Lake Buchanan is the largest of the first four Highland Lakes in Central Texas, stretching 30 miles in length and nearly 5 miles across at its widest point, with 124 miles of scenic shoreline. When it was constructed, Buchanan Dam gained distinction as the longest multiple-arch dam in the United States, spanning just over two miles.

Inks Lake was created in 1938 following the completion of Inks Dam by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). Stretching 4.2 miles in length and spanning 3,000 feet across, it’s the shortest of the first four Highland Lakes — but also one of the most scenic.

Lake LBJ is the go-to spot for boating, mainly because the water level likes to keep things predictable—no surprise deep dives here! For those lucky enough to live along the lake, they get the luxury of permanent boat docks that don’t have to do the whole “rise and fall” thing like on most other lakes. It’s like having a dock that’s always on vacation. Plenty of lakefront rental houses also come with docks, so you can bring your boat along for the ride.

Lake Marble Falls is the fourth stop on the Highland Lakes Tour, cruising along the Colorado River in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Known for its love affair with boats and waterskis, this lake is where the water meets the thrill. At 5.75 miles long and stretching a whopping 1,080 feet at its widest (that's almost the length of 11 football fields, if you need a visual), it’s the perfect spot for trying to stay upright while pretending to be a professional water skier.

Starting in Austin, Lake Travis meanders northwest through the heart of the Texas Hill Country, stretching over 60 miles like a giant lazy river, only with more boats and less floaty toys. It’s the longest of the seven Highland Lakes, making it a prime spot for boating enthusiasts who want to pretend they’re in a scene from a high-budget action movie. And at its widest point, the lake spreads out 4.5 miles – just wide enough for you to lose your sense of direction and your lunch if you’re not careful.

Lake Austin, located just six miles west of downtown Austin, is a 1,600-acre reservoir on the Colorado River known for year-round water recreation. Popular for boating, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, and fishing, it also features scenic spots like Emma Long Park for swimming and picnicking. The lake is lined with waterfront restaurants such as Hula Hut and Mozart’s Coffee, perfect for relaxing after a day on the water. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and upscale homes, Lake Austin offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor fun, making it a top destination in the Texas Hill Country for locals and visitors alike.

Lady Bird Lake is the seventh lake in the ever-glamorous Highland Lakes chain on the Colorado River in central Texas. It is in the heart of Austin and the Texas Hill Country, offers tourists a scenic urban escape perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and soaking in skyline views along hike-and-bike trails.