Things to do
Lake Austin (river) - swimming, kayaking & grilling
Awesome kayaking, swimming and grilling spot. As you head North out of the neighborhood on the 620, right after you cross in front of Mansfield Dam, you will see a turnoff on the right to "Low Water Crossing Road". Head down that and you will drive right into Jessica Hollis Park. There you have a number of BBQ grill areas with picnic tables, and places to drop right in on the river with a kayak, paddle board, or a chilly dip in the river. Tip : kayak a couple miles down the river and it warms right up! The water right at the dam is nippy as it feeds from the depths of Lake Travis but a couple of turns down the river it`s a lot warmer.
There's a kayak rental shop (Adventure Crate by Greenbelt Outdoors) that rents paddle boards and inflatable kayaks right a t the park.
Lake Travis swimming, grilling & boat ramp
Great swimming spot and boat ramp to drop in. The temperature of the water is PERFECT. Again, as you head North out of the neighborhood on the 620, right before you cross in front of Mansfield Dam, you'll see a turnoff of the left to Mansfield Dam Rd. You pay a small fee per car and park anywhere in the huge parking lot. There are areas throughout where you can BBQ at grill stations. At the North end of the park there is an inlet which is for swimming where boats can't access. It's a little rocky heading down to the water so wear shoes. There's also a huge boat ramp on the East end of the park where you can drop in watercraft. In the surrounding areas, there are many palces to rent boats as well .
Park & playground in the neighborhood
Within a short walk, there's a park in the neighborhood with a playground and a small creek running through. Head out of the house and turn right. Turn left on Big Horn Drive. Walk up and over a small hill and the first street you hit is Geronimo Trail, turn left. Walk just past Running Deer Trail and you'll see the park on the right. You can also GPS it on your phone, but it's about a 7-10 minute walk.
More things to do
Zip lining
If you like ziplining you have wanted to try it, these guys have na awesome setup. They say they have the longest and fastest zipline in Texas. It`s a 3-hour tour with a total of 5 ziplines, a half mile of which is over the lake. They also have refreshments and areas to relax. Address is 14529 Pocahontas Trail Leander, TX 78641
Floating obstacle course on the lake
This is at the same place as the zipline park. It 's a real life oversized floating obstacle course on the lake with slides, trampoline, climbing wall, diving spots, etc. It's a ton of fun! Address is same as the zip line: 14529 Pocahontas Trail Leander, TX 78641
Resort & spa day pass
This nearby resort has a variety o f sports and recreational amenities for the whole family. It has a full-service spa, three large swimming pools, a whirlpool, a swim-up bar, and a waterslide that's popular with kids. The resort also has a restaurant with panoramic lake views, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a marnia. Day passes are available for purchase from the Resort.
Address i s 101 Lakeway Dr, Austin, XT 78734
Luxury resort & spa day pass
This is a spa /wellness retreat/ resort ona whole other level. It's quite pricey but wow, it's something else . They have daily passes you have to call and reserve ahead of time. There is no drive-up entry or tours but you can see facility online. They have: full range of spa services, exercise classes, water activities, challenge (obstacle) courses, culinary classes, yoga/ meditation classes, hiking, craft classes, equestrian experiences, etc. If you really need a treat, this is it.
Address is 13500 FM2769, Austin, TX 78726
Zilker Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park is one of those enchanting places you could spend an entire day — heck, an entire week — and not get tired of exploring. At 350+ acres the place is huge. It includes the famous Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin Nature & Science Center, a playground and tons of green lawn area. Another highlight is the Zilker Zephyr train that chugs through the park daily. It’s and inexpensive and fun way to see more of the park.
Address of park is 200 S. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Address of Barton Springs Pool is 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746
Address of Zilker Botanical Garden is 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78734
Address of Austin Nature & Science Center is 2389 Straford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Hamilton Pool offers one of the most unusual swimming experiences you’ll find in Texas. It looks as though it was plucked from a tropical island and plopped into the middle of Austin’s limestone hills. The overhang is all that is left of what was once the ceiling of a cave. The grotto partially collapsed and revealed a natural swimming pool. The park requires that visitors register online before visiting the park. The $11 registration can be paid with a credit card, but the car entrance fee of $15 must be paid in cash.
Address is 24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
Things for Kiddos
Lakeway Kiddie Pool & Swim Center
The Lakeway Swim Center has a load of activities for kiddos including a frog slide, lily pads, two large body slides, sunning area, lounge chairs, picnic tables, concessions, skate park, basketball court, volleyball court, climbing wall and hiking trails.
