Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Lakeway, TX

  • Published 2023/04/08

Situated next to Lake Travis, Lakeway is a beautiful resort city in Travis County, Texas.

The city features miles of quiet trails, scenic parks and greenbelts, a full-service hotel and spa, and other places of interest.

Lakeway is also within driving distance of big cities like Austin and San Antonio, making it a good choice for a weekend getaway.

If you’re looking for the next destination for your vacation, check out this list of the best things to do in Lakeway, Texas!

Enjoy Outdoor Activities at Lakeway City Park

Lakeway City Park is a riverside recreation area with 64 acres of parklands for various outdoor activities.

Because of its waterfront location, you can go fishing or swimming, although swimming is only allowed in designated areas.

Back on land, Lakeway City Park has several play areas, basketball, sand volleyball, and baseball fields, and a butterfly garden.

The park offers two miles of trails for jogging, biking, and rollerblading and for those who’d like to take a relaxing stroll across the park.

But if you’d like to spend a lazy day in the park, bring some snacks and picnic at the pavilion or the tables.

If you’re traveling with your dogs, treat them to a day out at the nearby Bark Park, where they can run off-leash and play with fellow canines.

Grab a Meal With a View at Canyon Grille

Nestled above the Rough Hollow Yacht Club, Canyon Grille is one of the best dining spots in Lakeway, offering picturesque views of Lake Travis.

The restaurant features upscale and casual American fare in a relaxed and family-friendly setting, so you can have a relaxing meal while enjoying the view.

Aside from its surroundings, Canyon Grille is also a local favorite because of its food and friendly service.

Enjoy the sunset from the spacious outdoor patio at Canyon Grille as you dig into your Scottish salmon, crispy chicken basket, blackened redfish, or classic fish and chips.

Gluten-free dishes like asada steak tacos, ahi tuna bowls, and shrimp enchilada are available for health-conscious eaters.

Pair your dishes with a glass of wine or a margarita made with freshly squeezed lemon and lime.

Satisfy Your Thai Food Cravings at Thai Spice Restaurant

Are you looking for the best place to have pad thai and curry?

Head to Thai Spice Restaurant, your best bet for tasty and authentic Thai food.

Conveniently located in Oaks at Lakeway, the restaurant is famous for mall-goers and those who want to explore a new cuisine.

At Thai Spice Restaurant, you don’t have to travel halfway across the globe to enjoy your favorite Thai dishes as they offer great-tasting dishes using fresh ingredients.

Try their lunch specials like garlic chicken, basil fried rice, pad kee mao, and curry of the day.

For dinner, savor delicious egg rolls, pineapple fried rice, chicken satay, slow-cooked beef massaman, and a bowl of tom yum soup.

Try gluten-free meals like Panang curry, tom kha soup, and green curry fried rice.

Marvel at the Views from the Canyonlands

For scenic views of Lakeway, take the Canyonlands trail, an extensive trail network boasting a 20-acre tract at Rough Hollow Cove.

The area got its name from the canyon running through it, providing breathtaking views of the golden-hued foliage in autumn and the colorful trees in spring.

Depending on your pace, you can take a scenic hike along the many trails at Canyonlands or bring your mountain bike and conquer new terrain.

For those looking for an easy trail with minimum difficulty, take the Rim Trail.

Meanwhile, the Canyon Trail has steeper inclines, and the Mt. Lakeway Trail has challenging courses but a rewarding view at the end.

The trails are open for all seasons, although hikers should take care during the wet season as the path could get slippery and soft.

Hang Out at Dragon Park

Dragon Park is a quiet but charming city park in a residential community, perfect for quiet afternoon walks or a relaxing picnic under the shade.

Park facilities include grills, benches, restrooms, and a picnic area to celebrate small parties and gatherings.

For those who’d like to stay active, walking trails, playing courts for basketball and volleyball, and open spaces for frisbee, baseball, or soccer are available.

If you want a fun day without leaving the city, head to Dragon Park for an afternoon outing and let the kids play at the swing sets and playscape to keep them occupied.

The park is also one of the dog-friendly parks in the city, so this is an ideal place to bring your four-legged friends for a day out.

Challenge Your Family to a Bowling Game at High Five Entertainment

High Five Entertainment is your all-in-one destination for a fun family bonding day.

The establishment has 16 state-of-the-art bowling lanes on the main floor and 12 lounge lanes with a more upscale feel.

Aside from its bowling lanes, there’s a golf simulator where you can practice your swing, Virtual Reality rides and experiences, an ax-throwing room, a laser tag arena, and an arcade.

With all these fun amenities, it’s easy to spend the day at High Five Entertainment, challenging your friends and family to several games of friendly competition.

While playing, enjoy hand-tossed pizza, wings, and drinks from the on-site restaurant and bar.

Go on a Nature Walk at the Hamilton Greenbelt Trails

For a change of scenery, embark on a relaxing hike or walk along the Hamilton Greenbelt trails.

The park offers several developed and primitive trails across Hurst Creek and Yaupon Creek that are ideal for short walks or long bike rides.

Along the way, you’ll find a variety of sights, such as water fountains, a circular waterfall, boulder fields, and tall oak trees.

Begin your day with a jog or walk along the Hamilton Greenbelt trails before exploring the rest of the city.

Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be on a leash.

Savor Mexican Street Food at Don Mario Mexican Restaurant

Don Mario Mexican Restaurant offers delicious Mexican street food paired with desserts and classic margaritas.

