1945 Redstart

If you're dreaming of life on the lake but still want to be close enough to San Antonio for commutes, consider Canyon Lake -- which has the slogan, "Where Water Sports Are King." Canyon Lake sits about 40 miles northeast of Downtown San Antonio, 60 miles southwest of Austin, and about 15 miles northwest of New Braunfels. If you love the water, the parks surrounding the lake offer everything from golfing and camping to jet-skiing, tubing, fishing, and boating. The lake covers 8,230 acres and is located in the center of the Canyon Lake community.

As you begin looking for rentals in Canyon Lake, you might be surprised to find tree-covered hills and scenic vistas -- many with fantastic views of the lake below. This area is part of Texas Hill Country, and the lake offers an 80-mile shoreline. The Guadalupe River, which feeds the lake, is a favorite spot for tubing. Canyon Lake caters to the many tourists who descend on the area with a variety of restaurants, shops, and hotels.