The Best Bodies of Water Right in the Middle of Austin
Austin has quite a few places to fish, kayak, or swim in and around town to help its citizens stay cool in the summer. In fact, it’s probably due to these bodies of water that Austin is an enjoyable place to be in the summertime. Despite being few in number, you’ll never get tired of these areas that don’t even require a day trip to visit them.
Lady Bird Lake
Smack in the middle of the city, dividing north from south, is Ladybird Lake. This inner-city waterway is beloved by all Austinites who use the 10-mile trail surrounding Lady Bird Lake for running, biking, and walking. In the water, you’ll find the University of Texas crew members, kayakers, paddle boarders, and fishermen all sharing the waterway that offers precious relief at the height of summer.
Lake Austin
Lake Austin is on the west side of Austin and is the place to go for those who live within city limits and own a boat. The reservoir, which is actually a section of the Colorado River, flows lazily through limestone bluffs where magnificent homes look down onto the water. Because this is the closest reservoir to the city where you can use motorboats, you should be very careful if you’re swimming. The reservoir is riddled with water-skiers and boats making tight turns. This is also a particularly great place for some bass fishing.
Lake Travis
Lake Travis is the go-to destination for those looking to hangout on a party barge or go water skiing. One of the most coveted spots is Devil’s Cove where you’re sure to see everyone you know during Memorial Day, summer, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. There is also a historic restaurant called The Oasis where you can eat on the porch and watch the sun set over the glittering water that you just spent the afternoon swimming in.
Quarry Lake
Quarry Lake is a local favorite for those in North Austin. This hidden gem used to be a quarry, but now is a lesser-known option for a day outdoors. Whether you want to fish, swim, or paddle board, this is an excellent family-friendly option. Pure Austin Fitness also uses Quarry Lake for it SUP class so don’t be surprised if you see a bunch of extra-fit people hanging around here.
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.
