Lake Austin Sunset Cruise

A small-boat sunset cruise on Lake Austin, past Mount Bonnell and the Pennybacker 360 Bridge, with a captain who knows every lakeside mansion by name.

The experience

Lake Austin is a narrow, dammed section of the Colorado River winding through the western hills of the city, and the view from water level reveals a side of Austin you can't see from any road. Cruises run one to two hours on small boats carrying a maximum of ten passengers, with a captain providing commentary on the lakeside properties, geological features, and local history. The standard route passes Mount Bonnell, the highest point in Austin's city limits, and the Pennybacker 360 Bridge, the steel arch that's become one of the city's most photographed structures. You'll pass celebrity homes, Austin Country Club, and the cypress-lined banks that give the lake its character. Most operators permit BYOB, which turns the cruise into a properly relaxed evening. The sunset light on the surrounding Hill Country terrain is the visual payoff.

Logistics

One to two hours. $39 to $75 per person depending on operator and boat. Weather dependent and can be cancelled in high wind or storms. Bring sunscreen, a light jacket for the post-sunset return, and whatever you want to drink. Departure points vary but are generally 15 to 20 minutes from central or west Austin. A natural reward at the end of a day at Barton Creek or Falconhead.