Visit Leander’s Attractions

Just 30 miles north of downtown Austin, historic Leander is a go-to destination when planning a trip to Central Texas. Leander offers all the comforts of a friendly small town with all the adventure of a big city. Whether you are looking for a base camp to plan your excursions or a city to explore, Leander has everything you are looking for – a unique blend of Texas Hill Country living in the urban Austin metropolitan area with scenic landscapes, wildlife, and waterways enjoyed by all. Visit the community’s unique collection of shops, distilleries, breweries, wineries, and restaurants in the Old Town district. You can also hike down and discover dinosaur tracks in the San Gabriel river bed, or take a trip on the Trail of Trains – a collection of artist inspired trains on display at various businesses throughout Leander. The small town festivals and one-of-a-kind events offers fun for everyone.

Trail of Trains

Leander was established in 1882 on land sold by the Austin and Northwestern Railroad Co. to prospective citizens. The town was named in honor of Leander “Catfish” Brown, one of the railroad officials responsible for the completion of the line. The railroad established Leander and today, is one of the only stops outside the city of Austin on the Capital Metro rail. To commemorate and honor both Leander’s past and future, the Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center is proud to introduce the Leander Trail of Trains. The Trail of Trains is a project to bring artfully designed concrete trains to Leander. You can find these trains throughout the city and is a sure fun way to get to stop by local businesses.

“Neanderthal Lady” Historic Site

History is Leander is alive and well, these sites tell the story of settlers in the Texas Hill Country. Back in 1983, a woman’s skeletal remains were found on a construction site. After close examination it was determined she was 10,000 to 13,000 years old. This site was one of the earliest intact burials ever found in the United States. This prehistoric woman was dubbed the “Leanderthal Lady”.

HEB Center

Formerly known as the Cedar Park Center, this premier multi-use entertainment facility of Central Texas hosts more than 150 events per year including sporting events, concerts, and family shows. This state of the art entertainment and sports facility can seat 8,700 people at a time and is home to the Texas Stars hockey team and Austin Spurs an NBA G-League affiliates of the San Antonio Spurs. If you get a chance to visit this Center for an event, prepare to have some major fun.

Leander Dinosaur Tracks

One of Leander’s fossil records is a set of dinosaur tracks possibly made by an Acrocanthosaurus. It looks very similiar to the Tyrannosauraus Rex foot print. This dinosaur stood 15 feet tall and 38 feet long. It is possible to view this fossil with just a quick hike to the river bed which is public property however it is not a maintained park. There are no signs or bathrooms and you will need to keep an eye out for wildlife. Just north of where 183 and 183-A come back together, you will find the bridge over the South San Gabriel. The tracks are found on the south side of the river, just about a half mile downstream from the bridge. Pro-tip from Pacesetter Homes – it is easier to find these tracks when the river is dry.

Leander Springs

This coming soon development vision is to be the “cool urban” in the suburb where live-work-play environments thrive. All three living components will benefit from the proximity to mass transit, colleges, shops, restaurants, and urban living spaces. A welcoming atmosphere, pedestrian friendly networks, strategically placed elements, wide open spaces, all revolve around building a sustainable environment, an urban oasis that naturally brings people together. This 78-acre development includes retail, offices, restaurants, urban living and a resort style hospitality and conference center. The development is anchored by Crystal Lagoon, a world class amenity, bringing a idyllic beach lifestyle to the city and its communities.

Shopping

Boot-scoot through the Texas heartland, there is plenty of options to choose from when shopping in the Texas Hill Country. From local and unique boutiques to big name department retailers, there is something for everyone in the Hill Country. Enjoy the scenic views while you get in some retail therapy.

Leander Marketplace

This gem in the Hill Country is open on weekends and features 16 vendors that sell an array of items from furniture to home décor, clothing and jewelry. Leander Marketplace is on a 3.5 acre property where local artisans have set up shop over the years. What is so great about this marketplace is that the products sold here are items people will not be able to find anywhere else, it is all unique, hand-crafted from the soul. If you are in the area make sure you stop by and stroll through the buildings and say hello to the friendly vendors.

Gateway Shopping Center

Located off of Highway 183 and Crystal Falls Parkway is Gateway Shopping Center, a mid-town plaza that is home to 14 different stores varying from automotive services to home improvement, fast food, name brand stores and so much more.

Crystal Falls Town Center

The Leander community of Crystal Falls enjoys a convenient location that is close to the best of the north Austin region. When it comes to shopping, retail options are many and just a few minutes from the homes in Crystal Falls. Shopping nearby includes the Gateway Shopping Center at U.S. 183 and Crystal Falls Parkway and the shops at the Parke Plaza on 183A that have a WholeFoods, Old Navy, Petco, and Talbots. Along Whitestone Boulevard Discover a variety of shopping options, from warehouse stores like Costco to grocers, department stores, and specialty shops.

Teal Trailer Vintage Shop

This 1,300 square foot shop is home to an array of antiques, vintage collectibles, and oddities that you won’t find anywhere else. A one of a kind find with refurnished furniture, new and vintage toys, new and once loved home décor and so much more. Teal Trailer Vintage Shop also does custom furniture refinishing and all at a great price.

Dining

Leander dining scene has something for everyone from unique local favorites to iconic Texas favorites that we all come to love when it comes to dining, from fast food and drive-thrus to some delicious food trucks. Leander offers a whole lotta choices when it comes to local eateries, stop by and see for yourself what the big taste is all about.

Bella Sera of Leander

This family owned and operated Italian restaurant serves authentic northern and southern Italian cuisine. Bella Sera of Leander takes great pride in preparing their food with only quality ingredients being used in every dish that comes out of their kitchen. Stop by and try their fine selection of Veal, seafood, as well as a number of their house specialties.

The Republic Kitchen + Bar

From the décor to menu items names, Leander’s Republic Kitchen + Bar is Texas proud. It is a Texas-inspired neighborhood bar and grill, Texas comfort food at its best. The restaurant opened in 2019 their approach is to bring something that is completely unique and something that people have never had before, it was more about filling a need and finding a balance of giving the community something that they can enjoy. No matter what the occasion is The Republic Kitchen + Bar has something for everyone.

Casamigos Tex-Mex

If you are looking for New Mexican Restaurants in Leander look no further. Casamigos Tex-Mex is known for having some of the best New Mexican food in Leander. Located on Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Casamigos is a great place to dine in or order delivery and is the perfect option for those searching for “New Mexican Near Me”. They have a ton of great options to choose from their menu and have local favorites ready for you to try.

The city of Leander is quickly developing and contains all the necessities nearby with recreational opportunities, major grocery stores, and medical attention. Leander is a great location to live with quick access to Hwy 183 makes commuting into Austin a breeze. Pacesetter Homes has multiple creative floorplans that fits all walks of life, plan a visit to our Model Home located in Marbella or Valley Vista Estates to learn more about the available opportunities in these great communities.