If you are planning on spending some time in Austin, make sure you visit Lady Bird Lake for hiking, walking, biking, canoeing or kayaking. This is a multi-use lake that also offers plenty of opportunities for boating, camping, and shoreline fishing. Kayaking is a popular recreational activity that can offer breathtaking scenic views while providing unexpected outdoor adventures. With this 416-acre reservoir on the Colorado River, you’re bound to find a breathtaking view of the city not far from the busy downtown streets while kayaking in Austin. And if you’re looking for a specific recommendation, Cedar Point Recreation Area is one of the largest pieces of public land on the lake and offers more than three miles of shoreline. Austin is well-known as one of Texas’ most entertaining cities, but it’s also got plenty for the outdoor adventurer to explore. Whether you have your own vessels or need to rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP, you’ll find it along the shores of downtown Austin, Texas bordered by landmarks like Zilker Park and the Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial. Pick up your kayak on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, a manmade reservoir that helps supply Austin with drinking water and prevent flooding of the Colorado River. Renting a kayak or paddle board in Austin is a fun, healthy, cool way to see The city from a unique perspective. In 2007 the lake was renamed Lady Bird Lake to honor Lady Bird Johnson, the former First Lady of the United States and a long-time resident of the Austin area. This law was passed in 1964 after two drownings occurred in the lake. Enter nighttime kayaking on Austin’s Lady Bird Lake. Occupancy: Up to 12 people Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals on Lady Bird Lake If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing way to see Austin, a paddleboard or kayak rental on Lady Bird Lake is the perfect way to discover the landmarks and skyline of the Capital City. There are a total of seven parks located on the different fingers of the lake. And if you arrive in Austin anytime from early March to early September, take a sunset paddle near Congress Bridge to witness the emergence of one of North America’s largest urban bat colonies. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. Free parking is available in the park with direct access to Barton Creek. It’s fed by an underground spring that keeps its water at a cool and refreshing temperature year-round. Situated just five miles outside of the center of San Marcos, the Pecan Park Riverside RV Park sits on the banks of the San Marcos River. Austin's Watershed Protection Department says it's still finding toxic blooms of algae at Red Bud Isle, Barton Creek and downstream from Barton Springs Pool – and that it … Of course, there are many places to launch a kayak on this river, depending on just where you are in Central Texas. Required to Rent Equipment: All Rights Reserved. This is especially true during the peak river tubing season, but there are much quieter times of the year where you can enjoy the lush green scenery along the banks in peace. We have the best gear to ensure you have a great day on the water. But storm swells and dam releases along certain parts of the river can make this river an attractive option for whitewater kayakers as well. In fact, it flows all the way through the Lone Star State to the Gulf of Mexico at its southern terminus. A memorial at Auditorium Shores honors the late bluesman Stevie Ray Vaughan. Canyon Lake is located about 30 minutes northwest of the city of New Braunfels. Congress Bridge Bat Watching Tours Urban Kayak Tour of Downtown Austin Full Moon Kayak and Live Music Tour Brazos River. Modern sea kayaks usually have two or more internal bulkheads Some models can accommodate two or sometimes three paddlers. Embark on a peaceful paddle on Lady Bird Lake with your friendly … Rowing Dock offers group rentals and tours. The best way to experience Austin is from the water. From Austin down to San Antonio, there is no shortage of lakes and rivers in Texas Hill Country to enjoy your preferred flavor of kayaking. Find out more here. © 2020 Good Sam Enterprises, LLC. True to its name (Frio means ‘cold’ in Spanish), this river is a great place to escape to during the hottest months of the year. And it also boasts some of the clearest, cleanest waters in the entire Lone Star State. Photo: Getty Images. Condé Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Any information published by Condé Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Lake Buchanan is located about an hour and 15 minutes northwest of Austin and, in addition to paddling, it offers some of the best striped bass and white bass fishing in the state. The stronger than expected current and large underwater debris uphold the danger of swimming in this lake today. Kayaking Lady Bird Lake in Downtown Austin, Texas. Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals launching from the boathouse on November 6th. A cool season view of Lady Bird Lake. Get fitted for a paddle, life jacket, and a kayak as experienced rental staff chat about proper paddling … BOATER ADVISORY: Zebra mussels have invaded this reservoir! His running tally of RV road trips across America stands at five and counting. Where the city straddles the Colorado River, 2 dams mark the upstream and downstream ends of Lady Bird Lake, the focus of outdoor activity in downtown Austin. It is here, that you can launch your own personal boat, or rent a kayak, sup or canoe from Zilker Park … There are a total of more than 180 sites available at this park with full hookups and the ability to accommodate rigs up to 90 feet in length. Pick up your kayak on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, a manmade reservoir that helps supply Austin with drinking water and prevent flooding of the Colorado River. Embrace Your Sense of Adventure in Sunny Southern California, 8 Kayaking Hot Spots in Texas Hill Country, Tips for Planning Fun Family Fishing Trips, 9 Destinations for Fast and Furious Whitewater Adventure, Tips for Taking Your RV Out of Winter Storage. We are located in Austin and are within driving distance to many smaller towns such as Bastrop, Del Valle, Lago Vista, … Condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. From Lamar Bridge back to Congress Avenue Kayaks. The western end of the lake is bounded by Tom Miller Dam, built in 1939. Kids can ride in a kayak.Dogs and other pets are permitted at this time. Whether you’re into recreational paddling, kayak fishing or whitewater kayaking, the best kayaking destinations in this area of Texas provide opportunities for paddlers of all experience levels. The RV park boasts a total of 75 full hookup sites and accommodates rigs up to 75 feet in length. And even for long-time Texas residents, you might find a few of these spots to be hidden gems worth exploring. Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake) Kayak, Paddle & Canoe Rentals Roaring 40ºs Kayaking offers tailored adventures to suit your time-frame and experience level. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. The boathouse also has a cafe with a great view of Lady Bird Lake. If you would like to make a donation in support of Austin Rowing club and its staff. And for the most experienced and adventurous paddlers out there, this river also hosts the annual Texas Water Safari! Story by Celi Trepanier. This location is perfect for Central Texas RVers looking for a relaxing, luxury staycation spot. Get fitted for a paddle, life jacket, and a kayak as experienced rental staff chat about proper paddling … "I know that in every other river in the state, I'm allowed to," says Sean Mahan, one of the people who asked about the swimming ban. star-5. We also feature a super fun daytime photo friendly Urban Kayak tour, a full moon night tour with live music on Lady Bird Lake's only island, and special event tours to see fireworks on the 4th of July and listen to ACL from the water! Lady Bird Lake offers endless ways to spend a day on the water. Spanning a total of about 840 miles, the Brazos River is one of the longest rivers in North America. While there were no toxins found in the latest sampling of the algae (Oct, 2020), the City of Austin is still recommending that all pet owners do not let their pets/dogs swim or drink the water in Lady Bird Lake… If you’re looking for a spot a little further south, the Summit Vacation & RV Resort is located just 20 minutes from the shores of Canyon Lake. Please note, given the history of poisonous toxins found in the blue-green algae in Lady Bird Lake, if you decide to bring your pet, you are doing so at your own risk. An easy two and a half-hour guided tour on Lady Bird Lake is the perfect way to end the day in Austin. Live Love Paddle features Austin kayak rentals and Austin paddle board rentals on Lady Bird Lake (also known as Town Lake). Lake Kayaking: Photo: Pete Nowicki/Unsplash. Lone Star Kayak Tour and and PaddleBoard Tours: Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake - See 53 traveler reviews, 21 candid photos, and great deals for Austin, TX, at Tripadvisor. In addition, kayak rental and SUP rental are also available at the boathouse. Also popular for tubing and casual river floats during the summer months, the narrower Guadalupe River boasts some great rapid sections for whitewater kayakers. Why aren't we allowed to swim in Lady Bird Lake? If you’re ready for a day of kayaking or paddle boarding, come on out to rent a kayak or board on Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake) in Austin, Texas. 