Austin’s Lake Life through Local Eyes
Last Updated on January 28, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve sought energy, mental clarity and calm by spending time near water. I’m relatively new to Austin, having moved here less than two years ago. Living life away from the ocean has been an adjustment, but I’ve quickly found Austin, nestled around the Colorado River, offers its own water fix. With our sons visiting from Southern California and having seen many of the typical sites during past visits, we wanted to experience something new together. So we got out on a pontoon for a few hours on Lake Austin. At the dock, we met Tom, our captain, under the 360 Bridge. He gave us a run-down about the boat and safety protocols, then Tom asked, “East or West?”
Explore boat rentals & unique on-water experiences in Lake Austin
Just a few minutes out, we immediately began to see an entirely different side of Austin. The limestone cliffs, the eclectic mix of water-side architecture, the hidden coves and gems only accessible by boat.
3:30 pm: The best-kept secret
First, we stopped at a hidden, yet well-known spot dubbed “The Party Cove.” Our captain, Tom, told us it’s packed with boats in the summer; we got lucky because we had it mostly to ourselves. Then we cruised toward what would become my very favorite part of the experience – a tranquil ride through Little Italy. We entered this serene, picturesque spot through an arched waterway. This part of the lake is truly one of Austin’s best-kept secrets since this vantage point can only be accessed by water.
4:30 pm: Dock ‘n’ dining
During this leg of our journey, we were delightfully surprised when we saw some favorite places to eat are also dock-and-dine restaurants: Quince, Hula Hut and our favorite coffee and pastries shop, Mozart’s. We passed by Red Bud Isle, a hiking spot with a small dock for boats. Then we were face-to-face with the Tom Miller Dam, a 100.5-foot-high and 1,590-foot-long dam. I’d never been this close to it. Tom explained dock-and-dine is an experience where you arrive at a waterfront restaurant by boat. He said the food tastes better this way.
5:30 pm: A blue oasis
We spent the last hour taking in the sights, but now heading westward. On this side of the bridge, we entered blissful hill country. The hills were steep with several gorgeous homes and a lot more nature like the marsh grass that framed the lake. We saw one of our favorite places for breakfast is Ski Shores. Unfortunately, they were closed on Monday, but we pulled right up to their waterside dock to stretch our legs. I highly recommend a stop here; the food is good and the atmosphere will make you feel like you’re on vacation – especially by boat. As the sun dipped lower in the sky and the air turned cooler, Tom turned the boat around, guiding us back to the launch zone. Though reluctant that our time on the water had ended, I left with a newfound perspective.
Our time on Lake Austin brought me a joy that comes from stepping outside routines to discover new vantage points and explore new paths, avenues, and waterways.
The Year of the Explorer
A creative business strategist, brand advisor, and writer specializing in wellness, beauty, fashion, design, and travel. Christina went out on a 2024 Bentley pontoon. Explore this boat.
