Good Music. Good Times. Hometown.
Rockwall is situated on scenic Lake Ray Hubbard, just 22 miles east of downtown Dallas on Interstate 30. The smallest county in Texas has the distinction of being one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States.
Known for its small-town charm and big-city amenities, Rockwall is a family-friendly community with a rich history and plenty to see and do.
History
Rockwall received its namesake in the early 1850’s when two farmers were digging a well and came across a rock formation that spanned across the county. The origin of this rock formation is a great debate for many, but scientists say that it is a natural formation.
The Rockwall County Historical Foundation Museum, the Manson-LaMoreaux-Hartman house, was built in 1850 by W.B. Bowles, one of Rockwall’s founders. The home has been documented as the first permanent structure built in the City of Rockwall.
Second to the rock wall, if you ask locals what we could be known for, they will say countless options for you to whet your appetite.
Whether tasting award-winning barbecue or a fine steak at the Harbor, enjoying a wood-fired pizza in Historic Downtown or snagging a quick burger out of a converted house on your lunch break, Rockwall welcomes any and all food options.
The Harbor District
As you drive over Lake Ray Hubbard captivated by the sailboats to the south, you’ll see the lights of our fabulous Harbor District. Called “The Harbor” by locals and visitors alike, this area of town has everything you need for a fun afternoon.
Want a killer burger? Rodeo Goat is the place for you. Barbecue more your thing? Sideways has you covered on award-winning ‘que, great drinks, and live music. Craving a white tablecloth experience? Culpeppers Steak House or The Oar House has you covered.
No matter what you are looking for, make sure to spend time after your meal waling the waterline enjoying the best views in Rockwall County.
“Sail with Scott” aboard Seawolf, a beautiful 40-foot-long by 25-foot-wide sailing catamaran, hand-built from beautiful Spanish cedar.
Seawolf is perfect for spending time on the water, with plenty of seating all over the deck if you’d like to sit and relax, and open space at the bow which is perfect for pictures of the breathtaking North Texas sunset.
Harbor Lights on Lake Ray Hubbard offers scenic public boat rides and private boat rental for up to 90 people in Rockwall on Lake Ray Hubbard for any occasion you can imagine. She is a 57-foot Double Decker power party boat ride with a climate-controlled (AC and Heat) enclosed main deck and a wide-open-to-the-stars upper deck.
The Harbor features two high-end hotels for you to rest your head. Enjoy top-of-the-line service at both the Hilton Dallas-Rockwall Lakefront and Springhill Suites by Marriott. Click HERE to view our entire list of hotels.
Free Live Music Capital of North Texas
We take our designation as The Free Live Music Capital of North Texas very seriously in Rockwall.
With live music or karaoke Tuesday through Sunday at the Harbor, the Concert at the Lake Music Series you’d be hard pressed to not hear great, live music around town.
The City of Rockwall showed its commitment to music with The Live Music Project, which included the construction of permanent stages in Rockwall’s historic downtown and amphitheaters at The Harbor and Harry Myers Park, now regularly used by the Rockwall Philharmonic Orchestra, Rockwall Summer Musicals and the San Jacinto Plaza Music Series.
- Celebrate Rockwall’s birthday with the Annual Founders Day Festival! Past acts have included Pat Green & Cory Morrow, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Josh Abbott Band & Shooter Jennings, just to name a few. Be sure to come hungry, because there will be a variety of foods available, including street tacos, turkey legs, hot dogs, funnel cakes, and more! An event for the whole family topped with the huge kids’ zone filled with bounce houses.
- Since 1999, the Concert by the Lake Series has rocked The Harbor! Every Summer, from May until the end of July, the Concert by the lake hosts FREE concerts every Thursday at The Harbor. What a great way to enjoy talented local bands from all around the Dallas-Fort Worth Area, showcasing all different genres. If you enjoy hanging out with your friends, listening to great live music, and getting in some quality social time, then this event is for you.
Historic Downtown Rockwall
The heartbeat of Rockwall is our Historic Downtown. Shops, boutiques, and restaurants dot the landscape around the still functional, historic Rockwall County Courthouse. Take a stroll or enjoy one of the many musical acts at San Jacinto Plaza.
Have a laid-back experience with down-home food with a twist at Book Club Café. Or try wood-fired pizza and wine at Zanata, street tacos and a beer at Charlie’s, or the freshest seafood in Rockwall at Pier 101, or brunch at the Fatted Calf or the best upscale burgers at Bin 303.
You really cannot go wrong.
Downtown Rockwall is home to numerous shops and boutiques for you to spend the day shopping. From high-end clothing to locally themed knick-knacks, downtown Rockwall has it all!
For a complete list of where to find inspiration on all things Rockwall, take a look at visitrockwall.com.