to your seat, plus beer, wine, and specialty drinks.
They also host themed events and various live events.
Tea Luck now operates as Toast & Tea in Belton. It’s still a super cute Asian tea shop serving a variety of teas, coffees, and smoothies, along with steamed buns and Asian-style desserts like kakigori.
Play
If you’re looking for an activity to get your adrenaline going or to satisfy your competitive side, experience all of the fun at BLORA Paintball. They have a couple different cool setups on the course, and you can rent all the equipment you need at the park.
Looking for the perfect destination for a fun day in the sun? The Summer Fun Water Park has several fun attractions, including a variety of water slides, pools, and a lazy river. They offer rental cabanas and even host a BYOB adult night!
Experience the X Games right here in Texas! Little River Dragway is one of the many unique attractions in Belton. It is a racing track in Bell County that hosts events and races throughout the year, largely during the spring and summer.
Stop by to watch everything from cars to Harley races for a fun-filled afternoon.
The Bell County Expo Center is a vibrant hub of entertainment, featuring everything from thrilling professional rodeos to adrenaline-pumping motocross events. Not just for sports, it’s also a stage for big-name concerts and a variety of performances all year round.
The Woodhouse Day Spa emphasizes ideas of renewal and rejuvenation while offering a variety of services. These includes facials, massages, body treatments, waxing, mani/pedis, and more. Book a visit to go by yourself, with a friend, or with a partner if you are in need of a little more relaxation.
This spa embodies tranquility, emphasizing renewal and connection, making it the perfect addition to your list of things to do in Belton TX for couples.
That Art Place is a painting studio in Belton that offers classes. Here you can paint, do pottery or learn how to make fused glass. This is an awesome activity for a more immersive experience, and walk-ins are welcome, so no need to worry about scheduling!
Take the whole family and get your creative juices flowing!
Explore
Mother Neff State Park is just a short drive from the neighboring town of Moody, our very first state park. There are some great hiking trails for hikers of all ages and a frontal playground for the kiddos.
Along the Lost Creek Trail, you’ll find a rock tower that almost looks like a castle, providing 360-degree views of nature. And, there’s also a cave that you can wander into that was used by the Tonkawa Indian tribe in the 1800s.
During particularly wet seasons, this trail will flood so make sure to check the site to see if it’s open for hiking. You can also visit the Wash Pond which, depending on the season, may or may not be there.
Stay
Add something special to your list of fun things to do in Belton TX this weekend. Go 20 minutes outside of Belton and stay at the Silo House at the Laughing Llama Farm. This Airbnb has a beautiful loft-style design and eclectic charm, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. The outdoor seating area includes a handful of rocking chairs overlooking the ten-acre working farm where visitors can see sheep and llamas grazing in the fields.
Best for a memorable nearby overnight
Wrap Up
In Belton, there are so many things to do! It is a particularly nice place to visit for its variety of museums, shopping centers, local restaurants, beautiful outdoor spaces and activities. Also, there are numerous lakes and parks that you can visit.
You’ll never have to worry about being bored if you plan a visit to Belton. There is always something new and exciting to experience, plus it has the added bonus of being only an hour away from Austin!
Budget-friendly Texas trip ideas, weekend getaways, and favorite finds.
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Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm a Texas-based travel creator blending colorful style with local eats, nature escapes, weekends, road trips, and practical tips to help you make the most of where you live.
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These places may be permanently closed, moved, or no longer belong in the current Belton roundup, but we’re keeping a note here so older memories and older versions of the guide still make sense.
Bold Republic Brewing used to be one of the Belton stops for taco nights and frozen beer slushies, but it now operates in Temple, so it no longer belongs in the current Belton list.
