Top 10 Boating Cities in Texas for Fall: Newly Released Data from Boatsetter
Last Updated on October 28, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
As summer fades, Texas waters come alive in the crisp air of September and October, offering the most enjoyable boating and fishing experiences of the year. Whether cruising on Lake Austin or exploring the Gulf Coast, these top 10 boating cities, identified through exclusive Boatsetter data, prove that fall is the hidden gem of Texas boating. With cooler temperatures, vibrant autumn landscapes, and fewer crowds, there’s no better time to embark on an unforgettable aquatic adventure in the Lone Star State.
Our Methodology
This report leverages proprietary data from Boatsetter, the leading mobile app for boat rentals, charters, and on-water experiences, to showcase the top 10 boating cities for fall in Texas. Our data team analyzed booking trends on our platform from May 1 through August 1, highlighting average rental prices, most popular boat types, pre-booking for fall, and the unique attractions that make each city stand out. Only bookings with verified reviews and consistent activity were considered to ensure the accuracy of our insights.
Top 10 Cities in Texas for Autumn Boating & Fishing
1. Austin
- Average hourly rental price: $211
- Average total trip price: $996
- Most popular style of boat: Wake & Ski Boats
Austin’s Lake Travis and Lake Austin are prime destinations for boaters, especially in the fall. The cooler temperatures and picturesque scenery make it the perfect time to enjoy a pontoon boat outing. Whether you’re cruising past the iconic Pennybacker Bridge or anchoring at one of the many coves, Austin offers a boating experience that’s both lively and relaxing.
2. Little Elm (Lake Lewisville)
- Average hourly rental price: $116
- Average total trip price: $749
- Most popular style of boat: Pontoon
Lake Lewisville, located just outside of Dallas, is a fall favorite for its wide-open waters and peaceful atmosphere. The area’s vibrant autumn foliage adds a splash of color to your boating adventure. A pontoon boat is the best way to explore this expansive lake, offering plenty of space for a day of fishing, picnicking, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings.
3. Houston (Lake Conroe)
- Average hourly rental price: $99
- Average total trip price: $712
- Most popular style of boat: Pontoon
Lake Conroe is known for its calm waters and beautiful fall landscapes, making it an ideal spot for a pontoon boat outing. The lake’s proximity to Houston means you can easily escape the city for a day of relaxation and fun on the water. As the leaves change color, the lake transforms into a stunning backdrop for your boating experience.
4. Dallas
- Average hourly rental price: $175
- Average total trip price: $678
- Most popular style of boat: Pontoon
The Dallas and Fort Worth area offers a variety of lakes, each with its own unique charm. In the fall, the cooler weather makes it a great time to explore these waters by pontoon boat. Whether you’re on Joe Pool Lake, Lake Ray Hubbard, or Eagle Mountain Lake, you’ll find plenty of spots to drop anchor and enjoy the scenic views.
5. Galveston
- Average hourly rental price: $155
- Average total trip price: $743
- Most popular style of boat: Deck Boat
The combined waters of Seabrook, Galveston, and Port Lavaca offer some of the best coastal fishing in Texas, with Matagorda Bay being a standout spot for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Renting or chartering a center console in this area allows you to explore both the Gulf of Mexico and the bay, providing diverse fishing opportunities. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a casual fisherman, these locations offer the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
6. San Antonio (Canyon Lake)
- Average hourly rental price: $152
- Average total trip price: $842
- Most popular style of boat:Pontoon
Canyon Lake, nestled less than an hour north from vibrant San Antonio, is often celebrated as the “Jewel of the Texas Hill Country.” With its clear blue waters, abundant bass, and stunning limestone cliffs, Canyon Lake becomes even more picturesque in the fall as the changing leaves add a splash of color. The cooler weather makes it the perfect time to rent a pontoon boat for a leisurely cruise or a relaxing day of fishing, all while soaking in the breathtaking autumn scenery.
7. Seabrook
- Average hourly rental price: $123
- Average total trip price: $688
- Most popular style of boat: Pontoon
Seabrook, located on Galveston Bay, offers a mix of fresh and saltwater boating experiences. The fall season brings cooler temperatures and calmer waters, making it a great time to take out a pontoon boat. Explore the bay, enjoy the local wildlife, or just relax and take in the scenic views of the Texas coast.
8. Waco
- Average hourly rental price: $81
- Average total trip price: $589
- Most popular style of boat: Pontoon
Waco’s rivers and lakes offer a peaceful retreat for boaters looking to escape the city. In the fall, the Brazos River and Lake Waco provide a serene setting for a pontoon boat outing. Enjoy the crisp autumn air and the vibrant colors of the season as you navigate these calm waters.
9. Tyler
- Average hourly rental price: $73
- Average total trip price: $943
- Most popular style of boat: Wake & Ski Boat
Tyler, known as the “Rose Capital of America,” is surrounded by beautiful lakes perfect for boating. Lake Tyler and Lake Palestine offer excellent conditions for jet boating, especially in the fall when the weather is cooler, and the lakes are less crowded. The area’s stunning fall foliage adds an extra layer of beauty to your high-speed adventures.
10. Corpus Christi
- Average hourly rental price: $177
- Average total trip price: $735
- Most popular style of boat: Deck Boat
Corpus Christi offers a unique mix of city life and coastal beauty, making it a top destination for boaters. The fall season brings cooler weather, making it the perfect time to explore Corpus Christi Bay on a pontoon boat. Whether you’re fishing, bird watching, or simply enjoying the coastal views, Corpus Christi offers a boating experience like no other.
In Summary
Texas’s top 10 boating destinations offer a diverse and captivating array of experiences, from the tranquil lakes of the Hill Country to the dynamic waters of the Gulf Coast, primed for anglers. As the fall season unfolds, these cities transform into prime locations for boating enthusiasts seeking cooler weather, stunning autumn scenery, fishing hot spots, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re after a peaceful day on the water or an exciting exploration of Texas’s vast aquatic landscapes, these destinations promise an exceptional boating experience that’s truly at its best in September and October.
Citing This Report
Media professionals are encouraged to use this data for reporting, with appropriate citation and a link to Boatsetter. For additional data, insights, or press inquiries, please contact Lacee Moon at lrudd@boatsetter.com. Our team is happy to provide further analysis, quotes, and any other information needed for your story.
About Boatsetter:
With thousands of vetted boat listings worldwide, Boatsetter is the leading marketplace for boat rentals and on-the-water experiences. From pontoons to yachts, for lake days or weekend getaways, guests can find a boat for any occasion. Many guests book a boat with a USCG-certified captain or an expert guide, to explore the waterways with ease. Credited with pioneering the first-ever peer-to-peer boat rental insurance policy, Boatsetter has empowered boat owners with the tools and support to become entrepreneurs on the water. Launched commercially in 2014, over one million boaters and boat owners alike have turned to Boatsetter to discover the endless possibilities the water provides.
Media Contacts:
Lacee Rudd
Communications Manager
lrudd@boatsetter.com
Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent a boat, list your boat, or become a Boatsetter captain today.
