Slather on some sunscreen and soak up the sun — these central Texas beaches are begging to be visited. Austin may not be blessed with gorgeous ocean waters, but there are plenty of lakeside retreats to lounge in. Get ready for a rejuvenating day. This road trip will show you hidden beaches in Austin like you’ve never seen before.

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  1. Secret Beach

philpool/Flickr This hidden oasis is located inside Roy G. Guerrero Park, and it’s quickly become a local favorite. Here, you can lounge in the sand and relax in the sun. The crisp waters from the Colorado River will keep you cool. 400 Grove Boulevard, Austin, TX 78741

  1. West Lake Beach

John Z./Foursquare This secretive spot requires a bit of planning, but it’s absolutely worth it. West Lake Beach sits on a privately-owned plot of land, and reservations are required, but once you get set up the day is breezy and relaxing. This Lake Austin hangout will soon become your go-to place for catching some rays. 2509 West Lake Drive, Austin, TX 78746

  1. Emma Long Park Beach

Darren P./Foursquare There’s so much to discover at Emma Long Metropolitan Park. Here, you can really feel like you’re swimming in the ocean. As the boats drive by, you can feel the waves hitting the shore. Come by and bring the whole family. This place is a must-visit. 1600 City Park Road, Austin, TX 78730

  1. Pace Bend Park

Randall Chancellor/Flickr Next, journey to Pace Bend Park and enjoy the 1,368 acres of natural beauty. This place is popular for both adventure-seekers and leisurely travelers. 2805 Pace Bend Road North, Spicewood, TX 78734.

  1. Bob Wentz Park

2C2KPhotography/Flickr Bob Wentz Park is the perfect spot to enjoy the shimmering Lake Travis waters. Venture over to The Point to enjoy the full beach experience. This sandy peninsula is the perfect place to build a sandcastle. 7144 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732

  1. Russell Park Beach

Jude L./Foursquare After visiting these stunning beaches, head out of the city limits and visit Georgetown, Texas. Here, you’ll find Russell Park Beach, a little-known watering hole that’s full of beauty. This destination sits right next to Georgetown Lake and is adjacent to an incredible 26-mile hiking trail. 2101 County Road 262, Georgetown, TX 78633.

  1. Blue Hole Park in Georgetown

Jenn P./Foursquare You’ll end your epic road trip with a dunk into Georgetown’s Blue Hole Park. In addition to swimming and relaxing, this is a popular place for fishing and hiking. 100 Blue Hole Park, Georgetown, TX 78626

Now that you’ve seen some of the best hidden beaches in Austin, you may be wondering what other types of fun you can have in central Texas. If you’re looking for another relaxing getaway, visit this tropical island near Austin.

philpool/Flickr

This hidden oasis is located inside Roy G. Guerrero Park, and it’s quickly become a local favorite. Here, you can lounge in the sand and relax in the sun. The crisp waters from the Colorado River will keep you cool.

400 Grove Boulevard, Austin, TX 78741

John Z./Foursquare

This secretive spot requires a bit of planning, but it’s absolutely worth it. West Lake Beach sits on a privately-owned plot of land, and reservations are required, but once you get set up the day is breezy and relaxing. This Lake Austin hangout will soon become your go-to place for catching some rays.

2509 West Lake Drive, Austin, TX 78746

Darren P./Foursquare

There’s so much to discover at Emma Long Metropolitan Park. Here, you can really feel like you’re swimming in the ocean. As the boats drive by, you can feel the waves hitting the shore. Come by and bring the whole family. This place is a must-visit.

1600 City Park Road, Austin, TX 78730

Randall Chancellor/Flickr

Next, journey to Pace Bend Park and enjoy the 1,368 acres of natural beauty. This place is popular for both adventure-seekers and leisurely travelers.

2805 Pace Bend Road North, Spicewood, TX 78734.

2C2KPhotography/Flickr

Bob Wentz Park is the perfect spot to enjoy the shimmering Lake Travis waters. Venture over to The Point to enjoy the full beach experience. This sandy peninsula is the perfect place to build a sandcastle.

7144 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732

Jude L./Foursquare

After visiting these stunning beaches, head out of the city limits and visit Georgetown, Texas. Here, you’ll find Russell Park Beach, a little-known watering hole that’s full of beauty. This destination sits right next to Georgetown Lake and is adjacent to an incredible 26-mile hiking trail.

2101 County Road 262, Georgetown, TX 78633.

Jenn P./Foursquare

You’ll end your epic road trip with a dunk into Georgetown’s Blue Hole Park. In addition to swimming and relaxing, this is a popular place for fishing and hiking.

