24 Best & Fun Things to Do in Lake Travis (TX)

On the Colorado River, located in central Texas in the United States of America, lies a reservoir called Lake Travis.

Lake Travis features cliffs, rocky banks, and clear water common to highland reservoirs. 

Lake Travis was established in 1942 by the Lower Colorado River Authority and was constructed to contain floodwater.

There are quite some fun things to do in Lake Travis, TX. The reservoir is famous for its outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, scuba diving, ziplining, swimming, picnicking, and camping. 

Lake Travis is regarded as the clearest Lake in the state, providing water to Austin and other nearby metropolitan areas. 

The reservoir is filled with different species of fish intended to enhance the use of the Lake for leisure fishing. 

Examples of fish in Lake Travis are Guadalupe bass, largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish, white bass, and striped bass. 

Are you planning on visiting Lake Travis? Here are the top things to do in Lake Travis, TX.

Things to Do in Lake Travis, TX 

1. Windy Point Park

Windy Point Park is one of the best places to visit in Lake Travis, TX. This destination is regarded as the best-kept secret in Lake Travis. It is located in Austin, 1 minute from Lake Travis. 

Windy Point Park is a fantastic area for families, friends, and loved ones to enjoy Lake Travis’s breathtaking environment and pristine waters. 

Windy Point Park is also a good spot for picnicking and camping. Windy Point Park is famous among divers from across the state. The local firefighters use it as a practice ground to protect the lives of the locals. 

This destination is close to Mansfield Dam and has different things to see and explore in Lake Travis. 

If you are a diver looking to explore the riverbed, you will see shipwrecks, a sea turtle, a shark, a manatee, unique sculptures of a scuba driver, and other interesting artifacts. 

If you are a professional diver with experience, you will be impressed by the almost 100-foot-deep underwater canyon wall. 

Make sure you dress warmly before going into the water because the temperature in the water may be different from the one at the surface. 

Address: 6506 Bob Wentz Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732, United States

2. Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark

Among the fun things to do in Lake Travis, TX, is to swim at Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark. 

The Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark is a suitable location for adults and children to enjoy a fun day. 

Volente Beach Resort has three volleyball courts, a sand beach, pools for adults and children, and a variety of activities for everyone. 

Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark is situated in Leander, Texas, 21 minutes from Lake Travis, near numerous restaurants and marinas. 

This destination features Beachside Billy’s Lake Restaurant and Water Park. It also has pools for adults, a swim-up tiki bar, and a pool for kids. 

So make sure you visit Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark with your loved ones and enjoy a day of fun, burgers, steaks, and lots of seafood. 

If you are visiting in a large group with many family members, you can rent a one-bedroom bungalow and bring as many coolers as you want. 

Address: 16107 FM2769 Suite D, Leander, TX 78641, United States

3. Waterloo Adventures

Waterloo Adventure is located in Leander, 19 minutes from Lake Travis. This waterpark and challenge course is perfect for adventure seekers and an excellent place for families and friends. 

The Waterloo Adventure Park features a 600-foot water playground and over 20 obstacles to enhance your skills. They include balance beams, bridges, climbing walls, monkey bars, and slides. 

You can begin your experience by taking a boat to Adventure Island, and when you get to the island, you can take part in a 45- minute session on the 600- foot- long challenging obstacle course. 

Waterloo Adventure is close to Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. Aside from beverages and food, Waterloo adventures provide frozen drinks, wines, and beer.

Address: 14529 Pocahontas Trail suite a, Leander, TX 78641, United States

4. Jet Skiing and Wakesurfing

If you are a fan of water adventure, then on your checklist of what to do in Lake Travis, TX, should be jet skiing and wake surfing. These activities are best situated for adults. 

You should spend time darting through the water under the sun and scattering the waves when you visit. You can decide to drive the jet ski alone or with your loved one while having memorable experiences on the Lake. 

Since these activities can be a bit challenging, there are rigid rules and regulations that drivers must only be 18 years and above

. This is why jet skiing and wake surfing are not advisable for children. 

