Marina and boat ramps
Launch your own boat, tie up a rental for the week, or head out for wakeboarding, tubing and long lazy swims off the back of the boat.
(d) / Beyond the gate
Spring fed water, brisket smoke and 64 miles of lake.
The Reserve sits in Spicewood, Texas, on the quiet western stretch of Lake Travis. Swimming holes, wineries, roadhouses and state parks are all inside a half hour drive, and downtown Austin is 45 minutes back down the road.
SpicewoodThe town
45 minTo Austin
64 milesOf open water
30 minTo Hamilton Pool
(01)
On the water
Lake Travis runs 64 miles of open water past the property, and the best of it is a short boat ride or drive away.
Devil's Cove
The most famous cove on the lake. Boats raft up in waist deep water on summer weekends and it turns into one big floating party.
Pace Bend Park
Nine miles of shoreline, limestone cliffs, cliff jumping spots, shaded picnic tables and some of the best sunset views in the Hill Country.
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
Trails along the water, a wildflower bloom in spring and easy shoreline access for paddleboards and kayaks.
(02)
Swimming holes and springs
The cold, clear water the Hill Country is known for sits within a half hour drive of the property.
Krause Springs
A family run spread of 32 springs, a natural pool under cypress trees, a rope swing and butterfly gardens. A classic Spicewood afternoon.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
A collapsed grotto with a waterfall spilling into a jade green pool. Reservations are required and they book out early, so plan ahead.
Milton Reimers Ranch Park
Rock climbing, mountain biking and miles of hiking along the Pedernales River, plus a dark sky park for stargazing at night.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Stair stepped limestone falls, wading pools downstream and shaded trails that are worth the early start.
(03)
Wine, beer and live music
Spicewood sits in the middle of Texas wine country, and the roadhouses out here have been hosting local legends for decades.
Spicewood Vineyards
One of the original Texas Hill Country wineries. Tastings on the patio with rows of vines running out toward the hills.
Stone House Vineyard
A small stone winery above the lake, known for its Norton reds and a quiet tasting room.
Poodie's Hilltop Roadhouse
Live music most nights in a true Texas dive, opened by Willie Nelson's longtime stage manager. Cold beer, loud guitars, no pretense.
Angel's Icehouse
Open air picnic tables, barbecue, local beer and bands under the lights. Easy with kids and dogs in tow.
Luck Ranch
Willie Nelson's western town and ranch in Spicewood, home to concerts and festivals through the year.
(04)
Where to eat
Barbecue joints, lakeside patios and a proper grocery run, all inside a twenty minute radius.
Opie's Barbecue
Brisket, beef ribs and pork chops pulled straight off the pits for you to point at. Get there before they sell out.
The Oasis on Lake Travis
Terraces stacked 450 feet above the water. Come for the sunset, stay for tacos and frozen margaritas.
Lakeside patios in Lakeway
A run of waterfront restaurants, pizza and ice cream stops on the way back from the lake.
Groceries and supplies
Full grocery stores and a liquor store toward Bee Cave and Lakeway for stocking the kitchen before you settle in.
(05)
Out with the family
Days that fill themselves, without a long drive to get there.
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Five ziplines over the canyon, including one of the longest in Texas, finishing at a private swimming beach.
Cypress Valley canopy tours
Treetop bridges and ziplines strung through old cypress trees over a spring fed creek.
Golf at Barton Creek Lakeside
A championship course wrapped around the shoreline, with more options toward Lakeway and Spicewood.
Marble Falls
A small lake town for a change of pace, with Blue Bonnet Cafe pie, a swimming beach and shops along Main Street.
(06)
Into town
Close enough for a Friday afternoon escape, far enough that you hear the water instead of the traffic.
Hill Country Galleria, Bee Cave
Shopping, a movie theater, a farmers market and a lawn the kids can run on while you finish a coffee.
Downtown Austin
Live music on Sixth Street, the Congress Avenue bats, museums and the food scene, all an easy day trip.
Austin Bergstrom Airport
Land, grab the car and be at the gate with your shoes off by dinner.
Dripping Springs
Distilleries, breweries and wedding country, with Salt Lick barbecue on the way.
Drive times are approximate and depend on lake traffic and the season. Some parks and swimming holes require reservations or charge entry fees, so check before you set out.