Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake in Austin

Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake is a unique way to experience the vibrant outdoor culture of Austin, Texas. Known for its scenic beauty and central location, this lake offers both residents and visitors a chance to connect with nature while enjoying a host of water activities. Lady Bird Lake is not only a recreational hub but also an embodiment of the city’s commitment to preserving its natural landscapes. Paddleboarding here allows you to soak in the city skyline views and the lush surroundings, making it a must-do activity.

Adventure Guide to Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake

1. Rowing Dock
Located at 2418 Stratford Dr, Rowing Dock is a premier spot for renting paddleboards. What sets it apart is its convenient access to the lake, as well as the paddleboard lessons available for beginners. The facility also offers rentals for kayaks, making it a versatile choice. The friendly staff provides safety gear and tips to ensure an enjoyable experience.

2. The Zilker Boat Rentals
Situated within Zilker Park, this rental service is fantastic for capturing scenic views of both the lake and the Austin skyline. The direct access to trails also allows for great cross-activity options. Enjoy the serene environment and take in the sights of the iconic Austin skyline as you paddle your way around.

3. Lady Bird Lake Trail
While not a rental service, the Lady Bird Lake Trail is an essential part of your paddleboarding experience. The 3.1-mile loop provides stunning views alongside the shoreline. Paddling under the Congress Avenue bridge during dusk gives you the chance to witness the local bats emerging—a unique Austin occurrence.

Local Insights

Lady Bird Lake was named after former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, reflecting her dedication to beautifying the area. This history adds depth to your recreational experience. Locals suggest paddling in mid-week to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the surroundings.

Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, a hat, and your camera are essential.
Driving Directions: Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Austin, easily accessible via I-35 or Lamar Blvd.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Ellen Reilly2 months ago

Four friends and I rented both the SUPs and a kayak. The location is easy to find- it’s behind the hotel. Both of the people working were so friendly and helpful with any questions we had. They have a place to store anything like keys, phones etc. for you while you’re on the water. Beautiful views of the city but the best part was being able to hear the bats under S. Congress bridge. I will definitely be back the next time I’m in Austin.

David Nguyen3 months ago

We had a great time with Ladybird Lake Rentals with tandem kayaks and stand up paddle boards. Maddox was very friendly and informative and my group had a wonderful experience! He even offered to rebook us with a bit of an incoming storm but we were able to bear through with the lovely warm waters! The views of the city while on the water were amazing leading into sunset. Would highly recommend!

Ash Swartouta month ago

I have been in Austin about 4 months and finally decided to see what the hype was about! Worth every second of it! Extremely friendly and professional service! Will definitely be doing this again!

Crystal Felimaa month ago

Lovely sunset and we saw some bats! Overall, I would recommend, but I gave my experience a 3/5 because there’s some room for improvement. I’m not new to kayaking. My sunset tour felt more like getting a rental kayak. Why? There’s an assumption that you know what to do, so I feel for anyone who is new to a kayak and just has to wing it out in the water. Meaning, there was no instruction on putting on the life vest and how to use the paddles. This could take 45 seconds tops. One woman seemed to have struggled on our tour and she had to be tied to her son’s kayak to keep up. Our guide Mattock (or Maddox?) was great; he just needs to speak up louder when he’s giving instructions so everyone can hear.

Taylor Gilberta month ago

We had such a great experience with Lady Bird Lake Rentals. First, we scheduled this bat tour all the way back in September. Due to multiple last minute issues, we had to reschedule TWICE, and they were so incredibly accommodating. No questions asked, just happily moved our date further out. Which brings us to this evening, 11/2/24. We finally make it up to Austin (from San Antonio) for our tour. We’re greeted upon arrival by Brandon and Maddox. Both super friendly. They welcome us, and explain the process. Our tour guide is Maddox and we had such a great time with him. He was so sweet and knowledgeable! And so kind to my two young sons. Even helped one of them paddle when he got tired. We would absolutely recommend anyone to this business! We had such a fun experience.

Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake in Austin