Address: Lake Travis, Texas, United States of America

5. Mansfield Dam Park

Suppose you need a spot to unwind and enjoy outdoor activities. In that case, Mansfield Dam Park in Lake Travis is an excellent destination to explore. 

A visit to Mansfield Dam Park is among the top things to do in Lake Travis, TX. This destination is located in Austin, 2 minutes from Lake Travis. 

Mansfield Dam Park offers stunning views of Lake Travis, where loved ones can picnic, swim in the hidden cove, fish and play. It also includes the largest boat ramp on Lake Travis with a large scuba diving park. 

Mansfield Dam Park is situated opposite Mansfield Dam on the central body of Lake Travis and is used as one of the main access points for boaters. 

Mansfield Dam park offers everything you will need, including hiking trails, picnic tables, and BBQ grills. 

Some of the Park’s day-use has different shaded shelters behind the natural tree canopies, BBQ grills, and picnic tables. 

These picnic areas are scattered throughout the Park, and you can access them by strolling down the trail to the one you prefer. The trails can also be used for hiking and biking. 

Address: 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Rd., Austin, TX 78732, United States

6. The Famous Texas Bluebonnets

You will see bluebonnets in different parts of Lake Travis when you visit. There are many areas and parks in lake Travis where you will see these flowers and when you do, make sure you take cute pictures or admire their beauty. 

All you have to do is schedule your vacation when these wildflowers are supposed to blossom. 

Endeavor to visit before May because the Texas Bluebonnets bloom for only a few weeks. 

Admiring the Texas Bluebonnets is undoubtedly an exciting activity in Lake Travis during spring. 

Address: Lake Travis, Texas, United States

7. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures

Do you enjoy thrilling and entertaining adventures? If yes, head over to Lake Travis Zipline Adventure. 

This adventure is one of the fun things to do in Lake Travis, TX. Lake Travis Zipline Adventure is the longest and fastest zipline in Texas. It is located in Volente, 18 minutes from Lake Travis. 

Lake Travis Zipline Adventure has five zip lines varying from 250 feet to Texas’s most extended at over 2800 feet. 

As you wait between each zipline, you will see the stunning vistas of the Texas Hill Country and Lake Travis. 

The Zipline Park has quickly become one of the most famous tourist destinations on the Lake. 

The Zipline Adventure includes all the essential equipment that you will need, boat transportation, light snacks, and water. 

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to use the Private Beach, where you can swim, have a picnic, lay in a hammock by the ocean, and play games. 

Address: 14529 Pocohontas Trail, Volente, TX 78641, United States

8. Pace Bend Park

Pace Bend Park is a natural destination that offers various recreational activities for tourists and visitors. 

The park has over nine miles of shoreline along Lake Travis and is located in spice Wood, 35 minutes from Lake Travis. 

This destination is famous for camping on the cliff overlooking Lake Travis, boating, exploring the beauty of the hill country with miles of hiking and biking trails, and swimming on the beach. 

Pace Bend Park offers 20 improved campsites with water, electrical hook-ups, restrooms, and showers. 

The primitive campsite features picnic tables, fire rings, barbecue tables, and lots of trees for privacy littered along the cliff. 

These campsites are situated on the park’s east side and are within walking distance of the Lake. 

The West side of Pace Bend Park is made up of sharp limestone cliffs and many rocky bays that offer some of the most stunning views of Lake Travis. 

Address: 2805 Pace Bend Rd N, Spicewood, TX 78669, United States

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9. Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

Shaffer Bend Recreation Area is one of the largest recreation areas on Lake Travis. Exploring this destination is one of the best things to do in Lake Travis, TX.

This destination is a 508- acre park with different terrain suitable for hiking and horseback riding. It is located in Marble Falls, 1 hour from lake Travis. 

While exploring the Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, please spare a moment to admire the stunning vista around it. 

Additionally, the park’s campsite has grills and picnic tables that you can use. 

