Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake, along with Zilker Park, form a relaxing oasis in downtown Austin, allowing views of the skyline from a bench or something more adventurous, like a canoe or paddleboard floating on the water. There are several hiking and biking trails that zigzag through the park and two pedestrian-only bridges. Bike and kayak tours help you explore the sizeable Lady Bird Lake with assistance from a guide.

• Maximize your fun by booking a tour to help you navigate the miles of trails and make the most of your time on the lake.

• Rental equipment, from bikes to boats and paddleboards are available through tour outfitters.

• It is illegal to swim in Lady Bird Lake (and has been since 1964) due to dangerous debris from bridges and dams.

• Motorized boats are prohibited in the lake.

• Bring sunscreen, and be sure to stay hydrated while on the water.

Lady Bird Lake runs between Riverside Drive and 1st Street in downtown Austin. You can find parking at Zilker Park, or look for street parking along South Lakeshore Boulevard between Pleasant Valley Road and Riverside. If you want to explore the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, park at Festival Beach across the river.

If you want to get out on Lady Bird Lake and explore, the best time to visit is March through September, when the warmer weather makes for a relaxing day on the water. You can see the famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats from Lady Bird Lake in spring and late summer. Late June through early August is considered peak season.

An annual rubber duck derby takes place on a Saturday in August in Austin, when a huge loader deposits 20,000 yellow rubber ducks into Lady Bird Lake from the Congress Avenue Bridge. The event draws large crowds to the pedestrian walkways, bridges, and on boats in the water to watch the ducks bob around, making their way to the finish line.

No, you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. While it might be tempting to take a dip, swimming is just not allowed in the lake due to pollution and safety requirements. If you’re in Austin and can’t wait to get in the water somewhere, you can try the Barton Springs Pool or Deep Eddy Pool.

Yes, you can hike around Lady Bird Lake. Lace up your hiking boots (sneakers will do), put on your best brim hat, and hit the Anne and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, a low-grade 10-mile (16 kilometers) route from Red Bud Isle to the Longhorn Dam and back.

If you’re looking for animal encounters at Lady Bird Lake, look for the city’s famed colony of bats—hundreds of thousands of them often fly over the lake around sunset. During the day, you’re likely to spot birds such as coots, egrets, herons, and kingfishers—and the occasional sunning alligator.

Walking around the Anne and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, a low-grade 10-mile (16 kilometers) route that circumnavigates the reservoir from Red Bud Isle to the Longhorn Dam and back, should take at least 3–4 hours. Biking around the trail can take as little as one hour.

Yes, there are events and festivals held at Lady Bird Lake. They’re usually held at Auditorium Shores and the Long Center for Performing Arts on the south side of the lake and range from the Austin Food & Wine Festival in November to the Austin Reggae Festival in April.

Yes, parking is available near Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. While walking or taking public transportation is recommended, if you’re driving and arriving early enough, you can find free parking at Zilker Park. There’s additional parking at Red Bud Isle and Auditorium Shores