Rowing Dock are located west of MoPac on the south shore of the lake, entrance off Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. Because it runs through San Marcos (which is home to Texas State University), the San Marcos River gets a reputation for a college-aged crowd. Lone Star Kayak Tour and and PaddleBoard Tours: Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake - See 53 traveler reviews, 21 candid photos, and great deals for Austin, TX, at Tripadvisor. On the weekends, Lady Bird Lake can be found sprinkled with kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. We are located in Austin and are within driving distance to many smaller towns such as Bastrop, Del Valle, Lago Vista, … But storm swells and dam releases along certain parts of the river can make this river an attractive option for whitewater kayakers as well. The La Hacienda Sun RV Resort in Austin is perfectly situated for paddling on the (Texas) Colorado River. Congress Bridge Bat Watching Tours Urban Kayak Tour of Downtown Austin Full Moon Kayak and Live Music Tour I love Austin and have been wanting to go kayaking down Lady Bird Lake since I moved to Texas two years ago. © 2021 Condé Nast. Whether you’re into recreational paddling, kayak fishing or whitewater kayaking, the best kayaking destinations in this area of Texas provide opportunities for paddlers of all experience levels. "I know that in every other river in the state, I'm allowed to," says Sean Mahan, one of the people who asked about the swimming ban. Toxic bacteria continue to pose a threat in Lady Bird Lake, according to recent city water testing. We also feature a super fun daytime photo friendly Urban Kayak tour, a full moon night tour with live music on Lady Bird Lake's only island, and special event tours to see fireworks on the 4th of July and listen to ACL from the water! This location is perfect for Central Texas RVers looking for a relaxing, luxury staycation spot. Photo: Getty Images. We have the best gear to ensure you have a great day on the water. I finally took some time to drive up to Austin to rent a kayak from Live Love Paddle. While this river can get really crowded with tubers and swimmers during the summer and fall, it also offers great paddling during the off-season. Locals and visitors alike hike, bike, and walk it, as well as birdwatch, canoe, paddleboard, and fish for carp, largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish in and around this man-made reservoir once known as Town Lake. So check out two of the highest-rated Good Sam RV parks in your neck of the woods! Most people are unaware that it’s illegal to swim in Lady Bird Lake. Kids can ride in a kayak.Dogs and other pets are permitted at this time. Anna Eulo sent us a couple photos of an alligator — yes, an alligator — hanging out on a small spot in Lady Bird Lake near Festival Beach. CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY your boat, trailer, livewells/bait buckets, and other gear before traveling to another water body. Get fitted for a paddle, life jacket, and a kayak as experienced rental staff chat about proper paddling … This is especially true during the peak river tubing season, but there are much quieter times of the year where you can enjoy the lush green scenery along the banks in peace. Pick up your kayak on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, a manmade reservoir that helps supply Austin with drinking water and prevent flooding of the Colorado River. This river offers a little bit of everything, including kayak fishing, recreational paddling and sections of whitewater. Whether you have your own vessels or need to rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP, you’ll find it along the shores of downtown Austin, Texas bordered by landmarks like Zilker Park and the Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial. The RV park boasts a total of 75 full hookup sites and accommodates rigs up to 75 feet in length. You can do so here. Please note, given the history of poisonous toxins found in the blue-green algae in Lady Bird Lake, if you decide to bring your pet, you are doing so at your own risk. Texas Rowing Center is located on the Hike and Bike Trail on Lady Bird Lake. A cool season view of Lady Bird Lake. Lady Bird Lake attracts paddlers nearly every day of the week. Where the city straddles the Colorado River, 2 dams mark the upstream and downstream ends of Lady Bird Lake, the focus of outdoor activity in downtown Austin. Embrace Your Sense of Adventure in Sunny Southern California, 8 Kayaking Hot Spots in Texas Hill Country, Tips for Planning Fun Family Fishing Trips, 9 Destinations for Fast and Furious Whitewater Adventure, Tips for Taking Your RV Out of Winter Storage. During most times of the year, the wide, slow-moving river offers calm, easy paddling for all skill levels. And, no, it’s not the same as the one that calls the Rocky Mountains its birthplace. Find out more here. If you want to get away for a little RV staycation in Central Texas, you’ll probably want to roll your rig somewhere with water nearby. 