Discover the serene beauty of Austin, Texas from the water!
Looking for the best places to paddle board in Lady Bird Lake?
This picturesque urban oasis offers some fantastic spots for stand up paddleboarding.
Join us as we explore the calm waters and scenic views of Lady Bird Lake – it’s time to hit the water!
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Lady Bird Lake
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 Zilker Park Launch
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Zilker Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Turtles, ducks, and fish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, Austin skyline
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: No motorized boats allowed, life jackets recommended for non-swimmers
Zilker Park Launch is a prime starting point for paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake. The calm waters and beautiful park surroundings set the stage for a peaceful and scenic experience.
Enjoy the iconic Austin skyline and abundant wildlife as you glide along.
#2 Texas Rowing Center
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Texas Rowing Center (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Turtles, ducks, and fish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Rowing dock, Auditorium Shores, Barton Creek
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: No motorized boats allowed, life jackets recommended for non-swimmers
Texas Rowing Center offers easy access to Lady Bird Lake and is a favorite spot for paddleboarders and kayakers alike.
With beautiful views of the nearby parks and shores, this is a great spot to enjoy a relaxing paddle session in the Austin area.
#3 Barton Creek
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Barton Creek Greenbelt (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
- 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Greenbelt cliffs, natural springs
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid during high water, respect private properties
Barton Creek is a tributary of Lady Bird Lake, offering a peaceful and scenic paddleboarding experience surrounded by lush greenery and limestone cliffs. Paddle upstream to explore hidden springs and natural beauty.
The calm and gentle currents make it enjoyable for all skill levels.
#4 Waller Creek Boathouse
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Waller Creek Boathouse (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Turtles, ducks, and fish
- 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Downtown skyline, Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: No motorized boats allowed, life jackets recommended for non-swimmers
Waller Creek Boathouse offers an urban paddleboarding adventure on Lady Bird Lake.
The downtown Austin skyline serves as a stunning backdrop, and the calm waters are perfect for beginners and experienced paddleboarders alike.
#5 Festival Beach
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Festival Beach in Edward Rendon Sr. Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Turtles, ducks, and fish
- 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Austin cityscape, park surroundings
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: No motorized boats allowed, life jackets recommended for non-swimmers
Festival Beach, located within Edward Rendon Sr. Park, offers another access point to Lady Bird Lake.
This spot provides paddleboarders with a quieter, less crowded experience, while still enjoying the beautiful Austin cityscape and park environment.
#6 Quinlan Park on Lake Austin
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Quinlan Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, some wake from boats
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Lake Austin surrounds, waterfront homes
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of boat traffic, life jackets recommended for non-swimmers
Quinlan Park on Lake Austin is a short drive from Lady Bird Lake and offers a change of scenery for paddleboarding enthusiasts. Though not directly on Lady Bird Lake, the calm waters, gorgeous waterfront homes, and surrounding natural beauty make it worth the visit.
Just be aware of occasional boat traffic in the area.
FAQ
Where can I paddle board on Lady Bird Lake?
You can paddle board all across Lady Bird Lake, but popular launch points include Zilker Park and Red Bud Isle.
Do I need to register my paddle board at Lady Bird Lake?
No, there is no need to register paddle boards on Lady Bird Lake.
When is the best time to paddle board on Lady Bird Lake?
The best time for paddle boarding at Lady Bird Lake is from late spring to early fall due to pleasant weather.
