QuestionMark

We may take a side trip to go explore the Lake Travis area and earmark a few things for a future visit in warmer weather.

What is the best way (or route) to get a good amount of exposure to the Lake Travis area in about 2-3 hours? We'll be looking for future boat rental places, parks, restaurants, etc. Just general things to do. The lake looks like it would take quite a while to drive around the whole thing so I though those of you who've been there can give me some pointers on the best way to quickly absorb the area and get a better understanding of some of the better areas.

Thanks for any tips!

PS...we'd be coming from the Austin side.

campermom

If ya'll are coming from Houston, it might take longer than 3 hours. The hills around the lake are scenic and the roads aren't straight. It's pretty up there. I just visited a friend there one time.

tinneyr

Having grown up on Lake Travis it is easy to say that it would be a long day to see it all. But, if you're wanting a highlight of the lake, I would visit the LCRA county park at Mansfield Dam to get a good lake level view of the largest body of the water. This is on the Austin side so this will work out nicely for you (RR2222 to FM620). Also take a trip down to the low water bridge below the dam to experience the emmensity of the dam and the start of Lake Austin. Be sure to put your toes in the water. A drive down to the end of Hudson Bend Road (which is a mile or two south of the dam) will give you views of Starns Island and some nice scenery of the of still uninhabited land across the lake (at least it used to be). For restaurants, I consider The Oasis the BEST sunset view in Texas. It sits atop the cliffs overlooking Lake Travis. Other choices would be Charlies (which is lakeside) or The Iguana Grill (also cliffside about a 3 miles south of Mansfield Dam). Google these restaurants to get exact details. All of this would fit within your alloted time frame. A trip up to the top Mount Bonnell would top it all off. Enjoy and let us know how it all turns out.

happybooker1

What about the restaurant in the marina that sits on the water? Sandles? Is that the name? No, that doesn't sound right but someone will know.

We always loved to eat there primarily because of the HUGE and I mean GIGANTIC catfish that come to eat french fries right off the deck of the restaurant. Hundreds of them -- most probably 2' or bigger!!