Lake Overview
Lake Travis is Austin's playground. At 63.75 miles long with 271 miles of shoreline and depths reaching 210 feet, it's one of the largest lakes in Texas and the crown jewel of the Highland Lakes chain along the Colorado River.
The lake is just 30 minutes from downtown Austin, closer than any of the tubing rivers, and offers a completely different water experience. While river tubing is all about floating on a current, Lake Travis is about boats, swimming, cliffs, and big-water activities.
Important note on water levels: Lake Travis is a reservoir, and water levels fluctuate dramatically based on rainfall and dam management by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). In drought years, the lake can drop 30-50+ feet, exposing normally submerged shoreline and closing some swimming areas. In wet years, it's full and stunning. Always check current lake levels before planning.
Water Activities
Lake Travis offers every water activity you can think of:
- •Boating. From pontoon boats to speedboats to party barges. The most popular way to experience the lake. Bring a cooler, anchor in a cove, and swim all day.
- •Jet skiing. Available for hourly rental at multiple marinas. Requires a boating safety course for operators born after September 1, 1993.
- •Paddleboarding & kayaking. Calmer coves are perfect for SUP and kayaking. Rentals available at several lakeside outfitters. Great for mornings before the boat traffic picks up.
- •SCUBA diving. Lake Travis has surprising diving opportunities — submerged structures, fish habitats, and visibility up to 15 feet. Several dive shops offer guided dives and certification courses.
- •Swimming. Public access at parks like Pace Bend, Windy Point, and Hippie Hollow. No lifeguards at most spots — swim at your own risk.
Boat Rentals
You don't need to own a boat to enjoy Lake Travis. Multiple marinas offer rentals:
- •Pontoon boats: $300-$600 half day, $500-$1,000+ full day. Perfect for groups of 8-12. Comes with a captain option at many marinas.
- •Party barges: $800-$1,500+ for full day. Capacity 15-30 people. Ideal for bachelor parties, birthday celebrations, and corporate events.
- •Speedboats/ski boats: $400-$800+ for half day. For wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing (the behind-the-boat kind).
- •Jet skis: $80-$150/hour. Minimum age 16 to operate. Two-person capacity.
Book in advance for summer weekends — popular marinas sell out. Many marinas are along Hudson Bend Road and Comanche Trail.
Waterloo Adventures
Waterloo Adventures is a floating obstacle course on Lake Travis. Think Wipeout, but on water. It's a massive inflatable course with climbing walls, trampolines, slides, balance beams, and monkey bars, all floating on the lake.
Sessions are typically 2 hours. Life jackets required (provided). Minimum age is usually 7. It's incredibly popular with families and groups — and it's genuinely hard. Even fit adults end up in the water repeatedly. Book ahead; summer sessions sell out.
Volente Beach Waterpark
Volente Beach is a small waterpark on the north shore of Lake Travis with waterslides, a lazy river, a kids' area, a beach on the lake, and a pirate ship play structure. It's more intimate than Schlitterbahn but doesn't require the drive to New Braunfels.
Open May through September. Admission runs $25-$35. The beach area provides direct lake access, so you get a waterpark and lake swimming in one visit. There's also a restaurant and bar on site. It's a great half-day family activity that pairs well with a morning on the lake.
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures operates some of the longest and fastest ziplines in Texas. Five lines run up to 2,800 feet long, reaching speeds of 60+ mph, and soaring 450 feet above Lake Travis. The views are spectacular. You'll see the lake, the Hill Country, and the Austin skyline in the distance.
The full tour takes about 2-3 hours and includes all five lines plus a boat ride across the lake to the launch point. Minimum weight 70 lbs, maximum 250 lbs. Prices start around $90-$110/person. Book in advance, as this is one of Austin's most popular outdoor attractions.
Parks & Beaches
- •Pace Bend Park. 1,368 acres with 9 miles of shoreline. Swimming, camping, cliff jumping, hiking. One of the most popular public parks on the lake. $10/vehicle entry fee. Tent and RV camping available ($15-$20/night).
- •Hippie Hollow Park. Texas's only legally clothing-optional public park. Managed by Travis County Parks. Occupies a limestone-cliff section of the Lake Travis shoreline. $15/vehicle. 18+ only. Swimming, hiking, and sunbathing on the rocky shore.
- •Windy Point Park. Popular for SCUBA diving, swimming, and picnicking. Calmer waters than Pace Bend. $10-$15/vehicle.
- •Bob Wentz Park (Windy Point). Free county park with a boat ramp and swimming area. Can be very windy (hence the name). Good for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
Waterfront Dining
Lake Travis has some of Austin's most scenic restaurants:
- •The Oasis on Lake Travis. Billed as the largest outdoor restaurant in Texas, The Oasis sits 450 feet above the lake with multi-tiered decks offering panoramic sunset views. The food is secondary to the view — come for the atmosphere, the margaritas, and the sunset. Arrive 1–2 hours before sunset to get a table.
- •Sundancer Grill. Lakeside dining at Canyon of the Eagles. More upscale than The Oasis, with better food and fewer crowds.
- •Hula Hut. Tex-Mex/Polynesian fusion on Lake Austin (which connects to Lake Travis). Fun, casual atmosphere with lake access.
- •Steiner Ranch Steakhouse. Overlooks Lake Travis with Hill Country views. Upscale steakhouse with an excellent wine list.
For more Austin dining recommendations, check out our guides to the best BBQ in Austin and best bars in Austin.
Lake Day vs River Tubing
Lake Travis and river tubing are different experiences that complement each other:
- •Lake Travis: Closer to Austin (30 min). Requires boat rental or park entry fee. Big-water activities: boating, jet skis, cliff jumping. Higher cost. Best for boating groups and families with varied interests.
- •River tubing: 45-60 min drive. $15-$40/person all-inclusive. Relaxing, current-driven float. Lower cost. Best for groups who want a laid-back social experience. See our river comparison guide.
Planning a multi-day Austin trip? Do both. Lake Travis on Saturday, river tubing on Sunday. Check our Austin weekend itineraries for full trip plans.