Any day you’re on the lake is a good day and Lake Travis is a perfect getaway for those looking to get out on the water. The businesses that have sprung up around the lake in far west Austin, Lakeway and other nearby towns are seemingly all designed to get you to relax, have fun, and indulge in a staycation.
Stand Up Paddleboarding on Lake Travis. Credit Everstream and Co.
On the Water
You don’t visit the Lake Travis area without getting on (and in) Lake Travis. For an early sunrise boat ride, relaxing sunset cruise or private event (e.g., bachelorette party), call the people at Sail ATX. They’ll cruise you around the lake in style. For something speedier, Austin’s Boat Tours has a huge range of options from speed boats to pontoon rentals, jet skis to party barges. Yes, with a slide. If you get a captained boat, they’ll even grill your food and make your drinks. Check out Float On Boat Rentals and rent a luxury pontoon boat for you and 15 of your closest friends to cruise the lake in style, or charter a captained wakesurf boat for an action-packed day on the lake. You can even experience luxury yachting on Lake Travis with Texas Sailing. Make sure to check out Devil’s Cove, the spot where everyone drops anchor, ties up, and has a massive lake party each weekend.
Fans of American Ninja Warrior should book the all-day lake experience at Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures. It’s a floating water park and obstacle course with a bonus island getaway that's fun for all ages. Two football fields of floating obstacles, lakefront property, hammocks, floating picnic tables, and beach games are kind of the ultimate day at the lake. Back on shore, the Volente Beach Resort and Waterpark is packed with awesome themed water slides like the Pirate Ship, Texas Twister, the Sidewinder, plus a beach, a protected swim area, volleyball, and a game lounge. They also host the annual Jaws on the Water event put on by Alamo Drafthouse and it’s a perfect viewing spot for the Fourth of July annual fireworks show.
Courtesy of Volente Waterpark & Resort.
Lake Travis Activities
Ziplines aren’t for the faint of heart but Lake Travis Zipline is worth getting over your fear. In addition to zipping around the longest zipline in Texas, you’ll explore the area on a three-hour hike and get access to their private lakefront property with all snacks and equipment included.
Take on a couple of holes at the gorgeous golf courses in and around the Lake Travis area. The Hills of Lakeway Country Club has beautiful greens, designed by Jack Nicklaus and features 36 holes. To make a day of it, head to Point Venture Golf Club, play your rounds and then hang out at Caddie Shack Sports Bar for some live music, a dance floor, and all the bar games and sports you want.
Picnic, swim, fish, boat and yes, scuba, at Mansfield Dam Park. Bring your sneakers to take on the hike and bike trail or pack your swimsuit and scuba gear to explore the underwater trail with dive attractions like a sunken boat and geological interest points.
The Oasis. Credit Shane Ware.
Restaurants Near Lake Travis
All that time out in nature requires some sustenance. If you’re at Volente Beach Waterpark, make it easy and eat at Beachside Billy’s or Beach Burgers & BBQ trailer. Both serve pub grub and barbecue, while Blu’s Beach Bar keeps the cold ones coming. Eat on the water at Captain Pete’s Boathouse, a fully floating dock and restaurant. Diners love the fried shrimp and catfish baskets served with hand-cut fries and hushpuppies. While you’re there, don’t forget to ask for fish food to feed the catfish down below.
Level up your evening with dinner and some craft cocktails or a beer at Hops and Thyme in neighboring Lakeway. It’s worth freshening up a bit to sit on their oak-shaded patio, drink one of the thirty-six beers on tap, and share thoughtful dishes from their new American menu.
Thin and crispy is the right way to do pizza at nearby Mangieris. They take well-deserved pride in their cold fermentation dough and in locally sourcing their seasonal, organic ingredients. The Sundancer Grill at the Sail and Ski Yacht Club is a pricier option but those views are stunning. Overlooking the marina, the menu runs the gamut from pub fare to mixed grill, shrimp and grits to fried chicken and waffles.
Oasis Texas Brewing Company. Credit Will Taylor – LakeTravis.com.
Bars Near Lake Travis
For a low-key good time, check out Lake Travis Biergarten for a relaxed hangout on the back patio. Sip on award-winning brews while enjoying live music or in between a round of pickleball with pals. Hang where the locals hang at Wakesurf Saloon. Grab a drink at the bar and catch a game on the big screen, relax on the outdoor deck or listen to live music.
There’s something about having a cold glass of rosé and feeling like you’re on top of the world (on a rooftop deck). That’s what you’ll find at Canyon Grille Rough Hollow. A menu that’s upscale but not pretentious, a killer happy hour, and sunset views that won’t quit.
Also on the lake is The Oasis on Lake Travis. This multi-story building is best known for its incredible sunset views and live music events happening weekly. Don’t miss The Brew on Sunday nights, a Latin band with free salsa lessons. After sunset, head up to the neighboring Oasis Texas Brewing Company for a cold beer on the rooftop patio.
From stunning scenery and outdoor activities to award-winning wineries and boutique shopping, there's plenty to see and do just a short drive from Austin. Check out the full list of Hill Country day trips and start planning your trip today.
