Paddle Austin

Austin Kayak Launch Sites

Find the perfect put-in for your next paddle. 8 launch sites across Lady Bird Lake, Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and Barton Creek.

8 Launch Sites

Zilker Park Canoe Launch

beginner

The most popular paddling launch in Austin with easy access to calm, flat water. Kayak and SUP rentals available on-site.

2100 Barton Springs Rd · Lady Bird Lake

Free parking lot, fills up by 11am on weekends

Arrive before 10am on weekends to avoid crowds. Morning paddles offer the best wildlife sightings.

restroomsparkingrentalspicnic-area

Red Bud Isle

beginner

A peaceful peninsula launch perfect for beginners. Sheltered cove with calm water and excellent bird watching.

3401 Redbud Trail · Lady Bird Lake

Small lot at the end of Redbud Trail, limited spaces

Great spot for sunset paddles. The cove is sheltered from wind, making it ideal for SUP beginners.

parkingdog-friendly

Barton Creek Greenbelt — Sculpture Falls

intermediate

A more adventurous paddle up Barton Creek. Requires hiking in with your kayak, but rewards with pristine creek scenery.

4600 MoPac Expy Service Rd · Barton Creek

Trailhead parking lot on MoPac frontage road

Only accessible when creek levels are high enough. Check creek flow gauge before heading out.

hiking-trails

Pace Bend Park

intermediate

Stunning limestone cliffs and clear Lake Travis water. Multiple launch points along the shoreline.

2501 Pace Bend Rd N, Spicewood · Lake Travis

$10 day use fee per vehicle

Watch for boat traffic, especially on weekends. Early morning paddles are magical with mist on the water.

campingrestroomsswimmingparking

Congress Avenue Kayak Launch

beginner

Launch right from downtown Austin and paddle under the iconic Congress Avenue Bridge. Best spot to see the bat colony at dusk.

100 S Congress Ave · Lady Bird Lake

Metered street parking, nearby paid lots

Time your paddle for sunset to watch 1.5 million bats emerge from under the bridge. Unforgettable experience.

restroomsbike-trailrentals

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

intermediate

Beautiful Lake Austin access with a dedicated boat ramp. Swimming area nearby for post-paddle cooling off.

1600 City Park Rd · Lake Austin

$5 entry fee on weekdays, $10 on weekends

Can get choppy in the afternoon from boat wakes. Morning paddles are best for calm conditions.

campingrestroomsswimmingparkingpicnic-area

Waller Creek Outlet

beginner

A quieter east-side launch point on Lady Bird Lake. Less crowded than Zilker with easy water access.

1100 E Cesar Chavez St · Lady Bird Lake

Street parking on Cesar Chavez

Explore the Waller Creek inlet for a sheltered paddle through urban nature. Turtles love this area.

bike-trailparking

Sandy Creek Park

advanced

Remote Lake Travis cove with crystal-clear water. Longer paddle to open water but incredibly scenic.

9500 Lime Creek Rd · Lake Travis

Free gravel lot, limited spaces

Best for experienced paddlers comfortable with open lake conditions. When the lake is full, this is paradise.

campingrestroomsparking

Kayaking in Austin

Austin is a paddler's paradise with year-round access to calm lakes, scenic creeks, and the iconic Lady Bird Lake. Whether you're a first-time kayaker looking for a peaceful morning paddle or an experienced paddler seeking open-water adventures on Lake Travis, Austin has a launch site for you.

Lady Bird Lake is the most popular destination, offering flat water, stunning skyline views, and easy access from multiple public launch points. For more adventure, head to Lake Travis or Lake Austin for open-water paddling with limestone cliffs and crystal-clear water.