Welcome to Austin, Texas: the heart of the Lone Star State.
Have you ever imagined discovering the best places to paddle board in Austin?
Get ready to embark on an exciting aquatic adventure in this vibrant city.
Join us as we glide through Austin’s stunning waterways. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Austin
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Lady Bird Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Zilker Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, flat water, minimal wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Turtles, ducks, fish
- 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Downtown Austin skyline, Barton Springs, South Congress Bridge
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: No motorized boats allowed, life jackets recommended
Lady Bird Lake sits at the heart of downtown Austin and offers a spectacular view of the city skyline. It is a favorite spot among locals and visitors for paddleboarding.
The lake’s calm waters and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal destination for paddlers of all skill levels.
#2 Lake Austin
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Walsh Boat Landing (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild currents due to dam release
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
- 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: 360 Bridge, Mount Bonnell, waterfront homes
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow lake regulations
Lake Austin is another breathtaking paddleboarding destination, featuring calm waters and picturesque surroundings.
Paddlers will enjoy the views of Mount Bonnell, the 360 Bridge, and the luxurious waterfront homes lining the shore.
#3 Barton Creek
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Barton Creek Greenbelt (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, can be shallow depending on rainfall
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, turtles
- 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Limestone cliffs, lush greenbelt
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution during heavy rainfall, respect private properties
For a scenic paddle through a beautiful greenbelt, Barton Creek offers paddlers an escape from the city.
The meandering creek is flanked by limestone cliffs and lush foliage, providing a serene backdrop for a relaxing paddleboarding experience.
#4 Landa Park
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Landa Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Spring-fed water, clear and calm
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Swans, ducks, fish
- 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Landa Park scenery, Comal Springs
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Please respect the park rules and regulations, use caution near swimmers
A short drive from Austin, Landa Park in New Braunfels offers a pristine paddleboarding experience on the Comal River.
The spring-fed water is crystal clear, providing a calming and surreal paddle through the park’s enchanting landscape.
#5 Lake Travis
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Mansfield Dam Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate winds, calm waters in coves
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, deer
- 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Scenic Texas Hill Country
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to lake regulations
Lake Travis, located in the Texas Hill Country, provides a picturesque backdrop for paddleboarding enthusiasts. With coves and inlets to explore, paddlers can enjoy stunning views and serene waters.
Be mindful of boat traffic and adhere to lake regulations for a safe experience.
#6 San Marcos River
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Rio Vista Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Spring-fed water, gentle currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
- 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: San Marcos Riverbanks, Texas State University
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious near whitewater rapids, respect local regulations
The picturesque San Marcos River, just south of Austin, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its crystal-clear spring-fed waters.
Paddlers can enjoy the gentle currents and beautiful riverbanks while taking in the sights around Texas State University.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Austin?
Popular places to paddle board in Austin include Lady Bird Lake, Colorado River, Barton Creek, Lake Travis, and Lake Austin.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Austin?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in Austin.
When is the best time to paddle board in Austin?
Spring and early summer, when temperatures are cooler, are the best periods to paddle board in Austin.
