Explore
Austin Lake Guide
by Erin Smith & Drex Earle, Ph.D.

Now that spring is upon us and the temperatures are rising, what better way to spend a Friday evening after work or a lazy Sunday afternoon than on one of Austin’s area lakes? Whether it’s wakeboarding up and down Lake Austin, docking your boat and sunbathing on gorgeous Lake Travis, or taking an early morning jog around Town Lake, there’s always something fun and fitness-oriented to suit your fancy.
We have put together a comprehensive watersport and recreation guide to these three popular Austin treasures — Town Lake, Lake Austin and Lake Travis — with contact information and detailed descriptions to keep you up-to-date on the breadth of lakeside offerings.

Town Lake

Capital Cruises – docked at the Hyatt Regency on Town Lake, enjoying a Capital Cruise is a perfect way to spend Saturday afternoon. One of the highlights is the nightly bat watching excursions, which leave 30 minutes before sunset. At $8 a pop, it’s as cheap as a late-night movie and probably more fun.
Hyatt Regency Boat Dock
208 Barton Springs Road
(512) 480-9264
www.capitalcruises.com

Lone Star Riverboat – the opportunity to cruise on an authentic, double-decked, paddle-wheeled riverboat is a treat that doesn’t come along every day. Weekend sightseeing cruises begin at 3 p.m. and can accommodate up to 80 people. Private charters are available and public rides cost only $8 here, too, so take a date and enjoy the tour before heading downtown.
(512) 327-1388
www.lonestarriverboat.com

Though Town Lake offers less in the way of hard-core water sports, it certainly makes up for it with recreational activities, for individuals and families-alike. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Auditorium Shores – known as a hot-spot for dog-lovers, it is also a breathtaking picnic and relaxation area. Offering an up-close and personal view of Austin, Auditorium Shores is arguably one of the best vantage points in the city, particularly
at night. Meet friends, make friends, or just people/dog watch—it’s up to you.

Austin Hike and Bike Trail – a cornerstone of the Austin fitness community, this path runs the perimeter of Town Lake, and is made of a soft caliche base, perfect for off-road biking, running and walking. Always thriving with fitness buffs, it is among the most scenic spots in Austin for an outdoor workout, covering more than 10 miles from MoPac Expressway to east of Interstate Highway 35.
1900 Bluebonnet Lane
(512) 476-9044
www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/trails.htm

Barton Springs Swimming Pool – this natural spring-fed swimming hole is one of Austin’s oldest and most popular landmarks. A mecca for regular swimmers and sunbathers alike, it is more than 1,000 feet long, features a diving board, and ladders for easy entry. Be careful though – the water temperature averages a balmy 68 degrees year-round, so dip your toes before plunging in.
2101 Barton Springs Road
(512) 476-9044
www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm

Butler Park – re-enacting Master’s golf moments with your friends doesn’t require a membership to Barton Creek or Austin Country Club. Butler Park (adjacent to the Taco Cabana on Lamar Blvd. and across Riverside Drive from the Hike and Bike Trail), is a real pitch-and-putt course, and a beautiful one at that. Nestled close to downtown, it is a great way to get that handicap down while watching the runners on Town Lake, and it doesn’t cost a fortune.

South Congress “Bat” Bridge – bizarrely enough, some native Austinites and residents have still not experienced our city’s most distinct natural spectacle, banishing it to the category of a mere tourist attraction … these people are crazy. The South Congress attraction is not only a hopeful reminder that humans and animals can coexist in mutually beneficial ways, but is also proof that miracles—and millions of bats—live in our own backyard. Plan a picnic, bring the family and enjoy Austin’s best free show, flying daily.

Zilker Park – adjacent to Town Lake and host to music festivals, road races, summer theatre, kite festivals and countless Frisbee tosses, Zilker Park is arguably the soul of Austin. Serving as the city’s communal playground, Zilker offers something for everyone: wide open spaces for league soccer and Ultimate Frisbee tournaments, shady patches for

Sunday afternoon naps, a recreation area that outdoes anything else in the city limits and a miniature train to top it all off. There is plenty of running space for man’s best friend too. Beware: parking can be tight on blue-sky weekends, so consider biking or walking if you live in the vicinity.
1900 Bluebonnet Lane
(512) 974-6700
www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/zilker.htm

Austin Outdoor Gear and Guidance – for the adventure-sport enthusiast who really knows what he/she wants, this is the perfect spot to load up on all the newest gear. It’s also a great place if you want to take the family out for a fun and relaxing water tour of Town Lake, but need to keep it cheap. Canoes and kayaks (with paddles included) can be rented daily at affordable prices; $30 and $25, respectively.
3411 North Interstate Highway 35
(512) 473-2644
www.kayaktexas.com

Rowing Dock – for veteran rowers and casual kayakers, the Rowing Dock is an invaluable resource for aquatic adventures, adding yet more diversity to Austin’s fitness scene. In addition to hourly sea kayak and watercycle rentals, the Dock offers unlimited access memberships for seasoned scullers, private rowing instruction and six-lesson beginner’s rowing courses throughout the year. If the convenient location and serene beauty of Town Lake are not enough to convince you to give the oars a try, super-friendly and knowledgeable staff will. For a no-risk, free sample, head down to the Dock on June 12 between noon and 4 pm for National Learn-to-Row Day, when staff will be giving free lessons to all who are willing to hop on board.
2418 Stratford Drive
(512) 459-0999
www.rowingdock.com

Texas Rowing Center – for visitors looking to kayak for the day, beginner rowers and active kids, Texas Rowing Center is a wonderful resource. In honor of spring, the center is now offering a five-month “Learn to Row” special for $179. If the warm temperatures and beautiful scenery aren’t enticing enough, consider it a major savings over a comparable gym membership.

