Things to Do Near Lake Travis & Lago Vista, TX

The Island on Lake Travis is the perfect base for exploring the Texas Hill Country. Whether you want to stay on the water, venture into the hills, or day-trip to some of Texas’s most beloved small towns — you’re centrally located for all of it.

At The Island

You don’t have to leave the resort to fill a day. Every stay includes the resort pools and hot tubs, lighted tennis courts, the fishing pier, the private marina, and the on-site restaurant and bar. See guest services and resort amenities for the full list, or rent a golf cart to get around.

On the Water

Lake Travis Water Sports

From The Island’s private marina, you can launch kayaks, paddleboards, or your own boat directly onto Lake Travis. Local outfitters offer:

Boat rentals — pontoon boats, ski boats, fishing boats
Jet ski rentals — available at multiple marinas on the lake
Guided sailing charters — sunset and daytime tours
Wakeboarding & tubing — with boat rental or guided

Swimming & Cliff Jumping

Pace Bend Park (~25 min) — 1,500 acres with multiple swimming coves, cliff jumping areas, and camping
Hippie Hollow — Texas’s only clothing-optional park, dramatic limestone over the lake
The Island pools — 3 resort pools on-site, no driving required

Fishing

Lake Travis holds largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and crappie. Fish from The Island’s private pier or hire a local guide for a half-day trip.

Hill Country Day Trips

Fredericksburg (~90 minutes)

The heart of Texas wine country. Main Street is lined with German-style shops, local restaurants, and boutique hotels. Nearby, dozens of Hill Country wineries offer tastings on beautiful ranch properties. Plan a full day.

Wimberley (~1 hour)

A beloved Hill Country town on the Blanco River. Famous for Blue Hole Regional Park (a swimming hole in a crystal-clear spring-fed river), local artisan shops, and the Wimberley Zipline Adventures.

Marble Falls (~45 minutes)

A charming small city on the Highland Lakes chain. Good restaurants, antiquing, and the Gateway to the Texas Wine Trail. Also close to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (~1.5 hours)

One of Texas’s most iconic outdoor destinations — a massive pink granite dome you can scramble to the top of. Bring water, go early in summer.

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking & Trails

Pace Bend Park — lakeside trails and scrambling
Milton Reimers Ranch Park — rock climbing, mountain biking, and swimming near Dripping Springs (~40 min)
Pedernales Falls State Park (~45 min) — swimming holes and waterfall hiking

Zip Lines & Adventure Parks

Wimberley Zipline Adventures — One of the best zip line courses in Central Texas
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures — High above Lake Travis with scenic views (check current operations)

Cycling

The Hill Country roads around Lake Travis are legendary among Texas cyclists. Rolling hills, light traffic, and stunning scenery. Bring your bike or ask about local rental options.

Lake Travis Parks Near The Island

Travis County and the LCRA run a string of lakeside parks within half an hour of The Island. Most charge a small day-use fee, and lake access at each one depends on the water level, so check the park’s page before you go. The county’s park map shows them all.

Arkansas Bend Park (Lago Vista): a quiet 323-acre park with two miles of shoreline, shaded picnic and camping areas, hiking and a boat ramp. The closest public park to The Island.
Pace Bend Park (Spicewood, about 25 minutes): more than nine miles of shoreline, with limestone cliffs and rocky coves on the west side and gentler beaches on the east. Camping, swimming and the lake’s best-known cliff jumping.
Mansfield Dam Park (Austin side): next to the dam on the main body of the lake, one of the main boat launches, with picnicking and swimming.
Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point (Austin side): a favorite for windsurfing, sailing, swimming and scuba diving, about half an hour from downtown Austin.
Hamilton Pool Preserve (southwest of Austin, near Dripping Springs): a collapsed grotto where Hamilton Creek drops 50 feet into a jade-green pool. Reservations are required every day, and swimming depends on water quality.
Krause Springs (Spicewood): a family-owned swimming hole on the National Register of Historic Places, with dozens of springs feeding a cypress-lined pool. Open mid-February to mid-November, with day passes and camping.

Arts, Culture & Live Music

Austin (~40 minutes)

Austin’s live music scene needs no introduction. The “Live Music Capital of the World” has hundreds of venues across every genre — from the legendary honky-tonks of 6th Street to intimate singer-songwriter shows. Plan a night-out in Austin during your stay.

Local Events

The Lake Travis / Lago Vista area hosts events throughout the year — fishing tournaments, holiday boat parades, and seasonal festivals. Check with our team for what’s happening during your visit.

Shopping

Lago Vista — Small local shops and necessities within 10 minutes
Marble Falls — Antique shops and boutiques on and around Main Street
Fredericksburg — Premier shopping destination for Texas-made goods, wine, and gifts
Austin — Everything else

Questions about planning your trip? Our team knows the area well. Call (512) 267-4887 or contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Things to Do Near The Island on Lake Travis