Lake Travis: Your Complete Visitor's Guide
Complete guide to Lake Travis near Lago Vista, TX — swimming holes, boat rentals, cliff jumping, waterfront restaurants, state parks, and the best sunset spots.
Lake Travis is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Texas. Stretching 270 miles across the Highland Lakes region of the Hill Country, it’s a playground for boaters, swimmers, anglers, cliff jumpers, and anyone who loves a spectacular Texas sunset over open water.
When you stay at The Island on Lake Travis, you’re right on it.
Swimming & Water Activities
From The Island
The Island’s private marina provides direct lake access. Launch a kayak or paddleboard, take a swim, or arrange a boat rental through our marina concierge.
Lake Travis Swimming Holes
Lake Travis is known for its clear, clean water — especially on the North Shore where the Highland Lakes water quality tends to be excellent. Popular spots include:
- Pace Bend Park — 1,500-acre park with multiple coves for swimming, cliff jumping (at your own risk), and camping
- Hippie Hollow Park — Texas’s only clothing-optional public park, with dramatic limestone outcroppings over the water
- Arroyo Seco — A quieter cove area popular with locals
Water Sports & Rentals
Multiple outfitters on Lake Travis offer boat rentals, jet ski rentals, pontoon boats, wakeboarding, and sailing charters. Our concierge can recommend local providers based on your group’s interests.
Boating on Lake Travis
Lake Travis is one of the premier boating destinations in Texas. The lake stretches from the Mansfield Dam (near Austin) to the Llano River confluence, with dozens of coves, marinas, and waterfront stops along the way.
Marinas Near The Island
- The Island’s Private Marina: for guests with their own boats or kayaks
- Point Venture Marina (Point Venture): slips are leased to Point Venture Association members
- NorthShore Marina (The Hollows, Jonestown): a deepwater floating marina with a ship’s store and fuel, named Marina Dock Age’s 2021 Marina of the Year (large marina)
- Briarcliff Marina (Briarcliff): full service, open seven days a week, with boat rentals
- Sandy Creek Yacht Club and VIP Marina (Volente): ship’s store and fuel on the east end of the lake
- Lakeway Marina (Lakeway): a family marina since the 1960s
- Safe Harbor Emerald Point (Austin side, formerly Emerald Point Marina)
Boat Ramps
The Island has one boat ramp, next to the land bridge. Lake access is subject to the water level, so check the water level guide before you trailer a boat in.
If the Island’s ramp isn’t usable, these public ramps are nearby. Some charge a day-use fee, and each has its own usable lake level, so confirm the ramp is open before you go.
- Bar-K Park — Lago Vista
- Arkansas Bend Park — Travis County park, Lago Vista
- Sandy Creek Park — Travis County park, off Lime Creek Road
- Jones Brothers Park — Jonestown
Already have a slip lined up? Island guests, tenants, and owners can rent a boat slip at The Island’s marina and skip the ramp entirely.
Boat Rentals
Several outfitters rent pontoon boats, fishing boats, and ski boats by the half-day or full day. Some offer captained sunset cruises as well — ideal for groups who want to enjoy the lake without one person playing captain all day.
- Liquid Thrillz (Point Venture): ski boats, pontoons and personal watercraft, with delivery on the North Shore
- Lago Vista Boat Rentals (Lago Vista): ski boat and pontoon rentals delivered to you
- Briarcliff Marina, VIP Marina and Lakeway Marina: rentals straight from the marina
- Just for Fun Watercraft Rentals (Emerald Point): personal watercraft and boats
- Harborside Rentals: houseboat rentals for a day or longer on the water
- Sail Austin Charters: private captained sailing charters for celebrations and sunset sails
Confirm availability and delivery areas with each company before you book.
Fishing
Lake Travis is an excellent bass fishing lake, with largemouth bass the primary target. The lake also holds striped bass, white bass, catfish, and crappie.
- From The Island: Fish from the private pier or launch a kayak for quiet early-morning fishing in the coves
- Guides: Local fishing guides offer half-day and full-day guided trips for all skill levels
Cliff Jumping
Lake Travis is famous for its cliff jumping. The most popular spot is the “Redbud Isle” area and sections of Pace Bend Park. Always scout the water before jumping and never jump alone. Cliff heights vary — exercise caution.
Sunsets & Scenic Spots
Lake Travis sunsets are legendary. From The Island’s pools and balconies, you’ll have unobstructed western views across the water. The Oasis on Lake Travis (about 25 minutes from The Island) is the famous multi-level deck restaurant built into the cliff — a classic sunset destination.
State Parks & Outdoor Areas
- Pace Bend Park — 25 minutes from The Island; camping, swimming, hiking, and some of the best cliff jumping on the lake
- Muleshoe Bend — Great for kayaking and wildlife watching
- Pedernales Falls State Park — 45 minutes; stunning waterfall hiking on the Pedernales River
Lake Travis Water Level
Lake Travis is a flood control reservoir managed by the LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority). Water levels fluctuate seasonally — at full pool, the lake is spectacular; during drought years, levels can drop significantly. Check current lake levels at lcra.org before planning your trip.
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