Some popular activities you can do at the park include swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking, and other outdoor recreations. 

Address: 706 Co Rd 343A, Marble Falls, TX 78654, United States

10. Devil’s Cove

Among what to do in Lake Travis, TX, is to party on a boat in Devil’s Cove. The Devil’s Cove is a large long cove on Lake Travis Northshore close to marshall’s point. 

This destination is a party cove known for its central location, lack of development on the Lake’s northern bank, and vastness. 

Devil’s Cove is one of Austin’s shocking popular places known for its natural beauty and the many boats tied- up to one another in rows every weekend to party and have fun. 

At this cove party, you will see people walking from one boat to another and having a fabulous time. 

You will enjoy the alcohol flowing in abundance, loud music blaring and people jumping off in their shorts and bikinis. 

Address: Lake Travis, Texas, United States

11. Café Lago

Café Lago is the place for breakfast and lunch during your trip to Lake Travis. Café Lago is a nicely- established coffee house that has been operating for 28 years and counting. 

The café is casual and cozy and an excellent place to spend time while sipping fantastic coffee. This coffee house is situated in the heart of Lakeway, TX, in the Lakeway Village Square Plaza, 15 minutes from Lake Travis. 

It offers breakfast every day and lunch seven days a week except on Sunday. Café Lago’s daily special includes soups, deli salads, and quiche. 

It also has Gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and vegan options for people with diet restrictions. 

Visit this coffeehouse, try their latte, cappuccino, drip coffee, and mocha, and enjoy a freshly baked pastry. 

It also serves Boar’s Head meats and cheese, making its meals with the freshest ingredients. 

Address: 1200 Lakeway Dr, Lakeway, TX 78734, United States

12. Bob Wentz Park

Bob Wentz Park is another place you should visit if you want to play in the water and enjoy some of the breathtaking views. 

Bob Wentz Park is a famous water sports destination located in the basin area of Lake Travis. It is located two minutes from Lake Travis in Austin. 

Swimming, windsurfing, scuba diving, and picnicking are some of the favorite activities in Bob Wentz Park because of its amenities and distance to Austin. 

The Park has two sand volleyball courts, a rentable pavilion, a boat ramp, and a hiking trail along the shoreline. 

The sandy peninsula regarded as “The Point” has a lot of visitors that often come. In contrast, a 150-acre tract opposite the shoreline is protected as a natural area. 

Address: 7144 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732, United States

13. The Oasis

Among the best places to visit in Lake Travis, TX, for a wonderful dining experience is the Oasis. 

The Oasis is a restaurant located on the western side of Austin. It is known for its breathtaking views of Lake Travis and live music. The restaurant is 10 minutes from Lake Travis.

A visit to the Oasis is a fantastic experience, and you do not want to miss an opportunity to dine at this amazing place during your trip to Lake Travis. 

In 1982, Houston entrepreneur Beau Theriot built this restaurant, and it has been attracting visitors for nearly 25 years. 

The Oasis is a suitable location to view the sunset over Lake Travis and enjoy live music. This destination is the largest outdoor restaurant in the region, and it sits on a bluff of 450 feet on top of the Lake. 

This 30,000- sq-feet restaurant is regarded as the Sunset Capital of Texas because of its eye-catching views and location. 

The restaurant has eight events rooms and many eating terraces facing the Lake, so it is perfect for different events and celebrations. 

Aside from being a restaurant, this destination is home to many shops, including the oasis Texas Brewing Company where you can enjoy different craft beers, excellent pub food, and snacks. 

Address: 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732, United States

14. High Five Entertainment Area

High Five Entertainment Area is a fun destination suitable for family and friends. Its extensive facilities have something to offer to children and adults. 

This 47,000 square feet destination features full-service restaurants, lounge areas, an upscale bar, bowling areas, lounge areas, video arcades, 28 bowling lanes, top-notch virtual reality, a 2-story laser tag area, and 4000 sq feet of redemption and arcade game. 

