Austin's lakes and waterways offer excellent kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding opportunities. Lady Bird Lake, running through the heart of downtown, is the most popular spot—motorized boats are prohibited, making it perfect for paddling. You'll glide past the downtown skyline, under Congress Avenue Bridge (home to 1.5 million bats), and through peaceful stretches lined with cypress trees. Lake Austin and Lake Travis offer more open-water paddling with Hill Country scenery. Rentals are available at multiple locations along the waterfront.
Difficulty
EasyDuration
1-3 hours
Cost
$15-40 per hour for rentals; $50-80 for guided tours
Best Time
Early morning for calm water and wildlife; sunset for views
Best Time to Go
MarchAprilMayJuneSeptemberOctober
What to Bring
- •Sunscreen
- •Hat with strap
- •Water bottle
- •Dry bag for phone
- •Sunglasses with strap
Requirements
- Basic swimming ability
- Comfort on water
Pro Tips
- Lady Bird Lake is beginner-friendly with no motorized boat traffic
- Sunset paddles offer views of the Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony
- Morning is calmest for paddleboarding
- Multiple rental locations along the south shore of Lady Bird Lake
- Lake Travis is better for experienced paddlers due to boat traffic
Where to Go
- ➤Lady Bird Lake
- ➤Lake Austin
- ➤Lake Travis