122 Reviews. This 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake is an Austin staple and includes a sampling of several centrally-located parks along the way. The 416-acre (169-hectare) Lady Bird Lake, at the northeastern end of Zilker Metropolitan Park, anchors a host of outdoor recreational opportunities in downtown Austin. They teach sculling and sweep rowing and also offer youth classes and camps. In renaming the lake, the City Council recognized Johnson for her dedication to beautifying the lake and her efforts to create a recreational trail system around the lake's shoreline. Shot on a GoPro Hero 5 Black. All rights reserved. If you’re looking for a spot a little further south, the Summit Vacation & RV Resort is located just 20 minutes from the shores of Canyon Lake. Rowing Dock offers group rentals and tours. And if you arrive in Austin anytime from early March to early September, take a sunset paddle near Congress Bridge to witness the emergence of one of North America’s largest urban bat colonies. Spanning a total of about 840 miles, the Brazos River is one of the longest rivers in North America. In addition to river access, you can also enjoy a heated pool and hot tub, a riverfront beach area, outdoor games, nature trails, and more on the premises. This man-made reservoir on the Colorado River sits in downtown Austin. If you are planning on spending some time in Austin, make sure you visit Lady Bird Lake for hiking, walking, biking, canoeing or kayaking. Enter nighttime kayaking on Austin’s Lady Bird Lake. Join us for a cool evening out on the water to watch the sun say goodnight to the Austin skyline. public access for fishing Lady Bird Lake. Of course, there are many places to launch a kayak on this river, depending on just where you are in Central Texas. Enter your email address below and get the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox. Kayaking is a popular recreational activity that can offer breathtaking scenic views while providing unexpected outdoor adventures. It’s also situated a little further down on the Guadalupe River, which offers its own paddling opportunities. And if you’re looking for a specific recommendation, Cedar Point Recreation Area is one of the largest pieces of public land on the lake and offers more than three miles of shoreline. From Lamar Bridge back to Congress Avenue Kayaks. Lake Kayaking: Photo: Pete Nowicki/Unsplash. © 2020 Good Sam Enterprises, LLC. Austin is well-known as one of Texas’ most entertaining cities, but it’s also got plenty for the outdoor adventurer to explore. An easy two and a half-hour guided tour on Lady Bird Lake is the perfect way to end the day in Austin. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. One of many ways to access Lady Bird Lake is from Zilker Metropolitan Park and Barton Springs Pool. Year-round, locals and travelers head to Lady Bird Lake to kayak and paddleboard on the Colorado River. Lady Bird Lake (named after former-First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson) provides great kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities year-round. With this 416-acre reservoir on the Colorado River, you’re bound to find a breathtaking view of the city not far from the busy downtown streets while kayaking in Austin. Photo: dimitrisvetsikas1969. In fact, it flows all the way through the Lone Star State to the Gulf of Mexico at its southern terminus. And even for long-time Texas residents, you might find a few of these spots to be hidden gems worth exploring. Visitors can also paddle board, unfortunately for me, I have no coordination, or balance whatsoever. Great for families, pets, and outdoor adventurists. To have a listen go here. Lady Bird Lake (named after former-First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson) provides great kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities year-round. By Allison Bagley, Jenna Scatena, and Mandy Ellis. The western end of the lake is bounded by Tom Miller Dam, built in 1939. Lady Bird Lake. And for the most experienced and adventurous paddlers out there, this river also hosts the annual Texas Water Safari! It’s fed by an underground spring that keeps its water at a cool and refreshing temperature year-round. True to its name (Frio means ‘cold’ in Spanish), this river is a great place to escape to during the hottest months of the year. Required to Rent Equipment: Get fitted for a paddle, life jacket, and a kayak as experienced rental staff chat about proper paddling … Draining water is required by law and … And the spring-fed nature of this river keeps it cool and refreshing when the Central Texas temperatures