Things to Do

10 Things To See & Do in the Highland Lakes

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The Highland Lakes of Central Texas consists of seven lakes along the Colorado River. These freshwater reservoirs were actually formed by dams along the river and include Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis, Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake. In addition to water sports and fishing, visitors to the Highland Lakes area can enjoy golfing, camping, wineries, and various events and festivals. Here are our 10 things to see and do in the Highland Lakes.

10.  Rent a Kayak

10 Things to See and Do in the Highland Lakes

Photo: Flickr / Let Ideas Compete

Kayaking and canoeing in the Highland Lakes are great solo activities, or they can be fun for the whole family. You can choose from several rental companies and river guides, depending on which waterway you want to explore.

9. Hit the Wine Trail

10 Things to See and Do in the Highland Lakes

Photo: Flickr / ecodallaluna

Take a day and visit some of the many wineries along the Highland Lakes Wine Trail. Texas wine is coming of age, and many of our local wineries have won international wine awards.

8. Rent a Boat or Jet Ski

10 Things to See and Do in the Highland Lakes

Photo: Flickr / 4ELEVEN Images

You’re near a lake, so get out on the water! From ski boats to chartered party barges, you can find the right watercraft to fit your needs. Want to stay on the water? You can rent a houseboat and live right on the lake for the duration of your stay.

7. Go Fishing

10 Things to See and Do in the Highland Lakes

Photo: Flickr / Tara Poky

Spend a relaxing day fishing at any of the Highland Lakes. Inexperienced anglers or those wanting to land a trophy fish can hire a fishing guide to help you navigate the best fishing spots.

6. Hit the Golf Course

10 Things to See and Do in the Highland Lakes

Photo: Flickr / Trek Texas

The Highland Lakes area is home to some of the best golf courses in Texas. If you want a laid back vibe, check out Willie Nelsons’s Pedernales Golf Course. If an exclusive resort is more your scene, the Austin Country Club or La Cantera Resort might be in order.

5. Tour Longhorn Cavern

10 Things to See and Do in the Highland Lakes

Photo: Flickr / Ed Schipul

Longhorn Cavern is just one of several caverns in Central Texas, which were carved into the limestone bedrock over thousands of years. Spend an afternoon exploring one of these beautiful, natural wonders.

4. Tour a Fish Hatchery

10 Things to See and Do in the Highland Lakes

Photo: Facebook / Friends of Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery 

Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery is located below Inks Lake, between Inks Lake State Park and Longhorn Caverns State Park. The Hatchery has several education and outreach programs to inform the public on its mission and conservation efforts. Visitors are welcome seven days a week, including federal holidays.

3. Attend the Bluebonnet Festival

10 Things to See and Do in the Highland Lakes

Photo: bluebonnetfestival.org

Bluebonnets are the most popular Texas wildflowers – they even have an annual festival held in their honor! Now in its 32nd year, the Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet always takes place on the second weekend in April and always draws over 30,000 attendees.

2. Go Camping

10 Things to See and Do in the Highland Lakes

Photo: Flickr / Jeannie Fletcher

Need a place to stay while visiting the Highland Lakes? Check out some of the beautiful state and county parks in the area, including Pace Bend on Lake Travis and Big Chief on Lake Buchanan. Some campsites have cabins available, or you can rough it and set up camp in a primitive site.

1. Zipline Across Lake Travis

10 Things to See and Do in the Highland Lakes

Photo: Flickr / Jen Knoedl

If you’re looking for a shot of adrenaline after a lazy day fishing, take a zipline tour. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures offers a tour launching from a 20-story cliff and utilizes five ziplines across canyons and inlets on Lake Travis, and ending on a pristine beach.