Lake Travis Suburbs

OVERVIEW

Lake Travis is probably Austin’s natural pride and joy, and there are a few cities around the Lake that you can call home.

Suburbs Along the Lake
There are a few cities and suburbs that have sprung up around Lake Travis: Lakeway, Bee Cave, Lago Vista, and Point Venture to name a few. It’s probably easiest to look at it in terms of school districts. There are three large school districts that surround the lake: Lake Travis ISD, Lago Vista ISD, and Leander ISD. To learn more about the Leander area, read through our highlights of Cedar Park/Leander. Here we can explore the areas of Lake Travis and Lago Vista.

School Systems
Lake Travis ISD encompasses a single high school, Lake Travis High School; three middle schools (Lake Travis, Bee Cave, Hudson Bend); and seven middle schools.

Lago Vista ISD is also home to a single high school, Lago Vista High School, as well as a single Middle School, Intermediate School, and Elementary School.

Lake Travis:
Bee Cave, Briarcliff, Lakeway, The Hills, and Hudson Bend are the communities that are in the southern section of the lake. This area is marked by the intersection of State Highway 71 and Ranch Road 620. From Barton Creek to the Pedernales River, this hilly area west of Austin proper is home to Mansfield Dam, Shops at the Galleria, and other fantastic parks and sights.

Lago Vista:
Lago Vista, Point Venture, and South Jonestown Hills make up the cities on the north side of the lake. These towns are tucked in the curves and bends of the Colorado River. Farm-to-Market Road 1431 is the main major roadway that takes you in and out of this part of the greater Austin area. FM 1431 is best accessed from Hwy 183 in Cedar Park.

ART, CULTURE & RECREATION

There is so much to see and do in this part of Austin! From adventures on the lake to great indoor activities, you could never be bored!

Nightlife & Food Scene
We would be remiss to not mention the famous Oasis on Lake Travis. Having earned the title of Sunset Capital of Texas, this Mexican food restaurant serves up iconic margaritas and good food on tiered decks that overlook the lake. Depending on where you are specifically, there so many options. If you’re closer to Lakeway, you can have a few glasses of wine at The Grove. If you’re on the north side of the river, try the Gnarly Gar in Point Venture. There you can get some good grub and live music!

Shopping
One of the top shopping spots in this area is the Hill Country Galleria. With over 100 stores and restaurants, there’s something for everyone! It’s a healthy mix of chain stores and small mom and pop shops. It’s not just about the shops, though. With brick walkways and strings of lights running overhead, it’s a truly peaceful and beautiful space.

Parks & Outdoor Activities
Lake Travis is the ultimate hot spot for outdoor activities. It’s home to two of Austin’s most famous attractions: Lake Travis Zip Line Adventures (LTZA) and Hippie Hollow. LTZA is a well-known and beloved spot for tourists and locals alike where you can strap in and zoom over the water. Hippie Hollow is known around the country, if not the world, for it’s beautiful waters, green hills, and… well, clothing optional status. Obviously, it’s not appropriate for the kiddos, but if you’re feeling adventurous…

There are several other parks along Lake Travis, including Pace Bend, Arkansas Bend, Mansfield Dam, and Windy Point. If you own or have access to a boat, kayak, or canoe, you can get on the water from one of the several launch areas.

Hotels
If you want to rest up after enjoying this part of Austin, check in to The Island on Lake Travis for a luxury experience. For an especially unique experience, stay at Cypress Valley where you can sleep in beautiful treehouses! There are plenty of other, more familiar options along RR 620.