Lady Bird Lake, Austin

Lady Bird Lake, Austin

Lady Bird Lake, Austin: Our most recommended tours and activities

Austin: Sunset Bat Watching Kayak Tour

Austin: Sunset Bat Watching Kayak Tour

Witness the incredible spectacle of millions of Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from beneath Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset. Enjoy the best views from a kayak on the river below to watch one of the city's most celebrated natural attractions. Meet your guide for an introductory paddling lesson, and learn about how the local bat colony made the bridge their home. As you paddle along the waterways towards the bridge, admire the views of Austin's stunning downtown skyline and bridges along Lady Bird Lake, known locally as Town Lake. Once you reach the perfect vantage point, get in position for the best photos as the bats form enormous surreal dancing clouds, and ascend into the night sky. Enjoy the evening glow of the sunset from the water. After witnessing this spectacular display, paddle your way back to the starting point.

Austin: Single or Double Kayak Rental

Austin: Single or Double Kayak Rental

Explore the capital of Texas on a relaxing single or double kayak adventure. Take your time as you explore the city in either a single or double kayak and check out the views as you float along the calm waters of Lady Bird Lake. Discover multiple man-made outlets that can take you all the way from Congress Avenue Bridge to Barton Springs all while exploring on your own. Alternatively, relax and enjoy the towering sights of Downtown Austin while on the relaxing waters of Lady Bird Lake. A driver's license per kayak will be required when checking in on site. A waiver will also be required and can be filled out at the dock.

Austin: Sunset Boat Cruise with Bat Watching

Austin: Sunset Boat Cruise with Bat Watching

Begin your small group evening tour at dusk on Austin's Lady Bird Lake with a stunning sunset cruise where you will enjoy watching the colorful & changing skyline. If you happen to book our Scenic Austin Night Tour between March and October, you are in luck because this is the very best time to witness Austin's world-famous Congress Avenue Bridge Bats! Join your guide on a bat watching excursion to witness fabled Mexican (or Brazilian) Free-Tailed Bats take flight from underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge where an unimaginable large colony of 1.5 million bats reside—one of the biggest colonies of urban bats in the world! With speeds of 60 miles per hour, flying across the colorful evening sky, you will be awestruck & delighted at the sight of these bats with their fascinating and erratic flight patterns. Next, hop back into one of our air-conditioned Mercedes Metris vans to enjoy a narrated driving tour with stops at several iconic landmarks. Your guide will narrate and provide ongoing highlights and local insights about the surrounding area along the drive. You will get the opportunity to stop at several places to get the best views of the city including; Pfluger Bridge a beautiful pedestrian and bicycle bridge spanning Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, view beautiful historic homes at the Bremond and Rainey Street Historic Districts, the vibrant South Congress Street, and pass by the iconic Welcome to Austin Mural - beautifully illuminated at night. At the end of your tour, your guide will take you back to your Downtown Austin hotel. Experience the fantastic culture and friendly locals of Austin and reserve a spot with us today!

Austin: 2-Hour Sightseeing Bike Tour

Austin: 2-Hour Sightseeing Bike Tour

Embark on a 2-hour NON Electric bike tour of Austin and pedal down to some of the famous spots around downtown and the river front. A local guide will lead you along a route that also takes back streets and hiking trails beloved by locals. Along the way, see why they like to "Keep Austin Weird" in this cultural hub.  The tour begins by going along the famous Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail, Barton Springs Pool area, and Zilker Park. Then, take a stop at the South Congress Avenue Bridge and learn about the largest urban colonization of bats in North America. Finish your tour by heading up north to the Texas State Capitol. Take time to snap some photos before cruising back towards the shop along the newly renovated Shoal Creek Trail. The tour ends at the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge.

Austin: Downtown Skyline Kayaking Tour

Austin: Downtown Skyline Kayaking Tour

Follow your guide on a fun-filled kayaking journey to Barton Springs. Admire stunning views of the downtown Austin skyline. Enjoy a trip that is suitable for beginners, as it includes paddling instruction. Meet your guide and get set up with your kayak, paddle, and life vest. Learn how to paddle before setting off on your kayaking adventure. Capture pictures of Austin from the water. View the Congress Avenue Bridge, which is home to Mexican free-tailed bats. Explore the waters of Lady Bird Lake where you can view the Austin's skyline from afar. Kayak into the crystal clear waters of Barton Springs and search for local wildlife like the Barton Springs salamander. Return to your starting point at the end of your tour.

Austin: Lady Bird Lake Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental

Austin: Lady Bird Lake Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental

Explore the capital of Texas while leisurely paddling Lady Bird Lake and nearby waterways. Perfect for family, friends, or a combination of both, see sights like the towering Congress Avenue Bridge, Barton Springs, Zilker Park, the Statesman Bat Observation Center, and plenty of wildlife. Begin your adventure in downtown Austin to collect your paddleboard. Learn how to mount and maneuver your board and understand the rights of way for river and lake traffic. Then it's time to get into the water, pausing to take a photo of the sweeping city skyline dotted with skyscrapers. Feel the sun on your face as you paddle through the calm lake water of Lady Bird Lake. Stay here to watch for local wildlife along the banks or cruise towards the Colorado River to the Statesman Bat Observation Center and Congress Avenue Bridge to catch a glimpse of the city's large bat colonies. Continue to nearby Barton Springs, a set of four natural water springs located in Zilker Park. Take a break to swim in the crisp water or watch for wildlife like fish, otters, turtles, and birds. Then it's time to head back to return the paddleboards and take one last photo of your adventure.

