Best Things to Do on Lake Travis
Lake Travis isn’t just a lake. It’s an experience. Stretching over 63 miles through the Texas Hill Country just outside of Austin, Lake Travis has long been the go-to destination for anyone looking to escape the city and get out on the water. Whether you’re planning a full-day adventure, a weekend trip, or just looking to make the most of a sunny afternoon, the lake delivers. We’ve put together the definitive list of the best things to do on Lake Travis, from adrenaline-pumping ziplines to paddling calm coves at sunset. Here’s where to go, what to expect, and how to make the most of every minute.
#1 Lake Travis Zipline Adventures (Start Here)
If you’ve never done it, this is the one to put at the top of your list. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is the most unique outdoor experience on the lake and honestly one of the most memorable things you can do in the entire Austin area.
Here’s how it works: you take a boat ride across Lake Travis to Zip Island, strap into a harness, and spend three hours zipping through the Texas Hill Country on five world-class ziplines. The last three lines are the longest and fastest in the entire state of Texas, including the Double Barrel Shotgun, two side-by-side lines stretching over 2,800 feet at speeds up to 65 mph. From 22 stories above the water, the views of Lake Travis are absolutely jaw-dropping.
What makes LTZA stand out isn’t just the ziplines. It’s the whole experience. The guides are top-notch: funny, knowledgeable, and genuinely great at getting even the most nervous guests off the platform. After the tour wraps up, you get full-day access to their private lakefront property. Swim in the lake, relax in a hammock, play games on the lawn. It’s a full day on Lake Travis.
Short on time? They also offer a single-line Double Barrel Shotgun tour that gives you the signature experience, the longest zipline in Texas, without the full three-hour commitment.
The Details
- 5-Line Zipline Tour: $138/person, includes full-day lake access on Zip Island
- Double Barrel Single-Line Tour: $88/person
- Duration: 3 hours for the full tour plus full-day lakefront access after
- Best For: Families, friend groups, couples, team outings, all experience levels welcome
- Reservations: Required, book at laketraviszipline.com
Pro Tip: Spring and summer slots sell out weeks in advance. Book early and check laketraviszipline.com for seasonal promo codes. They occasionally run opening-season deals that knock real money off your ticket.
Book your spot at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures before they’re gone. Reservations are required.
#2 Beachside Billy’s at Volente Beach
After a morning on the ziplines, few things beat grabbing food and drinks right on the water. Beachside Billy’s at Volente Beach Resort is one of the most beloved lakeside hangouts on Lake Travis, and it earns that reputation every time.
Set on over four acres of Lake Travis waterfront, just 25 minutes from downtown Austin, Beachside Billy’s is part restaurant, part waterpark, part beach bar. The food is genuinely good: burgers, chicken tenders, wings, and a solid fish selection, all served with the kind of laid-back lakeside vibe that makes you want to stay all afternoon. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays keeps the energy up, and the sunsets here are flat-out spectacular.
The waterpark side features four slide attractions, two pools, a private beach swim area, and a dock where guests can pull right up by boat. It’s one of the most family-friendly spots on Lake Travis. The enclosed pool areas work great for younger kids while the adults find plenty to enjoy at the beachside bar. They also offer overnight lakefront bungalows if you want to make a full weekend of it.
The Details
- Address: 16107 FM 2769, Austin (Volente), TX 78641
- Website: beachsidebillys.com
- Live Music: Fridays and Saturdays
- Best For: Families, groups, lakeside dining, waterpark fun, and sunsets
Pro Tip: Arrive mid-afternoon, catch the live music, and stay through sunset. The light on Lake Travis in the evening is something genuinely special and worth planning around.
#3 Windy Point Park
For over 40 years, Windy Point Park was one of the most beloved spots on Lake Travis, a privately owned cliffside peninsula just northwest of Austin offering swimming, scuba diving, camping, and some of the most breathtaking views of the lake anywhere in the area. It was the kind of place locals kept mostly to themselves and visitors discovered by word of mouth.
