Best Things See and Do in Lake Travis, Texas

| Photo by Dale Honeycutt on Unsplash
Jessica Devenyns

For Central Texans, Lake Travis is a lake, but it is also a city. So, for the purposes of this article, we’re going to talk about the lake. Why? Well, because it’s a big lake. It’s 63.75 miles long, has over 271 miles of shoreline and is the most commercially active reservoir in the state. There is also tons to do. For the uninitiated who haven’t bookmarked their favorite lake activity yet, here are a few of the great options you should try out.

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Lake Travis Zipline Adventures

If you like zip lining, then you have to try out the longest zip line in Texas. Of course, you can start with some of the smaller 250-foot zip lines, but it’s worth the challenging hike up a 20-story cliff from which you can jump into gorgeous, picture-perfect vistas as you zip across Lake Travis. Your adventure includes all equipment, boat transportation and refreshments. You’ll also be given access to the Private Beach, where you can picnic, swim, play games or simply relax in a waterside hammock.­­

Go spoil yourself at the spa. On the south shore of Lake Travis, you’ll find a swanky, all-inclusive resort and spa where you can pamper yourself or get in a round of some of the best golf around. You also back up to the marina, so you can make your grand entrance from the water, which will provide you with uninterrupted views of the scenery that everyone in Austin loves.

The Oasis on Lake Travis

The Oasis on Lake Travis, a multilevel restaurant, is a lovely way to relish a drink while taking in the picturesque surrounds as nearly all seating provides customers with great scenes of the lake. The most popular time to enjoy a meal is during sunset when the scenery proves to be the most beautiful; therefore, you can spend the day swimming or boating on the lake before heading over to The Oasis to enjoy the sunset and a margarita. While there’s typically a lengthy wait for sunset dining, don’t be afraid to visit during other times of the day because the view is bound to be spectacular at any time.

Volente Beach

This waterpark on the shores of Lake Travis is a perfect getaway for children and adults alike. With volleyball courts, water slides and a swim-up tiki bar, you may not even need to make use of the lake that is literally right at your doorstep. If you’re around for the Fourth of July, make sure to head over to the Volente Beach restaurant for Lake Travis’ biggest fireworks show.

Mansfield Dam Park

On one side, Mansfield Dam is a massive dam operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority. On the other side, however, there is a wonderful park and recreational area that offers the deepest and most accessible boat ramp on the lake as well as opportunities to scuba dive, swim, kayak or picnic. Underwater, there is a trail you can follow that leads you through sunken boats and geological points of interest. Certain points are accompanied by four underwater dive platforms at various lake levels.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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