Things To Do In Austin logo

Things To Do In Austin

GuidesLakes & WaterLake Travis

Best Lake Travis Parks

PACE BEND PARK [caption id="attachment_7086" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Rock Climbing On Pace Bend Park[/caption] Located in far western Travis County...

Guide snapshot

Read time

7 min read

Freshness

Updated March 30, 2026

Best for

Lakes & Water

Start here

The useful version, not the everything version.

This guide is formatted to help you scan fast, understand the local angle, and jump from inspiration to a real plan without twenty open tabs.

PACE BEND PARK

[caption id="attachment_7086" align="alignnone" width="1000"]Pace Bend Park Rock Climbing On Pace Bend Park[/caption]

Located in far western Travis County in the Hill Country of central Texas, Pace Bend Park is one of the most popular areas across Lake Travis. The park covers more than nine miles of shoreline along with the beautiful Lake Travis, offering scenic views and a wide range of recreational opportunities.

Lake Travis park shoreline at Pace Bend Park
Lake Travis parks can feel completely different from one another. Pick based on swimming, cliffs, picnic space, camping, or boat access instead of distance alone.

Pace Bend Park’s west comprises high cliffs made of limestones and rocky coves. From here, you can experience some of the most breathtaking views of the lake, especially at sunset.

One of the best parts about Pace Bend Park is its easy accessibility. There is a six-mile, paved roadway looping the park. You can travel the distance via your vehicle. Since the interior of the park is managed as a wildlife preserve, you can go over the area by bicycle, on foot or horseback only.

This wildlife preserve is home to several raccoons, whitetail deer, ringtail cat, fox, and a wide range of bird species.

Besides the park’s natural beauty, there are tons of recreational activities available as well, including camping, boating, and swimming. You are sure to have a great time here!

Permitted:

  • Ground fires are permitted (as seasonal conditions allow)
  • Pets are welcomed (with leash)

What is not permitted:

  • Cutting or gathering of firewood, including kindling, is prohibited
  • Off-Leash Pets
  • Noisy, vicious, or dangerous animals are not permitted, as determined on-site by park staff
  • Fireworks
  • Glass Containers
  • Public display of consumption of alcohol
  • Tobacco Products

Hours open:

8 am- 8 pm

Phone Number:

(512) 264-1482

WINDY POINT PARK

[caption id="attachment_7087" align="alignnone" width="1000"]Windy Point Park Windy Point Park Shoreline[/caption]

Did you know that Windy Point Park is locally used as a training ground by several Fire Rescue and Underwater Rescue Operations to save lives? Windy Point is also recognized as the “top diving spot” by locals, instructors, and divers from all over the state!

Windy Point Park unravels a whole new world for you to find, explore and seek out on Lake Travis. There is not one, but two water spots at the Windy Point Park for you to take a dip in. The first spot is small, shallow, and easy to swim in. The second spot is deep and sits peacefully on Lake Travis. It is perfect for swimmers and divers alike! Also, this is the very spot where thousands of scuba divers swim to every year and explore boat wrecks and unique metal sculptures of a sea turtle, scuba diver, shark, and a manatee along with several other objects. The rest of the park space is big enough for lounging, picnicking, and camping.

If you need some peace of mind, Windy Point Park is where you have to be. So pack up your best camping gear or scuba diving gear and come out and visit Pace Bend Park. 

Permitted:

What is not permitted:

  • Pets
  • Glass containers
  • Firearms
  • Please keep in mind that there are not any lifeguards in duty.
  • Jumping or diving from the rocks and stairs is not allowed.
  • Fishing is prohibited because of Scuba diving.

Hours open:

8 am- 9 pm

Phone Number:

(512) 266-3337

Location: 

BOB WENTZ PARK

[caption id="attachment_7088" align="alignnone" width="1000"]Bob Wentz Park Bob Wentz Park[/caption]

Bob Wentz Park is located in the beautiful Hill Country of Central Texas. Resting peacefully in the basin area of Lake Travis, Bob Wentz Park is the most popular spot for swimming and water sports. Besides, resting on the shores of the wonderful Lake Travis is a great place to relax!

One of the good things about Bob Wentz Park is its facilities, which are at proximity to the capital state of Texas itself, making in a great attraction for swimming, sailing, windsurfing, picnicking, and scuba diving.

The most favorite spot for locals at Bob Wentz Park is “The Point” which constitutes the shoreline areas. Here, you’ll see a large number of people lying on their backs and just generally relaxing.

Bob Wentz Park also includes a 150-acre tract, which is a maintained natural area, besides the shoreline walking path, a pavilion (available for rent), a boat ramp, and two volleyball courts!

From the pavilion, you can experience the most gorgeous views of Lake Travis, so keep your camera ready!

Permitted:

  • Pets
  • Food

What is not permitted:

  • Pets not permitted on The Point.
  • Camping
  • Glass containers
  • Ground fires
  • Tobacco products
  • Public consumption of alcohol

Hours open:

11 am- 8 pm

Phone Number:

(512) 854-7275

Location:

MANSFIELD DAM PARK

[caption id="attachment_7089" align="alignnone" width="1000"]Mansfield Dam park Mansfield Dam Park[/caption]

Like the name indicates, Mansfield Park is located on the main body of Lake Travis, just adjacent to the Mansfield Dam. This beautiful place is actually the primary access point for boaters across the lake, which is why the main attraction here is boating. But you can also enjoy picnicking, swimming, and sunbathing here!

Mansfield Park offers a variety of amenities including swimmers, boaters, picnickers, scuba divers, and nature enthusiasts. A central recreation area, which sets back from the water’s edge, features chess tables, picnic sites, a playground, and magnificent views of the Lake Travis.

During the day, you can hang out with your family or friends at Mansfield Park, which is easily reachable by strolling along the meandering hike and bike trail. The park offers barbecue grills, including several with covered shelters, that too, set between the canopies of native trees as per your own choice!

Don’t forget to visit the western peninsula of Mansfield Dam Park. You’ll see some of the most awe-inspiring views of Lake Travis. Take a walk along the hike and bike trail, watch the wildlife, or just read a book! So pack up your bike, picnic items, and swim trunks and come visit Mansfield Dam Park!

Permitted:

  • Pets
  • Food

What is not permitted:

  • Off-leash pets
  • Glass containers
  • Ground fires
  • Tobacco products
  • Public consumption of alcohol
  • Fireworks

Hours open:

8 am- 6 pm

Phone Number:

(512) 854-3375

Location:

Lake Travis planning notes

For Lake Travis plans, check the exact location before you go. “Lake Travis” can mean Volente, Hudson Bend, Lakeway, Jonestown, Lago Vista, or Spicewood, and drive times from Austin can vary a lot. If the plan involves a boat rental, confirm the marina or ramp, parking situation, captain policy, and whether the price changes by date, duration, guest count, or add-ons.

Good next steps: compare Lake Travis boat rentals, save a backup restaurant or marina plan, and keep weather and water-level conditions in mind before finalizing a full-day itinerary.

Quick checklist

  • Confirm the address and travel time from where you are staying.
  • Check whether reservations, tickets, or live availability are required.
  • Look for recent reviews when choosing between similar options.
  • Keep a nearby backup plan for weather, sellouts, or timing changes.