If you’re looking for a charming small-town getaway in the Lone Star State, Llano should be at the top of your list. With its rich history, unique attractions, and warm community, this little town offers plenty of ways to enjoy everything from delicious food to quirky shops and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking to explore the stunning fields of bluebonnets or take in some of the best views of the Hill Country, Llano has something for everyone.
I recently had the chance to explore this hidden gem, and I’m excited to share some of the best things to do here. Let’s dive into my ultimate guide to Llano, Texas!
Stay at Dabbs Hotel: A Piece of History
Dabbs Railroad Hotel is an experience in itself. Built in the early 1900s, this historic hotel has seen its fair share of transformations. Initially serving as a resting spot for train crews, it’s now a beautiful, quirky hotel that offers eight guest rooms full of charm.
The history here is fascinating, especially the fact that Bonnie and Clyde once stayed at the hotel! Room 2 is even named after them. You might even experience some friendly ghosts, as the hotel is rumored to be haunted – but don’t worry, the spirits are said to be more comforting than frightening.
If you love a good historical atmosphere with a touch of the mysterious, Dabbs Hotel is a must-visit.
Dine at Barrel House
For a great meal with a welcoming atmosphere, Barrel House is where you want to be. This fancy restaurant, which shares ownership with Dabbs Hotel, offers a delightful menu with a range of creative cocktails and mocktails. I was particularly impressed by their Cajun Chicken Pasta – creamy, spicy, and absolutely delicious. The Pimento Cheese Balls were another unexpected highlight.
Whether you’re here for a fancy dinner or a fun weekend brunch, Barrel House’s relaxed vibe and tasty food will leave you satisfied. And if you’re a fan of live music, the outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a meal with a side of great tunes. Make sure to check their Facebook page to see if there is any live music or events before you go.
Savor Comfort Food at Gio’s Italian Restaurant
Gio’s Italian Restaurant is the go-to spot for comfort Italian food in Llano. Their menu has everything from pizzas and pastas to chicken parmesan and salmon. I loved the cozy vibe of the bar area and the Italian artwork on the benches.
Enjoy the Outdoors at Llano River
The banks of the Llano River are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, or just enjoying a relaxing day by the water, the river offers beautiful views and a tranquil setting. The nearby Llano Bridge provides a scenic backdrop, and the peaceful sounds of the river make it a great place for a picnic or a leisurely walk. I had a great time sitting by the river and truly enjoyed the serenity of the area.
Browse Unique Finds at Serendipity Antiques
If you’re into vintage items, Serendipity Antiques is a gem. Located downtown, the shop is filled with booths showcasing all kinds of treasures. From old cameras to vintage Coach purses and military memorabilia, there’s something for everyone. As someone who loves browsing through antiques, I was thoroughly impressed by the variety and quality of the items. It’s a perfect spot for finding unique keepsakes or just enjoying the charm of an antique shop.
Grab a Bite at Burger Bar Café
If you’re craving a good burger, head to Burger Bar Cafe. This family-friendly spot has been a local favorite since 1965, and their creative burger options are next-level. I tried the Elvis Queso Burger, which comes with fried avocado and queso—absolutely delicious! And as a self-proclaimed fried pickle aficionado, I can confidently say their fried pickles are some of the best I’ve ever had.
Get Creative at Serendipity & Grace
This colorful and vibrant space is part art class, part craft store, and all-around fun. I loved the free library outside and the colorful painted piano. They offer a variety of classes, from tap dancing to painting, so there’s something for everyone. It’s a wonderful spot to unleash your creativity or pick up a unique gift.
Explore Local Shops
Llano is full of unique stores that showcase Texas charm. Some of my favorites include:
Texana Outfitters: A quintessential Texas store with everything from cowboy boots to arrowheads.
Luna Blue: A vibrant shop with artisan-crafted items like handmade earrings from Medellín, Colombia.
Possibilities Resale & Design: A resale store with a heart, giving back to the community through fundraisers and charity work.
Hill Country Gifts and Wild Herbs: This small-town shop offers a mix of clothing, cowboy boots, soaps, and health products. It’s a great place to pick up quirky gifts, vintage finds, and unique souvenirs.
Monroe’s on Main: From funny mugs with sayings like “Sea Hag” to cute clothing and accessories, this shop is full of personality. It’s the perfect place to pick up a quirky gift or something fun for yourself.
Wild Weed: Wild Weed specializes in body products, oils, and soaps, all made locally in Texas. They also offer a variety of teas, ceramic items, and bluebonnet art. It’s a great spot for anyone looking for unique, handmade wellness products.
4L Western Wear: They have a great selection of cowboy boots, belts, and even offer custom-made hats with on-site hat shaping! You can get that perfect cowboy look right here.
Country Quilt Shop: As a Texan, I particularly appreciated their wide variety of fabrics featuring bluebonnets! They also offer beginner quilting workshops, popular bag-making workshops, and many other classes, which you can find on their website.
Taste the Famous Turkey Sausage at Inman’s BBQ
Inman’s BBQ has been serving up their signature turkey sausage since 1967, and it’s worth the hype. What started as a humble family business has grown into a globally recognized product. People even ship their sausage to friends and family around the world!
Sip and Shop at LTX Mercantile
LTX Mercantile is a quirky mix of a dive bar and a mercantile. On one side, you’ll find the Redneck Speakeasy, a charming bar with live music and games like pool and darts. On the other side, there’s a shop selling t-shirts, gear, and fun items. It’s the perfect spot to relax, shop, and soak in the local businesses.
