Lake Whitney, the way locals do it
Come for the lake, stay for the small-town Texas around it. Here's where to go, what to eat, and when doing absolutely nothing at the house is the best plan of all.
A big Texas lake to play on
Lake Whitney is the reason most people come. Clear water, quiet coves and big open stretches for pulling a tube.
Rent a boat
Whitney Ridge Resort & Marina rents a 24-foot tritoon that holds up to 14, so the whole house fits on one boat. Full and half days, first tank of fuel included.
Whitney Ridge · 254-804-3189Boat rentals →Ski, tube & wakeboard
Big open water makes Whitney a classic for skiing and tubing. Want someone else to drive? Lake Whitney Adventures rents boats with a captain. Boatsetter and GetMyBoat also list local boats.
Lake Whitney Adventures · 469-383-9420Browse boats →Fishing
Long a bass-fishing favorite. Largemouth, striped and white bass, plus big blue catfish. Cast from the cove out back or book a guide for the stripers.
Texas fishing license required (not for shore fishing in the state park)Lake & fishing info →Juniper Cove Marina
A handy nearby marina. Ship store with bait, tackle, snacks and non-ethanol fuel, a public ramp, and bank fishing and swimming on a day pass.
420 Juniper Cove Rd · 254-694-3129Juniper Cove Marina →Parsons Marina
By the dam, with a boat ramp, room to walk the shoreline and Shooky's on the Lake for burgers and sunset live music.
285 Lofers Bend Park Rd W · 254-227-0605Parsons Marina →Paddle the cove
The house kayaks and life jackets are yours for the stay. Early mornings are glassy. For a bigger adventure, Dick's Canoe runs an 8.4-mile Brazos River float below the dam.
Dick's Canoe & KayakRiver floats →
Happy kids, happy trip
Short drives, easy wins and plenty of places to burn off energy.
- Swim beaches: Lofers Bend (by the dam) and McCown Valley, $5 per vehicle. No lifeguards, so stay close.
- Lake Whitney State Park: the easy 0.9-mile Two Bridges Trail, plus deer and armadillo sightings.
- Catch a fish: bank fishing at the cove behind the house, or at Juniper Cove's day-pass shoreline.
- Brazos Street Market: 40+ vendors of antiques and vintage finds in downtown Whitney.
- Waco, about an hour: Cameron Park Zoo and Magnolia Market at the Silos.
Sometimes the best plan is no plan
Some days nobody needs to get in the car. Everything for a perfect lazy day is already at Serenity Cove.
Game room
Air hockey tournaments and Mrs. Pac-Man high scores.
Hammock hour
A book, a breeze, maybe a nap.
Hot tub
Jets on as the sun goes down.
S'mores & stars
Fire pit, string lights and a sky full of stars.
Stargazing far from the city glow
Out here the sky gets dark in a way Dallas never does. Kill the string lights, settle into the hot tub and look up. For an even wider sky, head to Lake Whitney State Park, which welcomes stargazers.
- Best on moonless nights. Check the moon phase before you go.
- Give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust.
- Bring a blanket for the lawn and a free stargazing app.
A different lake every time
The lake changes with the year, and Dallas, Fort Worth and Waco are all within reach for big events.
Spring
March to May- Wildflowers along the back roads
- Fishing picks up as the water warms
- Day trip: Texas Rangers baseball in Arlington
- Cameron Park Zoo in Waco
Summer
June to August- Peak lake season: skiing, tubing, swim beaches
- Sunset boat rides and night swims
- Fourth of July at the lake
- Day trip: Rangers night games
Fall
September to November- Cooler days, perfect fire pit nights
- Day trip: State Fair of Texas at Fair Park, Dallas
- Baylor football in Waco
- Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Winter
December to February- Hot tub season, quiet lake, cozy nights
- Christmas at Magnolia in Waco
- Day trip: Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
- Mavericks and Stars games in Dallas
Worth the drive
Waco
- Magnolia Market at the Silos
- Cameron Park Zoo
- Baylor game days
Fort Worth
- Stockyards and the daily cattle drive
- Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (winter)
- Sundance Square dinner
Dallas & Arlington
- State Fair of Texas (fall)
- Cowboys and Rangers games
- Concerts and big-arena shows
Local favorites
Small-town spots with big portions and great reviews, from lakeside burgers to homemade pie.
Shooky's on the Lake
Burgers on jalapeño buns, outdoor seating and live music while the sun sets over the water. Kids menu too.
Menu & hours →
Tres Hermanos
Family-owned since 2000, with house-marinated fajitas, enchiladas and steaks. A Whitney institution.
Visit site →Bar-B-Que Chef's Smokehouse
Brisket, jalapeño corn and generous plates, with a play area for kids. 109 Susan Dr.
Directions →Texas Great Country Café & Pie Pantry
Big country breakfasts, chicken-fried steak and pies worth saving room for. 903 S Bosque St.
Directions →Los Verdes
Free charro beans, homemade chips and salsa, and massive quesadillas. 3307 FM 933.
Directions →Bobby's Burgers
Family-owned classic for a weekday lunch. 300 S Bosque St.
Directions →Tower Pizza on Lake Whitney
Brick-oven pizza and fried mushrooms near the lake. 235 County Rd 1768, Clifton.
Directions →Brazos Street Market
Antiques, vintage and local makers. Mon to Sat 10 to 5, Sun 12 to 4. 207 N Brazos St.
Directions →Small-town hours change with the seasons, so call ahead before you head out.
Your base camp for all of it
Two homes, a hot tub and the lake out back. Book direct with us.
Check availability