When summer temps skyrocket, surpassing 100 degrees, nothing beats a day spent on the water. For Austin locals, Lake Travis is the perfect spot to cool off on sweltering days. But, no matter where you live, if there is a lake nearby, there is fun to be had. After all, lake life is the best life. Here’s our round up of fun lake activities to beat the heat when spending time on the water.
Boating
Boating provides ample opportunities for activities on the lake. While not for everyone, thrill seekers will enjoy taking out a speed boat to try your hand at skiing or wakeboarding. For a slightly slower pace try a pontoon boat, best used for fishing, tubing or riding around the lake. All you need is a few friends, some great tunes and you are ready to go.
Lake Games
Tap into your competitive spirit and break out some fun lake games. Nothing taps into your inner child like an old fashioned cannonball contest. Show off your big guns and play tug of war; for an extra challenge try playing it in the water. Spend a day playing games on the shore, such as horseshoes, bean bag toss, washers or even a water balloon fight. Another option is to sit on the shore and skip rocks. While this sounds simple, it involves the whole family and can get competitive seeing who can find the smoothest rock and skip it the farthest.
Enjoy the Scenery
There is something peaceful about a lake. Take some time to quiet the noise around you and reflect while watching the ripple of waves and listening to the lapse of water as it comes into shore. Wake up with the sun one morning and catch the sunrise. Or stay out until nightfall. The beautiful hues of red and orange as the sun sets and the evening tide rolls in is a sure way to end a great day spent on the lake.
Sunbathe and Veg Out
Whether on the shore or on a float, nothing is more relaxing than napping in the sun. Work on your tan while you lay out or lay back on a boat deck with a good book and a cold drink. No matter how you chose to vegetate the key is to clear your mind and rest and don’t forget that SPF.
Dine with a View
Lakes are full of outdoor restaurant patios to take your dining experience to the next level. Lake Travis in particular has The Oasis on Lake Travis, whose outdoor patio is known as the “Sunset Capital of Texas”. Or try Canyon Grille or Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge, both offering breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country. If you prefer something more lowkey, pack a picnic and head to the shore. Find a secluded cove where you can play lake games, like frisbee or even volleyball while enjoying your meal with a view.
Catch Some Fish
Fishing is a pastime the whole family can enjoy and easily fit into the margins of your day. After a long day at school or work, de-stress by grabbing your pole and heading to the nearest dock. Lake Travis is home to plenty of fish, including a variety of bass and catfish.
Try a Watersport
If you are looking for some adventure and exercise on the lake, try a watersport. Paddleboarding is a great option and Lake Travis offers plenty of quiet coves where you can tackle this sport undisturbed by boats and big waves. Kayaking and canoeing are also fun sports to try. Less intense than a boat, these activities still take you around the lake and don’t require a license to operate. As a bonus these low impact sports are sure to burn some calories and improve your strength and flexibility.
Tubing
While many think of tubing as a river activity, it can also be enjoyed on a lake as you hold on for dear life while being pulled through the wake by a boat. This activity is especially fun for families with kids looking for a thrill. If this doesn’t sound like it’s for you, simply throw your tube in the water while you drop anchor in a cove.
Lake Life at Lakeside at Tessera
Lake life has never been more accessible. When you live at Lakeside at Tessera at Lago Vista you can walk out your backdoor and be on Lake Travis within minutes. Contact us to schedule your tour and start your lakeside living today.