Valentine's Day in the Highland Lakes: A Guide to Romance, Adventure and Fun

Love is in the air across the Highland Lakes — and whether you're planning a grand romantic gesture or just want to do something a little different this Valentine's Day, we've got you covered. From winery dinners and stargazing to thrift-store treasure hunts and honky-tonk dances, here's your guide to making Feb. 13–14 unforgettable.

Adopt Love

Nothing says "I love you" quite like bringing home a new best friend. The Hill Country Humane Society in Buchanan Dam is a no-kill shelter with dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes — call ahead at 512-793-2085 to ask about this Valentine's weekend $14 adoption special. If you're not ready to adopt, consider donating blankets, food, or supplies to a local rescue. It's one of the most loving things you can do with your Valentine.

The Treasure Hunt

Here's a date idea that's equal parts creative and hilarious: head to a thrift store together, set a budget — say $10 or $20 — and pick out the most thoughtful, ridiculous, or surprisingly perfect gift you can find for each other. The Highland Lakes has no shortage of secondhand shops. My personal favorite is the Bookstore of Marble Falls - loaded from floor to ceiling with used books, CDs, vinyl records, and DVDs. When you're done shopping, find a favorite coffee shop or park bench to reveal your finds. The real gift is the laughter.

Dinner and a Show

The Highland Lakes serves up plenty of ways to combine a great meal with live entertainment this Valentine's weekend.

In Llano, the historic LanTex Theater (113 W. Main St.) screens "Dirty Dancing" on Feb. 13-14, at 7:30 p.m. — the ultimate Valentine's movie in an updated 1927 theater on the town square. For the best view in the house, head up to the balcony seating, where you can take in the film in a more intimate setting. Before or after the show, stop by the 1892 Emporium (109 W. Main St.) for a wine and chocolate tasting, or grab dinner and share a sundae at Llano River Creamery & Kitchen (105 W. Main St.), open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On Saturday night, Sundown in Llano hosts its Honky Tonk Heartbreak Dance from 8–11 p.m. with Justin Trevino and Amber Digby playing classic country. Complimentary food, drink specials, and a real dance floor — bring your sweetheart or find a new one.

Over in Horseshoe Bay, the resort's 10th Annual Comedy Festival runs Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14–15, in the Granite Ballroom. Saturday's lineup features Tammy Pescatelli (Amazon Prime specials) with opener Mason James; Sunday brings Ryan Hamilton (Netflix special) with Keith Alberstadt. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., shows at 7:30 p.m. both nights. Pizza, cocktails, and beer available. Call 877-611-0112 for tickets and packages. Note: This event is for members and guests of Horseshoe Bay Resort only.

For theater lovers, Hill Country Community Theatre in Cottonwood Shores is running the classic comedy "Lend Me A Tenor" — with performances Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets at thehcct.org or 830-798-8944.

If you’re leaning toward a more low-key movie date, Cinergy in Marble Falls features a small arcade and a full bar to round out the night. Be sure to check cinergy.com for specific showtimes—the new releases Wuthering Heights and Solo Mio headline this weekend’s marquee. For a real weep-fest, The Notebook makes a nostalgic return visit on Valentine’s Day.

Chase the Sunset

Few things are more romantic than watching the sun drop behind the Hill Country. Here are some of the best spots to catch it this Valentine's weekend.

Bay View Restaurant in Cottonwood Shores overlooks Lake LBJ with west-facing views that turn golden at dusk. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 4–10 p.m. — make a reservation on OpenTable or call 830-637-7417, and request a window table.

Inks Lake State Park near Burnet offers stunning waterside sunset views from the Devil's Waterhole overlook or along the shoreline trails. On Saturday, Feb. 14, the park hosts a free "Art in the Park" Valentine's craft from 1–3 p.m. — all supplies provided, no registration needed. The park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For something truly dramatic, drive out to Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg. The summit offers 360-degree views of the Hill Country as the sun goes down. Reservations are required on Saturdays — book at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com up to 30 days ahead. Note: a burn ban is in effect, and you'll want to bring your own water.

Closer to home, the Roy Inks Bridge over the Llano River offers a beautiful vantage point, and the terrace at Wedding Oak Winery in Burnet pairs sunset views with a glass of Texas wine. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge near Marble Falls — including the Warbler Vista trailhead — is another serene option for a sunset walk.

Greet the Sunrise

If your Valentine is the early-bird type, a sunrise together might be the most romantic thing you do all year. Pack a thermos of coffee and a blanket, and head out before dawn.

Enchanted Rock at sunrise is a spiritual experience — the granite dome glows pink and orange as the first light breaks. Arrive early; the gates open at the posted time, and the hike to the summit takes about 30 minutes. Reservations are required on Saturdays — book at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com up to 30 days ahead.

Canyon of the Eagles near Burnet has east-facing views over Lake Buchanan, and the Juniper & Peacock Loop Trail is an easy morning walk. Inks Lake State Park is just as beautiful at dawn as it is at dusk, especially from the old bridge area near the dam.

In town, Lakeside Park along the shores of Lake Marble Falls offers a peaceful east-facing spot to watch the sun come up — no hiking required.

Stargaze

The Highland Lakes region is one of the best places in Texas for stargazing, and a clear February night is ideal for it. Here's where to look up this Valentine's weekend.

