Paddle on Lady Bird Lake in Austin

Austin, Texas

5.0/5

based on 3 reviews

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Added by Zachary Heiliger

Located right outside of Downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake is an amazing escape into nature! This section of the Colorado River is naturally spring fed and is great for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding!

Getting There: Lady Bird Lake is located just South of Downtown Austin. One of many ways to access Lady Bird Lake is from Zilker Metropolitan Park and Barton Springs Pool. Free parking is available in the park with direct access to Barton Creek. It is here, that you can launch your own personal boat, or rent a kayak, sup or canoe from Zilker Park Boat Rentals (Call for Rates 512-478-3852). Barton Creek is a natural spring that feeds directly in to Lady Bird Lake. The cool, crystal clear water allows you to see straight to the bottom! Hundreds of turtles and other wildlife can be seen as you paddle your way to the open waters of Lady Bird Lake. Once in the open waters, enjoy an amazing view of Downtown Austin!

Other Activities: Barton Springs Pool, Hiking/Running Trails, Picnic Areas

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Features

Stand Up Paddle

Kayaking

Swimming

Beach

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Lake

Picnic Area

River

Scenic

Wildlife

Swimming Hole

Reviews

John Daugherty

Paddle on Lady Bird Lake in Austin

09/19/21

Great easy flowing water with outstanding views of the city

5.0

Rosa Perham

Paddle on Lady Bird Lake in Austin

04/07/17

Lady Bird Lake, aka Towne Lake, is a must see when visiting Austin. Consider renting kayaks, canoes, row boats, and stand up paddle boards. There's usually a coupon you can find online. Parking can be a bit of a hassle. Consider parking by just past the rowing docks on Stratford on the west side of mopac, south of the lake. Check out Barton Springs and Magnolia Cafe, an Austin favorite after a dip in the water. If you have pups, try the Barton creek off-leash area just east of Barton springs. You park in the Barton springs lot and walk left passed the entrance. Or arboretum shores has an off-leash area. It's on google maps.

5.0

Explorer

Sarah Vaughn

Explorer

Paddle on Lady Bird Lake in Austin

11/24/15

Lady Bird Lake is such a fun active locale in downtown Austin. We stopped and rented kayaks and a SUP one weekend before heading back to Houston, and we could not have spent a sunny afternoon in a better way. Afterwards go to P. Terry's Burger Stand on S Lamar right around the corner for some of the best burgers & milkshakes in TX...or to Shady Grove if you have more time to spare for delicious chips & queso!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Hike along Lady Bird Hike & Bike Trail

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Paddle on Lady Bird Lake in Austin

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Swim in Barton Springs Pool

Catch a Sunrise at the Look Out Point

Hike along Lady Bird Hike & Bike Trail

Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail via Spyglass Trailhead

Watch the Mexican-Free-Tailed Bats Emerge from Congress Street Bridge

Bike through Iconic Graffiti Landmarks in Austin

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