The Oasis On Lake Travis
The Oasis On Lake Travis began as just a concept. Beau Theriot, the proprietor of The Oasis, has always been a dreamer, but he had no clue what his idea would become. The Oasis has become a well-known beauty tucked in Austin 39 years later.
We are well known as The Sunset Capital of Texas because hundreds of visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the stunning sights and maybe one of the most spectacular sunsets they will ever see.
There is so much to say about The Oasis on Lake Travis, from its inception by Beau Theriot to its rise to popularity as The Sunset Capital of Texas thanks to Beau’s vision, and then the fire in 2005 and incredible revival to the magnificent Oasis we currently enjoy. But wait, there’s more!
We’ve built a few key traditions throughout the years, including the Oasis sunset ritual, which includes the Sunset Bell, which has its own tale; the annual Oasis Sunset Photo Contest; and Honoring Our Heroes with unique memorial plaques. There’s even more at The Oasis! We offer numerous special locations for private parties of all sizes, wedding ceremony and celebration spaces, and two fantastic live music and dance venues, Beau’s Backyard and our Starlight Terrace. Finally, one of our most well-known traditions is Lover’s Locks. Couples, friends, groups, you name it—grab a lock from our Oasis Gift Shop and secure it to the balcony on our decks outside to ensure that the memories you made during your stay are never forgotten.
Lunch & Dinner at the Oasis
Come to The Oasis for lunch or supper (or snacks) and remain for the spectacular sunset. Sit back and take in a panoramic view of Lake Travis from one of our decks or one of our interior alternatives. Discover our delicious chef-prepared cuisine.
Drinks at The Oasis
While soaking in the rays on one of our three outdoor decks, sip one of our Perfect Margaritas or one of our numerous unique cocktails. Our drinks will help you unwind and have fun with your pals.
LAKE TRAVIS INFORMATION
Lake Travis is a Colorado River reservoir in central Texas, United States.
Lake Travis has a historical minimum to maximum water height variation of more than 100 feet, primarily operating as a flood-control reservoir. In 2018, it had a 20-foot depth increase in a single 24-hour period.
With 30 square miles of surface area, Lake Travis has the most storage capacity among the Highland Lakes reservoirs. It runs 65 miles (105 kilometers) upriver from western Travis County (near Lago Vista, Texas) through southern Burnet County to the Max Starcke Dam, southwest of Marble Falls. In addition to flood control and water distribution, the lake is used for power generating and recreation.
The Pedernales River, a major tributary of the Colorado River, flows into the lake from southwestern Travis County.
Creation
The reservoir was built in 1942 by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) in the western outskirts of Austin, Texas, and was designed primarily to absorb floodwaters in a flash-flood prone zone. Following a severe storm in July 1938, the height of the dam was extended during construction to boost floodwater storage capacity.
Ferry assistance
In April 1971, Point Venture Development Co. began regular scheduled ferry service between Point Venture and the south bank of Hurst Creek. The 20-minute ride was Texas’ only inland ferry service at the time.
Boat sinkings in September 2020
A boat parade in support of Donald Trump was held on September 5, 2020. The Travis County Sheriff’s Office received several calls of boats in distress, and several vessels sunk. Despite the calm weather, the boats created a massive wake as they began to move together, drowning at least five vessels. The hashtag #dumbkirk trended on Twitter following the occurrence.
Recreational
On Lake Travis, popular recreational activities include fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, picnics, camping, and zip lining.
Swimming and nude sunbathing are other permitted activities in Hippie Hollow Park. This picturesque park on Lake Travis’ eastern shore is Texas’ first designated clothes-optional park. Lake Travis is often considered as one of the cleanest bodies of water in Texas. It is a vital supply of water for the neighboring city of Austin, Texas, as well as the surrounding metropolitan region.
Death toll rankings
Lake Travis was ranked first in Texas for accidental fatalities in 2011 and second overall between 2000 and 2015.
In 2018, six people drowned at Lake Travis, accounting for six of the 29 total boating deaths recorded in Texas that year.
Fish populations
Lake Travis has been stocked with a variety of fish species to improve its suitability for recreational fishing. Lake Travis is home to largemouth bass, guadalupe bass, white bass, striped bass, catfish, and sunfish.
In the spring of 2008, there were several reports of leeches in Lake Travis. Leeches are largely harmless to humans, however they can be annoying.
The lake’s elevation
The lake is considered “full” (at maximum designed capacity) when the water level is 681 feet (208 meters) above mean sea level (msl). When the water level at Mansfield Dam climbs over 681 feet (208 meters), the flood control gates at the dam open, as instructed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
Depending on the amount of rainfall in the Colorado River basin upstream, the lake’s level may fluctuate dramatically, with a 96-foot difference between its historical high and low.
The lake’s record high level was 710.4 feet (216.5 m) above mean sea level on December 25, 1991, only four feet below the dam’s top/spillway at 714 feet (218 m). The record low was 614.2 feet (187.2 m) above mean sea level on August 14, 1951.
Next Point of Interest: Harry Ransom Center