Its banks are bounded by a series of trails, which continue throughout the city of Austin. People can run and bike on these trails; businesses offer canoeing services along the lakefront portion of the trails as well. Zilker Park is also located on the trails.
The city of Austin prohibits motorized watercraft on the lake; however it serves as a recreational area for canoes, rowboats, etc. and its straightaway and usually calm waters are especially popular with crew teams.