Lake Travis, a large piece of water heaven located in Austin, is a day-tripper’s dream and a vacation destination all rolled into one. With crystal blue water and a laid-back attitude it’ no wonder that Lake Travis welcomes thousands of weekend visitors from all over Texas. In fact, it’s the most visited lake in the state.
This family destination offers a gorgeous natural setting, a plethora of water activities, and enjoyable music venues worthy of multiples visits. But what do you know about this Central Texas Lake known for amazing sunsets in the Texas Hill Country? If it’s a day at Lake Travis you’ve been dreaming about, to heighten your experience here’s a few facts and places to know before you go.
Lake Travis—A Brief History Lesson
Lake Travis is not a natural lake, in fact, it is a reservoir. The lake was created when the Lower Colorado River Authority constructed Mansfield Dam. The massive structure is 26 stories high and 7,000 feet long. It was built to control the floodwaters of the 600 miles of the Colorado River that comprise the LCRA’s service area. Construction of the dam began in 1938. Four years later the dam was complete and Lake Travis became official in 1942. The cost of the project was $28.7 million dollars.
But the LCRA didn’t stop there. Over the next 10 years they built five additional dams along the way creating six lakes. Today, the lakes are known as the Highland Lakes Region. In addition to Lake Travis, this unique water playground includes Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls and Lake Austin.
Lake Travis—By the Numbers
When you take a good look at the size of Lake Travis, this large water mass is quite impressive. It is 63.75 miles in length, 4.50 miles wide, encompasses 271 miles of shoreline and covers 18,929 acres. And it’s a great recreational playground for all things water-related since it’s capable of storing 256 gallons of water. Well, that’s when Mature Nature cooperates and supplies the area with ample rainfall. The average water temperature in the month of May is 70°. In the peak summer months of June through September water temps average in the low 80s. In August water temperatures peak to approximately 86°. As land temperatures in Austin soar over 100° during the summer the refreshing lake water provides a welcome relief.
Explore Lake Travis from Down Under
While boating, swimming, water skiing, sailing and fishing are popular Lake Travis water sports, it’s also a great place for scuba diving. The average depth of the lake is 62 feet. However, when full, the deepest part of the lake between Volente and Hudson Bend can reach depths of 210 feet. Lake Travis Scuba provides both amateur scuba enthusiasts and avid divers with a multitude of services, tours and instructional lessons. Windy Point Park on the lake is another popular scuba diving hot spot. The crowd-pleasing park is also an all-inclusive facility with both camping and picnicking available. Reservations are not accepted. There is an entrance fee to get into the park.
Good Eats and Live Music
Whether you’re looking for a burger and fries, a Frito pie, a place to sip a craft brew or, a romantic meal with a view, Lake Travis restaurants have it all. Spend an afternoon indulging in the culinary finds that define Lake Travis and make it unique. Live music venues, barbecue joints and lakeside cafes dot the shoreline. If you’re looking for a good time, a killer sunset, and a fantastic view of the lake, The Oasis on Lake Travis is the go to place to party. The family-friendly 30,000 square-foot restaurant located on a cliff 450 feet above the lake offers some of the best sunset views in the area.
Please note: Due to COVID-19 restaurants and venues in Austin and surrounding areas have reinstated restrictions. Whether you plan to visit marinas, park facilities, waterparks, or restaurants in the Lake Travis area, we recommend that you plan ahead, reserve early, check the facility’s website, or phone before venturing out.
Move-in Ready Homes and Fantastic Sunsets Now Available
Are you looking for your dream home? Check out Travisso’s current list of move-in ready available homes today. Specifically built for today’s busy lifestyles they offer open concept floor plans, media and game rooms, and large gourmet kitchens and gathering areas that make entertaining super easy. In addition, Travisso offers gorgeous Hill Country views, a family-friendly neighborhood and endless recreational possibilities for the entire family. For additional information call 512-243-8583.