Austin: Panoramic City Center Tour with Stops

Austin: Panoramic City Center Tour with Stops

With an Austinite as your driver and guide, explore everything from Austin’s towering downtown buildings to its historic architecture, murals, and nature. Enjoy GPS audio narration and stops along the way to fully experience the city’s iconic spots. Put on your sanitized single-use headsets and listen to a GPS-powered audio tour featuring real-time entertaining conversations about the sights you see along the drive, conveniently available in both English and Spanish. For your first stop, visit the James D. Pfluger Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge that arches over Lady Bird Lake. Get out and stroll along part of the bridge, taking in breathtaking views of the water and the city skyline. Learn about Lady Bird Lake’s ecosystem and lesser-known facts about Austin from your guide as you look over the city. Along the way, expect to find out more about gorgeous architecture—and entertaining historical anecdotes—including The Driskill Hotel, the University of Texas campus, and the new development happening downtown. Get plenty of 360-degree views from the comfort of your seat, making it that much easier to see all the special details that line the city streets. Catch glimpses of murals and public art, which might include Monopoly Mural, Dazed & Confused, and the Harmony mosaic, as your guide tells you more about the artists who created them. Stop at the Texas State Cemetery and get out to hear more about the Texas legends who have been laid to rest here. Stephan F. Austin, General Albert Sidney Johnson, Governor John Connally, and Chris Kyle are among the Texas officials buried at this cemetery.

Austin: Highlights Tour with Texas Capitol and Food Stop

Austin: Highlights Tour with Texas Capitol and Food Stop

Welcome to our exclusive Best of Austin Tour with Tripshepherd, where you can experience the vibrant culture and breathtaking views of this amazing city. Our knowledgeable and friendly local guides will take you on a small group tour (max. 7 guests) in the comfort and style of one of our air-conditioned Mercedes Metris vans, ensuring that you get the best out of your Austin adventure. Meet your guide at your downtown Austin hotel and begin your fully guided tour in the comfort and style of a Mercedes Metris van. Your tour begins with a visit to the Texas Capitol - the seat of government for the state of Texas. This iconic Italian Renaissance Revival style building was constructed between 1882 and 1888 and is the sixth-tallest state capitol. Our guide will take you on a guided tour around the grounds, where you can admire the Heroes of Alamo, the Confederate Soldiers Monument, and the Volunteer Firemen Monument, among other notable monuments and statues. Next, we'll take you to see some of the famous murals in Austin, including the "I love you so much" mural and the "Greetings from Austin" mural. These vibrant and colorful murals are an Instagrammer's paradise and have become iconic symbols of the city. Next up, we'll take you to Mount Bonnell, one of the highest points in Austin, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city skyline. The view from the top is simply breathtaking, and you won't want to miss it. Finally, we'll adventure around the Pennybacker Bridge, also known as the "360 Bridge," which spans across Lake Austin and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and water. Throughout the tour, our guide will provide you with informative commentary and local insights, giving you a true taste of Austin's unique culture and history. At the end of your tour, we'll take you back to your Downtown Austin hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your Austin adventure At the end of your tour, head back to your downtown Austin hotel.

Austin: 1.5-Hour Lady Bird Lake Bike Tour

Austin: 1.5-Hour Lady Bird Lake Bike Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of Austin's tourist hotspots and get off the beaten track as you explore Lady Bird Lake on a bicycle tour. See more of the city in less time, visit famous locations, and enjoy entertaining commentary from your local guide along the way.  Meet your guide at the meeting point, receive your helmet and bike, and set out on your tour. Head down to the famous Barton Springs Pool and Zilker Park area and learn about Austin's largest park and its significance. Then head towards the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue and the Congress Avenue bridge. The itinerary includes sites like the old Mopac railroad bridge, Austin's newest library, the Pfluger pedestrian bridge, and of course the iconic boardwalk for perfect photo opportunities of the Austin skyline. Listen as your guide provides insider tips about life in Austin and gives you informative tidbits about the locations that are on the tour’s itinerary.  

Brews & Chews Bicycle Tour

Brews & Chews Bicycle Tour

It doesn’t have to be Tuesday for you to enjoy some authentic and delicious tacos! Grab tacos and sip some refreshing beverages on this tasty tour of Austin’s favorite foods & brews. Austin’s east side is full of authentic tacos and breweries. This tour is full of Texas history, cultural highlights, and artistic landmarks to see, but now you’ll be able to taste it as well! At the end of the tour, you will leave happy, refreshed, educated, and well fed. Highlights of this tour include the Texas State Cemetery, French Legation, Texas State Capitol, various iconic outdoor murals, and Tacos paired with your favorite beverages!

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What people are saying about Lady Bird Lake, Austin

Overall rating

4.6
(92 reviews)

This is a great way to get a feel for Austin and see a bunch of key spots around town. Simple to book. Convenient location to start from and simple to check in and get going. Our guide Toby was a life long Austinite and his current and past knowledge of the city combined with a fun off beat sense of humor made it all more enjoyable.

There was no way to anticipate how fantastic this tour was going to be. In addition to anticipated landmarks, we were treated to beautiful locations and history we had no idea existed. This tour far surpassed our expectations and was such a great value for the experience.

It was very atmospheric and Ethan had great energy and lots of information. Wish we had put some mosquito repellent on before our trip!

We kayaked on Lady Bird Lake in a 2 person kayak and the equipment was good and the help from the employees was great.

The tour was a lot of fun - Tobi was a great Tour Guide!