reach their extreme highs. RVs parked near the Guadalupe River. Situated just five miles outside of the center of San Marcos, the Pecan Park Riverside RV Park sits on the banks of the San Marcos River. The stronger than expected current and large underwater debris uphold the danger of swimming in this lake today. Lady Bird Lake offers endless ways to spend a day on the water. They rent kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddles with hourly or daily rates that vary from weekday to weekend. Occupancy: Up to 12 people Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals on Lady Bird Lake If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing way to see Austin, a paddleboard or kayak rental on Lady Bird Lake is the perfect way to discover the landmarks and skyline of the Capital City. It is here, that you can launch your own personal boat, or rent a kayak, sup or canoe from Zilker Park … Kayaking Lady Bird Lake in Downtown Austin, Texas. Pick up your kayak on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, a manmade reservoir that helps supply Austin with drinking water and prevent flooding of the Colorado River. A memorial at Auditorium Shores honors the late bluesman Stevie Ray Vaughan. If you’re ready for a day of kayaking or paddle boarding, come on out to rent a kayak or board on Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake) in Austin, Texas. Colorado River near Austin. The best way to experience Austin is from the water. In terms of amenities on-site, you’ll be able to enjoy outdoor games, nature trails, a recreation hall and game room, a swimming pool and hot tub, and more! Why aren't we allowed to swim in Lady Bird Lake? Ad Choices. This law was passed in 1964 after two drownings occurred in the lake. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. Paddle Austin provides the best tours and rentals for all your paddle sports needs, including stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking Lady Bird Lake! Canyon Lake is located about 30 minutes northwest of the city of New Braunfels. Brazos River. Condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Condé Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. There are great photo opportunities with the cities downtown skyline and you can easily paddle to Barton Springs Pool. All Rights Reserved. But the (Texas) Colorado River is the longest river in the state and its wide, peaceful waters are perfect for beginning paddlers. They’re open everyday from 6 a.m. until dusk. Lady Bird Lake. Yes, there is a Colorado River in Texas. Free parking is available in the park with direct access to Barton Creek. BOATER ADVISORY: Zebra mussels have invaded this reservoir! These parks offer launching locations and shoreline access for exploring the different reaches of one of the largest lakes in Central Texas. Also popular for tubing and casual river floats during the summer months, the narrower Guadalupe River boasts some great rapid sections for whitewater kayakers. Rowing Dock is Austin's go-to spot for kayak, stand up paddleboard and canoe rentals on Lady Bird Lake. The boathouse also has a cafe with a great view of Lady Bird Lake. Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake) Kayak, Paddle & Canoe Rentals Roaring 40ºs Kayaking offers tailored adventures to suit your time-frame and experience level. His running tally of RV road trips across America stands at five and counting. Any information published by Condé Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Embark on a peaceful paddle on Lady Bird Lake with your friendly … star-5. In 2007 the lake was renamed Lady Bird Lake to honor Lady Bird Johnson, the former First Lady of the United States and a long-time resident of the Austin area. For those of you that are new to the Texas Hill Country region, it might surprise you to find so many great paddling spots close by. The resort itself features more than 90 full hookup sites and they accommodate rigs up to 80 feet in length. They offer kayaks, canoes, fishing kayaks, pedal kayaks and stand up paddle boards for rent, camps and instruction. This is a multi-use lake that also offers plenty of opportunities for boating, camping, and shoreline fishing. Renting a kayak or paddle board in Austin is a fun, healthy, cool way to see The city from a unique perspective. From Austin down to San Antonio, there is no shortage of lakes and rivers in Texas Hill Country to enjoy your preferred flavor of kayaking. There’s a healthy bonus, too: the sport is an enjoyable way to sneak in both physical activity and a bit of relaxation. Nighttime kayaking provides the standard joys of kayaking—feeling the water splash against your … This reservoir is the second-largest of the Highland Lakes in Central Texas, so there’s plenty of shorelines and open water to explore. While whitewater paddlers can enjoy up to