Address is 3103 Lakeway Blvd, Lakeway, TX 78734
Thinkery Museum
Thinkery Museum is a children's museum with 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor activities for children and families to learn through play and hands-on, interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) exhibits and programs.
Address is 830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
Catch Air
Catch Air is an indoor playground specialized toward small children 10 and under. There are different areas for different children's age groups. You can chase your kids around and into the play structure if you want, or you can relax on the couches and enjoy the free wifi.
Address is 13450 N Highway US183, Suite 107, Austin, TX 78750
Urban Air
Urban Air is the holy grail of kid fun, it literally has everything you ever wanted to do as a kid (without getting arrested) from trampoline park, ninja warrior obstacles, air coaster, indoor skydiving, spin zone bumper cars, virtual reality, climbing walls and more. It also has a full-service cafe and parent lounge.
Address is 3944 Ranch Road 620S, Building 5, Bee Cave, TX 78738
Food & Drinks
Jefeberto`s Taco Shack 114919 General Williamson Dr, Austin, TX 78734, phone: 512-431-2616
Literally the best tacos in Austin, and it's a little red taco truck right in our neighborhood. Text ahead and order, then pick it up.
SP Brazilian Steak House 900 Ranch Rd 620 S #B108 Lakeway, TX 78734, phone: 512-579-0140
If you've ever been to a Brazilian Steak House, you know they're unique and this one takes the cake. Itis INSANELY good. All you can eat as long as you keep raising the green paddle. Arrive hungry. It's not cheap but you will not stop eating, that's guaranteed.
Santa Catarina 1310 Ranch Rd 620 S, Lakeway, TX 78734, phone: 512-300-0946
Great authentic Mexican restaurant in Lakeway.
Don Mario’s 1113 Ranch Rd 620N, Lakeway, TX 78734
The neighborhood go-to for good Mexican food.
Craigo's Pizza 2501 Ranch Rd 620 S, Lakeway, TX 78734, phone: 512-402-1600
Really good pizza in Lakeway.
Sundancer Grill 16410 Stewart Rd, Lakeway, TX 78734, phone: 512-266-2268
Great low-key diner nearby, on the water.
More Foods & Drinks
Steiner Ranch Steakhouse 5424 Steiner Ranch Blvd, Austin, TX 78732, phone: 512-381-0800
Amazing steak house with incredible views of the hill country.
Aba Mediterranean Austin 1011S, Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704, phone: 737-273-0199
This place in downtown Austin will ruin you on Mediterranean food for ever. Order the garlic hummus.
Wu Chow Austin 500 W 5th St #168, Austin, TX 78701, phone: 512-476-2469
Upscale Chinese food with incredible dumplings, and well, it's all incredible. Order everything.
The Oasis on Lake Travis 16550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732, phone: 512-266-2442
This place is for the VIEWS. Best time is at sunset. It's INCREDIBLE. The Mexican food is decent but doesn't win any awards. Well priced.
Bon Japanese Cuisine 3500 Ranch Rd 620 S b100, Bee Cave, TX 78738, phone: 512-645-0208
This is Japanese food done right. Everything on the menu is incredible.
Coffee
Vivel Crepes & Coffee 2011 Main St #500, Lakeway, TX 78734, phone: 512-953-5334
Great coffee and breakfast place. Crepes are awesome.
Cafe Lago 1200 Lakeway Dr Lakeway, TX 78734, phone: 512-261-8141
Good coffee and breakfast place.
Starbucks 2410 Ranch Rd 620 S Lakeway, TX 78738, phone: 512-263-5877
It's Starbucks.
Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge 3001 Ranch Rd 620 S, Austin, TX 78738, phone: 512-263-8801
Nice coffee place in Lakeway
Civil Goat Coffee 704 Cuernavaca Dr N, Austin, TX 78733, phone: 512-792-9929
Sure, it's half way to downtown, but it's worth it for their amazing coffee, and plus..there's actually a goat.
Shipley Do-Nuts 3620 Ranch Rd 620 S #100, Bee Cave, TX 78738, phone: 512-358-1486
Doooonnnnuuuuttttssss.....They are worth the calories.
Petalia Brews & Bites - 1700 Ranch Rd 620N #101, Austin, TX 78734
The best coffee in the area and great pastries.
