There’s something about a secluded beach that makes you feel like you’re in on a secret. And Austin is home to some of the best-hidden beaches around.
Whether you’re looking for a place to paddleboard, go swimming, or relax in the sand, these seven beaches in Austin Texas, are perfect for locals who love to explore. So grab your sunscreen and water shoes and get ready to discover some of Austin’s best-kept secrets!
Austin’s beaches are a hidden gem
For many people, Austin is all about city life. There’s an endless array of things to do, from live music to delicious food. But what many people don’t realize is that Austin also has some incredible beaches.
Just a short drive from downtown, you can find yourself amid nature, with miles of sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. The best part is that these beaches are often much less crowded than those in other parts of Texas.
So if you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, Austin’s beaches are worth a visit.
7 Best Beaches in Austin Texas, That Locals Love
McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is south of Austin and features two beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and a swimming hole. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, armadillos, and squirrels.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Emma Long Metropolitan Park is located on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake and offers stunning views of downtown Austin. The park has a variety of amenities, including picnic tables, grills, and a playground.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park is also an excellent place for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of birds, including herons, egrets, and ducks.
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is located west of downtown Austin and offers breathtaking views of the city. The summit of Mount Bonnell is the highest point in Austin and can be reached via a short hike up a winding trail.
Once at the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and the surrounding Hill Country.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park is located in central Austin and is one of the city’s most popular parks. The park features several amenities, including picnic tables, grills, a playground, and a swimming pool.
Zilker Park is also home to the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Botanical Garden.
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is located in central Austin and is one of the city’s most popular swimming spots. The pool is fed by natural springs and stays cool even during the hottest days of summer. Barton Springs Pool has several amenities, including showers, changing rooms, and a snack bar.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is located in southwest Texas and offers stunning views of the Chihuahuan Desert. The park has a variety of hiking trails that wind through canyons, mountains, and desert landscapes.
Big Bend National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including javelinas, roadrunners, and rattlesnakes.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is located in San Antonio and features four Spanish missions that were built in the 18th century. The park also has a visitor center with exhibits on the history of the missions.
How many beaches are in Austin, Texas?
There are several excellent beach destinations, including the popular town of Seaside. Seaside is home to nearly 30 miles of coastline, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and hotels.
In addition to Seaside, numerous beaches along the Gulf Coast offer beautiful views and excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. So even though Austin has no beaches within its city limits, there are still plenty of great places to enjoy a day by the water.
According to the Austin American-Statesman, there are approximately 30 beaches within an hour’s drive of downtown Austin. However, not all of these beaches are suitable for swimming and sunbathing.
Some of the more popular beaches in the area include Lakeshore Park, which offers a sandy beach on Lady Bird Lake, and McKinney Falls State Park, which has a swimming area on Onion Creek.
Where is the closest beach to Austin, Texas?
This area has many popular beaches, including Galveston Island, which is about an hour and a half from downtown Austin. This island has 32 miles of beaches, restaurants, shops, hotels, and other attractions.
Another popular destination is Corpus Christi, about two and a half hours from Austin. This city has several beautiful beaches and a lively downtown area with shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
Can you swim in the ocean in Texas?
You can swim in the ocean in Texas! There are plenty of great spots for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing along Lone Star State’s Gulf Coast. The water is warm and inviting, and the beaches are beautiful.
Of course, you’ll want to be aware of any potential hazards, such as rip currents or jellyfish, but overall, swimming in the ocean in Texas is a great experience. So dive in and enjoy the waves!
Where not to stay in Austin, Texas?
If you’re planning a trip to Austin, Texas, you’ll want to ensure you stay in the right part of town. While Austin is generally a safe and welcoming city, there are specific neighborhoods that you should avoid.
The east side of Austin is known for crime, poverty, and gang activity, so it’s best to steer clear of this area. Similarly, the south side of Austin can be dangerous after dark, so it’s also best to avoid this area.
In short, when choosing a place to stay in Austin, be sure to choose a safe and reputable neighborhood. Doing so will ensure that you have an enjoyable and memorable trip to one of America’s most vibrant cities.
What is the best beach for swimming in Texas?
A few beaches stand out as being particularly well-suited for swimming. One of these is Crystal Beach, located on the Bolivar Peninsula. The clean and clear water here makes it perfect for a refreshing swim.
Another great option is South Padre Island, which offers miles of beautiful sandy beaches. The water here is also quite warm, making it ideal for swimming.
One of the best swimming beaches in Texas is Crystal Beach. Located on Bolivar Peninsula, Crystal Beach is a popular destination for locals and visitors. The beach is well-known for its clean water and gentle waves, making it perfect for swimming.
In addition, the beach is also home to a variety of amenities, including showers, changing rooms, and a snack bar. As a result, it is no wonder that Crystal Beach is considered one of the best swimming beaches in Texas.
What are the best beach resorts in Austin, Texas?
There are many great beach resorts in Austin, Texas. One of the best is the Hilton Austin. The Hilton Austin is located right on Lady Bird Lake and offers stunning views of downtown Austin. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa.
Another great option is the Omni Austin Hotel. The Omni Austin Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Austin and offers easy access to all of the city’s attractions. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa.
Finally, the Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin Downtown is another excellent choice for those looking for a beach resort in Austin. The Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin Downtown is located just minutes from downtown Austin and offers an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa.
Things to remember when packing for the beach
Remember the sunscreen!
One of the most important things to remember when packing for the beach is to bring sunscreen. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin damage, including sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
It’s essential to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and to reapply it every two hours or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
Bring a hat or sunglasses.
Another way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays is to wear a hat or sunglasses. A wide-brimmed hat will provide the most protection, but any hat will help to keep the sun off your face.
Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from the sun, but they also help to reduce glare from the water and sand.
Remember the swimsuit!
Of course, you’ll need a swimsuit to go swimming at the beach. If you’re planning on spending a lot of time in the water, consider bringing more than one swimsuit to change into a dry one when needed.
Pack light and comfortable clothing.
When choosing what clothes to pack for the beach, it’s important to select light and comfortable items. Cotton is a good fabric choice as it’s lightweight and breathable.
You’ll also want to avoid clothes that are too tight as they can be uncomfortable in hot weather and may limit your movement when participating in activities like swimming or surfing.
Bring along some snacks and drinks.
If you’re planning on spending a full day at the beach, you’ll need to bring along some food and drinks to keep yourself fueled. Pack some easy-to-eat snacks like fruit, nuts, or granola bars, and remember to bring plenty of water or other beverages to stay hydrated in the heat.
Remember the beach towels!
Beach towels are essential for drying off after swimming or simply lounging on the sand. If you’re traveling with others, ensure each person has their towel, so there’s no need to share.
Pack any other necessary items.
Depending on where you’re going and what activities you’re planning, there may be other items you need to remember to pack.
For example, if you’re going surfing, you’ll need a surfboard; if you’re going snorkeling, you’ll need a snorkel and mask; if you’re going hiking, you’ll need sturdy shoes; etc.
