Rockwall

A setting sun casts brilliant beams of orange and pink across a cloudless summer sky. Gentle waves of a vast lake undulate sailboats moored at a picturesque pier. The sublime tones of electric guitars and the cadenced rhythm of drums thrill a crowd settled in the middle of a historic downtown area. These scenes define the city of Rockwall, Texas, a thriving community perched on the eastern shore of Lake Ray Hubbard located just 25 miles east of downtown Dallas.

Although Rockwall is just a stone’s throw away from one of Texas’ largest cities, it has retained its small-town, family-friendly identity. Its downtown area is full of historic buildings, charming stores, and top-class restaurants; and its major shopping center, The Harbor Rockwall, is one of the premier entertainment destinations in the Dallas area.

Folks have been living in the lands near Rockwall for thousands of years, but the town itself wasn’t officially formed until 1854. Rockwall gets its name from a mysterious underground rock wall that was discovered by settlers in 1851 while they were digging wells. Since its earliest days, the town has been the seat for Rockwall County, the smallest – and fastest growing – county in Texas.

Today, Rockwall is a bustling community with plenty to offer travelers. Those who enjoy live music will find much to like about the town’s impressive set of musical events that include everything from one-day festivals to series that last several months. These events, such as the Concert by the Lake series and the Rockwall Founder’s Day Festival, bring some of the area’s best variety and tribute bands to town. All told, Rockwall hosts five months of live music events per year. No wonder it’s known as the Live Music Capital of North Texas.

Those who enjoy spending time playing in the outdoors will find Rockwall a terrific place to visit. The 22,000-acre Lake Ray Hubbard provides an idyllic setting for just about any adventure you can think of. For starters, the lake is one of the best places to go fishing in the Dallas area due to its abundance of bass and catfish. Sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing are popular things to do at Lake Ray Hubbard as well, and the parks that line the shore have public boat ramps that can be used to access the lake.

Along with its gorgeous downtown area, the always hip and happening The Harbor, and the lake, Rockwall has something that lovers of Texas-made beer and wine will enjoy. The town is home to a craft brewery (Siren Rock Brewing Company | Destination Craft Brewery and a top-class winery (San Martino Winery & Vineyards), both of which are a few miles from downtown Rockwall. Both have tasting rooms ideal for sampling the wares and having good conversations with great company.

A lively music scene, charming downtown area, and a gorgeous lake are just a few reasons to visit Rockwall.