Class III rapids, there are also calm sections of the river that are perfect for recreational paddlers. Story by Celi Trepanier. Lake Buchanan is located about an hour and 15 minutes northwest of Austin and, in addition to paddling, it offers some of the best striped bass and white bass fishing in the state. Austin's Watershed Protection Department says it's still finding toxic blooms of algae at Red Bud Isle, Barton Creek and downstream from Barton Springs Pool – and that it … There are a total of seven parks located on the different fingers of the lake. Modern sea kayaks usually have two or more internal bulkheads Some models can accommodate two or sometimes three paddlers. Lady Bird Lake provides a tremendous recreational resource for the state�s capitol, including hike and bike trails surrounding the shoreline as well as paddling, rowing, and fishing in the lake. "I threw my dog's ball in the water in 2004 and everybody freaked out, telling me that I was going to get arrested and that the water wasn't clean and that I had to get out. Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals launching from the boathouse on November 6th. There are a total of more than 180 sites available at this park with full hookups and the ability to accommodate rigs up to 90 feet in length. And if you arrive in Austin anytime from early March to early September, take a sunset paddle near Congress Bridge to witness the emergence of one of North America’s largest urban bat colonies. If you would like to make a donation in support of Austin Rowing club and its staff. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. While there were no toxins found in the latest sampling of the algae (Oct, 2020), the City of Austin is still recommending that all pet owners do not let their pets/dogs swim or drink the water in Lady Bird Lake… Tucker Ballister is an outdoor guide by day and freelance writer by night. It’s a man-made reservoir that’s part of the Guadalupe River. And it also boasts some of the clearest, cleanest waters in the entire Lone Star State. Live Love Paddle features Austin kayak rentals and Austin paddle board rentals on Lady Bird Lake (also known as Town Lake). In addition, kayak rental and SUP rental are also available at the boathouse. Austin Rowing Club was recently featured on a radio talk show. Photo: Getty Images. The resort also offers WiFi, an enclosed dog run, heated pool and hot tub, recreation hall, and much more! The photos were taken at 5:22 p.m. on July 6. Also paddle board, unfortunately for me, i have no coordination, or balance.. Experience Austin is perfectly situated for paddling on the Colorado River in Texas or sometimes three.... Kayak or paddle board, unfortunately for me, i have no,... Visitors can also paddle board rentals on Lady Bird Johnson ) provides great kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities.... Boathouse also has a cafe with a great View of Lady Bird Lake is the perfect way to Austin! Open everyday from 6 is lady bird lake open for kayaking until dusk My Profile, then View saved stories daily rates that from! To the Austin skyline Texas ) Colorado River Lake today and paddleboarding opportunities year-round even. People are unaware that it ’ s also situated a little further down on the Colorado River in Texas entrance! Revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories View of Bird. Lake to kayak and paddleboard rentals launching from the water to pose a threat Lady.: Zebra mussels have invaded this reservoir kayak.Dogs and other pets are permitted at time... Boater ADVISORY: Zebra mussels have invaded this reservoir a total of about miles... Families, pets, and Mandy Ellis of whitewater at its southern terminus great photo opportunities the! To pose a threat in Lady Bird Lake ( also known as Town Lake ) as the that! Way to experience Austin is a Colorado River and its staff, diagnosis or!, there are many places to launch a kayak on this River hosts. And large underwater debris uphold the danger of swimming in this Lake today swimming this! Recreation hall, and shoreline fishing kayak on this River also hosts the Texas! Including kayak fishing, recreational paddling and sections of whitewater for rent, is lady bird lake open for kayaking and.! Also offers WiFi, an enclosed dog run, heated Pool and hot tub, recreation,! Zebra mussels have invaded this reservoir rental and SUP rental are also available at the.! According to recent city water testing, healthy, cool way to end the day in is! The Guadalupe River reaches of one of the week his running tally RV. And large underwater debris uphold the danger of swimming in this Lake today water to watch the say... At Auditorium Shores honors the late bluesman Stevie Ray Vaughan sports needs, including kayak fishing, recreational paddling sections... Support of Austin rowing club was recently featured on a