There’s nothing like getting out into the great outdoors. When you visit Johnson City, Texas, you have the opportunity to explore and appreciate nature, history and more. With so many parks in the area, it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon, a week or an entire season outside!
We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite outdoor spots around town, as well as a few options to cool off and refresh following a Hill Country outdoor excursion. Keep reading for the full list, or download our pocket guide to parks around Johnson City!
Best Parks for History Fans
As home to a former President, Johnson City has a lot to offer fans of local, regional and national history. When you visit Johnson City, you also have the opportunity to explore both a state and national historic park.
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
Park Rd 52 (at US Hwy 290), Stonewall, TX 78671
This state park is filled with historical gems, including the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, where guests can engage with park rangers while they manage the farm, do chores and more. You’ll see rangers doing everything from feeding animals to working at the blacksmith’s forge.
You can also view majestic Texas animals like bison and longhorns grazing the park, and can enjoy fields of blooming wildflowers when they are in season. The park includes a swimming pool for the hot summer days, as well as tennis courts and an easy walking trail (1.2 miles).
The park is free to access. While the grounds, trails and picnic areas are available to use until dusk, the Living History Farm is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. between October and May, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. between June and September. The Living History Farm is open daily with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and the last Tuesday of every month.
The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site is located 2 miles east of Stonewall, 14 miles west of Johnson City on US Highway 290.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park tells even more of the LBJ story, including showcasing his boyhood home and the historic Johnson Settlement.
The Texas White House is currently undergoing renovations, but when open provides another dimension of local history, as the place where President Johnson hosted diplomats and dignitaries.
At the Visitor Center, you can watch films and peruse exhibits that give a further taste of Texas history and culture. The Visitor Center is open daily, year-round, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The park comprises multiple locations in the downtown area of Johnson City as well as on the LBJ Ranch to the west of town. To see a listing of all locations, visit the map page on the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park website.
Best Park for Hiking and Exploring
The Hill Country is a gorgeous place to be outside. Even during the hot months, it can be cooler and breezier than either San Antonio or Austin. While there are plenty of places to hike and explore about the area, we’re covering a few favorites here.
Pedernales Falls State Park
2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636
Pedernales Falls State Park is among the most-beloved in Texas and includes a variety of great activities, hiking trails and more to get you and your family out and exploring.
The park features trails at varying levels of difficulty, including:
- Twin Falls Nature Trail (0.5 mile round trip) – Short trail leads to one of the most beautiful spots in the Texas Hill country
- Wolf Mountain Loop (5.5 mile round trip): Explore the trail and enjoy gorgeous scenic views
- Juniper Ridge Trail (9.6 mile): This trail is highly rated for mountain biking, as well as being a great shady option for a longer walking/hiking trek.
- Horse Trail – South (11.4 miles): A great trail for – you guessed it – horseback riding, as well as for walking and biking. Traverses limestone hills and connects to other trails to extend your outing.
Explorers of all ages will also love watching for birds and wildlife and visiting the butterfly gardens. The park is open daily – the gates close from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Park admission fees are $6 for guests ages 13 and up.
Honorable Mention: Willow City Loop
While it’s not a park, we think the Hill Country’s most-famous wildflower spot is a must-see for cyclists during the spring season. It’s a 13-mile stretch from the intersection of Ranch Road 1323 and Willow City Loop and includes scenic views, unique geologic formations and more.
Best for Water Fun
Pedernales River Nature Park
404 U.S. 281, Johnson City, TX 78636
Pedernales River Nature Park offers a great retreat from the world and a place to enjoy the outdoors. The park is managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority and is focused on water activities.
Guests love using the park as a launching spot for kayaking, canoeing, swimming and more. You can also expect to see guests dropping their lines in the water for an afternoon of fishing and relaxing.
LCRAmanaged riverfront nature park with hiking, picnicking, swimming/kayaking on Pedernales River. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission is $5 for adults 13 and up, with discounted passes for seniors, military and the disabled, as well as free admission to those who have an LCRA pass.
Blanco State Park
101 Park Road 23, Blanco, TX 78606
Blanco State Park is a small park right along the Blanco River. It’s an ideal place for swimming, fishing, tubing, paddling around and more.
This one-mile stretch of riverfront includes a small wading area for children near the dam, as well as areas for picnicking and camping. Families can borrow a park explorer pack to add an educational component to the outing. There’s even a historical feature, a CCC-built picnic pavilion that’s a great place for gathering with friends.
The park is open daily and has a $5 per adult admission fee.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Even though we’ve already mentioned it for its outstanding exploration options, Pedernales Falls also deserves a mention as a great place for water fun. The park includes stunning sunset views over limestone slabs, and is a wonderful option for tubing, kayaking and more.
Best for Being Festive: Memorial Park
Memorial Park is located on the corner of US Hwy. 290 and Avenue G.
During most of the year, this park is a simple, pleasant spot for picnicking in the pavilion or enjoying a little outdoor stroll.
During the holiday season, it transforms into a twinkling wonderland, thanks to the thousands upon thousands of Lights Spectacular lights. The festivities last from late November to early January each year and truly light up the town. NASA has reported that the glow from Johnson City is visible from space!
Best for a Casual Family Gathering: City Park
City Park in Johnson City is the ideal small-town gathering spot.
It includes facilities that can keep everyone in the family busy – from little ones who adore the playground and pool (in summer) to teens testing out their wheels at the skate park to pickleball enthusiasts who want to dink around on the courts.
It’s a great place to come for a reset with the kids or to plan a family reunion style potluck – just make sure to complete a rental form through the City to reserve space if you’re hosting an official gathering or event!
Best Park for Unique Animal Experiences
Old Tunnel State Park
10619 Old San Antonio Road
You can see a wide variety of wildlife at all the state parks around Johnson City. However, Old Tunnel State Park offers a unique Texas Hill country experience.
In the evening, you can watch the skies erupt with wildlife. The park is home to more than 3 million Mexican freetail and cave myotis bats. At dusk, they embark on a search for food and fill the sky.
You can also enjoy the park during the day as you hike short trails, picnic and more. The trail is open from sunrise to 5 p.m. You must have a ticket to stay after 5 p.m. and enjoy the bat viewing. Space is limited, so tickets do need to be reserved in advance online.
Along With Your Park Visit: More to Enjoy in Johnson City
If you’re exploring the parks and trails and waterways around Johnson City, you’re going to work up an appetite. Consider some of our local restaurants as a great way to fuel up before – or recharge after – an outing. We have a few recommendations for you, including:
- The Jittery Biscuit and Johnson City Coffee Co. for the morning caffeine you need to hit the trails
- Hill Country Ice Cream for a sweet treat to lure the kids away from the playground
- Pecan Street Brewing Company for an ice-cold, locally crafted beer to refresh following a long bike ride, or to toast post-fishing trip to “the one that got away”
- Fat Boy Burgers for a casual bite after a day of playing and exploring
Want more to enjoy in Johnson City? Download our pocket guide to the local parks, or grab our 5 Things lists to explore around town!
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