• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Kids Events in Austin this Weekend
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Best Canoe Rental for Lady Bird Lake Adventures

May 29, 2014 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

2013-09-22 19.15.41

Hike and Bike trail (Photo credit: Jessica Pino)

Picture it. You’re on the hike and bike trail at Lady Bird Lake, aka Town Lake. All of a sudden, you have an urge to jump into the water. You might blame this urge on the Texas heat, but I know I fight it every time I’m on the trail. Barton Springs Pool is a good option, but who has their swimsuit with them at all times? The better option (in my opinion)? Rent a canoe or kayak to explore Austin’s oasis from within.

Next challenge: with five different boat rental locations along the river, where do you go for gear?

The Best Canoe Rental in Austin

I spend a lot of time on the river and I have rented from almost every location along Town Lake. Zilker Park Boat Rentals stands out above the rest. This uber local Austin business was established in 1969 by Howard and Dorothy Barnett, who had just nine canoes and an urge to share the natural beauty of the river with others.

Just as Austin has grown from a sleepy hippie town into a bustling city, Zilker Park Boat Rentals has also grown over the years. Today they have over 100 canoes and kayaks. Their team is available 7 days a week. They open as early as 10 AM on weekdays and 9 AM on weekends and are open ’til dark. Of course, dark is a relative term, so just be sure to call if you’re in doubt. And don’t forget to bring cash, since this mom and pop rental shop doesn’t take credit cards or checks.

At this point you might be thinking, “A boat is a boat. What makes Zilker Park Boat Rentals better than others?” I’m glad you asked. Because when you rent from Zilker Boats, you’re not only renting a boat from a true local gem, you’re gaining an experience you’ll never forget.

An Experience Above the Rest

Turtles Sunning on Lady Bird Lake

(Photo credit: Caitlin Arrington)

Located on the west bank of Barton Creek, where the cold waters of Barton Springs Pool meet the Colorado River, Barton Creek is the perfect backdrop to begin your canoeing (or kayak or stand-up paddleboard) adventure.

You can either hike your way into the site, or park at the main Zilker Park area by the Pool and walk down the set of stairs to the left. I personally like to go on a small hike in, before going for a spin on the water. When you arrive, you’ll notice they don’t have a fancy dock. Only the shore and the boats. I find this adds to the experience, allowing you to connect with nature.

As you climb into the canoe and glide down the creek, the big city traffic noises will start to fade away. You’ll pass by turtles sunning themselves on logs as you make your way toward Lou Neff Point. As you approach, pause for a moment and prepare to take in one of the best views of Austin’s ever changing skyline. And it’s at that moment you’ll feel it. The magical draw of the city that calls to many of us like Sirens.

From there, there are no rules as to how to enjoy the river. I sometimes like to go toward the city and imagine what the thousands of people above me are doing. But most of the time I like to head west of the city and get lost in mother nature’s beauty.

Austin Texas Skyline

(Photo credit: Jessica Pino)

The Extra Mile

Another reason why Zilker Park Boat Rentals stands out above the rest, in my eyes, is their involvement in the community. They had a vision to share the beauty of the river with the community, and that didn’t mean share it with only those who could afford it. They wanted to share it with everyone.

For years, they have been extending their unique experience to local nonprofits who might not have a budget to provide extracurricular activities to their members. They’ve worked with groups such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, School for the Deaf, School for the Blind and Center for Battered Women, just to name a few. Nonprofits are encouraged to contact them during non-peak hours in order to make arrangements.

Next time you’re in the market for a magical canoe ride on Town Lake, consider heading to the oldest boat rental location in Austin.

 

@jpino9 asks:

What is your favorite Town Lake experience?

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Jessica Pino
Jessica Pino
Jessica Pino
Latest posts by Jessica Pino (see all)
  • Hiking in Austin – 9 Best Hike Trails & Hiking Spots - August 13, 2021
  • Guide to Austin’s East Sixth Street - February 25, 2020
  • Austin’s Best Bazaars, Fairs, and Markets for Your Holiday Shopping - November 26, 2019

Filed Under: Activities, Discoveries

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Popular Right Now

Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of June 27, 2025

Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of June 27 Include Sazon Latin Food Festival, Art In ATX: Pride Market, and More!

Top Kids Events in Austin June 27-29, 2025

Top Kids Events in Austin June 27 – June 29 include Pride Picnic, Dinosaur Day, and More!

Best Events in Austin in July 2025

Celebrate Summer Right: Best July Events in Austin 2025

4th of July Events Austin

4th of July Events in Austin Area 2025 | Fireworks, Parades & Family Fun

Austin Pride Events

Upcoming Pride Month Events in Austin: Final Celebrations for June 2025

Recent Posts

  • Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of June 27 Include Sazon Latin Food Festival, Art In ATX: Pride Market, and More!
  • Top Kids Events in Austin June 27 – June 29 include Pride Picnic, Dinosaur Day, and More!
  • Celebrate Summer Right: Best July Events in Austin 2025
  • 4th of July Events in Austin Area 2025 | Fireworks, Parades & Family Fun
  • Upcoming Pride Month Events in Austin: Final Celebrations for June 2025

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Log in