Located in the Texas Hill Country just outside of Austin, Lake Travis covers almost 30 square miles and is one of the most popular lake getaways in Texas.
There are so many great things to do in Lake Travis, you will not be ready to leave at the end of your trip.
Lake Travis can have depths of over a hundred feet and stretches for almost sixty miles.
This gives boaters space and depth to enjoy the water in a variety of styles. The views from the lake of the natural geography and the lakeside mansions make hitting the water a “must do” activity.
Looking for the best things to do around Lake Travis? We’ve rounded them up here!
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Best Things to Do on Lake Travis
Rent a boat for the day (or longer).
Cruise the lake in high class by chartering a yacht for the day.
You can also rent a fast boat with more horsepower for pulling skiers and tubes through the water or rent a sailboat to feel the wind in your hair and work the ropes for the day.
… or a party barge.
If you are bringing a large group with kids or teens, the Party Barge rentals are the way to go. These double-deck barges offer plenty of sun and shade while including great additions like a tube slide.
All barges come with grills, floats, tables, and restrooms, making them the perfect base for an unforgettable trip to Lake Travis.
Enjoy some speed on a jet ski.
Jet skies are a great way to spend hours of fun on Lake Travis. Speed through the water and crash the wakes by yourself or with a partner on a jet ski. This is one of the most action-packed ways to enjoy Austin’s Lake Travis.
Most rentals start at about two hours and the rules restrict drivers to 18 years of age.
Try out paddleboarding.
On the shores and beaches of the lake, you can rent paddleboards and spend hours maneuvering up and down the lake’s shoreline.
One and two-person kayaks are also available for rental and are a great way to explore the coves and inlets of the lake.
Go fishing!
Many of the coves and inlets on Lake Travis are perfect for fishing. If you are looking for local insight on the best spots to drop your line, there are plenty of guide services around the lake.
Check out the Lake Travis Fishing Guide, Bushwacker Bait Co., Torwick’s, or Barefoot Fishing Tours for the best spots and secrets of the local fisherman.
Go scuba diving in Lake Travis.
Scuba diving the fresh waters of Lake Travis is a great opportunity to see freshwater life at its best.
Scuba charter boats on Lake Travis tend to be smaller, usually only holding up to eight stations, which can make the experience much more personal with a small group of friends.
Windy Point Park is one of the newest go-to points for divers offering boat wrecks and underwater sculptures.
Grab a drink at the Oasis.
A trip to Lake Travis is never really complete without a visit to the iconic Oasis. This multi-level restaurant has some of the most spectacular views of the lake and surrounding hill country.
The sunset views from the outdoor decks of The Oasis are rumored to be the most beautiful in Texas, making a visit here easily one of the best things to do in Lake Travis.
The food on the lunch and dinner menus are well priced for the area and the menus do a great job of labeling their items for those with dietary sensitivities.
Water Parks + Adventures on Lake Travis
Looking for a water park to enjoy with the kids for a day, or a fun adventure for the whole family? If so, these places are among the best things to see near Lake Travis!
Beachside Billy’s
This location is a combination water park, hotel, and restaurant all in one.
The water park has a Lazy Lagoon for a relaxing float. The kids can spend their energy in the Pirate Ship or at Gator’s Crossing, lots of fun rides and water activities for kids and teens.
When the family is ready for some action the Sidewinder is a face-paced water ride designed to give you a thrill and get your heart pumping.
The resort also has multiple pools, including an adult pool with a tiki bar, and a waterfall feature in the Lagoon to help cool off on hot summer days.
At the end of the day grab a bite to eat at Beachside Billy’s restaurant and rest in one of their delightful Texas bungalows.
Waterloo Adventures
This waterpark and challenge course on the water makes for an adventure-packed day.
The water park has over 600 feet of playground and water slides. Try your skill on the 20 obstacle courses which include climbing walls, bridges, and balance beams.
Tickets include the boat ride to Adventure Island, the floating obstacle course, and all the rides and amenities. There are a few restrictions, like life vests and the ability to swim, but definitely worth spending the day at this fun spot.
Zipline Adventures
Get ready for a unique view of the lake. The Lake Travis Zipline Adventure, a sister park to Waterloo Adventures, has the longest zipline in Texas. There are five different zipline choices, three are the fastest in Texas.