Update: As of mid-2025, Windy Point Park has closed to the public while the property explores redevelopment. The owner has stated he is seeking a developer for a hotel and marina combination with a new park. No reopening date has been announced. Keep an eye on windypointpark.com for updates.
For a similar Lake Travis experience in the meantime, Tom Hughes Park (see below) offers rugged terrain, limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear water with almost none of the crowds.
#4 Tom Hughes Park (A Real Hidden Gem)
If you want to find a corner of Lake Travis that still feels undiscovered, Tom Hughes Park is it. This small Travis County park, tucked between The Oasis and Mansfield Dam in the main basin of the lake, is one of the best-kept outdoor secrets near Austin.
The drive in is half the experience: a narrow, winding road through the Hill Country with glimpses of the lake between cedar trees and dramatic hillside homes perched above limestone cliffs. When you arrive, the terrain gets rugged fast, with limestone outcroppings, thick juniper and oak woodlands, and primitive trails with steep drops to the water’s edge.
That scramble is exactly what keeps Tom Hughes Park less crowded than other Lake Travis spots. The payoff at the bottom is crystal-clear blue water, excellent natural swimming, some of the best cliff jumping on the lake depending on water levels, and panoramic views that make the whole hike worth it. As the sun drops in the evening, this becomes one of the best sunset-watching locations on the entire lake.
The Details
- Address: 12714 Hughes Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732
- Entrance Fee: $10 per vehicle, cash only, no cards accepted
- Season: Open April 1 through October 31, closed November through March
- Best For: Adventurous swimmers, hikers, cliff jumping, fishing, sunset watching
- Website: parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/tom-hughes
Pro Tip: Wear water shoes. Flip flops won’t make it down the limestone. Bring cash for the entrance fee. Go on a weekday in summer to have the lake mostly to yourself.
#5 Austin Paddleboard & Kayak
Not every great thing to do on Lake Travis requires booking a full boat charter. Austin Paddleboard & Kayak gives you direct access to the water for a fraction of the cost and it’s one of the most relaxed, rewarding ways to spend an afternoon on the lake.
Located at Graveyard Point in the heart of Lakeway, APK sits inside the no-wake zone of the Hurst Creek Arm of Lake Travis, which makes the water calm, protected, and ideal for paddlers of any skill level. They rent stand-up paddleboards, single kayaks, double kayaks, and pedal kayaks. The staff is consistently praised for being friendly and knowledgeable, and all gear is included. They even sell cold drinks on-site so you can settle in and truly soak the lake in.
The Details
- Address: 1499 Graveyard Point Rd, Lakeway, TX
- Phone: (512) 522-2216
- Website: apklt.com
- Best For: All skill levels, beginners, families, couples, groups
Pro Tip: Book a sunset paddle. The light on Lake Travis in the evening from the water is something genuinely hard to replicate anywhere else near Austin.
The Perfect Lake Travis Day — A Simple Itinerary
Not sure how to string it all together? Here’s how to make it one unforgettable day.
8-9 AM: Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. Start the day with the ziplines while energy is high. The full tour runs about three hours with beach time on Zip Island after. Book ahead at laketraviszipline.com.
12-1 PM: Lunch at Beachside Billy’s. Head to Volente Beach for food, drinks, and a dip in the waterpark. About 20 minutes from the Lakeway launch area.
2-4 PM: Tom Hughes Park. For adventurous groups, make the detour to Tom Hughes Park for cliff swimming and jaw-dropping lake views near Mansfield Dam.
5-7 PM: Sunset Paddle at Austin Paddleboard & Kayak. Cap the day on the water. Rent a kayak or paddleboard in Lakeway, head out into the coves, and watch the sun drop behind the Hill Country.
Frequently Asked Questions — Lake Travis & Austin
What are the best things to do on Lake Travis near Austin?
