Lady Bird Lake Tours

Lady Bird Lake which includes cbd, skyline and a skyscraper
Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake showing a high rise building, a city and a lake or waterhole
Lady Bird Lake showing landscape views, a lake or waterhole and a skyscraper
Lady Bird Lake


Try a water sport or relax by the shoreline at this major feature in the Austin landscape.

Lady Bird Lake is a man-made lake and a point of pride for locals. It covers 470 acres (190 hectares) in the center of Austin, dividing the city evenly. There are no motorboats allowed on the lake (with the exception of electric motors under 5 horse power), so it's the perfect spot to canoe or kayak. Fishing is also popular, with an impressive population of largemouth bass, as well as redbreast sunfish and carp. There is a limit on the amount of fish you can catch and keep per day. Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for details.

Follow The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, which runs for 10 miles (16 kilometers) around the lake and is mostly flat. Rent a bike, by the hour or for a whole day, from half a dozen different bike shops around the city. Swimming is not allowed in the lake.

Enjoy the gardens along the shore, created by former First Lady of the United States and Austin local Lady Bird Johnson. She made such an important contribution to the city’s image in the 1970s that they named the lake after her.

The largest city-dwelling colony of bats in the world lives under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, which spans the lake from downtown Austin to the area of Bouldin. Between March and November and particularly on hot, humid August nights, this colony — estimated to be about 1.5 million bats — takes flight in search of food. The bats fan out in huge columns, so have your camera ready to catch this strange and beautiful sight on the Austin skyline.

Lady Bird Lake is a reservoir on the Colorado River in downtown Austin. There are several places to rent kayaks, rowboats and paddle boats.

Plan a trip to see Lady Bird Lake

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The Bonnie - 5 Bed Near Everything
Best stay in Austin
Club Wyndham Austin

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Reviews of Lady Bird Lake

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
615
5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
341
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
49
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
7
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Tried to paddle board but rentals were on hold due to thunder in the area.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

What a great place to walk!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Wish the lanes were accessible for scooters.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The Colorado River is quite dirty, trash was floating by and on the banks.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great for walking, running or biking.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lady Bird Lake

Omni Austin Hotel

Omni Austin Hotel

4 out of 5
700 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
Omni Austin Hotel
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street, Austin, TX
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
Hampton Inn Austin East Side 5th Street

Hampton Inn Austin East Side 5th Street

2.5 out of 5
2033 E. 5th Street, Austin, TX
Hampton Inn Austin East Side 5th Street
citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
citizenM Austin Downtown
Hotel Van Zandt

Hotel Van Zandt

4 out of 5
605 Davis Street, Austin, TX
Hotel Van Zandt
Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin East Side 5th Street

Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin East Side 5th Street

3 out of 5
2033 E. 5th Street, Austin, TX
Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin East Side 5th Street
Aiden Austin City Hotel

Aiden Austin City Hotel

4 out of 5
2200 S I H 35, Austin, TX
Aiden Austin City Hotel
Holiday Inn Austin -Town Lake by IHG

Holiday Inn Austin -Town Lake by IHG

3 out of 5
20 North IH-35, Austin, TX
Holiday Inn Austin -Town Lake by IHG
Fairmont Austin

Fairmont Austin

4 out of 5
101 Red River St, Austin, TX
Fairmont Austin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas, offers a vibrant mix of activities, including live music, festivals, and theater. Visitors can enjoy relaxing by the water with beach chairs while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Whether you're looking to explore the scenic trails or immerse yourself in the local culture, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this beautiful lakeside destination.

Shopping

For shopping near Lady Bird Lake, visit Wild About Music, just 2 miles away, for unique gifts. Southwood Center, 4 miles away, offers a variety of shops. If you're up for a drive, check out Barton Creek Square Mall, 5 miles away, for a larger shopping experience.

Recreation

Zilker Park, located 4 miles from Lady Bird Lake, offers a serene environment for relaxation and outdoor activities. Just 3 miles away, the Barton Springs Pool provides a refreshing spot for swimming and family fun. For entertainment, Austin City Limits, also 3 miles away, showcases lively music concerts.

Adventure

Explore the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike North End for scenic hiking and biking adventures, located 5 miles from Lady Bird Lake. For tennis enthusiasts, the Texas Tennis Center and Pharr Tennis Center, both within 2 and 4 miles respectively, offer exciting matches and a vibrant atmosphere.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife around Lady Bird Lake with a show at the Moody Theater or the historic Paramount Theatre, both offering a mix of culture and entertainment. For a larger venue, check out Bass Concert Hall for unforgettable performances, all within a short distance from the lake.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lady Bird Lake

When visiting Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture lovers and family experiences alike. Explore scenic lake views, historic civic buildings, and vibrant streets filled with local events. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational activities around Lady Bird Lake, ensuring a memorable vacation experience for all types of travelers.

  • Austin Convention Center: Experience the hub of Austin's events and conferences at this state-of-the-art venue. With its modern facilities and business-friendly atmosphere, it’s perfect for networking or attending exciting events.
  • South Congress Avenue: Stroll along this vibrant street known for its eclectic shops, trendy restaurants, and lively atmosphere. Enjoy the unique local culture, art, and music that make South Congress a must-visit destination.
  • Texas State Capitol: Explore the impressive architecture and rich history of the Texas State Capitol. Take a guided tour to learn about Texas government and its cultural significance, all while enjoying the beautiful grounds.

Best time to go to Lady Bird Lake

The best time to visit Lady Bird Lake is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May75.0°F (23.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July85.1°F (29.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August86.5°F (30.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lady Bird Lake

To save money during your visit to Lady Bird Lake, consider traveling in August or December to January when accommodation prices are lower, and avoid weekends, especially Saturdays. Look for deals on Expedia, filtering by price to find the best rates. Monday is the cheapest day to book your stay. Combine flights and hotel stays with an Expedia package deal for additional savings, and sign up for the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash rewards on future stays. Take advantage of the area's free activities, like walking or biking around the lake, to keep costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lady Bird Lake are August and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lady Bird Lake is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Lady Bird Lake is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Lady Bird Lake with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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