Sure, Austin may not have an actual beach, but we do know how to lean into a good lake day. From sandy swimming spots and shady river hangouts to pebble beaches where kids can splash and dig for hours, there are plenty of places around Austin that bring those laid back beach vacation vibes a little closer to home. Pack the towels, sunscreen, and snacks. These local favorites are perfect for a fun day by the water with kids.
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 Metropolitan Park is one of Austin’s most popular spots for a classic lake day with kids. Located along Lake Austin, the large park has a designated swimming area, a small sandy beach section for digging and splashing, shady picnic areas, grills, bathrooms, hiking trails, and boat access. The oak-lined shoreline makes it an easy place to spend a full day by the water.
The park is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm. Entry fees are currently $5 Monday through Thursday and $10 Friday through Sunday and holidays. From March through September, advance reservations are required on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and major holiday weekends including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Be sure to reserve ahead during busy summer weekends.
Click here to read about our experience at Emma Long Metro Park.
— Lake Pflugerville Park
About 30 minutes northeast of Austin, Lake Pflugerville is a longtime family favorite for easy beach day vibes close to home. Originally built as a reservoir for the city of Pflugerville, the 180 acre lake is now a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, and relaxing by the water.
The park includes a 3 mile walking trail, playground, boat launch, beach area, picnic pavilion, and bathrooms. Families tend to set up with beach umbrellas and pop up tents near the pebble shoreline while kids splash in the roped off swim area, climb on the play structure, and dig with buckets along the shore.
— Lakeway City Park
Lakeway City Park is a great spot for a relaxed family lake day, with swimming areas, fishing spots, kayaking access, and plenty of room for a picnic with Lake Travis views. The park also has nearly two miles of paved trails for walking, scootering, or biking, plus sandy areas where kids can splash and play near the water. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty.
— Milton Reimers Ranch Park
About 30 minutes west of Austin near Dripping Springs, Milton Reimers Ranch Park is a favorite for families looking for a more scenic river day. The park features a riverside beach area along the Pedernales River, plus fishing spots, hiking trails, and some of the best rock climbing in the area. Thanks to the park’s large size, it rarely reaches capacity and does not require reservations, though entry is first come, first served.
Entry fees are currently $5 cash per person ages 13 and up, while kids 12 and under are free. Since river conditions can change, it’s always a good idea to check current water levels before heading out.
— Pace Bend Park
Pace Bend Park is one of those classic summer spots many local kids grow up visiting on school field trips, camping weekends, and lake days with friends. Located along Lake Travis, the sprawling park has swimming areas, hiking and biking trails, fishing coves, picnic areas, boat ramps, and even a well known rope swing.
Pace Bend is also famous for its cliff jumping areas and dramatic lake views, though please use caution around the rocky cliffs and deeper water. Water levels change and affect swimming, so pleae check before you go!
— Russell Park Beach
Located along the western side of Lake Georgetown, Russell Park Beach is a popular spot for families looking for a quieter beach day about 45 minutes north of Austin. The pebble shoreline and designated swim area make it a fun place for splashing, skipping rocks, and relaxing by the water, while the surrounding park is popular for fishing, picnicking, hiking, biking, and camping.
There are no lifeguards on duty, and pets are not allowed in the beach area, so plan accordingly before heading out for the day.
— Secret Beach
Not so secret anymore, Secret Beach is a sandy stretch along the Colorado River tucked inside Roy G Guerrero Colorado River Park in East Austin. Getting there requires about a 10 to 15 minute walk from the parking area, which makes it feel like a little family adventure before you even reach the water.
While swimming is not officially allowed, kids still love digging in the sand, splashing at the shoreline, skipping rocks, and exploring the riverbank. Bring water shoes, sand toys, and plenty of sunscreen, especially during warmer months when shade can be limited.
Son’s Blue River Camp
Located along the San Marcos River, Son’s Blue River Camp feels a little like a laid back summer camp mixed with a daycation. Families can cool off in the clear river water, relax under shady trees, rent cabanas, or spend the day floating, swimming, and hanging out by the riverbank. With food, drinks, lawn games, and plenty of space to spread out, it’s an easy spot for a full day of summer fun outside Austin.
— 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:
