Looking for the perfect adventure in Austin? Look no further – we’ve got you covered! In the bustling city known for its vibrant music scene and mouthwatering barbecue, there’s another hidden gem waiting to be discovered: urban paddleboarding. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice looking to try something new, Austin offers a plethora of top-notch SUP spots that will leave you in awe. From serene lakes to winding rivers, grab your paddleboard and get ready to explore the urban side of this Texas gem.
Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake is one of the most popular destinations for urban paddleboarding in Austin. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a serene and scenic experience for outdoor enthusiasts. There are several access points along the lake where you can launch your paddleboard and explore the beautiful surroundings.
Barton Creek Greenbelt Access Point
One of the access points to Lady Bird Lake is the Barton Creek Greenbelt Access Point. This area is known for its lush greenery and natural beauty. You can paddle along the calm waters of the lake and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The Barton Creek Greenbelt also offers hiking trails, so you can take a break from paddleboarding and explore the scenic trails.
Zilker Park Access Point
Zilker Park is another popular access point to Lady Bird Lake. This expansive urban park offers a wide range of activities, including paddleboarding. You can paddle along the lake and take in the stunning views of the city skyline. Zilker Park is also home to the famous Barton Springs Pool, where you can take a refreshing dip after your paddleboarding session.
Auditorium Shores Access Point
The Auditorium Shores Access Point is located near downtown Austin and offers easy access to Lady Bird Lake. This area is known for its vibrant atmosphere and is a popular spot for various outdoor activities, including paddleboarding. Launch your paddleboard from this access point and explore the waters of Lady Bird Lake while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Lake Austin
Lake Austin is another fantastic destination for urban paddleboarding in Austin. With its calm waters and scenic views, it offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are several access points along the lake that provide easy entry for paddleboarders.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
If you’re looking for a serene and picturesque spot to paddleboard, head to Emma Long Metropolitan Park. This park is located on the shores of Lake Austin and offers a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Launch your paddleboard from this access point and enjoy the calm waters of Lake Austin while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.
Cypress Creek Access Point
Cypress Creek Access Point is another great option for paddleboarding on Lake Austin. This access point is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Paddle along the creek and explore the calm waters surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a perfect spot to relax and unwind while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Pennybacker Bridge Access Point
For a unique paddleboarding experience with stunning views, head to the Pennybacker Bridge Access Point on Lake Austin. Launch your paddleboard and navigate your way under the iconic Pennybacker Bridge, also known as the 360 Bridge. This spot offers breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and the Austin skyline, making it a favorite among paddleboarders and photographers alike.
Colorado River
The Colorado River, which runs through Austin, offers a variety of access points for paddleboarding enthusiasts. With its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife, it’s a perfect place to explore on your paddleboard.
Walnut Creek Access Point
The Walnut Creek Access Point on the Colorado River is a hidden gem for paddleboarding. Launch your board here and paddle upstream to enjoy the peaceful and secluded areas of the river. The surrounding nature and wildlife make it a serene spot to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Colorado River.
Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park
Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park is another access point that provides a fantastic paddleboarding experience on the Colorado River. Paddle along the river and admire the diverse ecosystem of plants and animals. This park is also home to various hiking and biking trails, so you can combine your paddleboarding adventure with a scenic hike.
Fiesta Gardens Access Point
Fiesta Gardens is a vibrant park located along the banks of the Colorado River and is an excellent access point for paddleboarding. Launch your board here and paddle downstream, passing through the heart of Austin. As you navigate the river, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the city skyline and iconic landmarks.
Town Lake
Town Lake, another name for Lady Bird Lake, offers additional access points for paddleboarding within the city. These access points provide convenient entry to the lake and allow you to explore its tranquil waters.
Butler Park Access Point
Located near downtown Austin, the Butler Park Access Point is an ideal spot to begin your paddleboarding journey on Town Lake. Launch your paddleboard here and observe the scenic beauty that surrounds the lake. The park itself is also worth exploring, with its picturesque landscapes and stunning views of the city skyline.
Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge Access Point
Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge Access Point is another popular access point for paddleboarding on Town Lake. From here, you can paddle along the lake and take in the sights and sounds of Austin. The Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge itself is an architectural marvel and offers a unique perspective of the city as you paddle beneath it.
Mable Davis Park Access Point
Mable Davis Park Access Point provides easy entry to Town Lake and is a great place to start your paddleboarding adventure. Launch your board from here and explore the calm waters of the lake surrounded by greenery. Mable Davis Park is also a popular spot for picnicking and other outdoor activities, so you can make a day of it and enjoy a relaxing paddle followed by a picnic in the park.
Brushy Creek Lake Park
Brushy Creek Lake Park is a hidden gem for paddleboarding in Austin. With its tranquil waters and picturesque surroundings, it’s a perfect destination for a peaceful paddleboarding experience.
Great Oaks Drive Access Point
The Great Oaks Drive Access Point provides easy access to Brushy Creek Lake Park. Launch your paddleboard here and explore the serene waters of the lake. The park itself offers beautiful trails and picnic areas, so you can spend the entire day enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Red Bud Lane Access Point
Red Bud Lane Access Point is another entryway to Brushy Creek Lake Park. Paddle along the creek and enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings. The park also features a playground and various recreational facilities, making it a great spot for a family-friendly paddleboarding adventure.
Champion Park Access Point
Champion Park Access Point is located within Brushy Creek Lake Park and offers a convenient launch spot for paddleboarders. Launch your board here and navigate your way through the calm waters of the lake, surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife. The park itself offers plenty of amenities, including picnic areas and walking trails, so you can make the most of your day at the park.
