Top Kayaking Destinations in Austin, Texas

It’s no secret that Austin is known as the most outdoorsy city in Texas. The city teems with green spaces as well as lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, making it very popular for boating in general – and kayaking in particular.

Whether you’re interested in paddling with the city skyline as your backdrop or prefer quieter spaces with hidden coves and rugged channels, the Texas capital has something for every type of kayaker. We’ve gathered our favorite kayaking destinations in and around Austin so you have all you need for a seamless paddling experience.

Lady Bird Lake: Austin’s Most Accessible Kayaking Destination

Lady Bird Lake is Austin’s crown jewel and the most popular kayaking spot in town. In the heart of the city, this 416-acre reservoir was created in 1960 with the damming of the Colorado River. Here, you’ll see kayakers gliding over the calm surface while admiring the sparkling buildings of downtown Austin on one side and the green spaces of Zilker Park on the other. Many paddle toward hotspots like 17-acre Red Bud Isle or Festival Beach, an inlet beach near the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood.

Lady Bird Lake is notably accessible for those staying in central Austin. Not only is it close to downtown and popular neighborhoods like South Congress, but the lake also has eight official access points and numerous kayak rentals along its shores.

Insider tip: Take a kayak out at sunset and paddle to the Congress Avenue Bridge for a stunning view of the bats taking flight at night.

Lake Austin: The City’s Best Paddle Spot for Natural Scenery

Located near Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin begins at Mansfield Dam and ends at the Tom Miller Dam. While grand homes line sections of the shoreline, this tranquil body of water offers plenty of natural beauty.

Most of the Lake Austin shoreline is privately owned, so kayakers are limited to five launch points: Emma Long Metropolitan Park, Mary Quinlan Park, Fritz Hughes Park, the Walsh Boat Landing, and a boat ramp below the Loop 360 bridge. Emma Long Metropolitan Park charges an entrance fee, while the other sites offer free access.

Unlike Lady Bird Lake, motorboats can be used on Lake Austin — therefore, paddlers can expect some choppiness based on boat traffic. If you’re in need of a kayak rental, reach out to ATX Peace Paddling, a mobile kayak rental company servicing the area.

Lake Walter E. Long: A Hidden Gem for Kayakers

At 1165 acres, Lake Walter E. Long is massive and encircled by a 3695-acre park. You could spend a week exploring this fantastic kayaking destination, discovering new coves and shorelines every day.

Boats are allowed on the lake, so prepare for light waves at times. There is an entrance fee: $5 Monday to Thursday and $10 on weekends. Although there are no kayak rentals on-site currently, expansion plans are underway to include rental facilities in the future.

Diverse Experiences Await at Lake Travis

Lake Travis is renowned as a summertime destination, but kayakers are equally welcome. Its expansive 30 square miles provide ample space to paddle and explore hidden coves.

Lake Travis is a 30-minute drive from downtown Austin. You have several launch points to choose from, including Camp Creek Park and Turkey Bend Recreation. For those needing a kayak, local rental services are available throughout the area.

San Marcos River: Ideal for Intermediate and Expert Paddlers

Just an hour’s drive south of Austin is the San Marcos River, renowned for its tubing culture and stunning kayaking opportunities. With mild Texas climate and average water temperatures around 72 degrees, this river is perfect for year-round paddling.

Paddlers can navigate through 130 acres of parkland and experience Class I and II rapids within the river’s 75-mile stretch. Most choose to paddle the 16.5 miles between City Park in San Marcos and Staples Dam, which offers an engaging experience for all skill levels.

It’s free to access the river via 16 access points along various parks. Intermediate paddlers might enjoy the 6 miles between San Marcos and the Luling Zedler Mill, while those looking for a challenge can attempt the Rio Vista Falls.

Inks Lake State Park: The Perfect Kayaking Day Trip

Inks Lake State Park, located along the lower Colorado River, is a beautifully shaped, horseshoe lake that spans 4.2 miles with a surface area of 831 acres. This park features a large no-wake zone tailored for kayakers.

Visitors can either bring their own kayak or rent kayaks, paddles, and life vests from the park store. With a modest entrance fee, paddlers can navigate the picturesque waters while admiring the natural landscape including limestone outcrops and lush vegetation.

Essential Tips for Kayaking in Austin

• If you can bring one thing on your kayaking trip, make sure it’s water. While this part of Texas can get chilly in the winter, it can be quite hot and humid in spring, summer, and parts of fall. Be sure to stay hydrated.
• The reservoirs, rivers, and lakes around Austin are managed by dam systems, which can help limit flooding and dangerous conditions. It’s always best to check with local parks or kayak outfitters to ensure safety.
• Texas is home to several dangerous snakes, including water moccasins. Stay alert for these creatures if you stop for a break on an embankment.
• Many of the lakes around Austin are reservoirs with shaped currents. It’s advisable to arrange for transportation back to your launch point after longer kayak trips downstream.