It has everything children will love, including a scratch kitchen and craft drinks for adults. 

So take your family, friend, and loved ones to High Five Entertainment Area for a memorable experience.

Address: 1502 Ranch Rd 620 S, Lakeway, TX 78734, United States

15. Arkansas Bend Park

Arkansas Bend Park provides a comfortable and budget-friendly camping experience for locals and visitors. 

Arkansas Bend Park is situated in Lago Vista, 47 minutes from Lake Travis. This camping site has 18 campsites, water, and power connections and each camp has a fire ring, picnic table, grills, and lantern hook. 

Additionally, the campsites have ten individual bathrooms and showers and three restrooms on Roadrunner Loop. 

The camping area is controlled by camp hosts and is permitted only to paid campers. Since the camping sites are limited, making reservations ahead of time is essential. 

Ground fires are allowed as seasonal conditions permit, but you must bring your firewood because cutting and gathering of firewood is banned in all of the parks in Travis County. 

Address: 16900 Cherry Ln, Lago Vista, TX 78645, United States

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16. Canyon Grille Rough Hollow

Canyon Grille Rough Hallow has been a favorite restaurant for visitors for many years. 

This restaurant lies in the Rough Hollow Yacht Club and is located in Lakeway, 19 minutes from Lake Travis. 

In addition to a stunning view of Lake Travis and the Hill Country and delicious meals, Canyon Grille Rough Hollow has a live music scene. 

Select your pick from the extensive menu while relaxing and digging into your food. 

Make sure you do not miss this restaurant that offers a wide selection of affordable wines, exquisite sweets, and mouth-watering meals. 

Address:103 Yacht Club Cove, Lakeway, TX 78734, United States

17. Bee Cave Public Library

Bee Cave Public Library is a fantastic choice if you want a quiet reading place. You can enjoy the current book you are reading or search for other materials that may interest you in the library. 

You can walk into the library and explore some of the library’s gems in book form. Bee Cave Public Library features audiobooks, newspapers, magazines, DVDs, and read-along kits. 

You will enjoy your time at Bee Cave Public Library if you love reading books. 

Address: 4000 Galleria Pkwy, Bee Cave, TX 78738, United States

18. Camp Creek Park

Another camping site that is ideal for your friends and family is Lake Travis Camp Creel. 

Camp Creek Park is located in Marble Falls, 1 hour from Lake Travis. Lake Travis Camp Creek Park is situated on the Lake’s northern side near Marble Falls, Texas. 

This destination is a 40-acre park with large pecan trees that shade the canopy. You can cook food on the park’s grill, sit around the fire rings, and tell stories. 

Camp Creek Park has 16 campsites and a boat ramp. It allows visitors to enjoy picnics, fishing, and swimming. 

Address: 1221 Co Rd 343, Marble Falls, TX 78654, United States

19. The Bee Cave Sculpture Park

The Bee Cave Sculpture Park is a 7-acre destination showcases a mix of permanent and rotating sculptures. This destination is located in Bee cave, Texas, 19 minutes from Lake Travis. 

Bee Cave Art Foundation sponsors Bee Cave Sculpture Park. The Park is free for visitation and is open from morning to evening. You can bring your dog to the Bee Cave Sculpture Park, but it has to be on a leash. 

Aside from the amazing artwork and interesting exhibits, you will discover a kid’s playarium, some of the largest oak trees in the town, more than 20 varieties of native species of plants, and a spring-fed pond. 

You may even run into some wildlife if you look closely enough. So whether you want to come and admire the art or enjoy the natural scenery and have lunch, the Bee Cave Sculpture Park is a unique place you should not miss. 

Address: 13333 State Hwy 71, Bee Cave, TX 78738, United States

20. Hippie Hollow Park

Among the best things to do in Lake Travis, TX, is skinny dipping at Hippie Hollow Park. 

