How to Make the Most Out of Lake Austin

You haven’t experienced a real Austin summer if you haven’t spent a day or two on Lake Austin.

Located in the heart of the Capital of Texas, this reservoir on the Colorado River is one of the city’s most loved attractions.

Whether you like beach days with the kids, exhilarating watersports, or dining and nightlife with lakefront views, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Lake Austin in the summertime.

Adventures on the Water

What’s your thrill of choice? Regardless of your answer, you’ll find something you’ll love on Lake Austin.

The most popular sports on Lake Austin are wakesurfing, wakeboarding, and skiing. Lake Austin is also home to a Dam to Dam Barefooting Race which is a blast to watch and/or participate in. If you don't have a boat there are numerous adventure companies on and around the lake with gear and rentals for boating, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more.

And if you’re looking for a more relaxing day out on the water, Lake Austin is a biodiverse fishing spot with an extensive population of largemouth bass, including trophy bass. Many skilled fishermen catch bass weighing eight to 10 pounds each year. You’ll also find redbreast, bluegill, redear, flathead, and blue catfish.

Outdoor Exploration

The Covert Park at Mount Bonnell is a prime spot for Austin views. Boasting the highest point in the Austin city limits, Mount Bonnell offers sunset views that will leave you breathless. Take a walk to the summit or spend a relaxing day walking around the park or stopping for a picnic.

Another highlight is the Pennybacker Bridge, which has views of the lake and the surrounding scenery. The trail climbs to an overlook of the lake, river, and Austin 360 Bridge. It’s famous for biking and walking, but you can also take a scenic drive.

Dining and Nightlife by the Water

As a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, Lake Austin offers numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars for lakefront dining and nightlife.

Hula Hut, located right on the banks of the lake, offers drinks, food, and a huge patio over the water for sunset views while sipping cocktails.

Another great restaurant is Abel’s on the Lake, known for its exceptional burgers and Texas Tea. While casual, you can enjoy unpretentious dishes and drinks overlooking the water.

Lake Austin for Nature Lovers

Nature lovers will have a field day by Lake Austin.

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve has serene walking trails with beautiful roaming peacocks! Officially the Mayfield-Gutsch Estate, the grounds feature a historic cottage and gardens with a bluff overlooking the lake.

The River Place Nature Trail is one of the more challenging and fun hikes in the Austin area. There’s a lot of elevation gain, giving you a good workout while you hike along the river dotted with tranquil waterfalls. The system has three trails to choose from: Panther Hollow Trail, Little Fern Trail, and Canyon Trail.

If you’re set on seeing more of Texas’s native wildlife, the Nalle Bunny Run Wildlife Preserve has 35 acres of natural scenery in Texas Hill Country. The preserve is open to the public for monthly guided tours to see wildlife like the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo. The preserve mainly provides a habitat for small mammals, songbirds, and rare waterfowl.

Find a Home in Lake Austin

With so much to knock off your bucket list in Lake Austin, a quick vacation won’t feel like enough. Living near the lake gives you the opportunity to soak up all an Austin summer has to offer, including hair-raising watersports, lazy beach days, and more cocktails and water sunsets than you can count!

Does it sound like Lake Austin waterfront homes could offer you the dream life? The Lakefront Group can help! We’re the premier Lake Austin real estate agents and the most comprehensive lakefront real estate resource. Contact us to start your lakefront search and make your dreams a reality.