Megan Bryant is a passionate writer and traveler who has combined her two loves to help others fulfill their traveling dreams. When she isn’t writing, she’s usually curled up with her 3 Dachshunds and a good book or planning her next adventure—wherever that may be.
Austin, Texas, is well known for its vibrant culture and music scene, as well as its nightlife, restaurants, and shopping malls that draw in both locals and tourists from all over the world. But, although city life is exciting, and Austin is one of the best places to experience it, sometimes you just need a break from it all.
Luckily for those in Austin, there are plenty of nearby lakes that offer a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. With water sports, wildlife spottings, and various hiking and cycling trails to explore, Austin’s lakes add even more charm to the area and are a great place to spend the afternoon or even an entire weekend—especially in the midst of summer.
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is located on the Guadalupe River, just over an hour’s southwest of Austin, and thanks to Canyon Lake’s incredibly clear water, it has become a popular place for all sorts of water-based recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and diving.
Canyon Lake is one of the deepest lakes in Texas, and as it spans over 8,000 acres, there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy some time out on the water. While visiting Canyon Lake, you’ll find parks lining the shores, several campgrounds and RV parks, and boat launches for personal watercraft, all of which come together to make Canyon Lake one of the best lakes in Austin.
Inks Lake
An hour and fifteen minutes northwest of Austin is Inks Lake, a scenic reservoir on the Colorado River. Part of the Inks Lake State Park, Inks Lake is a haven for both water and land-based activities, with one of the biggest draws being the lakeside campsites that the public can enjoy.
During your day—or weekend—trip to Inks Lake, you can participate in swimming, hiking, fishing, and paddling. Or you can even go cliff-jumping into what’s known as the Devil’s Waterhole.
Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake is one of the closest lakes to the city, as it runs directly through the heart of downtown Austin. No motorized water vessels are allowed on Lady Bird Lake, but kayakers, canoers, and paddle boarders often take to the water to enjoy the serenity of the lake and the views of Austin’s skyline.
If you’re visiting Austin and you don’t have your own paddling equipment, then not to worry, as there are dozens of rental shops dotted around the water. And if you aren’t looking to get wet but still need to connect with nature, Lady Bird Lake offers a few popular hiking trails and the chance to see millions of Mexican free-tailed bats that fly out from the Congress Avenue Bridge come nightfall.
Lake Austin
Lake Austin is a popular waterway for recreational paddlers and jet skiers. And as it is roughly a 20-minute drive from the city, it also draws in people looking for an afternoon of relaxation. Dotted around the lake are various access points and boat ramps, with one of the most frequented areas being near the beautiful Pennybacker Bridge.
If you don’t have your own watercraft on hand, you can rent one near the lake, or if you’re looking to celebrate, you can even hire a party barge to enjoy Lake Austin with your closest friends.
Lake Buchanan
Lake Buchanan is the second-largest Texas Highland Lake and is approximately an hour and a half drive from Austin. With 124 miles of shoreline, several access points, and undeniable natural beauty, Lake Buchanan has become a favored destination by both locals and tourists.
With fishing, boating, swimming, and sunbathing opportunities, Lake Buchanan has something for everyone. Plus, as there are campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, and independently-run hotels, you can relax out by the water for an entire weekend, which just sounds blissful if you ask me.
Lake Georgetown
Lake Georgetown on the San Gabriel River is roughly 25 miles from Austin and boasts crystal-clear water and some of the most beautiful sunrises you’ll ever see. Covering 1,200 acres with 26 miles of shoreline, Lake Georgetown is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, and with various parks, beaches, and campgrounds to enjoy, you can kick back and relax in the lake’s peaceful setting.
Lake Lyndon B. Johnson
Another must-visit lake in Austin is another of the Highland Lakes, Lake Lyndon B. John or LBJ Lake for short. LBJ Lake is located an hour’s northwest of Austin and stretches for 21 miles, offering plenty of room for various outdoor activities.
On LBJ Lake, you can fish, swim, ride jet skis, or just float about until your heart’s content. And once you’re done with the water, you can hit up the local breweries and wineries before treating yourself to dinner at some of the area’s mouth-watering restaurants.
Lake Marble Falls
Lake Marble Falls is a reservoir in the Texas Hill Country, and driving there from Austin will take you around one hour. Named after the town of Marble Falls, Lake Marble Falls and its 600 acres of water is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy boating, fishing, wakeboarding, tubing, and skiing.
Lake Pflugerville
The man-made lake of Lake Pflugerville in Pflugerville, Texas, is 20 miles north of Austin, which, combined with its recreational activities, makes it one of the best lakes to visit when spending time in Austin.
Although the lake’s main purpose is to serve as a water supply source for the city, Lake Pflugerville is also regularly stocked with fish and has opportunities for visitors to kayak, paddleboard, and canoe. Swimming is also allowed in certain areas of the lake—the areas that feature beaches, picnic stations, and playgrounds.
Lake Travis
Lake Travis is known for its clear blue water and surrounding rolling hills. As it stretches for 65 miles, it is one of the biggest lakes in Austin, with plenty of activities to enjoy. As the lake is so large, many people take to the water on jet skis, and with 17 parks along the shores, there are various picnic spots for families to use.
So, whether you prefer scuba diving, boating, fishing, swimming, or camping, you’re guaranteed to have an incredible day out at Lake Travis.
Lake Walter E. Long
Lake Walter E. Long is a top choice for those who don’t want to travel too far from Austin’s city center. Located just a short 20-minute drive away, Lake Walter E. Long plays host to various water-based activities, with fishing and boating being the most prominent.
Covering 1,200 acres, Lake Walter E. Long is a hot spot for sand volleyball, personal watercraft outings, and bird watching—you may be lucky and spot bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons!
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