Austin, TX Water Activities

Austin, TX Water Activities 

Written by Boatsetter Team
April 25, 2022

Part of what makes Austin, Texas, so special is its many opportunities for outdoor recreation on the water. The Colorado River flows through the city, providing visitors and residents ample opportunities to enjoy the water. In addition, there are several artificial lakes in and around Austin that offer a variety of water activities.

One popular option for spending time outdoors in Austin is swimming. The city has several public pools that are perfect for cooling off on a hot day. There is no shortage of ways to cool off in the summer heat from swimming and sunbathing at one of the many lakes to tubing down the Colorado River.

There are also several lakes located within an hour of Austin that offer a variety of water activities.

There are also several options for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and even canoeing for those looking for more adventurous water activities.

No matter your preference, there is sure to be a water activity in Austin that you’ll enjoy. So get out there and start exploring all!

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1. Go tubing down the Comal River

Comal River is a great place to go tubing in the summertime. The water is refreshing, and the scenery is beautiful. You can tube with friends or family, and there are even some companies that offer tubing trips down the river.

2. Take a swim at Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs Pool is one of Austin’s most popular swimming spots. The pool is spring-fed, so the water is always refreshing and cool. Barton Springs is a great place to take a dip on a hot day or to do some laps for exercise.

3. Go kayaking or canoeing on Lady Bird Lake

Kayaking Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is a man-made lake in Austin that’s perfect for kayaking and canoeing. There are several rental companies that offer kayaks and canoes, and you can even take a guided tour of the lake.

4. Stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Austin

Stand-up paddleboarding is a great workout, and it’s also a lot of fun. You can find several places to rent stand-up paddleboards in Austin, and Lake Austin is a great place to paddleboard. The lake is calm, and there are some beautiful views.

5. Whitewater rafting on the Guadalupe River

If you’re looking for a little adventure, whitewater rafting on the Guadalupe River is a great option. Several companies offer whitewater rafting trips, and the river is perfect for beginners.

6. Water skiing on Lake Travis

Lake Travis is a large lake in Austin that’s perfect for water skiing. Get in touch with some of our local Austin boat owners, and see if they offer water ski’s with their boat rentals.

7. Sailing on Lake Austin

Sailing is a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery on Lake Austin. If the weather is nice, sailing is a great way to spend time with your friends and family on the water. New to sailing? Connect with some of our local captains to help you navigate the local waterways. 

8. Jet skiing on Lake Travis

Jet skiing is a fun activity for the whole family. Lake Travis is large, and there are some beautiful views. Wakeboarding and wake skiing are also popular activities.

9. Fishing on Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is a great place to fish, and there’s even a fishing pier where you can cast your line. You can catch some of the most popular fish in Texas, including bass, catfish, and trout. Looking for a private fishing experience? Check out some of our local fishing charters available in Austin. 

10. Taking a dip in Hamilton Pool

Hamilton Pool is a natural pool that’s fed by a waterfall. Cliffs surround the pool, and it’s a great place to swim and relax. You can also hike to the top of the waterfall for some stunning views.

11. Visit Inner Space Caverns, a cavern with an underground lake

Inner Space Caverns is a popular tourist attraction in Austin. The caverns are home to an underground lake, and you can take a boat tour of the lake. The caverns are also a serene spot to cool off on a hot day.

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12. Sculpture Falls Barton Creek Greenbelt

If you’re looking for a place to swim that’s a little more natural, check out Sculpture Falls. This swimming hole is located on Barton Creek and is a popular spot for locals to cool off.

13. Inks Lake

Inks Lake is a reservoir on the Colorado River in the U.S. state of Texas. It was formed in 1951 with the construction of Inks Dam and is now part of the Highland Lakes chain. The lake is used for recreation, fishing, and drinking water purposes.

The lake covers an area of over 9,000 acres (3,600 hectares) and has nearly 120 miles (190 kilometers) of shoreline. It is located in Burnet County, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Austin. The city of Marble Falls is located on the lake’s shores.

Inks Lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping. Several parks and campgrounds around the lake, including Inks Lake State Park. The state park offers camping, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and opportunities for boating and fishing.

Ready to take part in some of Austin’s best water activities? With Boatsetter, you can rent local pontoons, fishing boats, yachts, jet skis, and many other boat types.

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