Black Rock Park in Buchanan Dam is hosting a S'mores and Stars event on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 7–8 p.m. You can roast marshmallows by the campfire and peer through multiple high-powered telescopes for $10 per person.

Canyon of the Eagles in Burnet is a certified dark-sky site with a staffed observatory. Stargazing programs run on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for ages 5–12 (free for kids under 4). Park entry is $5 per adult, free for kids, and $2 for seniors and military.

River Ranch County Park in Liberty Hill sits within the state's only certified Dark Sky community. The park is open until 10 p.m. (gates close to incoming traffic at 9 p.m.), and admission is just $4 for adults and $2 for seniors. At 1,354 acres with minimal light pollution, it's a stunning spot to spread out a blanket and watch the stars. Check Save Our Stars for upcoming community stargazing events.

Inks Lake State Park is also a designated Dark Sky park — a great option if you're already there for sunset and want to linger.

Visit a Winery

Valentine's Day and Texas wine are a natural pairing, and several Highland Lakes wineries are rolling out special experiences this weekend.

Wedding Oak Winery in Burnet hosts a Valentine's Day 4-Course Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Rafa's Kitchen out of Marble Falls prepares each course, paired with Wedding Oak wines selected by Head Winemaker Van Johnson. Live piano by Eileen Meyer sets the mood. Tickets are $120 per person for members and $130 for non-members — book at weddingoakwines.com.

Texas Legato Winery near Lampasas offers an intimate 3-course dinner paired with estate-grown wines on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 6:30–8 p.m. Seating is limited — call 512-556-9600 to reserve.

Tor Na Lochs Winery in Burnet hosts live music every Saturday on their scenic patio. The view of Lake Buchanan and Inks Lake is spectacular. Check torrnalochs.com or call 512-766-0555 for the Valentine's Day lineup and times.

Flat Creek Estate in Marble Falls is celebrating all weekend with barrel tastings and wine-paired dinners from Feb. 12–15 at The Bistro — an elegant escape in the vineyards.

Adventures for Two

Not every Valentine's date has to be candlelit and quiet. If you and your person prefer action over ambiance, the Highland Lakes has plenty of ways to play together.

For a fun and relaxed Valentine’s date, Putters and Gutters in Lampasas and Marble Falls offers a laid-back way to spark some friendly competition. Both spots feature classic bowling, mini-golf, and a large arcade where you can wander and play at your own pace. If you’re looking for a bit more variety, the Marble Falls location is the only one that includes a skating rink and go-kart track— perfect for a nostalgic "throwback" style date. When you’re ready to eat, the Broken Fork restaurant at both locations keeps things easy with a menu of comfort foods like burgers, wings, and pizza.

For something unforgettable, Longhorn Cavern State Park near Burnet is celebrating Valentine's Day with "Love, Lanterns, & Free Stickers" — couples explore the lantern-lit Crystal City, recreating the cave's historic role as a date-night destination. Walking tours are about $24 for adults. It's a constant 68 degrees inside, rain or shine.

For a more rustic experience, consider saddling up for a guided horseback ride with Thunder Horse Outfitters at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet, where you'll find stunning granite trails and Hill Country views.

If you prefer to explore on foot, a morning hike together is a great way to start the day. Enchanted Rock, Inks Lake, and Balcones Canyonlands all offer fantastic trails with breathtaking overlooks.

Home is Where the Heart Is

Sometimes the most romantic Valentine's Day is the one you spend at home. Here are a few ideas for making it special without leaving the house.

Cook a special dinner together. Pick a recipe you've never tried — maybe a homemade pasta, a perfectly seared steak, or a decadent chocolate dessert — and make it a team effort. Set the table, light candles, and put your phones away.

Binge Valentine's horror. If rom-coms aren't your thing, go the other direction: "My Bloody Valentine," "Valentine," or the "Scream" franchise make for a thrilling movie marathon. Pop some popcorn and huddle up.

Decorate cookies or make chocolate-dipped strawberries. It's messy, it's fun, and you get to eat the results. Grab supplies from your local grocery and get creative with the sprinkles.

Play the Newlywed Game. Pick up a couples' card game — or just Google "couples quiz questions" — and take it to a coffee shop or your living room. You might be surprised what you learn about each other.

Walk down memory lane. Spend the evening reminiscing through your old photos and videos. Level it up by casting them on your TV or by assembling an album of your favorites on Shutterfly.

Read a romance novel aloud. Take turns reading chapters to each other. Cheesy? Maybe. Hilarious? Probably. Memorable? Absolutely.

The Gift

Valentine's gifts don't have to break the bank — but if you want to go big, the Highland Lakes has options for that, too.

For flowers, check with your local florists early — shops in Marble Falls, Burnet, and Llano fill up fast around Valentine's Day. For chocolate, Choccolatte's on Third Street in Marble Falls makes handcrafted toffee, truffles, and gelato from Belgian chocolate — a perfect Valentine's stop. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For something more personal, browse the boutiques and antique shops along Main Street in Marble Falls and Liberty Hill or the courthouse square in Burnet, Lampasas, and Llano for jewelry, art, or a one-of-a-kind find. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones you stumble across.

And remember: a handmade or handwritten card still beats almost everything.

Know of a Valentine's Day event we missed? Drop us a line at tips@lakeline.com.

Event details are sourced from venue websites and social media and are subject to change. Please confirm details directly with organizers before making plans.