Explore Water Adventures
If you’re looking for some water fun, Marchison Creek and Vasterling Creek are excellent options. Marchison Creek is a local favorite for tubing and swimming, offering a refreshing escape during warm weekends. Meanwhile, Vasterling Creek Crossing, nestled in the scenic Hill Country, is a peaceful spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Llano may be a small town, but it knows how to have fun after dark.
The Falls Bar: This upscale bar has a stunning outdoor patio overlooking the falls and a great lineup of live music.
Sundown: For a more laid-back, honky-tonk experience, Sundown is the spot. This dive bar features live music, a pool table, and even a dance floor for those who want to cut a rug.
1892 Emporium: A wine bar with a speakeasy vibe, offering Texas wines and charcuterie.
War Trail Spirits Distillery: Enjoy live music, specialty drinks, and light bites on their outdoor patio.
Llano Beer Co: A cozy, quirky spot with jackalope heads on the walls and taps lining the back wall. It’s a small place with big personality, featuring a shuffleboard game and a fun.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Chrissy’s Homestyle Bakery
No trip to Llano is complete without a stop at Chrissy’s Homestyle Bakery. Their giant cinnamon rolls are legendary, and the Bavarian pretzels (cinnamon and sugar) are a must-try. They also offer savory options like breakfast sandwiches if you’re in the mood for something hearty.
Catch a Show at the Historic Lantex Theater
This historic building is a blast from the past with its old-school movie vibe. They host live music concerts and movie screenings, making it a great spot for entertainment.
Enjoy Some Great Coffee
Mava Java Coffee Shop: Mava Java is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a community hub. They have colorful drinks like the Bikini Bottom and a boutique on-site. If you’re looking for a local hangout with great drinks and a fun vibe, Mava Java is the place to go.
Fuel Coffee House: This cozy, non-profit coffee shop is perfect for unwinding. The exposed rock walls and welcoming vibe make it a great spot to grab a kolache or pastry (their cinnamon rolls are amazing!). They also host live music and even have a knitting group that’s been meeting for 16 years.
Discover Local Art and History
The Llano County Courthouse: this castle-like building, is a stunning piece of architecture with historical significance. It’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has been a central part of Llano’s history.
Llano County Historical Museum: If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the Llano County Historical Museum to learn more about the fascinating past and story of Llano County.
Llano Railroad Museum: Housed in a beautifully restored depot, this museum showcases the vital role rail transportation played in Llano’s development. Visitors can explore rare artifacts, interactive displays, and even send a telegraph using the original machine once used for train route communication. Outside, you’ll find a caboose, a passenger car, and a mining exhibit that pays tribute to Llano’s rich mining history.
Visit the Historic Red Top Jail
A trip to Llano wouldn’t be complete without exploring the fascinating history of the Red Top Jail. The jail’s back entrance once served as the jailer’s quarters, and over the years, the building has undergone significant changes. The jail also has its share of dramatic moments. In 1929, an inmate got into a fight with a deputy, grabbed his gun, and it accidentally went off, leaving a bullet hole in the wall. You can still see that bullet hole today, along with photos and videos that bring the jail’s history to life.
Explore Art and Nature Combined
Grenwelge Park is a delightful spot located on the south bank of the Llano River, just off Ford Street. This park is a unique blend of natural beauty and artistic charm, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Llano.
One of the park’s standout features is its collection of rock sculptures and quirky art installations, which add a creative touch to the serene environment. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the annual rock-stacking contest, a local favorite that showcases incredible creativity using river rocks.
Refresh at Juice on the Corner
After a tiring day of exploration, treat yourself to a healthy and refreshing stop at Juice on the Corner. This family-owned organic juice and smoothie bar, located in downtown Llano, offers a variety of raw, cold-pressed juices, organic smoothies, and house-made acai bowls.
With its cozy atmosphere and commitment to using high-quality, organic ingredients, this shop is a standout spot.
Explore the Best of Llano
- Fun Things to do in Llano Texas (coming soon)
- Things to do at night in Llano
- Best Restaurants in Llano (coming soon)
- Top Brunch Spots in Llano (coming soon)
Best Things to Do in Llano Texas: FAQs
What is Llano known for?
Llano is famously known as the “Deer Capital of Texas” due to its incredibly high density of white-tailed deer.
What’s the best time to visit Llano?
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Llano. In spring, the area comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, including the iconic Texas bluebonnets.
Is there bluebonnets in Llano, Texas?
Yes, Llano is a fantastic spot to see bluebonnets! During spring, the Bluebonnet Trail in Llano offers breathtaking views of these iconic wildflowers.
BONUS: Get Your Free Texas Travel Guide!
If you want to plan more Texas trips without breaking the bank, I’ve put together over 55 trips in Texas. These come with detailed itineraries to help you plan amazing trips around the state. Each trip costs less than $50 per person. Explore Texas, and you’ll uncover amazing hidden gems and wacky attractions throughout the state!
Not ready to purchase just yet? We’re offering the 1st edition of our 50 Texas Trips Under $50 for FREE! Simply click the button below, then scroll down to grab your copy!
Best Things to Do in Llano Texas: Final Thoughts
Known as the Deer Capital of Texas, this charming town is home to some of the best places for exploring and relaxation. You can immerse yourself in the stories of the historic downtown Llano while enjoying its natural beauty. From antique shopping to outdoor exploration, Llano truly has great things to offer.
Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a frequent traveller, the historic sites and nature hikes here will leave you with lasting memories. Come for the beauty; stay for the memorable experience!
Ready to visit the city of Llano for yourself? Start planning your trip today and discover all the hidden gems this charming Texas Hill Country town of Llano has to offer.
Last Updated 8 hours ago by Jessica Serna | Published: July 20, 2025
What do you think?