Aside from being a place for skinny dipping, Hippie Hollow Park is a stunning location on the bank of Lake Travis. Hippie Hollow Park is located in Austin, 12 minutes from Lake Travis. 

This destination was established in 1973 under McGregor County Park. Hippie Hollow Park is the only official public park that permits people to swim naked in Texas. 

This park is situated on a sharp hill on Lake Travis, with limestone steps that are challenging. When you come down to the lake level, you will see a fantastic beach with eye-catching views of downtown Austin. 

Although Hip Hollow Park has allowed people to swim naked, the local government still has the right to control nudity within 200 ft of any beach or pool with children. 

Address: 7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732, United States

21. Cypress Creek Park

Cypress Creek Park is decent and can be easily accessed when you want to visit it. 

Cypress Creek Park is located in Austin, 14 minutes from Lake Travis. It is a famous site for fishing, picnics, and boating. 

This Park features a mildly sloping waterfront, barbecue grills, and picnic tables for individuals who enjoy eating outside. 

The boat ramp provides comfortable access to Lake Travis’s basin region. If you are interested in fishing, the Park has a fishing pier that stretches into the stunning Lake. 

Although people are allowed into Cypress Creek Park for free, you will have to pay for access during holidays and special events. 

Address: 13601 Bullick Hollow Rd, Austin, TX 78726, United States

22. Lakeway Resort and Spa

During your trip to Lake Travis, you may need a place to stay for a few days, so if you want a place that is family-friendly and cheap, you should lodge at Lakeway Resort and Spa. 

Lakeway Resort and Spa is located in Lakeway, TX, 16 minutes from Lake Travis. Lakeway offers an adventurous weekend filled with relaxation for adults and lots of fun activities to keep children entertained and pumped up. 

The Lakeway Resort and spa is located on the bank of stunning Lake Travis. The 168- room offers different rooms with quality and neat furnishings in calming colors that flatter the lakeside setting. 

This destination has three enormous freshwaters overlooking the Lake. One of the pools is for adults and has a swim-up bar. The second one has a volleyball and the third one is for children and has a water slide. 

There is also an extensive kids’ playroom that used to be a ballroom, an indoor mini-golf, different inflatable bouncy houses, air hockey, ping-pong, foosball, board games, crafts, a t.v showing kids’ movies, and an area for toddlers and toys. 

The on-site restaurant named Travis Restaurant features a decently upscale style with a fantastic view of Lake Travis. Its menu includes meals, pasta, steak, seafood, sandwiches, and lots more. 

Address: 101 Lakeway Dr, Lakeway, TX 78734, United States

23. Santa Catarina

If you are looking for a place to catch a quick bite during your trip to Lake Travis, you can take a 15 minutes trip to Lakeway and visit the Mexican restaurant, Santa Catarina. This destination has received a certificate of excellence award from 2015 to 2018. 

Santa Catarina mixes fresh ingredients with old and new Mexican recipes for an exciting and original dining experience. 

Additionally, the restaurant serves vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals to people who prefer such meals. 

They offer food and drinks daily during their happy hour from 4 pm-6 pm, including their signature guacamole, agave margaritas, and quesadillas. 

Address: 1310 Ranch Rd 620 S, Lakeway, TX 78734, United States

24. Hill Country Galleria

Hill Country Galleria is a contemporary shopping complex in Bee Cave. Like other modern shopping malls, Hill County Galleria is home to various retailers, including National and international brands. 

Whether you are interested in homeward, fashion, electronics, kid’s toys, furniture, or jewelry, you will discover several shops dealing with authentic and quality brands. 

Additionally, this shopping mall houses different restaurants from popular National and international food chains that you can visit to sample delicious meals after shopping.

Address: 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738, United States

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Plan a Visit to Lake Travis

Lake Travis, Texas is a beautiful destination to explore. You will enjoy every bit of time spent here. 

You will have fun picnicking, jet skiing, scuba diving, boating, fishing, and lots more. 

Make sure you go to Devil’s Cove and participate in the weekend boat party. Fun awaits you!