Top Lake Destinations Near Austin and San Antonio

April 14, 20234 min read

Lady Bird Lake | Image credit: Max Miner

The Austin-San Antonio Corridor has seen its prestige and reputation rise, and while new job opportunities and a renowned culture are significant reasons why, so is the area’s stunning scenery. Austin and San Antonio are surrounded by natural beauty, including gorgeous lakes that are hubs for recreation during warm Texas summers.

Many sparkling blue lakes in the Austin-San Antonio area are popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. Let’s look at some of the top lake destinations in the area.

Lake Travis | Image credit: Anvesh Uppunuthula

Victor Braunig Lake

Victor Braunig Lake is a reservoir lined by parkland. It is a great place to unwind in a quiet environment away from the city, although it is just a few miles from San Antonio. Victor Braunig Lake is particularly well-known for its excellent fishing (both on land and by boat), and its most-caught species include largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, and red drum. Anglers enjoy the unique opportunity to catch red drum in a freshwater setting.

Lake Travis

Lake Travis is a vast lake near Austin that offers more than 270 miles of shoreline to explore, making it a popular destination for waterfront fun. Sandy beaches and many parks and public access areas line the shores, many of which are great places for fishing. This lake is known for its largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, catfish, and sunfish. The clear, deep waters are particularly good for bass fishing from a boat.

Lake Travis | Image credit: Dale Honeycutt

Lake Austin

Lake Austin is a large winding reservoir of the Colorado River. It isn’t as deep or big as Lake Travis, but this picturesque lake in Austin is an important part of the city’s natural landscape and is known for its bass fishing scene, especially largemouth bass. Hiking trails and residences line the coast, and boaters frequent the water, making it a popular spot for both bank and boat fishing.

Lake Austin | Image credit: Megan Bucknall

Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is another Colorado River reservoir in the heart of Austin. Swimming in this small lake is not permitted due to dangerous debris found under its surface. Instead, residents enjoy fishing, paddleboarding, or exploring the surrounding urban parks. The lake has a catch-and-release policy for largemouth bass, and it is also home to catfish, carp, and sunfish.

Lady Bird Lake | Image credit: Tomek Baginski

Lake Buchanan

Lake Buchanan near Austin is a recreational hub throughout the year. It is an ideal place for swimmers and boaters, with several public access points and guided fishing tours. This beautiful area also has a small waterfall and many cabins and residences by the water. Anglers go there for striped bass, white bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie.

Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake is a reservoir of the Guadalupe River near San Antonio. This lake has uniquely crystal-clear waters and soft-sand beaches. It has multiple beach parks, campgrounds, and boat launches, and is a must-see in the Hill Country region. The lake is known for its largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, and striped bass. Both bank and boat fishing are popular there.

Canyon Lake | Image credit: MJ Tangonan

Medina Lake

Medina Lake’s water levels are currently depleted, but when it is back to full strength, it is one of the most scenic in the state. This picturesque lake has a sandy shoreline and is a popular gathering place for bass fishing, boating, swimming, and even scuba diving. Common fish species include largemouth bass, white bass, hybrid striped bass, catfish, and carp.

Calaveras Lake

Just 20 miles south of San Antonio, you’ll find Calaveras Lake, a pleasant reservoir that is an excellent place to cool off from the San Antonio heat. Calaveras Lake has cabins and bed and breakfasts by the calm azure waters, and it is a destination for those who enjoy fishing, boating, or sunbathing. The lake is stocked with red drum, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, catfish, and bluegill, making it a unique fishing destination for freshwater anglers.