Housed in a colorful eatery reminiscent of Mexican eateries, the restaurant takes pride in its high-quality cuisine and fantastic service, making it a dining staple in Lakeway.

Have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Don Mario Mexican Restaurant, including tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and fajitas.

Try their pancakes, breakfast tacos, huevos rancheros, or migas and cheese for breakfast.

End your meal on a sweet note and enjoy homemade flan, churros con helado, or gluten-free ice cream.

Hike or Bike along Lakeway Boulevard Trail

Lakeway Boulevard Trail is a city-maintained multipurpose trail that connects the Greenbelt and Canyonlands trail systems.

Perfect for early morning jogs or walks, the trail begins as a sidewalk along Lakeway Boulevard and turns into a crushed granite path that goes past the Lakeway Swim Center to the entrance of Lakeway Estates.

Another part of the trail will take you past a sculpture garden and a lake.

Start your day with a jog or run along Lakeway Boulevard Trail and take in the quiet views far from the hustle and bustle of the highways.

You can bring your dogs to the trail for a short walk, but they must be on a leash.

Visit Lakeway Swim Center

Beat the summer heat and swim in the many pools of Lakeway Swim Center.

The recreational complex has a 25-yard lap pool, a family leisure pool, splash pads, restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic tables.

Other amenities include a skate park, a basketball court, a volleyball court, and a climbing wall.

With all these facilities, Lakeway Swim Center is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.

After swimming at the swim center, take any trails along Canyonlands for an extended day trip.

Other Things to Do Nearby

See the Fascinating Hamilton Pool Preserve

A waterfall at Hamilton Pool Preserve

Kenneth Keifer / Shutterstock.com

Situated 30 minutes from Lakeway, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a popular swimming destination in Travis County.

The natural pool formed when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion, so a portion of the jade pool is shaded.

In addition, the nature preserve houses diverse flora and fauna, including juniper and oak savannah, chatterbox orchid, canyon mock-orange, and the Golden-cheeked Warbler.

Scenic view of Hamilton Pool Preserve

Jason Stitt / Shutterstock.com

Take a day trip to Hamilton Pool Preserve and see the 50-foot waterfall flowing into the jade pool and the limestone slabs surrounding the waters.

You can also go on a guided hike around the preserve, soaking up the natural surroundings as you discover the native plants and unique geological features.

Hiking trail at Hamilton Pool Preserve

Kinlee Lynn Hawkins / Shutterstock.com

Taste the Finest Wines at El Gaucho Winery

Sip on the finest Argentinian wines in a wine-tasting session at El Gaucho Winery in Spicewood, Texas, 15 minutes from Lakeway.

The winery opened in 2015 after the owner, a native of Austin, traveled to Argentina, fell in love with their wines, purchased two vineyards, started a family, and returned to Texas.

El Gaucho Winery combines the countryside charms of Texas and Argentina.

You can find rustic interior pieces like cowhide chairs, hand-woven rugs, and stained wooded furniture that give it a warm and welcoming feel.

Discover one-of-a-kind wines on an exciting wine-tasting flight and enjoy single tastings or choose three variants to try.

Choose between rich Chardonnays, a sweet Malbec, or a tangy Sparkling wine on your wine-tasting flight.

Complement your tasting session with empanadas, pasta, grilled flank steak, and other Argentine eats for a complete dining experience.

Feel the Thrill at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures

Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Travis as you go on a ziplining adventure with Lake Travis Zipline Adventures in Volente, Texas.

Located 30 minutes from Lakeway, the amusement center provides a fun day for thrillseekers and those who want to enjoy the lakeside environment.

In addition, the locally-owned and operated company takes pride in having the longest zipline in Texas, making it a must for every adrenaline junkie.

Lake Travis Zipline Adventures offers a three-hour guided tour that starts with a relaxing cruise across Lake Travis before going on a hike, where you’ll also learn about the area’s ecology.

Then, feel the thrill as you zip across five lines, with the last three lines being the longest and fastest ziplines in the state.

After your ziplining tour, enjoy exclusive access to the private lakefront property where you can swim or relax.

Take a Day Trip to Pace Bend Park

Aerial view of Pace Bend Park

Ricardo Lesmes / Shutterstock.com

Pace Bend Park is a popular recreation area in Spicewood, a 24-minute drive from Lakewood, and offers numerous outdoor activities.

One side of the park features tall limestone cliffs and rocky coves where thrillseekers can jump cliffs while others can enjoy sunset views of Lake Travis.

The park also has trails that will take you through scenic views of Lake Travis and the nearby Hill Country Region.

Enjoy various activities at Pace Bend Park, including hiking, biking, boating, and swimming.

For those who’d like to make the most of their stay in the park, stay overnight at the campsites.

Campsites at the park include water and electrical hookups, showers, and restrooms.

Unwind at Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery

If you’re in the mood for live music, great booze, and a fun atmosphere, visit Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery at Spicewood.

The live music venue and bar are only 25 minutes from Lakeway and boast award-winning craft spirits.

Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery is your go-to place for a fun night out, from flavored spirits and bourbon to vodka.

Featuring 15 acres of open space, taste their premium drinks as you sit back and soak up the atmosphere.

You can also bring your dogs to the site if they’re kept on a leash.

Final Thoughts

Offering miles of quiet trails and greenbelts, homegrown restaurants, and recreational complexes, Lakeway is a perfect weekend destination from the metro.

Whether traveling solo or with your friends and family, the city has plenty of things to do and places to see.

Let this guide for the best things to do in Lakeway, Texas, help you plan and organize an unforgettable vacation!

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