This little town is known for BIG flavors -- and whether you prefer sweet or meat, both are delicious here. Gorge yourself on juicy watermelon or fill up on some of the best barbecue in the Lone Star State -- either way you'll leave here full. And while you're eating your way through town, you'll also find some pretty epic nature spots.
Food
Luling is home to some of the best barbecue in the Lone Star State, so prepare for a meat coma. City Market is one of Texas’s most-storied ‘que joints serving up only 3 meats — brisket, sausage, and ribs — and still following a 50-year old tradition of “no forks.” So slather up your meat in the glorious barbecue sauce and prepare to get messy!
Across the street from City Market is Luling Bar-B-Q — a relative new-comer since it’s only been open since 1986 (which still a long time to perfect their recipes!) Stop by for a second barbecue meal of moist brisket, smoked turkey and tender pork loins!
Outdoors
To cool off on a summer’s day, head to this renovated mill on the banks of the San Marcos River to splash in one of Texas’s best swimming holes. It’s got everything you need for a perfect afternoon — shade, water and plenty of sun. If you’d rather paddle than swim, you can rent kayaks and canoes on site.
A few miles south of town is a tropical paradise at Palmetto State Park. Filled with Palmetto Palms, this unique state park looks more like a rainforest than a Central Texas park. Check out the diverse wildlife on the trails, dive into the San Marcos River for a refreshing swim or go fishing in Oxbow Lake.
Culture
Dive into the history of “the toughest town in Texas” at this museum where you’ll learn about the oil boom of Central Texas in the 1920s. Walk through a model town and see real tools from the oil days.
Around this oil town, you’ll find tons of pump jacks decorated as everything from quarterbacks to killer whales. It’s the perfect mixture of art, history and liquid gold! Head to the Luling Chamber of Commerce for a map of the tour.
Luling's Original Farmer's Market
This little town is very well known for its sweet watermelon, and you can buy a few (dozen) when they’re in season at the Luling Farmer’s Market. And if you’re in town the last weekend in June, don’t miss the yearly Watermelon Thump, a festival celebrating all things Watermelon (and there’s even a spitting contest!)
Keep Exploring
Luling, TX