Tucked on the north side of Town Lake, along the Hike and Bike Trail (across from Austin High School practice fields)
(512) 472-3925
www.txrowing.com

Also check out:
Zilker Park Boat Rentals
Located Below Barton Springs
Swimming Pool
(512) 478-3852
www.fastair.com/zilker

Though many Lake Austin regulars gravitate toward water-related activities, don’t be fooled — there are loads of other activities for those not so boating-, wakeboarding-, or jet-skiing-inclined.

Austin Party Cruises – offering three different sized boats — the Celebration (up to 80 people), the Sun Cat (up to 50 people) and the Travis Cat (up to 35 people) — Austin Party Tours can accommodate just about any event. With a variety of food options, including Hula Hut fare, buffet-style barbeque, Italian cuisine, and sandwiches, there is something for just about every palate. Add to that an inexpensive bar menu featuring all-you-can drink beer, wine and margaritas ($3.50 per hour) as well as non-stop sodas for $4.00 (flat fee), there’s almost no reason not to experience a relaxing day on the lake.
2215 Westlake Drive
(512) 328-9887
www.austinpartycruises.com

Sunshine Machine Boat Tours – a multi-level
party boat with a crew of two, this is a great option for entertaining out-of-town guests, hosting office get-togethers, celebrating birthdays and other special occasions. Prices start at $90 per hour (up to 15 people) on the weekdays and $110 per hour on the weekends. Docked next to Ski Shores Waterfront Café and close to Emma Long Metropolitan Park, it is conveniently located for a walk or bite afterward.
3101 Pearce Road
(512) 345-8327
www.sunshinemachine.net

Also check out:
Austin Duck Adventures
1605 West 5th Street
(512) 477-5274
www.austinducks.com

Lake Austin Riverboats
P.O. Box 300234
(512) 345-5220
www.austinriverboats.com

Austin Country Club – this 18-hole course is the oldest west of the Mississippi River, winding through the Texas Hill Country and showcasing a number of breathtaking holes alongside Lake Austin. Don’t be lulled by its memorable vistas however—if your game isn’t razor sharp, you won’t stand a chance on this tight, almost 6,500-yard par 72 course. Ten tennis courts, a workout facility, swimming pool, multiple dining rooms, a main ballroom and a convenient row of boat slips are also all part of the package. Memberships are pricey and coveted though, so call for more information.
4408 Long Champ Drive
(512) 328-0090
www.austincountryclub.com

Emma Long Metropolitan Park – with almost
3,000 square yards of swimming area, more than 60 campground sites, 2.5 miles of hike and bike trail, volleyball courts and a spot to play basketball, this is definitely an oasis on the lake. A popular locale for campers and boaters, Emma Long is a natural treasure that everyone can enjoy.
1600 City Park Road
(512) 974-6700
www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/parkdirectory.htm

Mount Bonnell – just the spot to hit if your out-of-town guests start dogging the city with comments like, “You know, Austin’s cool, but I don’t think it’s that pretty.” A short drive and 60 steps will have them singing a different tune, as they gaze over
Lake Austin and the hills of Westlake from
this elevated perch off FM 2222. Convenient

enough for a brief stopover, but also outfitted with picnic tables and pavilions for a longer stay, Mt. Bonnell offers the best view of West Austin — no elevators or I.D. badges required.
3800 Mount Bonnell Road
(512) 974-6700
www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/parkdirectory.htm

Also check out:
Mary Quinlan Park/Fritz Hughes
Park/Selma Hughes Park
(512) 974-6700
www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/parkdirectory.htm

Aquaholics Watercraft Rental – if you’re looking to spend an exciting day on the lake, but don’t own a boat or jet-skis, Aquaholics has what you need. Featuring the latest Waverunner models, Lowe and Sundancer pontoon boats, Sea Ray ski boats, Shoalwater Sport bay boats and Cajun bass boats for fishing, Aquaholics has a wide variety of
options for the occasional lake enthusiast, operating on both lakes Austin and Travis. Make sure to call for prices.
Located at Riviera Marina
14297 FM 2769
(512) 989-7838
www.aquaholic.org

Also check out:
Aquaventures, Inc.
2215 West Lake Drive
(512) 327-2200
www.austinaquaventures.com