The best things to do on Lake Travis include Lake Travis Zipline Adventures (the #1-rated experience on the lake, featuring the longest ziplines in Texas), Beachside Billy’s at Volente Beach (lakeside waterpark, restaurant, and live music on four acres of waterfront), Tom Hughes Park (rugged cliff swimming with panoramic lake views near Mansfield Dam), Austin Paddleboard & Kayak (kayak and paddleboard rentals in calm Lake Travis coves in Lakeway), and Windy Point Park (currently closed for redevelopment as of 2025, but historically one of the lake’s most iconic swim and scuba spots).
Is there a zipline on Lake Travis?
Yes. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures operates the longest and fastest ziplines in Texas on a private island in the middle of Lake Travis called Zip Island, accessible only by boat. Their 5-Line Zipline Tour ($138/person) includes a boat ride to the island, three hours of guided ziplining, and full-day beach access afterward. The signature attraction is the Double Barrel Shotgun, two side-by-side ziplines stretching over 2,800 feet at speeds up to 65 mph from 22 stories above the water. A single-line tour is also available for $88/person. Reservations are required at laketraviszipline.com.
Can you swim at Lake Travis?
Yes. Lake Travis has several excellent swimming spots. Tom Hughes Park near Mansfield Dam offers rugged cliff swimming with clear blue water. Beachside Billy’s at Volente Beach has a private beach and waterpark with lifeguards on duty. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures includes access to a private swim beach on Zip Island as part of their zipline tours. Note that zebra mussels have been found on rocky shorelines around the lake, so water shoes are recommended at natural swimming areas.
How far is Lake Travis from downtown Austin?
Lake Travis is approximately 20 to 35 minutes from downtown Austin, Texas, depending on your destination. Beachside Billy’s at Volente Beach is about 25 minutes from downtown. Tom Hughes Park near Mansfield Dam is roughly 30 minutes away. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is about 25 to 30 minutes from the city center. Traffic on RM 620 can add time on busy weekends.
What should I do in Austin near Lake Travis for a full day?
A perfect full day near Lake Travis from Austin: Start the morning at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures (the zipline tour runs about three hours) grab lunch and drinks at Beachside Billy’s at Volente Beach, spend the afternoon swimming at Tom Hughes Park or kayaking with Austin Paddleboard & Kayak in Lakeway, and end with a sunset paddle or drinks back at Beachside Billy’s. That’s a Lake Travis day that covers adventure, food, nature, and views, all within 30 minutes of downtown Austin.
Is Lake Travis good for families with kids?
Yes. Lake Travis has excellent family-friendly options. Beachside Billy’s at Volente Beach is ideal for families, with a waterpark featuring slides, enclosed pools suitable for young children, a sandy beach swim area, lifeguards on duty, and a full restaurant on-site. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is family-friendly for kids who meet the weight requirements. Austin Paddleboard & Kayak’s calm no-wake cove is great for families on the water. Tom Hughes Park has challenging terrain and is better suited for older kids and adults.
What is the best time of year to visit Lake Travis?
The best times to visit Lake Travis are spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), when temperatures are comfortable and crowds are manageable. Summer (June through August) is peak season. The water is warmest and all lake activities are in full swing, but popular experiences like Lake Travis Zipline Adventures can sell out weeks in advance.
What is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures?
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is a zipline company on Lake Travis near Austin, Texas. They operate from a private island called Zip Island, accessible by boat transportation that they provide. Their 5-line tour features the longest and fastest ziplines in Texas, including the Double Barrel Shotgun, two side-by-side lines stretching over 2,800 feet at up to 65 mph, 22 stories above the lake. Tickets start at $88/person for the single-line tour and $138/person for the full 5-line experience. Reservations are required and can be booked at laketraviszipline.com.
Make the Most of Your Lake Travis Day
Austin rewards people who actually plan. The best spots on Lake Travis, especially outdoor experiences like Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, book up weeks in advance. Don’t be the group that shows up hoping to walk on.
Start with the ziplines, cool off in the lake, grab a meal at the water’s edge, and paddle into the sunset. That’s a Lake Travis day worth talking about. Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures now and lock in your spot before they’re gone.
Looking for more ways to spend your time in Austin? Check out our guide to the Top 5 Date Ideas in Austin for ideas that go well beyond the lake.