Guide to Lake Travis

A popular destination for active and vacationing families and couples, Lake Travis is an easy trek northwest into the hills from Austin. It's a little over 30 minutes by car from downtown to reach the southeast end of the lake, and it’s also accessible by bus. On the water or on the shore, there's plenty of adventure to keep you from drying off.

A Big Draw

Lake Travis came into being when the Colorado River was tripped up by the Mansfield Dam beginning with its construction in 1937. The twisting and turning lake, resembling a mythical river monster from above with its snake-like form and tentacles, doesn't hit 5 miles at its widest point but is more than 63 miles long. The shoreline totals 270 miles. There are 15 parks with differing entrance or launch fees that dot the shoreline, several featuring picnic areas for groups big and small.

Boating and Fishing

If you’re bringing a boat, three of the Lower Colorado River Authority and Travis County Parks facilities offer courtesy docks: Pace Bend/Tatum Cove, Mansfield Dam Park and Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point. Parks may vary in hours and fees. Several marinas have boat slips. Boat-less? Just rent one and get on the water from the many places along the shoreline. The speed limit on the lake is 20 mph after dark, and the decibel maximum for watercraft is 92. Cast a line overboard for largemouth bass, catfish, white bass and sunfish.

A Land Lover’s Delight

This long lake is about more than just water sports. If you’re the hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and birdwatching type, you can do it all at Lake Travis. Feeling bold? Try soaring above inlets on the longest zip line in the Lone Star State. Block off three hours if you want to book a session with Lake Travis Zip Line Adventures in Leander, which includes five lines as short as 250 feet and–if you dare–as long as 2,800 feet.

Food and Drink!

You can certainly pack a cooler of sandwiches and sodas for your lake excursion, but Lake Travis has plenty of dining options, especially if you want to relax while listening to live music as the sun sets over the water. The Oasis on Lake Travis offers stunning views with sizzling steak, seafood, fajitas and more. The Iguana Grill gives you an indoor or outdoor lake-view seat to wolf down Tex-Mex and icy-cold margaritas. Or plan your trip to coincide with the Lake Travis SpringFest, and indulge in the saucy fruits of the barbecue competition while sampling the wares of Hill Country wineries and craft breweries. Cheers!

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Austin.