Congress Avenue Kayaks, Austin

Just below the Four Seasons Hotel on the north shore trail of Lady Bird Lake waits the Waller Creek Boathouse, where first-time kayakers and paddling experts alike shove off into serene waters. Paddlers embark on hourly or half-day paddles aboard easy-to-navigate water vessels, soaking in the lush scenery. The Congress Avenue bridge's reflection glimmers on the water, lined by thick foliage and towering trees. Throughout their trips, kayakers might find themselves floating alongside a family of ducks or beneath a colony of Mexican free-tailed bats, each of whom have signed a contract promising not to get tangled in paddlers' hair.