Outdoors

Outdoor Recreation in the Lake Travis Area

Austinites are known for their health-conscious attitudes, and the communities surrounding Lake Travis are no different.

You can always spot cyclists and runners in the area, whether in neighborhoods or even on the more busy roadways. You'd almost have to work at not being active considering the many miles of hiking and biking trails, swimming spots and array of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed all year long.

Recreational activities aside, the Lake Travis area is home to all manner of athletes, including various championship teams at the high school level. Among them is the Lake Travis High School football program which boasts six state titles.

But you don't have to be in training for a marathon to enjoy the great outdoors in the Lake Travis area. Check out some of the Lake Travis area outdoor activities you and your family can start enjoying today.

Charro Ranch Park: A Natural Texas Hill Country Experience

Written by Mandy Spivey | September 3, 2014

On the outer edge of the Texas Hill Country sits Dripping Springs. This quiet community, with just over 2,000 in population, is well-known as a portal to nearby towns such as Spicewood, Driftwood and Fredericksburg.

In recent decades, great strides have been made to bring more commerce, business and amenities to the area, some 25 miles from downtown Austin. It has been hailed as one of the best places to get married in the Texas Hill Country due to the green rolling hills, picturesque ranch-style wedding spots and access to the Hill Country wine trail.

360 Overlook at the Pennybacker Bridge: Undeniably Austin

Written by Mandy Spivey | August 27, 2014

Ask an Austinite about their favorite part of the city — a place that is undeniably Austin.

Some locals favor the South Congress Bridge and its noctivagant bat guests that make an appearance each night at dusk. Others will cite the numerous parks, such as Zilker Park and Auditorium Shores as their favorite place to take in the city.

Out of the many picturesque places around town, one of the choice spots to enjoy is a scenic lookout over Lake Austin at the 360 Bridge, also known as Pennybacker Bridge. Located along the Capital of Texas Highway, this legendary bridge fully connects the North and South sides of Austin. Everyday, upwards of 50,000 vehicles pass over Pennybacker Bridge, using the throughway for commutes to work, home and everything in between. Indeed, it’s difficult to imagine just what Austin would be like without this historic bridge which was opened and dedicated in late 1982.

Lake Travis Area Trails: Bull Creek Greenbelt

Written by Mandy Spivey | August 25, 2014

When you’re in search of a little hike and time alone in nature, take a short drive up Capital of Texas Highway to Bull Creek in West Austin. Here you will find what many locals hail as the most scenic greenbelt around, complete with limestone cliffs, babbling creeks, seasonal wildflowers and natural flora and fauna.

The history of Bull Creek goes back to prehistoric ages, namely the Early Archaic to Late Prehistoric phases, however the early Anglo settlers of this era were Will Preece, wife Elizabeth Gideon, and sons Richard Lincoln Preece and Will Jr.. The Preece family owned a few thousand acres of land in central Texas in the areas of Austin and Cedar Park, and after settling in the Bull Creek area in 1838, the plot began to earn its reputation as one of the prime spots for hiking and swimming.

Dell Diamond: Family-Friendly, Fireworks, Food and Fun!

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | August 18, 2014

There’s something right about a summer evening and baseball, and we’re lucky to have an amazing, family-friendly venue for it in our backyard. The Round Rock Express, a Triple-A team affiliated with the Texas Rangers, plays home games at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock. The games are fun and the entire family can enjoy a night at the ballpark for less than it costs to go to the movies.

The ballpark itself is great. It was built with families in mind, including a “Fun Zone” area that includes a playscape, full basketball court, bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall and more. Several activities are free while others cost a small fee — or you can purchase a $10 wristband for unlimited access to all. It’s entertaining for the kids and gives them the opportunity to do things they don’t normally get to do.

Lake Travis Marinas: West Beach Marina

Written by Mandy Spivey | July 30, 2014

With the summer sun above Lake Travis, it’s hard not to want to spend a day boating around the lake. The 63-mile long lake is a favorite among Central Texas and is one of the most populated of all of the Highland Lakes.

And if you’re a boat owner, the choice of where to keep your boat can be a real task when you consider the multitudes of marinas in the Lake Travis area. There are several marinas on the South Shore of Lake Travis, all of which offer different amenities, boat slips or dry stack storage options.

Outdoors

Outdoor Recreation in the Lake Travis Area

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