How to Plan the Perfect Boat Day on Lake Travis
Everything to know before heading out for a day of swimming, cruising and dining on the water
Just about 40 minutes outside Austin, Lake Travis winds through the Texas Hill Country with limestone cliffs, hidden coves, waterfront restaurants and plenty of room for boating, tubing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding and relaxing on the water. Whether you’re booking a pontoon for a group, launching from a public park or ending the day with sunset views, this guide covers the best Lake Travis boat rentals, lake-access parks, marinas and waterfront dining spots to help you plan a smooth day on the lake.
What to know before you go
Water levels on the lake can fluctuate throughout the year, which may affect boat ramp access, swimming areas and overall conditions. Check current lake levels and marina or park updates before you go, especially during busy summer weekends and holidays.
Reservations are also highly recommended for boat rentals, particularly if you’re visiting with a group. Many boat rental companies offer pontoons, ski boats, wake boats and captained charters, so consider the size of your party and the type of day you want to have before booking.
Be sure to pack sunscreen, towels, plenty of water, snacks, sunglasses, a hat, a dry bag and water-friendly shoes. Boaters should also designate a sober driver, follow lake safety rules and keep an eye on weather conditions, which can change quickly in Central Texas.
Where to rent a boat on Lake Travis
There are many rental companies around Lake Travis offering everything from pontoons and jet skis to party barges, yacht charters and sailboat cruises. Prices, minimum rental times and capacity limits vary by company, so it’s best to confirm details directly before booking, especially for weekends and holidays.
Lakeway Marina
103 Lakeway Drive Unit A
Lakeway Marina offers several rental options, including party barges, runabouts, jet skis, pontoons, paddleboards and kayaks. Party barges hold up to 50 passengers and require a four-hour minimum, with weekday rentals listed at $987.24 and weekend and holiday rentals listed at $1,620.90. Runabouts rent for $150 per hour, hold up to eight people and have a two-hour minimum on weekends. Jet skis are also listed at $150 per hour with a two-hour weekend minimum, while pontoons rent for $150 per hour, hold up to 10 people and have a two-hour weekend minimum. For a slower-paced day on the water, paddleboards and single kayaks rent for $20 per hour, while double kayaks are $30 per hour.
Briarcliff Marina
406 Sleat Drive
Briarcliff Marina offers WaveRunners, pontoons, tritoons, ski boats and water toys. WaveRunners hold up to two people and are listed at $150 per hour. The marina’s 24-foot pontoon and tritoon rentals hold 10 to 12 people and start at $200 per hour, while ski boats hold six to eight people and are also listed at $200 per hour. Water toys, including kneeboards, tubes and water skis, are available for an additional fee.
Lake Travis Marina
16200 Lakeshore Drive
Lake Travis Marina offers party boat rentals, boat charters and water activities, including flyboarding. Prices are not listed online, so guests should contact the marina directly for booking details, availability and group options. The marina is located at 16200 Lakeshore Drive and markets itself as one of the closest full-service marinas on Lake Travis to downtown Austin.
Hurst Harbor Marina
16405 Clara Van St.
Hurst Harbor Marina serves as a launching point for several independently operated charter partners, including boat rentals, yacht charters, sailing charters and private luxury charters. Options include self-drive rentals through Float On Boat Rentals, yacht charters through Lake Travis Yacht Rentals, sailing experiences through Sail Austin Charters and private charters through Pleasure Hunter Charter. Hurst Harbor notes that all charter companies operate independently, so guests should contact each company directly to check pricing and availability. Lake Travis Yacht Rentals lists party boats starting at $625 to $725, depending on the boat, capacity and amenities.
Best parks with access to Lake Travis
Pace Bend Park
2805 Pace Bend Road N
Nestled just off State Highway 71 in Spicewood, this 1368-acre park stands as the largest lake park in Travis County. Pace Bend Park boasts two boat ramps, over nine miles of serene Lake Travis shoreline, and 20 coves and inlets, offering a tranquil haven for swimmers, boaters, and campers alike. Pace Bend Park offers an array of outdoor experiences for all to enjoy at $5 per person for a day park pass, $20 per campsite per night, and $30 for improved RV camping (two vehicles/eight-person limit per campsite).
Bob Wentz Park
7144 Comanche Trail
This popular Lake Travis park offers easy access for swimming, picnicking and nonmotorized water sports. The park’s Point area offers a small sandy peninsula with water access, covered picnic areas, restrooms, barbecue grills, picnic tables and a sand volleyball court. Day passes are $5 per person, and the entrance booth accepts cash only.
Mansfield Dam Park
Mansfield Park Drive
Located beside Mansfield Dam, this 71-acre park is one of Lake Travis’ main access points for boaters and home to the lake’s largest public boat ramp. Visitors can swim, fish, picnic, scuba dive or take in panoramic views from the hike-and-bike trail, playground, picnic shelters and shaded recreation areas. Admission is $5 per person, and the entrance booth accepts cash only.
Where to eat and drink on Lake Travis
Captain Pete’s Boathouse
18200 Lakepoint Cove
Formerly the The Gnarly Gar, this floating Lake Travis restaurant and bar is accessible by boat or by land through Point Venture Marina. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Captain Pete’s serves a casual menu of seafood, burgers, tacos, foot-long hot dogs and cocktails. Boaters can also stop by the marina shop for snacks, drinks, ice and fuel before heading back out on the water.
The Oasis On Lake Travis
6550 Comanche Trail
Known for its sweeping lake views and sunset-facing patios, The Oasis is more of a scenic Lake Travis experience than a quiet dinner destination. Guests can settle in with margaritas, Tex-Mex, seafood and weekend live music while taking in one of the area’s most recognizable views. For the best chance at prime seating, plan to arrive at least an hour before sunset.
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Lounge
513 Sleat Drive
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Lounge offers casual American and Mexican fare with lake views and live music on the weekends. Located above Briarcliff Marina, the restaurant is easy to reach by boat with its seven-slip dock, making it a convenient stop for a meal or drink overlooking Lake Travis.
Sundancer Grill
16410 Stewart Road
Sundancer Grill is a casual lakeside bar and bistro serving salads, sandwiches, steak, seafood and cocktails. Located by Sail & Ski Yacht Club, the restaurant offers complimentary boat parking at its courtesy dock, making it an easy stop for a tasty meal and lake views from the water.