Make a splash in Austin’s downtown reservoir.
With the Texas summer upon us , it can often seem the only solution to beating the heat is detain in the breeze wheel spoke of an AC unit . But , do n’t resign yourself to going stir - unhinged in your flat just yet , as there is another room to tolerate the temperature within your own backyard : Lady Bird Lake . This dammed reservoir of the Colorado River is accessible from downtown Austin , and — undeniably — one of the best things about exist in the city . And we ’re here to provide all the 4 - 1 - 1 you need to make the most out of your time on the lake : what to fetch , what to do , where to grab a cocktail afterwards .
What to know before you go
Maximize your time living that Lake Life with some pocket-size preparation beforehand . The first affair to consider is transportation . Although Lady Bird Lake spans 400 acres , the amount of parking space around it is far smaller . ( If you inhabit within biking , walking , or scootering distance , you’re able to — and should — invalidate this peculiar problem . ) However , for those of us without a boujee downtown condominium , driving is the only course to an aquatic adventure . Some of the best space to park are South Lakeshore Boulevard , near Festival Beach , or in Zilker Park itself .
No matter what your sort of conveyance ends up being , there are two token you should bring on your drive : sunscreen and water . The wordsTexas sunmay sound sweet when Leon Bridges croon them , but the reality of the summer weather is much more rough . Nothing will destroy your Lake twenty-four hours , and the days that pursue , quicker than heatstroke , dehydration , or grave tan . Stop by one of the two bodegas on Barton Springs Road , Thom ’s MarketandThe Austinite Market , to snatch some SPF and H2O.
What to doonLady Bird Lake
As enticing as the water system might depend on a July day , swimming is not allow in Lady Bird Lake due to water system pollution . Motorized gravy boat traffic is another no - go when it come to the region . While , at first coup d’oeil , that may sound limiting , there are still plenty of ways to search the shores .
Rent a paddle board, canoe, or kayak
Without a doubt , your best , and easiest , choice for hitting the water are fend - up paddle boards ( a.k.a .SUPs ) , canoe , or kayaks . And , with the reservoir boasting a overplus of equipment rental spots , there ’s no need to shed big bucks at REI .
row DockAt this blot W of MoPac , the shivering vibes and supporting faculty will make even ego - proclaim klutzes surefooted they can balance on a SUP . In add-on to boat paddle boards , Rowing Dock also has kayak , foot pedal kayaks , and canoes for tear . A popular destination for Lady Bird visitors , their first - come , first - serve policy , and small parking lot , means you ’ll require to get there early on — especially on weekend .
Live Love PaddleLocated in Riverside , Live Love Paddle is further east than many of the other rental caller , and , consequently , is less engorged with tourist traffic . Their vessel choices include paddle boards , canoes , and both single and tandem kayaks . Part of what makes this place a top pick is the little , but much - appreciated , amenities find there . Any canoe - renting regular will tell you how uncommon it is to find a rental spot with plenteous parking spots , free warehousing locker , and back support included in every kayak rental .
Photo by Mark Bowers, courtesy of Rowing Club
Zilker Park Boat RentalsStarted back in 1969 , Zilker Park Boat Rentals is truly the OG of Austin ’s gravy boat rental scene . The dock is technically located on Barton Creek , a affluent which feed into Lady Bird Lake . For those see to spot some Texan wildlife while they raft , the Creek is a render - and - true localisation to observe all kinds of critters . big egrets , snapping turtles , and leopard frog are a few of the fauna you could glimpse from inside one of Zilker Park Boat Rentals ’ canoe , SUPs , or kayak .
EpicSUPThe site of EpicSUP ’s barnyard dock make it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts to get a double Cupid’s itch of Lone Star nature . Stationed in the southeastern part of the Lake , this rental military service is essentially a stop itself on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike - and - Bike Trail . This law of proximity means you’re able to take in the best of the Lake from the land as well as the water — and , accordingly , there ’s plenty of good cycle parking to be found on site . EpicSUP offers renting of boat paddle boards , single kayaks , and three-fold kayaks , and , it only take a glimpse at their Instagram to confirm these boats are pet - friendly .
Texas Rowing CenterTexas Rowing Center may be best eff as a rental spot , but there ’s a mess more behind this line ’ doors than just oars . There ’s a bass desire to engage with the community , so much so that you may even habituate their dock to launch your personal boating equipment . But , if you ’ve yet to vest in a watercraft of your own , they have plenty of kayak , SUPs , and canoes available to lease . Should you want to dip your toes deeper into the sauceboat sprightliness , the Texas Rowing Center also has all story of row classes to sign up for .
Make a splash.|Photo by Marcus Clark, courtesy of Rowing Club
Pick up a rod and go fishing
Do n’t let the proximity to skyscraper fool you . Despite its urban location , Lady Bird Lake is a Martes pennanti ’s heaven . The lake has been specifically stocked with several species for the sole purpose of unpaid sportfishing . While you’re able to hook wolf fish , sunfish , and carp from the shoring , the large population of bigmouth bass voice in the river - like reservoir means they are the most frequently caught flippers . However , before you cast off , be sure to purchase a fishing license , and review theLake ’s bag and size limit point regulations .
Lounge out on a river cruise
If you ’re looking for a lakeside bodily process that involve less motion , and more merlot , book a tag for a river cruise . Taking a enlistment on a larger guile will let you to see way more of Lady Bird Lake than you could paddling ( and does n’t give you sore arms , to kick ) . And , the most democratic local cruise companies , Capital CruisesandLone Star Riverboat , even bid a few different choices to supply to the experience you need to have . Both offer day sightseeing tours , where you’re able to enamor the full spectrum of the flora and fauna that calls the Lake home . As well , both host a bat - observation , sundown tour , where you ’ll get a front seat for the winged wight mass exodus that pass every nighttime under the Congress Avenue bridge circuit . Should you lust this kind of peaceful float , but the thought of jumble with tourists gives you the heebie - jeebies , you could take your own individual tour of duty in adonut gravy boat . These small , galvanizing boats fall with a shaded umbrella , a board for snacks , and enough way to match ten of your friends .
Where to refuel post-lake session
After spending the whole twenty-four hours basking in nature , you need keep . In Austin , nothing says terminate a proficient sidereal day quite like margaritas and queso . Both are in gamy - supply at Mexican restaurant , El Alma , which is a walkable distance from where the Lake forgather Auditorium Shores . Also near that stint of the water is classic Austin collation hovel , Sandy ’s Hamburgers . constitute in 1946 , their menu of patties , hot dogs , malts , and sundaes will make you nostalgic for the summertime you watchedGreaseon repeat . For a level-headed option , head to the Zilker - adjacent location of local Sir Ernst Boris Chain sensation , Juiceland . The always - grampus smack combination of banana and peanut butter in the Wundershowzen smoothie will make you forget they snuck in spinach . Then there ’s the high - end nibbles at glamourous eating house , Nido . Located on the rooftop of The Loren Hotel , a building which literally hugs the camber of Lady Bird Lake , you may indulge in ricotta gnudi while take in the breather - pickings visual modality of the H2O at dark .
Courtesy of EpicSUP
