Sun Auto Service understands that it can be difficult to come up with exciting summer vacation ideas, especially when everyone in your family has a different definition of the word “fun.” Luckily, the Austin, TX, area – in particular, Lake Travis – is alive with history and culture and can offer a variety of activities to families planning their summer getaways. Boasting crystal-clear waters and a unique limestone bottom, Lake Travis is an almost 64-mile-long lake offering nearly 271 miles of breathtaking shoreline, making it nearly impossible to run out of things to do.
Windy Point Park
If you want to enjoy the lake itself and take in all of its beautiful scenery, you should definitely visit Windy Point Park. Ideal for picnics, this park is located along some of the most picturesque stretches of shoreline, and since it is just a short distance from Austin, it should definitely be on your list of summer getaways. If you are more on the adventurous side, the park offers scuba lessons to visitors at all skill levels. Advanced divers can descend to depths of more than 100 feet below the surface and explore the lake’s underwater canyon wall and archaic shipwrecks.
Spicewood Vineyards
Spicewood Vineyards is a true Texas winery located near Lake Travis, and it has produced many of the state’s winning bottles of wine. The vineyard offers panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country, ensuring that visitors can take in the serene settings while sipping some of the area’s best wine. Most of the wine produced at Spicewood is sold to local restaurants and retail stores, but the vineyard also boasts a massive wine-tasting room for visitors. It also provides tours of its expansive 400-barrel underground storage room.
Beachside Billy’s Lake Travis Restaurant & Water Park
If you need more family-friendly summer vacation ideas, you may want to check out Beachside Billy’s Lake Travis Restaurant & Water Park, which is open to the public every day of the week. Located on the shore of Lake Travis, the waterpark is ideal for children of all ages and boasts numerous slides, rides, and lounging areas for kids. When you have time away from the kids, you may want to take advantage of one of the island-themed swim-up bars at the adults-only pool or volleyball courts.
Famous for its fresh seafood and steaks, the restaurant at Beachside Billy’s offers some of the best food in the area. The restaurant features an extensive menu and is accessible by boat, as well. If you have a picky eater in the family, you can also take comfort in the fact that the restaurant offers a variety of kid-friendly dining options.
Hill Country Galleria
Let’s be honest – no summer vacation would be complete without shopping. Whether you are in serious need of retail therapy, or you simply want to pick up a few souvenirs, the Hill Country Galleria is Lake Travis’s premier shopping center. Offering spectacular views of the neighboring hills, the Galleria is designed to allow shoppers to enjoy nature while visiting its stores. If you love fashion, you will be pleased to know that this 152-acre shopping paradise boasts dozens of stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
One World Theatre
If you hold the performing arts near and dear to your heart, you will want to schedule a visit to the One World Theatre before you leave Lake Travis. Just a 10-minute drive west of downtown Austin, the remarkably beautiful, Italian-style theatre attracts some of the most prominent performing artists in the country each year. Offering an elegant environment and a full-service bar that serves mixed drinks, wine, and craft beer, you will be able to enjoy your show in one of the most attractive theatres in Texas. On average, the theatre has three performances a week and even offers pre-performance entertainment.
Take the Break You Deserve
Life in a busy city like Austin can be exhausting, and it is important to take the time to enjoy the area and take a break sometimes. It can be difficult to come up with summer vacation ideas that please your entire family, but when you are located just a short drive from Lake Travis, you don’t have to. Before planning your trip, be sure to have your vehicle properly inspected by Sun Auto Service. The last thing you want is to have your perfect vacation ruined by car troubles. Don’t wait any longer – schedule your maintenance appointment with Sun Auto Service today.
