Top Spots For Paddle Boarding In Austin
Austin is known for its vibrant culture, live music scene, and mouthwatering barbecue. However, did you know that it is also home to some of the best places to paddleboard Austin? Paddleboarding is a fun, relaxing way to explore the city's waterways while getting a full-body workout.
In this blog post, we'll explore the top spots for paddle boarding Austin TX, including Lake Travis, Festival Beach, Lady Bird Lake, Spring Lake, and Barton Creek.
Lake Travis
Lake Travis is one of the most beautiful and popular paddleboarding spots in Austin. The lake spans over 63 miles and has clear, blue water surrounded by stunning hills.
You can easily find rentals and paddleboard tours near the lake’s shores. Glide through the tranquil waters, soak in the sun, and marvel at the magnificence of the surrounding scenery.
Click here to learn more about Lake Travis
Festival Beach
Festival Beach on Lady Bird Lake is another must-see spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts in Austin. The beach is located on Riverside Drive and offers expansive views of the City skyline.
One unique feature of Festival Beach is the popular bat watching which attracts several tourists and locals alike. Paddleboard tours and rentals can be found at the beach, and it is an excellent spot for newbies to get accustomed to paddleboarding.
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Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake is another popular paddleboarding location in Austin. It is an artificial reservoir located in downtown Austin, which offers a smooth and calm water surface ideal for beginners.
Although during peak season the water can get congested with kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and even electric boards, it remains a delightful destination for new paddleboarders and SUP yoga classes.
Click here to learn more about Lady Bird Lake
Spring Lake
Located one hour south of Austin, Spring Lake is a serene and beautiful place for paddleboarding. It is considered one of the best freshwater spring-fed lakes in Texas and boasts pristine water making it an ideal spot to paddleboard.
You can find rentals at the Meadows Center, the biggest provider of guided tours and paddleboard rentals in the area.
Click here to learn more about Spring Lake
Barton Creek
Barton Creek is a spring-fed creek that winds its way through the west side of Austin. It is a beginner friendly-destination, with clear, calm waters that make it perfect for a leisurely paddle.
You can explore all around the creek and under several bridges, spotting wildlife in the water and on the shore. Austin TX paddle board rentals are available on-site at the Barton Creek Greenbelt trailhead which makes it easy to access.
Click here to learn more about Barton Creek
West End
The West End is located in downtown Austin and is a great place for beginners to start paddle boarding. The water is calm and there are several rental companies in the area where you can rent paddle boards.
You can paddle board along the shoreline and take in the beautiful views of downtown Austin.
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Congress Avenue Bridge
The Congress Avenue Bridge is known for its bat colony, and paddle boarding here is a unique experience. You can paddle board under the bridge and watch the bats fly overhead.
It's important to note that this can be a busy area, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings and other boaters in the area.
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Secret Beach
Secret Beach is located on the east side of Lady Bird Lake and is a great spot for more experienced paddle boarders. The water can be choppy at times, but it's a beautiful location with great views of the city skyline.
It's also a quieter spot, so if you're looking to escape the crowds, this is a great option.
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Walter E. Long Lake
Walter E. Long Lake is located just outside of Austin and is a popular spot for fishing and boating. However, it's also a great place to paddle board. The lake is large and there are several coves to explore. It's a great spot for a full day of paddle boarding and picnicking.
Click here to learn more about Walter E. Long Lake
Lake Austin
Lake Austin is a beautiful and popular spot for paddle boarding. The water is clear and calm, making it perfect for beginners. There are also several rental companies in the area, so it's easy to rent a board. The lake is surrounded by beautiful homes and offers great views of the hill country.
Click here to learn more about Lake Austin Paddle Boarding
Conclusion
Paddleboarding in Austin is an exhilarating way to enjoy the city's natural beauty. From serene Springs to party lakes to downtown landmarks, Austin has something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or it is your first time on a board, Austin's waterways promise to offer a great paddling experience. With this guide, you can explore some of the top spots for paddleboarding in Austin and make the most of your paddling experience.
