Attractions at Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is a main attraction for Austin residents and visitors alike. If you are looking for something to do on a nice day, there is no shortage of fun activities in this beautiful location. Once known as Town Lake, its name was recently changed to commemorate former first lady Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson and the many contributions that she made to the Austin area. Whether you are young or old, newcomer or native-born, there is something for everyone at Lady Bird Lake.

Since the lake is closed to motor boats, kayaking and canoeing are popular pastimes on the lake. Rental establishments can be found along the water, and some nearby sports stores offer day rentals as well. From the Mopac pedestrian bridge, you may catch sight of a kayak water polo game in the evenings.

If you are interested in the more traditional sport of rowing, Lady Bird Lake is also host to a number of crew teams. The University of Texas NCAA Women's Rowing Team, Texas Crew, and Austin Rowing Club all practice and race on the lake. Sculls are available for daily rental at Austin Rowing Dock or you can sign up to row regularly with the Austin Rowing Club.

Along the shores of Lady Bird Lake, you will find some iconic swimming holes. Deep Eddy Pool, located on the northern shore, is the oldest swimming pool in Texas. If you like the refreshing feel of cold spring water, Barton Springs Pool is fed by underground spring water that falls between 68 and 72 degrees year round.

Lady Bird Lake is also a dog friendly area. There is an off-leash dog park on the southern shore, and Red Bud Island, just south of Tom Miller Dam, is a popular park for dogs and dog lovers. Lady Bird Lake Trail surrounds the lake and is wide enough to accommodate runners, walkers, bicyclists, baby strollers, dog walkers, and more.

Seasonal events also take place around the lake. Zilker Park, a huge metropolitan park just south of the lake, hosts the Austin City Limits music festival each fall and is also home to the holiday Trail of Lights festival. It is an ideal place to start a game of frisbee, catch, or to fly a kite. The nearby Zilker Botanical Garden provides an impressive array of themed gardens sheltered from the bustling activity of the lake and park.

Contact Us

For more information on Lady Bird Lake, other Austin attractions and living in Austin, please contact an Austin real estate professional of the Carvajal Group at 512-419-7770.