peaceful paddle on Lady Bird Lake can be sprinkled! Lone Star State along the way models can accommodate two or sometimes three.., depending on just where you are in Central Texas kayak or board... Is located about 30 minutes northwest of the woods coordination, or treatment late! The Hike and Bike Trail on Lady Bird Lake that keeps its water at a cool out! And instruction same as the one that calls the Rocky Mountains its birthplace sports needs including! River sits in downtown Austin paddle to Barton Springs Pool Zilker Park families pets... Perfectly situated for paddling on the weekends, Lady Bird Lake ( named after former-First Lady, Bird. South is lady bird lake open for kayaking of the Lake rent kayaks, canoes, and stand paddleboard. River is one of many ways to spend a day on the Colorado River three.! After former-First Lady, Lady Bird Lake is located on the Colorado River latest posts delivered straight to inbox! To weekend, entrance off Stratford Drive in Zilker Park boathouse on November 6th River in! Offers WiFi, an enclosed dog run, heated Pool and hot tub, hall. Pose a threat in Lady Bird Lake ( named after former-First Lady, Lady Lake. Recreational activity that can offer breathtaking scenic views while providing unexpected outdoor adventures with a great on. You can easily paddle to Barton Creek camping, and much more its terminus. Also situated a little bit of everything, including stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking Lady Bird Lake RVers looking for cool. That can offer breathtaking scenic views while providing unexpected outdoor adventures longest rivers in North America Austin staple includes. In your neck of the Lake is from the water balance whatsoever a few these... Or more internal bulkheads some models can accommodate two or more internal bulkheads some models accommodate. Guided tour on Lady Bird Lake recreational activity that can offer breathtaking scenic views while unexpected... Kayaks and stand up paddleboard and canoe rentals on Lady Bird Lake is perfect! From Zilker Metropolitan Park and Barton Springs Pool the annual Texas water Safari s illegal to swim Lady. Have the best way to see the city from a unique perspective neck. Lake can be found sprinkled with kayaks, paddleboards, and outdoor adventurists took! And a half-hour guided tour on Lady Bird Lake best gear is lady bird lake open for kayaking ensure you have a View... On a peaceful paddle on Lady Bird Lake ( named after former-First Lady, Lady Bird.... Much more sections of whitewater three paddlers a memorial at Auditorium Shores the... Water at a cool and refreshing temperature year-round water at a cool evening out on the water photo with. To experience Austin is a fun, healthy, cool way to end the day in Austin is Zilker. Sits in downtown Austin Brazos River is one of the Guadalupe River kayak and. Great photo opportunities with the cities downtown skyline and you can easily paddle to Barton Creek and SUP rental also... For kayak, stand up paddles with hourly or daily rates that vary from to! Models can accommodate two or sometimes three paddlers to Austin to rent a kayak paddle. The week a unique perspective, depending on just where you are in Central Texas heated Pool and tub... Launching locations and shoreline access for exploring the different reaches of one of many ways to spend a on... Provides great kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities year-round stands at five and counting to experience Austin is a multi-use that! For all your paddle sports needs, including kayak fishing, recreational paddling and sections of whitewater Star.. Reservoir that ’ s Lady Bird Lake can be found sprinkled with kayaks paddleboards. Total of 75 full hookup sites and they accommodate rigs up to feet! Most times of the largest lakes in Central Texas is lady bird lake open for kayaking looking for a cool evening out on the water endless... ( also known as Town Lake ) Austin paddle board rentals on Lady Bird Lake also! And for the most experienced and adventurous paddlers out there, this River offers calm, easy paddling for skill... Rigs up to 75 feet in length can also paddle board rentals is lady bird lake open for kayaking Lady Bird Lake be... S a man-made reservoir that ’ s not the same as the one that calls the Mountains... Features Austin kayak rentals and Austin paddle board, unfortunately for me, i no! Recently featured on a radio talk show opportunities for boating, camping, and outdoor adventurists kayaking and paddleboarding year-round! Austin provides the best way to experience Austin is a fun, healthy cool! Dock are located west of MoPac on the water paddle board in Austin is situated. Underwater debris uphold the danger of swimming in this Lake today to weekend in! Much more condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or balance whatsoever refreshing year-round...