122 Reviews. Lady Bird Lake (named after former-First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson) provides great kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities year-round. "I threw my dog's ball in the water in 2004 and everybody freaked out, telling me that I was going to get arrested and that the water wasn't clean and that I had to get out. They rent kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddles with hourly or daily rates that vary from weekday to weekend. While this river can get really crowded with tubers and swimmers during the summer and fall, it also offers great paddling during the off-season. One of many ways to access Lady Bird Lake is from Zilker Metropolitan Park and Barton Springs Pool. Lady Bird Lake (named after former-First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson) provides great kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities year-round. And, no, it’s not the same as the one that calls the Rocky Mountains its birthplace. Rowing Dock is Austin's go-to spot for kayak, stand up paddleboard and canoe rentals on Lady Bird Lake. Visitors can also paddle board, unfortunately for me, I have no coordination, or balance whatsoever. Anna Eulo sent us a couple photos of an alligator — yes, an alligator — hanging out on a small spot in Lady Bird Lake near Festival Beach. And the spring-fed nature of this river keeps it cool and refreshing when the Central Texas temperatures reach their extreme highs. During most times of the year, the wide, slow-moving river offers calm, easy paddling for all skill levels. Draining water is required by law and … Photo: dimitrisvetsikas1969. In renaming the lake, the City Council recognized Johnson for her dedication to beautifying the lake and her efforts to create a recreational trail system around the lake's shoreline. The resort itself features more than 90 full hookup sites and they accommodate rigs up to 80 feet in length. The photos were taken at 5:22 p.m. on July 6. Join us for a cool evening out on the water to watch the sun say goodnight to the Austin skyline. Lady Bird Lake. This river offers a little bit of everything, including kayak fishing, recreational paddling and sections of whitewater. You can do so here. They’re open everyday from 6 a.m. until dusk. Paddle Austin provides the best tours and rentals for all your paddle sports needs, including stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking Lady Bird Lake! Ad Choices. This man-made reservoir on the Colorado River sits in downtown Austin. CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY your boat, trailer, livewells/bait buckets, and other gear before traveling to another water body. In addition to river access, you can also enjoy a heated pool and hot tub, a riverfront beach area, outdoor games, nature trails, and more on the premises. While whitewater paddlers can enjoy up to Class III rapids, there are also calm sections of the river that are perfect for recreational paddlers. Colorado River near Austin. In terms of amenities on-site, you’ll be able to enjoy outdoor games, nature trails, a recreation hall and game room, a swimming pool and hot tub, and more! Year-round, locals and travelers head to Lady Bird Lake to kayak and paddleboard on the Colorado River. For those of you that are new to the Texas Hill Country region, it might surprise you to find so many great paddling spots close by. They teach sculling and sweep rowing and also offer youth classes and camps. Photo: Getty Images. If you want to get away for a little RV staycation in Central Texas, you’ll probably want to roll your rig somewhere with water nearby. Toxic bacteria continue to pose a threat in Lady Bird Lake, according to recent city water testing. The resort also offers WiFi, an enclosed dog run, heated pool and hot tub, recreation hall, and much more! I love Austin and have been wanting to go kayaking down Lady Bird Lake since I moved to Texas two years ago. Enter your email address below and get the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox. There’s a healthy bonus, too: the sport is an enjoyable way to sneak in both physical activity and a bit of relaxation. RVs parked near the Guadalupe River. Most people are unaware that it’s illegal to swim in Lady Bird Lake. public access for fishing Lady Bird Lake. Tucker Ballister is an outdoor guide by day and freelance writer by night. Rowing Dock are located west of MoPac on the south shore of the lake, entrance off Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. These parks offer launching locations and shoreline access for exploring the different reaches of one of the largest lakes in Central Texas. It’s also situated a little further down on the Guadalupe River, which offers its own paddling opportunities. This 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake is an Austin staple and includes a sampling of several centrally-located parks along the way. To have a listen go here. Yes, there is a Colorado River in Texas. All rights reserved. So check out two of the highest-rated Good Sam RV parks in your neck of the woods! The La Hacienda Sun RV Resort in Austin is perfectly situated for paddling on the (Texas) Colorado River. 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