People might have different pronunciations for the Texas Hill Country town of Llano. We can't tell you how you want to pronounce it, but we can tell you what you need to know for you next trip to the picturesque Deer Capital of Texas.
The city is home to award-winning barbecue, is the capital of the Texas state flower and was once visited by infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde.
Here's what you can do during a day trip to Llano:
What is Llano, Texas known for?
Llano is known as the official Deer Capital of Texas, thanks to its high concentration of white-tailed deer. The population attracts nearly a thousand hunters for the annual Llano Outdoor Sports Expo each November, according to Llano Visitor Center volunteer Kim Webb.
"The area’s historic reputation for boasting a bounty of bucks can be traced back to when Native Americans and Spanish explorers inhabited the region," the Visit Llano County website says.
The picturesque town is known for its waterways and lush bluebonnet fields, sharing the title of Texas’ Bluebonnet Capital with nearby Burnet. When the state flower blooms in March, the city is awash in blue.
Llano was briefly turned into a movie set in 2025 when former Disney Channel star Cole Sprouse was spotted with a film crew shooting a movie along the Llano River last September.
How to get to Llano, Texas
Llano is located on Texas 16, 40 miles north of Fredericksburg and 63 miles north of Kerrville. The city is one hour and 46 minutes from San Antonio, via Interstate 10 West and Texas 16 North. It is an hour and a half from Austin, via Texas 71.
History of Llano, Texas
The small town was established in 1856 as a trading hub on the Texas frontier, according to the Texas State Historical Association. Prior to its founding, the area was inhabited by the Tonkawa people, as noted in county history. For several decades after its settlement, Llano consisted of just a "handful of log buildings housing business establishments, a post office, and a few homes," according to the historical association.
The town remained in this state until the first bank was established in the late 1870s. Following this development, Llano experienced a brief economic boom, with the arrival of more businesses, newspapers and a granite and iron mining industry in the last decade of the century.
You can still see the town's history through the 130-year-old Llano County Courthouse that was built in the Romanesque Revival style. Other historic buildings worth checking out are the Red Top Jail, which was built during the iron boom of 1895, and the Badu Building, which served as a bank and the home of the French immigrant and mineralogist N.J. Badu. It is now a bed-and-breakfast.
Things to do in Llano, Texas
I started with a trip to Juice on the Corner, an eclectic spot that serves organic honey, fruits and vegetables as you enter the business. On a sunny day, it's the perfect spot to grab breakfast or an early lunch before heading out for shopping. I ordered the Blue Skies Above smoothie, one of its most popular drinks, and the Vanilla Bluebonnet, because, hello, that's what you do in the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas.
From there, I walked around the town and saw a few antique stores, art shops and a couple of cool artisan spots. Among the buildings to catch my eye was a Lantex Theatre, an almost-100-year-old building that is one of the last remaining single-screen theaters in the country. People still visit the theater for films and community performances.
Across from the town square district is the scenic Roy Inks Bridge, which overlooks the Llano River. I strolled the banks of the river at Badu Park and enjoyed the calming sound of the lapping river water stretching into the distance. It made me wish I had brought a kayak.
There are other outdoor possibilities as well. The city isn't far from the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, and it is also home to Inks Ranch, which occasionally allows public access to previously hidden climbing and camping areas. Both locations are known for their pink granite dome rocks that have held mystical significance in Texas for thousands of years.
Where to eat in Llano, Texas
Llano has a reputation for being a barbecue town and is home to Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, where I stopped by to try its famous "Big Chop," a giant, succulent pork chop that I enjoyed between bites of brisket.
It comes with a free side of tangy beans that I wish I had brought home for leftovers. For sides, I ordered green beans, twice-baked mashed potatoes and cornbread. I honestly have no words for the joint's tasty giant cornbread.
Other food options in the town include Gio's Italian Restaurant, Barrel House, Chrissy’s Homestyle Bakery and Burger Bar Cafe.
Places to stay in Llano, Texas
You can book a stay at a number of hotel chains in Llano, including Days Inn by Wyndham and Best Western. The city also has many bed and breakfast lodgings, including the charming and historic Dabbs Railroad Hotel, which says it was once a frequent stomping ground for infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. The newly renovated B&B was originally built in 1907 and was known to be a "final stop" for "train and bank robbers, gold and silver prospectors, miners, ranchers, lawmen and outlaws."
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