Austin, TX

Lake Travis in Austin

Web: www.laketravis.com

A visit to Lake Travis brings out the best of what Texas Hill Country has to offer: Fishing, boating, scuba diving, picnicking and camping, for starters.

Lake Travis is considered one of the clearest lakes in Texas with plenty to do for the outdoor recreationist.

If boating is your passion, then you'll want to catch one of the multi-class sailboat and windsurfing regattas. And if you prefer being in the middle of the action, plenty of marina rental stores offer ski boats, cruisers, cigarettes and mansion-like houseboats for weekend warriors.

Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the easy access to some of the best fishing spots along Lake Travis. The Parks Department regularly stocks the lake with largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, white bass, striped bass, catfish and sunfish.

Dozens of smaller parks along the banks of the lake provide plenty of opportunity for diving and parasailing too.

Outdoor enthusiasts from around the state and the country flock to Lake Travis for plenty of fun and relaxation. After an action-packed day of activities, the area comes alive with lakefront restaurants and bars. There's even a floating bar & grill if you can't get enough of life on the water.