The Best Summer Activities in Austin, Texas

Posted by Hunter Croan on Friday, August 19th, 2022 at 2:21pm.

Ah, summer! There really is no better place in the world to soak up the summer season than Austin, Texas.

So, grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and get ready to go outside. We’ve compiled a list of the best water-based activities to indulge in this summer. These activities are especially pleasant if you’ve just purchased one of our Austin, Texas waterfront properties.

Go Boating on the Lakes

Lake Travis & Lake Austin offer locals and tourists alike plenty of boating opportunities. There are numerous ways to enjoy boating on these amazing lakes which include taking your own boat to one of the area boat ramps (fighing the crowds on the weekend), keep your boat at a Marina (more convenient but still a pain), rent a boat (expensive to do often), or our favorite is to keep your boat in your own backyard. We at The Lakefront Group can find that perfect lake house for sale with the perfect boat house. Nothing beats a flip of a switch in your own backyard to be on the lake. Also check out homes for sale on the neighboring HIghland Lakes such as Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Inks Lake, and Lake Buchanan.

Both lakes allow motorized water vehicles, including double decker party boats, pontoons, and wakesurf boats. For those not needing anything too large, there’s always the option to zip around on a jet ski for a few hours.

From watersports, to floating on a foam lake mat with a cool beverage in hand, both these lakes offer fun on the water for everyone.

Take a Swim on Lake Travis

If you’re not looking to spend the day on a boat, there’s plenty of waterfront areas around Lake Travis to go to with friends or family to enjoy some time by the water. For example, Windy Point Park offers great views of the lake. There’s plenty of room to take a swim, scuba, or simply sunbath on the limestone cliffs.

Volente Beach Resort is a family-friendly waterpark right on the water in nearby Volente, Texas. Enjoy some of the cool pools and waterslides with kids, have some food at Beachside Billy’s, or spend the night at one of their overnight bungalow rentals.

More into non-motorized water sports? Check out Bob Wentz Park, a public beach that’s a popular spot for picnicking, barbecues, sailing, windsurfing, and other outdoor activities. They also offer boat ramps for those wanting to get their boat on the water.

The best option is to swim in your own backyard.  Take a look at Lake Travis Homes For Sale and Lake Austin Homes For Sale to find your dream lake house today.

Both Lake Travis and Lake Austin offer family-friendly events year round. For example, Fireworks on the Lake lists numerous July 4th fireworks events that occur all over Lake Travis. There’s nothing like taking the kids to see some amazing fireworks over the water!

Spend Some Time on Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake (also known as Town Lake) flows through downtown Austin. It gives you a chance to get back to nature while seeing Austin in all her glory. While there are no motorized-vehicles allowed on the lake, you’re able to rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. It’s perfect for a date or a family-outing.

Paddle boarding is one of the Austin residents’ favorite pastime, and for good reason. Packed full of thrills and fun, paddle boarding is also a fantastic source of exercise.

Choose to take to your kayaks or paddleboards alone, or book a group tour of the lake. Plus, there are sightseeing cruises available.

Barton Springs Pool

If you like swimming, Barton Springs Pool is a must, regardless of the season. However, it’s at its best in the summer months.

Barton Springs pool is spring-fed, which causes the water to be pretty cold, (in the mid-60s). Perfect to cool down on a hot summer’s day. Enjoy with friends and family while soaking in the sun. It’s an Austin tradition.

Lone Star Riverboat

Have you really “done Austin” if you haven’t ridden one of the famous Lady Bird Lake riverboat cruises?

Austin has a sublime skyline. Where the city meets the natural world, Lone Star Riverboat gives you the chance to hop on a guided sightseeing cruise. You’ll even spot Mexican free-tailed bats under the Austin bridge, another Austin tradition.

Float the Guadalupe River

Most Austinites have ‘floated the river’ at least once in their lives. This fun and relaxing experience involves floating down the Guadalupe, Comal or San Marcos Rivers on a rubber ‘tube’, while enjoying nature, having a drink, and laughing with friends. Popular with college students and families alike, there’s nothing like enjoying the hot Texas heat over the chilly waters of our beautiful Texas rivers.

Want some more fun? Float Fest is an annual tradition in Central Texas. The music festival brings together people from all around the state on the San Marcos River, enjoying music while floating on the water.

Schiltterbahn

Going to Schlitterbahn is another Austin-area rite of passage.

Though this activity doesn’t take place on the lakes of Austin (or Austin for that matter), hitting up the famous New Braunfels waterpark on a scorching summer’s day can be the perfect way to build some core memories.

If you’d prefer slides over paddleboards and kayaks, Schlitterbahn might be the perfect activity for you. Don’t forget to take sunscreen, as that Texas sun can be pretty unforgiving during the summer!

If You Live in Austin, Living Waterfront Is The Life

With such a vast number of activities to enjoy in the summer in Austin, there really is no better place to settle down.

The Lakefront Group are here to make finding your perfect lakefront property as easy as stepping into the water for a swim.  Get in touch with us today and let us help you find your ideal lakefront home.

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