Lake Travis

Sail and Ski – if you’re looking to buy a new or used boat this season, load
up on water sport accessories, or even get your snow gear early, Sail and Ski is among the best places in Austin to do it. A wide variety
of sport cruisers, yachts, pontoons, ski boats, fishing boats, and jet skis is available for purchase and rent, as well wakeboards, skis, tubes, wetsuits and life vests. Sail and Ski also provides safety and service seminars at no charge for new boat owners.
12971 Research Blvd
(512) 258-0733

Sandy Creek Marina
Cruiser and Yacht Center
Lime Creek Road on Lake Travis
(512) 335-8208
www.sailandski.com

Also check out:
Beach Front Boat Rentals
16120 FM 2769
(512) 258-8400
www.beachfrontboats.com

Commander’s Point Yacht Basin
4600 Commanders Point Drive
(512) 266-2333

Daybreak Boat Rentals
5971 Hi-Lane
(512) 266-2176
www.daybreakboatrentals.com

Sail Aweigh Charters
(512) 250-8141
www.ccsi.com/~sailaweigh

Airscape Parasail – for those seeking greater perspective, a better sense of the overall picture, or simply higher altitude, Airscape Parasail will end your search. And you thought you could only float 100 feet in the air behind a moving boat in Daytona Beach, Florida? This Central Texas establishment runs parasailing operations on both Lake Travis and Horseshoe Bay for individuals, pairs and groups. It’s less stressful than jumping out of a plane and the view is arguably just as good. Available for all ages, call for more information.
Located at Volente Beach Waterpark
16107 FM 2769
(512) 257-9675
www.airscapeparasail.com

Hippie Hollow – proving that less is more for well over 30 years, Hippie Hollow, long a source of pride for Austinites, is the only nudist-friendly park in the Lone Star State. While many visit this infamous watering hole for sheer novelty’s sake, the lovely scenery quickly outshines the bare bums. Situated on 109 acres a mere 20 minutes from Interstate Highway 35, the park is open daily to adults. Clothing, of course, is optional.
Located on Comanche Trail off Ranch Road 620, 1.3 miles south of FM 2222.
www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/hippie_hollow.asp

Lakeway Swim Center – unless you grew up next to a water park, this community swim
ming facility puts your neighborhood pool to shame. At the Lakeway Swim Center, giant floating “lily pads” and water slides worthy of admission fees compliment the beginner’s lessons, water aerobics and synchronized swimming instruction available to all members. With pools, an open master’s class available every morning, kayaking instruction and a rock climbing wall, the center is much more than just a place for the kids to have swim team practice. The various offerings ensure that every member of the family, from baby to grandma, finds something they enjoy. Individual, family and senior memberships are all available year-round.
3103 Lakeway Blvd.
(512)261-3000
www.lakewayswimcenter.com

Pace Bend – this 1,368-acre park on Lake Travis is lacking in most modern-day comforts. No dishwashers, no cable T.V., no internet access — and that’s just the way visitors to this popular campsite and wildlife reserve prefer it. Besides the many trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, the park also boasts nine miles of Lake Travis shoreline for swimming and sunbathing in uncluttered and un-commercialized leisure. There are more than 400 primitive campsites and 20 slots available with water, showers and electric hook-ups. Though not crowded on most weekends, you should call ahead on holidays and summer weekends to guarantee a spot.
Located 30 miles west of Austin
off of Ranch Road 2322
(512) 264-1482
http://www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/pace_bend.asp

Dive World – this one-stop shop for all things scuba-related, Dive World completely ignores the fact that Austin is wholly land-locked by most people’s standards. The absence of coral reef for a 500-mile radius doesn’t seem to faze the staff as they enthusiastically offer in-house certification courses for divers at all levels, organize open water dives in Lake Travis and plan trips to Grand Cayman and Bonaire for the diving-obsessed. In addition to the vast selection of gear (for purchase and rent) or the on-site indoor heated pool, Dive World sponsors a Scuba Club with guest speakers, travel opportunities and general aquatic revelry.
12129 Ranch Road 620 North, Ste. 440
(512) 219-1220
www.diveworldaustin.com

Just For Fun Watercraft Rental – this rental outfit is salvation for all those city dwellers that haven’t dropped the cash for their own boat yet. The flagship Just for Fun caters to all types: wave runners for adventure seekers, ski-boats and pontoons for relaxing with friends and family as well as party barges for receptions and floating fiestas. While a four-hour ski boat rental runs around $240, the boat is nicely equipped with all necessary accoutrements — skis, ski vests and ski ropes — and holds up to eight people. Located at Emerald Point Marina, next to Carlos ‘N Charlies, Just for Fun Watercraft Rental is a great alternative for boat-less lake lovers and Austinites willing to give Lake Travis life a try.
5973 Hiline Road
Emerald Point Marina
(512) 266-9702
www.jff.net

Also check out:
Makin' Waves Personal Watercraft
Rentals, Inc.
Mudd Cove in Pacebend Park
(off Highway 71 and FM 2322)
406 Sleat Drive
(512) 301-3796
www.makin-waves.com