Nothing beats the relaxed feeling of a beach vacation. But when there’s no time or budget to head to the coast, you can improvise right here in the Austin area. Just use a little imagination and these local destinations will give you those beachy vibes. Here’s our list of Austin’s best spots to soak up a little fun in the sun while kids dig in the sand (or pebbles)…
Where to Play:
— Bob Wentz Park
Bob Wentz is a favorite spot for swimming, family cookouts, water sports, and just having a fun time on the shores of Lake Travis. The Point at Bob Wentz is a small, sandy peninsula with covered picnic areas, restrooms, and water access. While it does not take reservations, parking is fairly limited, so it’s wise to go earlier in the day on weekends or holidays. Park admission is $5 per person ages 13 & up and free for children ages 12 & under; cash only. Keep up to date with water levels and lake water quality here.
— Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Emma Long is a large municipal park on the shores of Lake Austin, and it’s a great place to spend a day with the family. It’s open seven days a week and includes a long stretch of lake lined with oak and juniper trees, offers boat access, plenty of room for swimming, a small sandy beach area for kids to play, lots of picnic tables and grills, bathrooms (note: some bathrooms were under construction as of May 2024 and there were port-a-potties), and hiking trails, too. The park entrance fee is $5 on Monday – Thursday and $10 on Fridays – Sundays and holidays. Please note: reservations are required Fridays – Sundays as well as Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day Mondays. You can make your reservation here or by phone. Click here to read about our experience at Emma Long Metro Park.
— Lake Pflugerville Park
Lake Pflugerville is about a 20-30 min. drive northeast of Austin. It was built to provide the citizens of Pflugerville with drinking water, but this 180-acre reservoir has become a popular family playground. The lake is open for fishing, swimming, jogging, canoes, kayaks, and windsurfing. The Park at Lake Pflugerville includes a 3-mile trail, playground, boat launch, and beach area. You’ll find a small pebble beach and roped-off swimming area, a fun climbing structure, a small playground, and a picnic pavilion & bathroom along with families with beach tents & umbrellas, and kids with buckets for digging and playing.
— Lakeway City Park
Lakeway offers some great waterfront parkland that’s fun for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and enjoying a picnic with pretty views of Lake Travis. With nearly two miles of paved trails, there is plenty of room for leisurely walks or bike rides. You can put your toes in the sand and take a dip in the designated swim areas. Please note: there are no lifeguards on duty.
— Milton Reimers Ranch Park
Reimers Ranch is located approximately 13 miles north of Dripping Springs and features a riverside beach, a great spot for fishing, hiking, or rock climbing. Operated by Travis County Parks, Reimers doesn’t take or require reservations because of its large size and rarely reaches capacity, however, it is first come first served. Park entrance fees (cash only) are $5 per person ages 13 and up and free for children ages 12 and under. Get updates on water levels here.
— Pace Bend Park
Pace Bend Park, about an hour from Austin proper, contains all of the amenities you could desire on a beach trip. The park has boat ramps (which close if lake water levels are too low), deep coves for fishing, geocaching spots, hiking and biking trails, a rope swing, and plenty of swimming space. The cliff jumping at Pace Bend Park is on another level of fun and adventure (however, our Mom voices beg you to please be careful!), and the views from the sprawling park are spectacular.
— Russell Park Beach
Located on the west side of Lake Georgetown about 45 minutes north of Austin, this area offers a pebble beach with a swim area. No lifeguards are on duty, and note that pets are not allowed in the “beach area”, but the lake is a popular recreational destination for fishing, swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, hiking, biking, and camping.
— Secret Beach
Not a “secret” by any means, this stretch of land is located along the Colorado River inside Roy G. Guerrero Park in East Austin. It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk to the “beach” from the parking area, so it’s a fun and easy little family hike, too. Once there, please note that swimming is not allowed, but kids can have fun playing in the sand.
— Son’s Blue River Camp
This property is located on the banks of the San Marcos River, has many amenities, offers two-story cabanas, and glamping, and provides a completely different water experience for cooling off on a warm day. Read about our experience at Son’s Blue River Camp.
— Volente Beach Water Park
If you’re looking for a place to splash the day away within a short drive from Central Austin, you can take a trip out to Beachside Billy’s at Volente Beach on Lake Travis. This water park is small, making it super manageable for the kids. You’ll find a cute pirate ship play area for young children, a handful of water slides, an obstacle to cross in the pool, a volleyball court, plenty of picnic space, and a restaurant. Click here for rates and hours.
Have fun soaking up those vacation vibes!
Have even more fun with beachy food & drinks at one of these spots:
