Fun Things to Do Around Lake Austin

Last Updated on August 2, 2022 by Boatsetter Team

Lake Austin is a 1,600-acre manmade lake that sits on the Colorado River. This gargantuan lake gives visitors and locals a whirlwind of adventure, exploration, and fun.

No matter what brings you to Austin, Texas, exploring lake Austin is a must. Let’s dive into all the fun things to do around Lake Austin:

• Best fishing spots on Lake Austin
• Good places to hike near Lake Austin
• Lakefront restaurants on Lake Austin
• Water activities to do on Lake Austin

Explore Boat Rentals in Austin, TX

Best Fishing Spots on Lake Austin

Lake Austin is perfect for anglers who love largemouth bass. This lake is home to eight to ten-pound bass. Catfish and sunfish can be found here, too!

During the spring and summer, you should cast near the shoreline in the weeds and where mature trees shade the water. Bass tend to congregate where creeks flow into the lake. You’ll want to be closer to the lake’s center for the summer.

It is more challenging to fish in the lake during the summer because the water is clear. Nighttime fishing usually yields better results just because of the reduced visibility.

Catfish are typically at the bottom of the lake near the center and are easier to catch during summer than the bass.

Good Places to Hike Near Lake Austin

Red Bud Isle Trail

This half-mile loop is easy to walk and a popular place for tourists and locals to enjoy Lake Austin. The trail features many old beautiful trees on the shores of the lake.

The trail is well-maintained, and there are benches throughout, so you can find a relatively quiet place to sit and enjoy your place on the little island for a while.

This island doubles as an off-leash dog park, and there are thirteen acres for you, your family, and your pet to explore.

You can find the trail at 3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746.

Turkey Creek Trail

This 2.8-mile moderate out-and-back trail is perfect for hiking and trail running. You’ll notice the path has rocks and roots, so be careful! Unique stones, outcroppings, benches, and native wildflowers are scattered along the trail’s length.

You can find it at 1401-1711 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730.

Riverplace Nature Trail

This 5.5-mile out-and-back trail is moderate due to the wooden railroad tie stairsteps.

You may see birds, catch scenic glimpses of the lake,  enjoy shaded forest areas, and see beautiful petite waterfalls.

You can find it at 8820 Big View Dr, Austin, TX 78730.

Commons Ford Waterfall Trail

This is an easy hike that is a 1.9-mile loop. You’ll get a great view of Lake Austin and the pretty little Commons Ford Waterfall.

Find it at 614 N Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733.

Hungry for a wonderful view? Dine at a Lakefront Restaurants

Ski Shores Cafe on Lake Austin

Ski Shores is a casual restaurant serving delicious tacos, burgers, seafood, and a full-service bar. We love the views from their waterfront deck, and you have to try their frozen margaritas — so good!

Find it at 2905 Pearce Rd, Austin, TX 78730.

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin

Mozart’s is a cafe that serves coffee, bakery goods, and authentic dessert!

While it doesn’t have a dock as its neighbor restaurants do, it does have a patio. This coffee house also features live music!

You can sit inside the cozy brick cafe or take your baked goods on their patio overlooking Lake Austin. Try the breakfast tacos while you’re in there, they’re the perfect combination of TexMex, and their salsa is a highlight.

You can find them at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703.

Abel’s on the Lake

Abel’s is just a few doors down from Mozart’s, and wow, it is so popular and always busy.

Most people brag about their fish tacos and oysters, but I have to say that the chicken fried steak with a house salad is my favorite combination.

You can find Abel’s on the Lake at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd #3510, Austin, TX 78703.

Tillery Kitchen and Bar on Lake Austin

This one-of-a-kind restaurant has some incredible Mediterranean foods that will have you daydreaming even months after your vacation.

This restaurant has a clean, crisp, bright, and eco-chic interior. The vibe here is so welcoming and enticing. It should definitely be on your bucket list if you’re a foodie.

You can find it at 3201 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702.

Hula Hut on Lake Austin

This Polynesian and TexMex Restaurant is colorful and exotic. The menu is terrific, featuring tacos, fajitas & luau platters, and tropical cocktails under a thatched-roof pier with lake views!

You’ll find it at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703.

The County Line on the Lake

County Line is the place to go when you’re craving that classic Texas barbecue. If you sit outside, you’ll be rewarded with the beautiful views of Bull Creek and dozens of tiny turtles that live right by the restaurant in the water.

The dock has trees providing guests shade and a large picnic area with umbrellas! It also has beautiful colorful lights to twinkle under the Texas night sky. Don’t forget to get their famous homemade bread.

While this restaurant isn’t directly on Lake Austin, it is still easily accessible by boat. You’ll want to turn north to go up Bull Creek, just east of the Pennybacker Bridge (Highway 360).

You can find it at 5204 Ranch Rd 2222, Austin, TX 78731.

On the Water Action at Lake Austin

Paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing — Oh my!

Lake Austin sits on Northwestern Austin, so it has this sweet mixture of a lively city, quiet nature, and adventure!

You should consider paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, row boating, or paddle boating while in Austin!

Hang out on a pontoon

If you want a boat to enjoy the scenery at a peaceful, leisurely pace, then the pontoon is your boat. The pontoon is a recreational boat. Its interior resembles a sports bar lounge with comfy booth seats and stand-up tables to chill at.

You can grill right in it, pack a delicious picnic, or stop at one of the many dockside restaurants on Lake Austin. There is no right or wrong way to spend your lake day.

Ready for your next adventure at Lake Austin? If you want a proper on-the-water experience, you’ll need a boat! You can snag a boat, and a captain, at Boatsetter today.

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