Lady Bird Lake Paddling Guide

An Austin Paddle Guide to Lady Bird Lake

An Austin lifestyle is incomplete without a visit to Lady Bird Lake. This dammed-off stretch of the Colorado River that offers endless recreational opportunities is filled with people every day of the week. On one side, the skyline of downtown Austin dominates the area, while on the other, Austin Zilker Park and Auditorium Shores define it as a recreation haven. Eight official access points (plus countless places to put in or take out) make the reservoir a fun place to spend a day on the water, whether on a lunch break or a weekend.

A girl sitting on a paddle board on Lady Bird Lake looking towards the downtown skyline is wearing a swimsuit and hat.

Credit Rachel Phillips.

AT LADY BIRD LAKE, WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

Most of the time, Lady Bird Lake offers paddling with a view of the city's skyline. It is possible to explore designated paddling trails or chart your own route on the lake. Additionally, both Barton Springs Pool and Deep Eddy Pool are spring-fed Austin pools that are open all year.

Festive Beach and Red Bud Isle are both popular rendezvous spots on the lake's shores. In the spring and summer months, locals occupy the beach areas and enjoy paddling in the shade of the Hill Country's signature cypress trees. In Austin, there are many businesses that rent kayaks, canoes, and SUPs to visitors and those without their own gear.

The Barton Creek Greenbelt with kayaks Credit Visit Austin, Arts + Labor.

PADDLEBOARDING, KAYAKING & CANOEING

There are many people who love the proximity of the lakes to downtown as well as their ease of accessibility. Renting a boat near the lake shore makes it convenient for visitors to get into the water. As there are no motorized boats on the water, it is a safe place for families to spend time together.

The lake's lack of motorized boats makes it ideal for paddlers of all types. Near Longhorn and Tom Miller dams, paddlers, fitness enthusiasts, and even rowing teams practice. There is plenty of distance for those who count their miles on the lake, making it easy to navigate.

PARKING & RELEVANT FACTS AT LADY BIRD LAKE

A number of lake trails are accessible from eight official access points along Lady Bird Lake. There are a few options for parking at the lake, depending on where you want to access it. In Zilker Park, there is ample and free parking available, although it can get busy and crowded. In the meantime, you can park at Red Bud Isle, Auditorium Shores, or any of the other entry points listed above.

Courtesy Rowing Dock, aerial view of kayakers and paddle boarders using Rowing Dock's rentals on the Lady Bird Lake shoreline.

CANOES, PADDLEBOARDS, & KAYAKS FOR RENT

There's no need to worry if you don't have your own kayak or paddleboard! The lake offers several rental places where you can rent all the equipment you'll need for a long (and safe!) day. It is located on Lakeshore Boulevard, southeastern part of Lady Bird Lake. Renting stand up paddleboards and kayaks is available at EpicSUP. The Rowing Dock is another great rental option located west of MoPac (Loop 1), right across the lake from Austin Deep Eddy Pool.

The rowing dock offers a variety of ways to get out on the lake, such as paddle boards, kayaks, pedal kayaks, or canoes. You can rent boats at Zilker Park Boat Rentals, which is located off Barton Creek, which feeds into Lady Bird Lake. Zilker Park Boat Rentals has a large fleet of canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore Barton Creek's beauty. The Texas Rowing Center, located on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake, is available for daily rentals, guided group tours, and special events. If you want to start your morning on the lake early, the Texas Rowing Center opens every morning at 6:00 a.m.

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