Whether you're paddling on a river, lake, or ocean, paddleboarding is a great way to get out and enjoy the water. And Austin is one of the perfect places to paddleboard, with its many waterways and beautiful scenery.

So where are the best places to paddleboard in Austin? Here are our top picks:

1. LADY BIRD LAKE

Looking for the best place to paddle board in Austin, look no further than Lady Bird Lake. This paddle boarding mecca offers beautiful views of downtown Austin and is a great place to paddle board all year round. Another thing that I like is how this lake is how it is easy to access and its proximity to downtown.

Because this lake has calm water, is easy to navigate, and there are no motorized boats, I recommend this place for beginners to learn how to be stable on their board.

Visiting Lady Bird Lake is free and you can access it from 8 official access points, and depending on this, parking will vary.

If you are looking for an easy-to-access launch point, I will say check the Festival Beach ramp on the north side of the lake, the Rowing Dock southbound side, or the Austin High Boat Launch. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Lady Bird Lake is the perfect place to paddle board in Austin.

2. SECRET BEACH

Secret Beach is a great place to paddle board if you're looking for a more secluded experience. Located just 15 minutes east of downtown Austin, this hidden gem is located on Lake Austin and offers paddleboarders stunning views of the surrounding hills.

It's a great place to paddle board when the weather is nice, but be aware that there can be some strong currents in the area. Just to let you know, if you are interested in this place, you have to carry your own paddle board there because they are no SUP rental services available.

If you are like me and you often get hangry after activities, you have many surrounding restaurants for a decent nice meal at the end of the day.

3. LAKE TRAVIS

If you want to paddle board in Austin but don't want to be in the city, then Lake Travis is the perfect place for you. This large lake is located just 30 minutes outside of Austin and offers paddleboarders plenty of room to explore. There are also many paddle boarding companies that offer rentals and lessons so that you can paddle board at your own pace. If you have experience and you want to get a fresh catch, you can do that on the lake with its high population of fish.

If you are a city dweller looking for a weekend gateway in tranquil bright blue water, I highly recommend you paddleboarding in this lake.

Even if you don’t have your own SUP board, you can still get a taste of Lake Travis by renting a SUP from Lakeway Marina.

4. LAKE WALTER E. LONG

Lake Walter E. Long is another great underrated paddle boarding place in Austin.

This lake is massive with its 1165 acres located east of Austin and offers paddleboarders beautiful views of the city. In its surrounding, you have also another 3695-acre park.

I recommend this small lake for beginners looking for a relaxed paddleboarding session on a flat water body with easy access. For experienced paddlers looking to try SUP fishing, this is a great place where they may encounter largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, and hybrid striped bass.

If no SUP rental shop is available at the time of your visit, you can rent a SUP board from other businesses like Epic SUP and use it at Lake Walter E. Long. Lake Walter E. Long is a great place for a quick SUP paddle session after work all year round, but be aware that the water can get pretty choppy in the winter months.

Besides paddleboarding, this lake features throughout the park open spaces for jet skis/boating, biking, picnic tables and grills, volleyball courts, and restrooms.

5. BARTON SPRINGS POOL

Located right off Zilker Park through Barton Creek, Barton Springs Pool is one of Austin's most popular paddle boarding spots.

This man-made pool fed by natural underground springs is located in Zilker Park and offers paddleboarders a place to paddle board all year round.

For your own safety, the pool does have lifeguards for some time periods.

With an average water temperature of 68-70 degrees, the Barton Springs Pool is great for year-round paddleboarding. Looking for a great place to picnic and relax on a sunny day, Barton Springs Municipal Pool makes a great choice for you in Austin.

Just to note, there is an entrance fee to access this federally protected habitat and it is also close every Thursday from 9 AM to 7 PM for cleaning to maintain it for wildlife and guests.

6. LAKE AUSTIN

Lake Austin is a section of the Colorado River that cuts through the city of Austin. This lake is located just outside of downtown Austin and offers paddleboarders beautiful views of the city.

Even though this place has the word “lake” in its name, I see it as more like a river than a lake. Wherever its technical name is, this place is quite wide and offers plenty of room. So, even in prime time, you can still get yourself a place away from the crowds if you want to.

The lake is also home to many paddle boarding companies that offer rentals and learning lessons. Several species of fish call this lake home, including bass, catfish, and sunfish, and this lake is one of the best SUP fishing areas within Austin city limits. When paddling Lake Austin, be aware of the boats cruising near you and always stay close to the outside perimeter of the lake in order to stay safe.

On this lake, you can park for $5/day in the parking near the Walsh Boat Landing and launch your SUP board from the concrete boat ramp there. Then, for a quiet paddle session surrounded by lakefront homes, take a detour down Bee Creek or just paddle up the lake and back for a fun time if you are with your buddies.

