The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Austin (2026)
A list of the best places to fly your drone in Austin, Texas.
In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Austin, Texas.
If you live in (or are traveling to) Austin, please use this page as a resource to better understand not just where to fly, but also where it’s legal and illegal to fly a drone. We provide guidance on regulations to help you stay compliant with both federal and local rules.
A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding Austin, TX. Source: VFR Map
Austin Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial
The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Austin (or any city for that matter) is that under federal FAA regulations, you are either operating recreationally or commercially.
- Recreational drone pilots fall under the FAA’s recreational flyer rules, which are laid out here. Make sure your aircraft is registered and you complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), which are both required by the FAA.
- Commercial drone pilots fall under the FAA’s Part 107 regulations, which require passing a multiple-choice test and becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot. More information on the drone certification process over here.
Drone operators are no longer required to independently contact air traffic control when flying within five miles of an airport. Instead, both recreational and commercial flyers can use the automated LAANC system to request airspace authorization to fly in controlled airspace around and above many airports. If you’re operating in Class B, C, D, or E controlled airspace, you’ll need to request airspace authorization. You may do this through LAANC or through FAADroneZone in areas where LAANC is not available.
When we list locations below, we’ll share whether they sit in controlled or uncontrolled airspace.
Get up-to-date airspace information, including temporary flight restrictions, using free apps like Aloft , Autopylot , or B4UFLY .
Interested in becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot so you can operate under the Part 107 regulations and make money flying your drone? Check out our industry-leading, online training course over at Drone Pilot Ground School.
So those are the federal rules.
But what about local Austin drone laws?
Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in Texas. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Austin. When in doubt, use good judgment and follow the FAA’s guidelines.
Note: The content on this page is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to take the place of legal counsel. If we missed something, or if you have further questions, please send an email to support[at]uavcoach[dot]com, and we’ll do our best to help you out.
Where to Fly a Drone in Austin
Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Austin area. We selected these locations based on airspace restrictions, accessibility, and attractions. You’ll find that most of the locations we’ve chosen are located in uncontrolled, Class G airspace where you don’t need to request permission to fly. Additionally, we made sure to highlight any locations with designated sUAS/remote aircraft fields.
1 — Sand Beach Park
111 Sandra Muraida Way, Austin, TX 78703
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=30.266644&long=-97.754129
Sand Beach Park is located on the banks of the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. It consists of an open green space which is great for flying a drone. The park features stunning views of the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge and the river. Drone pilots will also enjoy the scenic views of the downtown skyline.
Source: AdrienWikipedia
2 — ARCA Field (AMA)
8705 Lindell Ln, Austin, TX 78724
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=30.321781&long=-97.606157
ARCA Field is located in Austin, Texas, and is run and operated by the Austin Radio Control Associates. From above, the property offers beautiful views of Walter E. Long Lake. It features a large runway and sheltered areas which drone pilots who are looking to beat the Texas heat will appreciate. This expansive property is ideal for aviation enthusiasts who want to enjoy the hobby with others.
Source: Google Maps
3 — Pennybacker Bridge Overlook
N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78730
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=30.350947&long=-97.797067
Pennybacker Bridge Overlook is a popular scenic spot that overlooks the Pennybacker Bridge in Austin, Texas. It is a short 10-minute hike up the rocky hillside, but the picturesque views at the top make it all worth it. The location is well known for its stunning sunsets as the sun sets behind the bridge. It is important to note that directly across the river there is a No-Fly Zone. Please review the airspace maps prior to your flight.
Source: Pxhere
4 — Lower Bull Creek Greenbelt
- Airspace Class: Class G/B/C/D/E — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=30.377239&long=-97.777407
Lower Bull Creek Greenbelt is a serene location surrounded by mature trees and rock formations located in Austin, Texas. The creek flows through the area and flows over various tiers of stone. Drone pilots will enjoy the diverse landscape and the ample filming opportunities that this location offers.
Source: Roy Niswanger
5 — Miruna Park
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=30.412887&long=-97.901588
Miruna Park is located on Windy Point which extends out onto Lake Travis in Austin, Texas. The property features incredible views of the lake which was created in 1942 by the Mansfield Dam. The lake spans an impressive 18,930 acres which provides drone pilots more than enough room to fly their drone. There are also some small shelters on the point which provide a great way to beat the Texas heat.
Take a Drone Flight Training Class in Austin
If you’re new to drones or looking to take your flight skills to the next level, we offer hands-on drone flight training in the Austin area. Our classes start at 2-hours long, and our expert instructors walk you through what to do before, during and after your flight—you’ll practice intelligent flight modes and learn how to stay safe but also how to get the shots or data you need. During the class, you’ll also get a chance to ask questions about regulations, software, flight operations management, checklists and more.
Sign up for a hands-on drone flight training class in Austin.
