By James Waterson 

A summer in beautiful Granbury has something for everyone, from anglers and beach bums to history buffs and enthusiastic cork collectors. This stunning town is dripping with western charm, fun activities, and a quirky past. Conveniently located 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth on a meandering bend of the Brazos River, Granbury has everything you need for an amazing getaway. Read on to see just some of the ways you can enjoy your summer here.

Tour Texas Tip: The City of Granbury was named the Celebration Capital of Texas by the Texas Legislature in 2023. Learn more here.

Hit the Beach

A sandy beach in the middle of North Texas? That’s right. Grab your towel, sunscreen, and favorite read and head for Granbury City Beach Park on glistening Lake Granbury. Located just a stone’s throw away from the shops and restaurants of downtown Granbury, the beach is the perfect spot to enjoy a day out in the summer sun. Swim in the lake’s shimmering blue waters, lay out on the beach to work on your tan, and play some volleyball before enjoying a picnic under the shade of one of the picnic pavilions. Want a bit more adventure? Rent paddle boards, kayaks, tubes, bikes, and surreys at Beachside Toys and Takeout. As the sun starts to set, go on a leisurely stroll along the nearby boardwalk for a romantic view of Lake Granbury.

Photo Credit: Hood County News

Play on Lake Granbury

Feel the breeze in your hair and sun on your skin from as you explore picturesque Lake Granbury, formed from the damming of the Brazos River. This popular Granbury attraction offers plenty of opportunities for boating, water sports, and fishing right in the heart of town. Rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from Stumpy’s Lakeside Grill, Rockin’ S Bar and Grill, and Lake Granbury Marina, where you can also get a pontoon boat for a day out on the water with your group of friends.

If fishing’s more your speed, drop a line from one of the public piers or a fishing boat. The lake is well-stocked with largemouth, striped, and white bass, as well as catfish, white crappie, and sunfish, and is home to regular fishing rodeos. Whether you’re looking for an amazing place to paddle or you want to cool off on a scenic lake, Lake Granbury is the place to be.

Photo Credit: Hood County News?

Discover the “Best Historic Small Town in America”

Granbury’s historic downtown square will show you why this city been named by the readers of USA Today as “Best Historic Small Town in America” three years in a row. The entire square is listed on the National Historic Register for its 19th-century architectural gems, including the Hood County Courthouse, a shining example of French Second Empire architecture built with native limestone and topped with an ornamental sheet metal clock tower. Visit the elegantly restored Granbury Opera House and tour the Hood County Jail Museum, located within what was the county’s jail from 1886 to 1978.

Pick up a new outfit or bauble in one of the dozens of boutiques and shops that line the square. A full day’s worth of browsing and window shopping will likely work up your appetite. Nosh on great food at restaurants like Christina’s American Table, Eighteen Ninety Grill, Lounge and Marketplace, where you can also buy high end olive oil products and Ketzler’s Schnitzel Haus and Biergarten, home to authentic German fare and beer.

Photo Credit: Shad Ramsey Photography

Cool Off with Granbury’s Spirits

The Great State of Texas is one of the country’s top wine producers, but most wine connoisseurs probably think of the Hill Country or the High Plains when it comes to the Lone Star State’s reds and whites. Yet you don’t need to venture out to either locale to taste authentic Texas wine, as Granbury sits within its very own wine country.

Start in the downtown area, where you can enjoy tastings and delectable eats at D’vine Wine Granbury and Farina’s Winery & Café. Just north of town, experience the wines of Barking Rocks Vineyard & Winery and Pemberton Cellars Winery. A little further afield, check out the Bull Lion Ranch & Wine Shop, where you’ll taste Old World style wines made from Texas grapes, and Barons Creek Vineyards, where you can enjoy their art gallery up above. Wine lovers flock to Granbury each April for the annual Granbury Wine Walk featuring tastings from over 20 Texas wineries.

Of course, there’s far more spirits to enjoy in Granbury than red and white wines. Savor ice-cold craft beer and some live music at Revolver Brewing, where a delectable array of refreshing ales pour from the taps. Prefer a cocktail? Taste handcrafted spirits and attend a lively monthly hootenanny at Sledge Distillery, which also produces small batch moonshine only available on site.

There’s no doubt that summers in Texas are hot. Fortunately, there are many ways you can quench your thirst in Granbury.

Note: The drinking age in Texas is 21. Please keep that in mind before visiting any of Granbury's breweries, distilleries, and wineries.

Photo Credit: Hood County News

Celebrate Serenity at These Unique Spots

There’s no summer getaway without somewhere you can stay, and Granbury is full of unique places that are worth the trip. Relax lakeside at the award-winning Inn on Lake Granbury, an upscale retreat offering luxurious accommodations, lush grounds, special occasion packages and a salt water pool. Just steps away from the square at Hotel Lucy, luxurious suites offer indulgent amenities perfect for the ultimate girls weekend or romantic vacation. Each room boasts a different and carefully curated theme complete with lavish furnishings, premium bedding, and stunning amenities.

For the downtown Granbury experience, fall into the beautifully appointed and professionally decorated Granbury on West Pearl, a home once featured on CNBC’s Cash Pad.

To escape to Ganbury’s past, try one of the elegant rooms (including the Jesse James Suite) at Casa Farina on Granbury square. Nearby, the meticulously restored historic mansion Iron Horse Inn wraps you in cozy comfort. No matter your taste or price range, Granbury features a variety of accommodations to ensure your stay is memorable.

Photo Credit: Shad Ramsey Photography

Whether you’re hunting for the paranormal, playing on a sandy beach, or treating yourself to a luxurious stay, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy a summer getaway in Granbury. Plan your visit here.