Best Lakes to visit in Austin Texas 

Austin, Texas, is home to several beautiful lakes that offer a variety of outdoor activities. Here are some of the best lakes to visit in and around Austin:

1. Lake Travis

• Location: Northwest of Austin, about 20 miles from downtown.

• Highlights: Lake Travis is a massive reservoir known for its clear waters and stunning limestone cliffs. It’s one of the most popular lakes in Texas, offering a wide range of activities including boating, swimming, and fishing. The lake is also home to some great parks and marinas, and the sunsets here are legendary.

• Activities: Boating, swimming, fishing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, scuba diving, camping.
  

2. Lady Bird Lake

• Location: In the heart of downtown Austin.

• Highlights: Lady Bird Lake, formerly known as Town Lake, is an urban oasis surrounded by the city skyline. While motorized boats aren’t allowed, the lake is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. The hike-and-bike trail around the lake is popular for walking, jogging, and cycling.

• Activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, hiking, biking 

3. Lake Austin

• Location: West of downtown Austin, part of the Colorado River.

• Highlights: Lake Austin is a beautiful, winding lake that’s popular for boating and fishing. The shores are lined with impressive homes, and the water is usually calm, making it ideal for water sports. There are also several parks and restaurants along the lake.

• Activities: Boating, fishing, wakeboarding, water skiing, dining.

4. Barton Creek Greenbelt

• Location: Runs through South-Central Austin.

• Highlights: While not a lake, the Barton Creek Greenbelt features a series of natural swimming holes and waterfalls, including the popular Barton Springs Pool. The area is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and cooling off in the water.

• Activities: Swimming, hiking, rock climbing, picnicking.

5. Decker Lake (Walter E. Long Lake)

• Location: East of Austin, about 10 miles from downtown.

• Highlights: Decker Lake is a great spot for those looking to escape the city crowds. It’s popular for fishing, particularly for bass, and is also a good place for boating and jet skiing. The surrounding park offers picnic areas and trails.

• Activities: Fishing, boating, jet skiing, picnicking, hiking.

6. Inks Lake

• Location: About 60 miles northwest of Austin, part of the Highland Lakes.

• Highlights: Inks Lake is known for its scenic beauty, with calm, blue waters perfect for swimming and kayaking. The lake is surrounded by the Inks Lake State Park, which offers camping, hiking, and stunning views of the Hill Country.

• Activities: Swimming, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking.

7. Lake Georgetown

• Location: About 25 miles north of Austin, near Georgetown.

• Highlights: Lake Georgetown is a peaceful and scenic spot with clear waters and great opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. The lake is surrounded by the San Gabriel River Trail, which is popular for hiking and biking.

• Activities: Fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, camping.

These lakes offer a mix of urban and natural settings, making them ideal for a day trip or a weekend getaway, depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for.