Lakeway City Park
Lakeway City Park is one of the most unique and relaxing parks near Austin, Texas, and it’s easily one of my favorite spots for a lakeside escape. I live next to it but if you are from out of town, Lakeway Resort and Spa is just 5 minutes from the park on the same peninsula. If you based yourself there for a couple of nights, you'll have the best outdoor fun without leaving civilization behind.
Set along the shores of Lake Travis, this 64-acre park stands out as a place where nature, recreation, and community all come together in a beautiful Hill Country setting.
The park features scenic lake views, wooded trails, and plenty of open space, making it perfect for picnics, swimming, hiking, or simply enjoying the outdoors. With designated swim areas, boat access, and shaded spots to relax, it’s a local favorite for both adventure and downtime.
Located about 25 miles from downtown Austin, Lakeway City Park delivers one of the best and most unique opportunities to enjoy Lake Travis. It's absolutely one of my favorite nearby escapes when I want fresh air and waterfront views.
What I love most is the variety of activities. I enjoy walking on the nature trails (be on a lookout for the hummingbirds garden, a real local gem!). You can play a game of basketball or volleyball, and then cool off in the lake all in one visit.
The sunsets over Lake Travis are especially unique and unforgettable, making this park one of the best and truly my favorite Hill Country hideaways.
In the summer, there are special events to look forward to like movie nights and more.
For me, Lakeway City Park is a place where every visit feels refreshing, family-friendly, and my favorite way to experience Lake Travis.
1. Strolling along the Paved Path in Lakeway City Park
I started with a stroll on the paved path and I recommend this as the best start to your trip because it loops gently through the park, hugging the lake and winding past trees heavy with shade. You can smell grass and charcoal smoke from a distant barbecue pit. Families passed with strollers and wagging tails, nodding as they went. Butterflies flitted between flower beds near a shaded bench which was a highlight.
2. Outdoor Exercise and Bird Watching
Along the trail, I spotted the park’s outdoor fitness equipment, simple, functional stations that invited a few minutes of movement between views. I tried the elliptical-style machine for a minute, watching the lake shimmer beyond the trees. I love that you can just get inspired an workout a little if you are in the mood, definitely my highlight.
Then I noticed a couple quietly standing nearby with binoculars pointed upward. Bird watching, it turns out, is quietly thriving here.
Cardinals, egrets, and even the occasional hawk pass through the park, and a wooden sign posted trail-side offered tips on what to look for. There are unique white bird houses just past the lower playground. There was a huge collection of birds there, quite noisy actually but it all felt very natural!
3. Swimming and Kayaking in Lake Travis
The lake was calling, so I made my way to the designated swim area, calm, roped off, and tucked beside a tree-dappled shoreline. At the lower end of the parking lot, you can find free life vests if you are not an experienced swimmr, including smaller sizes for kids. I love that the park cares about your safety (though there were no lifeguards). I think that Lakeway City Park is a true hidden gem on Lake Travis and one of the best ways to enjoy your time on the lake.
Kids stayed near the edge, and adults floated quietly in the shallows. The water was warm but refreshing, just enough to cool my skin and soften the day.
If you plan to kayak, you should definitely borrow a vest for free before you get in.
4. Playgrounds and Pickleball in Lakeway City Park
After drying off, I wandered toward the park’s two playgrounds, where slides, swings, and climbing structures buzzed with joyful energy. One was designed for younger kids, lower, colorful, and surrounded by soft mulch (you'll find it higher up in the park). The other offered more challenge for older ones (this playground is just along the lake). It has ropes to climb which has always been my son's favorite.
Nearby, the pickleball courts were full, the sound of laughter and paddles echoing through the trees. The players asked me to toss them back a ball and I asked when the best time was to find an empty court. Apparently it's busy first thing but then people leave when it gets hot out.
5. Dog Park and Butterfly Garden
The dog park sat in its own shady enclave, where pups raced across turf and owners chatted along the fence. I continued down the path...
I wandered next to the butterfly garden, where bright blooms, milkweed, lantana, salvia, welcomed pollinators and gave the afternoon one more quiet detail to admire. This was definitely a highlight and why I love visiting Lakeway City Park so much.
6. Picnic Tables, Benches and BBQ Pits
Everywhere I turned, there were picnic tables tucked into thoughtful places, most have a view of the lake. Tables are positioned under sprawling trees so you get plenty of shade here. Families gathered over Tupperware spreads, and a few groups grilled over the built-in BBQ pits, the scent of smoke and sizzling sausage drifting through the air.
7. Events in the Park
The park’s open layout also hosts community events, from movie nights on the lawn to music in the pavilion and seasonal gatherings under string lights. You can usually find upcoming park events listed on the Lakeway community website.
8. Lakeway City Park At a Glance
- Location: 502 Hurst Creek Road, Lakeway, TX
- Vibe: Relaxed, family-friendly, nature-wrapped
- Highlights: Lake swimming, scenic walking paths, two playgrounds, pickleball courts, outdoor exercise equipment, bird watching spots, dog park, butterfly garden, picnic and BBQ areas, community events
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for full use of the lake, trails, and events
- Cost: Free entry and parking
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Conclusion
Why do I love this park? Lakeway City Park is super easy to visit, you don't need a lot of planning for a perfect day out, you just show up.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
