Things to Do in Westlake

• Boat and swim on Lake Austin: Lake Austin runs along Westlake's northern and eastern boundary. The reservoir does not allow jet skis but supports boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Many Westlake homes have private docks, and public access is available at several boat ramps and parks along the shoreline.
• Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt: The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a 12.7-mile trail system along Barton Creek on Westlake's southern edge. The trail offers hiking, mountain biking, and swimming holes at Sculpture Falls, Twin Falls, and Gus Fruh, plus limestone climbing walls.
• Explore Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve: Wild Basin is a 227-acre nature preserve at 805 N Capital of Texas Highway in the 78746 zip code, co-managed by Travis County and St. Edward's University. Founded in 1976 as Austin's first nature preserve, it offers approximately 3 miles of trails through habitat for the federally endangered Golden-cheeked warbler.
• Play golf at Westlake's private clubs: Westlake Country Club (formerly Lost Creek CC, renovated 2023) offers 18 holes on Lost Creek Boulevard. Austin Country Club sits on Lake Austin near the Pennybacker Bridge with golf, tennis, and boat slips. Omni Barton Creek Resort features four 18-hole courses including two Tom Fazio designs.
• Visit Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool: Zilker Metropolitan Park, a 358-acre park at the eastern edge of the Westlake area, is home to Barton Springs Pool — a 3-acre spring-fed swimming area that maintains a year-round temperature of 68-70°F — plus the Zilker Botanical Garden, a miniature train, and disc golf.
• Shop and dine on Bee Cave Road and at Hill Country Galleria: Bee Cave Road (FM 2244) runs through the heart of Westlake with local restaurants, shops, and services. Hill Country Galleria in neighboring Bee Cave offers an open-air shopping and dining center with over 90 stores and restaurants, a 14-screen cinema, and a community amphitheater.

Major Employers in Westlake

• Eanes ISD (Education): Eanes Independent School District serves approximately 7,800 students across nine campuses in the Westlake area. The district earned the TEA's A rating with a 94/100 score in 2024 and 2025, and employs teachers, administrators, and support staff across its elementary, middle, and high school campuses.
• Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa (Hospitality): A Hill Country resort on the southern edge of the Westlake area featuring four 18-hole golf courses, a spa, conference facilities, and multiple restaurants. The resort employs hospitality, grounds, and food service staff.
• Westlake-area medical and professional offices (Healthcare & Professional Services): Medical offices, dental practices, financial advisory firms, and law offices line Bee Cave Road, Westlake Drive, and the Loop 360 corridor, providing professional employment within the community.
• City of West Lake Hills (Municipal government): The incorporated city of West Lake Hills provides local government services including police, fire, public works, and code enforcement for approximately 3,400 residents within its 4-square-mile boundary.

Westlake Schools

The Westlake community is defined by Eanes ISD, which serves approximately 7,800 students across nine campuses. The district earned the Texas Education Agency's A rating with a score of 94 out of 100 in both 2024 and 2025, with every campus individually earning an A. Westlake High School is the district's sole comprehensive high school.

School District: Eanes ISD

Public Schools

• Westlake High School - Eanes ISD's sole comprehensive high school, serving grades 9-12. Westlake High consistently ranks among the top public high schools in Texas.
• Hill Country Middle School - One of two Eanes ISD middle schools serving the Westlake community.
• West Ridge Middle School - Eanes ISD middle school serving the western portion of the district.
• Eanes Elementary Schools (6 campuses) - Eanes ISD operates six elementary campuses across the Westlake area: Barton Creek, Bridge Point, Cedar Creek, Eanes, Forest Trail, and Valley View (Valley View closed at the end of the 2024-25 school year).

Higher Education

• St. Edward's University (nearby) - A private Catholic university on a hilltop campus approximately 6 miles east of Westlake in south Austin, serving approximately 4,000 students. St. Edward's co-manages Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve within the Westlake area.

Frequently Asked Questions