Beaches in Austin, Texas

Though a few hours drive from the Gulf Coast, the capital city of Austin, Texas, has a number of waterside parks and beaches scattered throughout and around the metropolitan area. The Colorado River stretches southeast through the city and the Central Texas region, with six interconnected lakes along its length. Known as the Highland Lakes, these popular regional destinations have miles of shoreline for swimming, boating, fishing and camping. Two of those lakes, Lake Austin and Lake Travis, are both located within the greater Austin area.

Locations

One of Austin's best-known beaches, West Lake Beach, is located a few miles west of downtown on the west side of Lake Austin. In addition to a sandy lakeside beachfront, enjoy water volleyball, sand volleyball and outdoor picnicking, as well as fishing. Immediately south of downtown, you can picnic, barbecue and fish, or pick up a hoops or ball game at one of the many small beaches clustered along the Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail on Lake Austin including Festival, Lamar and Waller Beaches.

Alternatives

For family fun, pack a picnic basket and head to the Volente Beach Waterpark located a few miles west of Austin in Volente, Texas. For a moderate admission fee, you and your family can enjoy a natural sandy beach along a tiny cove of Lake Travis, as well as traditional waterpark attractions like rides, slides and pools. Adults who prefer sunbathing and swimming wtihout clothing can slip away to the beaches of Hippie Hollow, located in west Austin.

Access

Lakefront beaches maintained by the City of Austin's Parks and Recreation Department such as Festival Beach are often open year around. The Volente Beach Waterpark opens daily between late May and mid-August, as well as for weekends late April to late May and late August to mid-September. Weekly day camps, party packages and seasonal parking passes are also available. Hippie Hollow, the only nudist beach in Texas, remains open for most of the year.

Amenities

Most Austin-area beaches have picnic tables and grills, as well as drinking fountains and restrooms. At Festival Beach, you can let the kids loose on a playground, or start a game on one of the beach's three basketball courts and two baseball fields. Lakeside beaches may also offer tube and life jacket rentals. A few have on site or nearby concession stands, as well, including the occasional restaurant, where you can savor an iced drink or midday snack.

Recommendations

Not every beach has lifeguards on duty, so take standard precautions for the oversight and care of children and inexperienced swimmers including life jackets when necessary and adult supervision of children under the age of 14. Water socks are also recommended for some locations if you plan to take a dip. Beaches will occasionally close for inclement weather and for parties and events, so call ahead to confirm hours of operation.