Tiny Texas Town Named One of the State's Best Outdoor Destinations

Llano, the Deer Capital of Texas, ranked 10th on Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine's list of top outdoor towns.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine has named Llano, Texas, a town of about 3,000 people, as one of the state's top 10 best outdoor towns. Known as the "Deer Capital of Texas," Llano was selected for its proximity to multiple state parks, the scenic Llano River running through town, and the abundance of outdoor activities like hiking, gravel biking, camping, fishing, hunting, and swimming.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights Llano's growing reputation as a premier outdoor destination in the Texas Hill Country, offering a mix of natural scenery, historic charm, and adventure opportunities that appeal to both locals and visitors. As smaller towns across the state work to attract tourism and economic development, Llano's inclusion on this prestigious list could boost its profile and draw more people to experience its unique blend of outdoor recreation and community character.

The details

Llano was selected for the list after the magazine analyzed data, interviewed experts, and reviewed travel site ratings to identify the top outdoor towns in Texas with populations under 50,000. The town's proximity to attractions like Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, the Llano River, and Inks Lake State Park, as well as its growing reputation for gravel biking and other activities, contributed to its ranking as the 10th best outdoor town in the state.

  • Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine unveiled its list of top outdoor towns in February 2026.
  • Llano was named the 10th best outdoor town on the magazine's initial monthly countdown.

The players

Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine

A state-run magazine that focuses on outdoor recreation, conservation, and travel destinations in Texas.

Llano, Texas

A small town of about 3,000 people in the Texas Hill Country, known as the "Deer Capital of Texas" and recognized for its natural scenery, historic charm, and abundance of outdoor activities.

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What’s next

The magazine plans to continue unveiling a new top outdoor town in Texas each month throughout 2026, building anticipation and interest in the state's best destinations for outdoor recreation and exploration.

The takeaway

Llano's recognition as one of Texas' top outdoor towns showcases how smaller communities can leverage their natural assets and community character to attract visitors and bolster their local economies, even in the face of competition from larger urban areas. This achievement could inspire other small towns across the state to invest in outdoor recreation and tourism as a way to drive economic development and community pride.