7. FESTIVAL BEACH

Festival Beach is a great place to paddle board in Austin. It is located on Lady Bird Lake and offers paddleboarders beautiful views of downtown Austin. This place is also home to many paddle boarding events. Festival Beach is the perfect spot to watch a sunrise or sunset with your family.

Looking to paddleboard in a history-rich place, with beautiful surroundings, no required logistical efforts, and in a serene atmosphere near Austin? Check the Festival Beach.

8. SNAKE ISLAND

Similar to Secret Beach, if you're looking for a more secluded place to paddle board, then Snake Island is the perfect spot for you just east down the river from Lady Bird Lake.

This small island is tucked away on Lady Bird Lake and offers paddleboarders a calm paddleboarding experience because a few people try to get to this remote location. Snake Island is a great place to paddle board when the weather is nice, but be aware that there can be some strong currents in the area.

The name of this island may sound scary, but it's nothing compared to what you'll find on it. There are no snakes there at all! But there is plenty more open water for a tour around the island on a paddleboard.

Looking for a quick SUP paddling session near Austin downtown, check this little island that features a tree swing, rope swing, and trapeze at various times. Just to note, swimming in this lake is illegal and open fires are banned many times of the year.

9. SAN MARCOS RIVER

The San Marcos River is a great place to paddle board in Austin. This river is only a 30-minute drive from Austin and offers paddleboarders beautiful views.

The river is also home to many fish, so you can paddle board and fish at the same time. The San Marcos River is a great place to catch some fish. This includes smallmouth, largemouth, and Guadalupe/Smallmouth hybrids as well as catfish that can all be caught in one day.

If you’re looking for just an escape from the hustle and bustles of life, head on down to SUP SMTX and rent a paddle board that costs between $30-$40.

Just to note, some sections of this river, like Rio Vista Falls in the off-season, are more challenging with their whitewater than other sections above the park.

Looking for a lazy float down a sparkling Texas river within a 30-minute drive from Austin? Look no further than the San Marcos River. Just remember to bring your life vest, stay hydrated, and stick to public access points.

10. LOWER COLORADO RIVER

Located below Austin, the Colorado River is a wide and slow-moving stretch of water that offers plenty to explore. It is also quiet, which makes it a great place for relaxed paddling.

Like the majority of the rivers in Texas, the Lower Colorado River goes through private properties. I recommend this river for paddlers looking for a lazy multi-day trip on the water.

11. SPRING LAKE AUSTIN

Located 40 minutes south of downtown Austin, Spring Lake is environmental preservation and one of the clearest bodies of water in Texas because it is preserved and tightly controlled. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel, mask, and your own paddle to explore the breathtaking crystal clear water and attractively unusual surroundings.

Similar to Lake Travis, this lake has a limestone bottom that makes it have an exotic appearance.

This lake is constantly researched by the Meadows Center and the Environment and REI Outdoor School may have some arranged tours in this place. You can reach them for updated information.

12. MCKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK

The McKinney Falls State Park is an easy-to-visit park just a few minutes northwest of Buda (or about 13 miles from downtown Austin).

This land is donated to the State of Texas in 1973 to be officially opened to the public in 1976. The McKinney Falls State Park offering 81 campsites is a large park managed by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Paddling in this park can be done on Onion Creek and fishing requires no license.

The park is open daily from 8 AM to 10 AM and the entrance is free for children under 12.

For paddle boarders who like to fish from their SUP boards, at the McKinney Falls State Park water, you can catch bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Besides paddleboarding, you can also start a hike or camp at one of the park's 81 campsites with water and electricity.

13. RED BUD ISLE

The Red Bud Isle is a quiet 13-acre park located below the Tom Miller Dam that separates Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake. Most of the time, the water is calm and slow.

Things you can do in this place include going down the lake towards downtown for a longer trip, or touring around the island. It is important to note that if the dam opens while you are still downstream, you may find yourself paddling against the current, which can be very strong near the dam.

The park is open from sunset to sunrise with no entrance fee. I highly recommend SUPers with dogs to visit the Red Bud Isle. This place is one of the best places for off-leash romps. If you don’t have your own paddle board, you can rent one at the dock.

FAQ

Whether you're a paddleboarding novice or an experienced pro, these are the best places to paddleboard in Austin.

Before I go, I want to let you know that you can join our SUP Facebook Group, where a friendly staff and SUP specialists will give you the best support and help possible for everything related to paddle boards.

With all of these great places to paddleboard, you're sure to have a blast! Just be sure to follow the safety rules and regulations so that everyone can enjoy the experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start paddling!