Austin is a lively city in the heart of Texas, the state capital and a major tourist destination. Visitors flock to Austin for major events like the South by Southwest SXSW Film and Music Festivals and Austin City Limits, along with mouth-watering barbecue and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Travel to Austin has become increasingly popular, and it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. It’s a haven for foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to enjoy the Texan culture and this beautiful state.

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Top Outdoor Activities & Things To Do in Austin, Texas

With great weather for most of the year, you can always find a good time to visit Austin and a way to enjoy outdoor activities when you’re there. Local residents spend the majority of their time outside, exploring state parks, going for bike rides, rock climbing, and floating down the rivers on tubes.

For a quick swim, head to the hot springs in Austin. Barton Springs is the most popular spot for locals and visitors to dip in for a refreshing cool off under the scorching sun during the summer months. Float down the Comal River, San Marcos River, or just bring tubes to float on a lake like Lake Travis or Lake Austin.

Boat Rentals & Water Experiences in Austin

Renting a boat during a trip to Austin is essential for exploring the lakes and spending quality time with friends and family. Whether you’re traveling with just one other person or with a big group, you can find the perfect boat rental or charter to fit your needs during your time in Austin.

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Best Boating Lakes in Austin

With Lake Travis, Lake Austin, the Colorado River, and Ladybird Lake to name a few, Austin is a haven for lake life enthusiasts who want to spend hours going for a swim and soaking up the sun. Rent a boat on Lake Travis and enjoy watersports like wakeboarding.

A favorite boat style to rent in Austin is a speedboat. These boats have seating capacity for small groups to relax comfortably onboard, and they are perfect for indulging in watersports or fishing. When you rent a boat or a yacht in Austin, you can arrange to have this extra equipment included to make the most of your day out on a lake. No boating experience? Don't worry. Captained boat charters are available to book in Austin, so you can have a local drive the boat and show you around.

Another boat rental option, especially for families or larger groups, is a houseboat. Houseboat rentals are a favorite in Austin, since you’ll have space on deck to spread out and enjoy a picnic, and some even come equipped with waterslides for extra fun.

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Party pontoons have become trendy with the summer crowds in Austin, due to the deck space they offer and the ease of operating them. Rent a pontoon or party barge in Austin for a summer celebration - it's perfect for bachelor and bachelorette parties, graduations, or family gatherings. Rent rafts to bring onboard for your pontoon party day in Austin, and tie off at an island to join with other boats also enjoying the sunshine.

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Jet Ski Rentals in Austin, Texas

To cruise at a higher speed in the lakes of Austin, rent a jet ski and fly through the waves. Book a jet skiing tour or rent a few with your friends to race through the water. It’s a fun activity to enjoy while staying in this part of Texas, and it’s the perfect choice for locals who want the fun of riding a jet ski without the cost of owning one.

Watersports in Austin, Texas

Sometimes a ride on a boat is not enough. For people looking to take it up a notch and infuse some excitement into their travels, booking a watersports excursion is a way to enjoy the outdoors in Austin. In addition to water activities like rafting down the rivers around Austin, you can also book watersports activities to include as a part of your boat rental.

Flyboarding Rentals & Lessons in Austin

Want to learn a new skill that will for sure have you laughing and making incredible memories? Book a flyboarding lesson during your trip to Austin, and learn how to shoot out of the water on jetpacks. Bring along your friends for a group rate, and try this exciting watersport with an instructor to show you how to use the equipment.

Wakeboarding & Wakesurfing Lessons & Rentals in Austin

It’s undeniable that wakeboarding and wakesurfing are cool watersports. Learning can be tricky, but with the right type of watercraft and an instructor like a captain, or by trying over and over again to pull yourself up behind the boat, you can learn how to wakeboard in a day during your stay in Austin.

Fishing Boat Rentals in Austin, Texas

If you’ve been dreaming about relaxing under the sun with your line in the water, book a fishing charter for the ultimate day in Austin, Texas. There are many fishing spots for everyone - from experienced anglers to families with kids. Casting off with a fishing pole for a few hours or an entire week with a local guide and captain to take you to the best spots is an excellent activity to book for your vacation in Austin. Take fishing equipment on your boat rental or book a fishing charter with a captain to include all bait, tackle, and gear you’ll need.


Paddleboard rentals and SUP Yoga in Austin

A fantastic activity for keeping fit and connecting with nature is stand-up paddleboarding. With 300 days of sunshine annually, Austin is known for hosting lots of outdoor yoga, and some yogis take it out on the water, with standup paddle or SUP yoga classes. Rent a paddleboard and power yourself through the lakes or take a SUP yoga class to find your zen and relax while staying fit in Austin.

Kayak rentals & tours in Austin

To see more points of interest around Austin from the perspective of the water, book yourself on a guided kayaking tour. While you can rent your own kayaks in Austin and explore solo, a guided tour by kayak is a fantastic way to see more and learn about the city.

Other Things To Do in Austin, Texas

Indulge in Texas barbecue

When you aren’t out cruising on a lake during your stay in Austin, make sure you sink your teeth into some delicious barbecue while in the city. Stop at local favorites like Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue, or Black’s BBQ for a plate of mouth-watering ribs and brisket and all your favorite southern sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and finish it all off with a pie for dessert.

State parks & outdoor land activities

On the banks of Town Lake is Zilker Park, a favorite outdoor spot for locals in Austin. There are lots of bike and walking trails, spots for outdoor picnics, and other outdoor recreation. Explore Zilker or McKinney Falls State Park, or for a real thrill, book yourself a ride on the Lake Travis Zipline Adventures.


Heading to Austin for a vacation or are you an Austin local looking for new ways to enjoy the outdoors in your city? Book a boat rental or water experience with Getmyboat!