Lake Travis
Lake Travis, located west of Austin, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its expansive waters and stunning views, it’s a paradise for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Mansfield Dam Park
Mansfield Dam Park is a popular access point for paddleboarding on Lake Travis. Launch your paddleboard from here and embark on a thrilling adventure on the vast waters of the lake. With its stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters, Mansfield Dam Park offers a picturesque setting for paddleboarding.
Sandy Creek Park
Sandy Creek Park is another fantastic destination for paddleboarding on Lake Travis. Launch your board here and explore the peaceful waters as you take in the breathtaking views. The park also offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and a swimming beach, so you can enjoy a full day of outdoor activities.
Bee Creek Preserve
Bee Creek Preserve is a hidden oasis for paddleboarding on Lake Travis. This natural preserve offers a secluded and peaceful experience for paddleboarders. Launch your board from here and paddle along the tranquil waters of the lake surrounded by scenic landscapes. The preserve also features hiking trails, so you can combine your paddleboarding adventure with a refreshing hike.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is a popular spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts in Austin. With its calm waters and beautiful surroundings, it offers a serene and peaceful experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
Yager Lane Access Point
Yager Lane Access Point is a convenient entryway to Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. Launch your paddleboard from here and explore the calm waters of the creek. The park itself offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking and biking trails, making it a great spot for a day of outdoor adventure.
Johnny Morris Road Access Point
Johnny Morris Road Access Point provides easy access to Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. Launch your board here and paddle along the creek, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty. The park also features picnic areas and playgrounds, so you can make it a fun-filled day for the whole family.
North Star Greenbelt Access Point
North Star Greenbelt Access Point is another entryway to Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. Launch your board here and explore the calm waters of the creek, surrounded by lush greenery. The park offers miles of nature trails, giving you the opportunity to combine your paddleboarding adventure with a scenic hike.
Walter E. Long Lake
Walter E. Long Lake, also known as Decker Lake, is a popular destination for outdoor activities in Austin. With its peaceful waters and beautiful surroundings, it’s a great spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Decker Lake Road Access Point
Decker Lake Road Access Point provides easy entry to Walter E. Long Lake. Launch your paddleboard here and navigate your way through the calm waters of the lake. The park surrounding the lake offers various amenities, including picnic areas and fishing spots, so you can make the most of your paddleboarding adventure.
Travis County Exposition Center Access Point
Travis County Exposition Center Access Point is another entryway to Walter E. Long Lake. Launch your board here and paddle along the lake, enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings. The park surrounding the exposition center offers ample space for outdoor activities, so you can spend a fun-filled day paddleboarding and exploring the park.
Pioneer Crossing Park Access Point
Pioneer Crossing Park Access Point is a hidden gem for paddleboarding on Walter E. Long Lake. Launch your board from here and explore the calm waters of the lake surrounded by scenic beauty. The park offers amenities such as picnic areas and hiking trails, so you can make the most of your day at the park.
Bull Creek District Park
Bull Creek District Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Austin. With its picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife, it’s a fantastic spot for paddleboarding.
Campbell’s Hole
Campbell’s Hole is a popular access point for paddleboarding in Bull Creek District Park. Launch your paddleboard here and explore the tranquil waters surrounded by lush greenery. The park also offers hiking trails, so you can take a break from paddleboarding and explore the scenic beauty of the area.
Upper Bull Creek
Upper Bull Creek is another access point that provides a serene paddleboarding experience in Bull Creek District Park. Paddle along the creek and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you immerse yourself in nature. The park offers various amenities, including picnic areas and swimming holes, so you can make it a day of outdoor fun.
Lower Bull Creek
Lower Bull Creek is a hidden gem for paddleboarding in Bull Creek District Park. Launch your board here and navigate the tranquil waters of the creek, surrounded by scenic landscapes. The park itself offers hiking trails and picnic areas, so you can explore the park and enjoy a picnic after your paddleboarding session.
McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is a natural oasis located just outside of Austin. With its stunning waterfalls and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts, including paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Onion Creek Access Point
Onion Creek Access Point is one of the entryways to McKinney Falls State Park, offering access to the tranquil waters of the creek. Launch your paddleboard here and explore the calm waters as you take in the beauty of the park. McKinney Falls State Park is also home to beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails, so you can combine your paddleboarding adventure with a scenic hike.
Lower Falls Access Point
Lower Falls Access Point is another access point within McKinney Falls State Park, providing easy entry to the serene waters of Onion Creek. Paddle along the creek and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you immerse yourself in nature. The park also offers swimming areas and picnic spots, so you can cool off after your paddleboarding session.
Homestead Trail Access Point
Homestead Trail Access Point is a popular entryway to McKinney Falls State Park, offering access to the banks of Onion Creek. Launch your board here and paddle along the creek, taking in the scenic beauty and tranquility of the park. The park also features numerous hiking and biking trails, so you can combine your paddleboarding adventure with a refreshing hike or bike ride.
In conclusion, Austin offers numerous top spots for urban paddleboarding. Whether you prefer the calm waters of Lady Bird Lake or the expansive lakes such as Austin, Travis, or Walter E. Long, there are access points throughout the city that cater to all skill levels and preferences. From the serene serenity of Brushy Creek Lake Park to the vibrant atmosphere of Fiesta Gardens on the Colorado River, there is no shortage of options for paddleboarding enthusiasts in Austin. So grab your paddleboard, head to one of these fantastic locations, and embark on an unforgettable paddleboarding adventure in the heart of the city.
