Things to do nearLake Austin
Lake Austin is a serene highland lake along the Colorado River in Central Texas, known for its calm waters, lush shoreline, and easy access from Austin.
Lake Austin was formed in 1939 when Tom Miller Dam was completed on the Colorado River, creating a long, winding reservoir that stretches roughly 25 miles through the Hill Country terrain west of Austin. Because the lake sits in a narrow river valley, it retains the feel of a natural river corridor, with wooded banks rising steeply on both sides and relatively little of the wide-open exposure found on Highland Lakes farther upstream.
On the water, visitors find a range of activities suited to the lake's calm character. Kayaking and canoeing are especially popular given the gentle current and protected coves. Fishing draws a steady crowd as well, with largemouth bass and catfish among the common catches. Several marinas along the shoreline offer boat rentals and launch facilities, making it straightforward to spend a half day exploring the lake without bringing your own vessel.
The shoreline is home to some of Austin's most distinctive residential architecture, with lakefront homes and terraced gardens spilling down to private docks. Emma Long Metropolitan Park provides the most accessible public entry point, offering camping, picnic shelters, and a sandy swim area. The park's tree cover makes it a welcome refuge during the intense Texas summers.
Lake Austin occupies a rare space between urban convenience and natural quiet, close enough to the city for an easy afternoon outing yet secluded enough to feel genuinely removed from it, making it a destination that rewards a visit at any time of year.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Lake Austin
Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest water conditions and the least boat traffic on the lake.
Try stand-up paddleboarding along the quieter eastern coves, where the narrow channel makes for easy, sheltered paddling.
Bring water shoes, as many of the rocky shoreline entry points can be slippery near the waterline.
Explore Emma Long Metropolitan Park on the lake's southern shore for shaded picnic areas and direct water access.
Arrive before noon on summer weekends, as parking at popular access points fills quickly by midday.
Top tours & experiences near Lake Austin
Private Lake Austin Boat Cruise
Private captained cruise with sun-or-shade comfort on Lake Austin
4-Hour Boat Charter in Austin
Captain-led G23 wakeboarding and wakesurfing on Austin-area lakes
Austin Skyline Helicopter Tour from Pflugerville
See Austin’s skyline from the air on a 32-mile helicopter flight
Lake Austin Double-Decker Boat Rental with Slide & Captain
Double-decker fun with a 10-foot slide and sun deck
Captained Lake Travis Boat Charter with Dual Slides
Spread out on the water with an upper deck and two slides
Lake Austin Double-Decker Pontoon Charter
Two levels and double slides for Lake Austin celebrations
Bachelorette Party Pontoon Charter on Lake Austin
Celebrate your way with a licensed captain, floating games, and wedding-themed extras
Private Half-Day Wake Surf Boat Charter on Lake Austin
Balance wake surfing and laid-back time on the water aboard a private Pavati boat
Self-Drive Pontoon Boat Rental on Lake Austin
Cruise Lake Austin with your group on a 13-passenger pontoon rental
Sunrise Cruise on Lake Austin
A captain-led morning cruise with Lake Austin sunrise views
Double Decker Party Pontoon with Slide on Lake Austin
Bring your crew for a private pontoon outing with a waterslide and Bluetooth sound
Full-Day Self-Captained Boat Rental from Austin
Take the helm for a Lake LBJ day with shade, Bluetooth, and water-sports add-ons
Lake Austin Waterslide Boat Charter
Private Lake Austin cruise with a waterslide, floating games and captain
Pro-Guided Bass Fishing Trip on Austin Area Lakes
Build your bass fishing skills with a trip tailored to your goals
Private Surf & Cruise Boat Charter on Lake Austin
Flexible private charter for surfing, sun, and group celebrations
35' Party Barge Charter on Lake Austin
Cruise Lake Austin with a captain, spacious deck, and party-ready amenities
Captained Lake Travis Party Boat Cruise With Slide
Enjoy upper-deck lake views and a waterslide on your Lake Travis boat day
Guided eFoil Surfing Lesson on Lake Austin
Build eFoil skills with expert guidance on Lake Austin
Captained Bachelor Party Pontoon Charter on Lake Austin
Celebrate on the water with floating games and party-ready extras
Private Wake Surf Boat Rental on Lake Austin
Make the lake your own with a customized mix of surfing, swimming, and exploring
Wakesurf Lessons on Lake Austin With Instructor & Captain
Learn to wakesurf with a champion instructor and captain on Lake Austin
Sunrise Guided Cruise on Lake Travis in Austin
Cruise Lake Travis at sunrise with a captain (small group or private)
Sunset Cruise on Lake Austin
Cruise Lake Austin at sunset with music, bridge views, and optional dining stops
Self-Captained Boat Rental on Lake Travis or Lake Austin
Take the Helm on Lake Austin or Lake Travis