100 Blue Hole Park, Georgetown, TX 78626

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hidden Beaches In Austin April 21, 2022 Sara Dager What are the most beautiful hikes in Austin, Texas? Austin, Texas is blessed with 123 unique hiking trails designed to show you all of the natural beauty packed into this city. With high temperatures in the colder months going up to the low sixties, there is rarely a bad time to get out and hike. There are a few trails that are so awe inspiring they absolutely can’t be missed. If you are a beginner or hiking with children, you may want to explore the Mayfield Nature Preserve. On this land you can see a wealth of wildlife, a stream that empties into a lake, and an impressive amount of diverse greenery. Should you be a bit more experienced with hiking and want to work a bit for your views, we suggest the River Place nature trail, with a high elevation level this hike will get your heart rate up, but it will be well worth it to spend time in a forested oasis with creeks and a waterfall. If you need more hiking inspiration, you can read our coverage of easy scenic hikes in Austin. Which parks should I visit in Austin, Texas? For being a bustling city, Austin has a lot of parks in which to get away from the business of city life and take in some fresh air and gorgeous views. Many say the Barton Creek Greenbelt features some of the best hiking trails in Texas, this massive park is dog friendly and features a large creek running through it and many large trees that help keep the area little cooler than the wide open city. Another great choice is Festival Beach Park, which features many amenities like a swimming pool and boat launch onto the river, as well as many hiking trails. This park also has a community garden and food forest full of edible goodies. Should you want to get a little bit outside of Austin, you can take a look at this list of underrated State Parks in the area. Are there good waterparks to visit in Austin, Texas? If you’re looking to escape the heat with a waterpark adventure, Austin is the perfect city for it! With multiple parks packed with slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and more, there is the perfect park out there for every kind of waterpark enthusiast and amateur. If you want to build up your list of waterparks to see, you can read our article on must visit waterparks in Austin.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hidden Beaches In Austin

April 21, 2022

Sara Dager

What are the most beautiful hikes in Austin, Texas? Austin, Texas is blessed with 123 unique hiking trails designed to show you all of the natural beauty packed into this city. With high temperatures in the colder months going up to the low sixties, there is rarely a bad time to get out and hike. There are a few trails that are so awe inspiring they absolutely can’t be missed. If you are a beginner or hiking with children, you may want to explore the Mayfield Nature Preserve. On this land you can see a wealth of wildlife, a stream that empties into a lake, and an impressive amount of diverse greenery. Should you be a bit more experienced with hiking and want to work a bit for your views, we suggest the River Place nature trail, with a high elevation level this hike will get your heart rate up, but it will be well worth it to spend time in a forested oasis with creeks and a waterfall. If you need more hiking inspiration, you can read our coverage of easy scenic hikes in Austin. Which parks should I visit in Austin, Texas? For being a bustling city, Austin has a lot of parks in which to get away from the business of city life and take in some fresh air and gorgeous views. Many say the Barton Creek Greenbelt features some of the best hiking trails in Texas, this massive park is dog friendly and features a large creek running through it and many large trees that help keep the area little cooler than the wide open city. Another great choice is Festival Beach Park, which features many amenities like a swimming pool and boat launch onto the river, as well as many hiking trails. This park also has a community garden and food forest full of edible goodies. Should you want to get a little bit outside of Austin, you can take a look at this list of underrated State Parks in the area. Are there good waterparks to visit in Austin, Texas? If you’re looking to escape the heat with a waterpark adventure, Austin is the perfect city for it! With multiple parks packed with slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and more, there is the perfect park out there for every kind of waterpark enthusiast and amateur. If you want to build up your list of waterparks to see, you can read our article on must visit waterparks in Austin.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Austin, Texas is blessed with 123 unique hiking trails designed to show you all of the natural beauty packed into this city. With high temperatures in the colder months going up to the low sixties, there is rarely a bad time to get out and hike. There are a few trails that are so awe inspiring they absolutely can’t be missed. If you are a beginner or hiking with children, you may want to explore the Mayfield Nature Preserve. On this land you can see a wealth of wildlife, a stream that empties into a lake, and an impressive amount of diverse greenery. Should you be a bit more experienced with hiking and want to work a bit for your views, we suggest the River Place nature trail, with a high elevation level this hike will get your heart rate up, but it will be well worth it to spend time in a forested oasis with creeks and a waterfall. If you need more hiking inspiration, you can read our coverage of easy scenic hikes in Austin.

Which parks should I visit in Austin, Texas?

For being a bustling city, Austin has a lot of parks in which to get away from the business of city life and take in some fresh air and gorgeous views. Many say the Barton Creek Greenbelt features some of the best hiking trails in Texas, this massive park is dog friendly and features a large creek running through it and many large trees that help keep the area little cooler than the wide open city. Another great choice is Festival Beach Park, which features many amenities like a swimming pool and boat launch onto the river, as well as many hiking trails. This park also has a community garden and food forest full of edible goodies. Should you want to get a little bit outside of Austin, you can take a look at this list of underrated State Parks in the area.

Are there good waterparks to visit in Austin, Texas?

If you’re looking to escape the heat with a waterpark adventure, Austin is the perfect city for it! With multiple parks packed with slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and more, there is the perfect park out there for every kind of waterpark enthusiast and amateur. If you want to build up your list of waterparks to see, you can read our article on must visit waterparks in Austin.