Fly over the beautiful waters of Lake Travis and view the magnificent Texas Hill Country.
The tours take approximately three hours but purchasing a ticket for this exciting ride also gets you water access and picnic areas for the day.
Water Monkeys
This floating water park is a step away from the traditional land-based water parks.
The Gorilla Bounce and Gorilla Dive are perfect heights for adults and teens. The younger kids will enjoy jumping on the Monkey Bounce or diving off the Monkey Jump. Don’t forget the Jungle Waterslide or the Tarzan Swing.
This floating park sells tickets by the hour or can be reserved for birthday parties or other daily events.
Golf with some amazing views.
The area around Lake Travis offers a variety of golf courses to suit the skills of any golfer.
On the east side of the lake, Lago Vista and Lake Travis Golf Courses offer championship golf courses and a variety of professional and charity tournaments throughout the year. The award-winning Point Venture 9-hole course is situated on a bend of the Colorado River and offers beautiful views of the water on many of their holes.
On the west side of the Colorado River, Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Cut-N-Putt offers a fun family golfing experience. Just south of Lake Travis are the fairways of The Hills at Lakeway.
Lakeway offers four world-class golf courses, with 36 holes having been designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus.
The Best Wines + Brews Near Lake Travis
Lake Travis Pub Crawl
The Lake Travis Pub Crawl features seven top venues around the lake. Stop for a drink, grab a bite, listen to some live music, then head further down the river.
The spots on this pub water crawl include Beachside Billy’s, Emerald Point, TR Bar and Lounge, The Gnarly Gar, Canyon Grille, Shack 512, Sundancer Grill, and the Lighthouse Lounge.
All of the restaurants have slips for your boat in order to easily maneuver in and out.
Dripping Springs
Located about 20 minutes west of Lake Travis, Dripping Springs offers plenty of opportunities to quench your thirst.
One Shot Distillery and Brewery offers the best of both worlds with their Texas-made rum and vodka along with several varieties of craft beers. Local wineries like Hawks Shadow and Bell Springs offer a relaxing environment to enjoy a glass of wine in beautiful outdoor settings.
Spicewood
On the western banks of the Colorado River just north of the lake sits Spicewood, Texas. This lovely country setting offers a variety of beverages to suit any palate.
If a delicious wine tasting fits your mood, then try El Gaucho Winery, Stone House Vineyard, or the Spicewood Vineyards.
Get a more distinctive taste of Texas at the Crystal Creek or Iron Wolf Ranch Distilleries.
Marble Falls
On a hot summer day, there is nothing like an ice-cold beer from Bar King Brewing or Double Horn Brewing in Marble Falls.
Just north of Lago Vista on the Colorado River, Flat Creek Estate Winery offers world-class guided wine tastings and dinner, along with tours of the vineyard and a fun frisbee golf course.
Places to Camp at Lake Travis
When covering the best things to do on Lake Travis, it’s impossible not to mention camping–without a doubt, camping is one of the most popular ways to see the lake!
Here are some of the best places to camp when visiting Lake Travis.
Windy Point Park
This park is ideally set on Lake Travis and is perfect for the traditional camper.
The tent sites are all primitive style with picnic tables, but they do have restrooms and showers on the grounds nearby.
Stake your tent under the big, beautiful trees for shade before heading off to check out some of the best things to do in Lake Travis!
Camp Creek Recreation
This primitive camping area on the lake is the largest of the parks.
With over 508 acres there is so much to do before taking a swim.
Outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding are a great way to take a break from the water.
All campsites here have camp grills for cooking and picnic tables.
Pace Bend Park
This park is situated along the banks of Lake Travis with convenient water access from your campsite.
The camping here is mostly primitive, but they have been upgrading their sites and facilities in recent years with water-only sites and shower/toilet facilities and electrical hookups.
The rolling hills and nearby cliffs offer opportunities for hiking and beautiful scenery.
Planet Rock
Only Texans can bring luxury to camping as found at Planet Rock.
This property has you glamping in style with furnished tents, outdoor grills, fire pits, and plenty of outdoor activities on two beautiful acres of the Texas Hill Country, and makes the perfect base for exploring the best things to do in Lake Travis!
