Cruise Control: Tour Austin’s Waterways by Bike, Boat and Kayak
On this scenic, slow-travel trail through the Texas state capital, you’ll experience the city’s lakes and creeks and check into a nature-laced hotel.
Crisscrossed by biking and hiking trails, dotted with lakes and straddling the Colorado River, Austin is a natural haven for outdoorsy types. “One of the most popular aspects of Austin is the lake scene,” says Ben Mantor, founder of Austin Watersports, a private boat-charter company that also offers wakeboarding, wakesurfing and waterskiing lessons.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
“These waterways combine scenic views of Austin hill country with social interaction and recreational activities. Whether you’re a seasoned watersports enthusiast, just looking to sip a craft beer and enjoy the rays or keen to party it up in one of the many still-water coves, the city’s lakes don’t disappoint. Plus, residents and visitors can quickly transition from the city’s beautiful waters to the booming nightlife of the downtown, South Austin and East Austin corridors.”
Ready to dive in? Whether you want to see Austin by bike, from a kayak or aboard a pontoon boat, we’ve found three pulse-quickening tours and one outwardly active hotel that together pave the way for urban adventures in Austin, all bookable right here on Culture Trip.
Where to Stay: the Hotel…
Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa
Hotel, Resort, Spa Hotel
A lush resort, just a 15-minute drive west from downtown Austin, the Omni Barton Creek is famous for its four championship golf courses. However, if birdies, bogeys and bunker shots aren’t on the agenda, you certainly won’t be bored. The hotel boasts a 13,000sqft (1,208sqm) signature spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts and nature trails. When you’ve worked up an appetite – or a thirst for something stronger – there are seven different restaurants to suit your mood, including a traditional steakhouse, a sports bar and a poolside taco spot with tantalizing tequila-based cocktails.
What to Do: the Experiences…
Lady Bird Lake Bike Tour in Austin
Tours, Activities
On this easygoing two-hour bike tour – suitable for all ages and skill levels – you’ll loop Lady Bird Lake on the lush hike-and-bike trail that meanders along the water’s edge and affords scenic views of downtown Austin. You’ll pedal over the boardwalk, past the 350-acre (142ha) Zilker Park, the Colorado River and natural spring-fed Barton Springs Pool (Austinites’ favorite place to cool off in the summer) and see the popular outdoor music venue Auditorium Shores.
Cruise Lake Austin on a Bentley
Tours, Activities
This BYOB cruise onboard a comfortable Bentley pontoon boat lets you take in the sights around Lake Austin. After pushing off from the Loop 360 Boat Ramp, below Pennybacker Bridge, you’ll cruise by the picturesque Austin Country Club golf course and see luxurious lakefront mansions. You’ll continue past Mount Bonnell (the highest point in Austin) and stop for photos at a lakeside grotto known as Little Venice.
Congress Avenue Bat Bridge Kayak Tour in Austin
Activities, Tours
Did you know that Austin is home to a colony of more than 1.5m Mexican free-tailed bats? Every evening in the summer months, they emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge (also known as the Bat Bridge) and put on a stunning show as they swoop over the lake. You can escape the crowds and witness this unforgettable natural spectacle from your kayak on this serene two-hour sunset tour. You’ll see why Austinites are fiercely proud of their nocturnal neighbors and learn about their crucial role in the urban ecosystem.
Well that all sounds very busy, so you’ll want your accommodation sorted before exploring. Do things right and book one of the best hotels in Austin with Culture Trip.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
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.
Read Next
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels with Suites to Book in Austin, Texas
Places to Stay
Pillow Talk: Between the Sheets of Hotel Magdalena, Austin
Places to Stay
The Best Family-Friendly Hotels to Book in Austin, Texas
Music
Austin Rocks: How to Explore the Live Music Capital of the World
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels to Book Near the Circuit of the Americas, Texas
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels to Book Near DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin
Guides & Tips
Barbecues and Breweries: a Feast-Worthy Food Tour of Austin
Guides & Tips
Backstage Bars and Hidden Venues: an Insider-Led Music Tour of Austin
Guides & Tips
Stages and Street Art: a Creative Break in Austin
Guides & Tips
Time Travel: A Historic Visit to Storied Austin
Guides & Tips
Southern Comfort: A Road Trip from Austin to San Antonio
Places to Stay
The Best Spa Hotels in Downtown Austin, Texas
