With summer temperatures that can soar into the triple digits, and the cooling waters of the Gulf of Mexico over three hours away, finding relief from the often torrid days that can engulf the Texas capital of Austin might seem like a lost cause. But nearby lakes are dotted with enticing stretches of sand, perfect for taking a dip, playing volleyball, laying out a picnic or catching some rays.
West Lake Beach
- Austinites love West Lake Beach, situated west of downtown on the western shores of Lake Austin. This sandy beach is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Westlake Highlands and the scrubby cliffs and canyons of the Colorado River. The private park, which charges a daily admission fee for use, is typically only open on weekends. During the week -- as well as on weekends -- it can be booked for special events. Features include water and sand volleyball equipment, picnic areas, and lake access for fishing, swimming, kayaking and canoeing.
Festival, Lamar and Waller Beaches
- Located just south of downtown Austin, Festival, Lamar and Waller Beaches are small sand beaches situated on Town Lake. Each beach offers scenic spots to set up a picnic, barbeque, throw a Frisbee or drop a fishing line. At Lamar Beach, there is a designated entry point that allows kayakers and canoers to explore the lake. The beach also affords access to the Lady Bird Lake Trail, a multi-use trail that parallels the water. Festival Beach is popular with families for its playground, basketball courts and baseball fields. Waller Beach backs the condominium highrises of downtown and also has access to the Lady Bird Lake Trail. During summer, these beaches have concession stands and inner tube and life jacket rentals.
Shore Club Volente Beach Waterpark
- Shore Club Volente Beach is a waterpark located just outside of Austin, in Leander, Texas. The park, a favorite with families and teenagers, includes a sandy beach on the shores of Lake Travis. The beach is just part of the draw, however; most visitors come for waterpark rides, water slides and wading pools. Shore Club Volente Beach also has snack bars and two restaurants: Shore Club Restaurant & Bar and Beach Bar & Grill. The park is open seasonally and charges admission fees; memberships are available for frequent visitors.
Hippie Hollow
- Arguably, Hippie Hollow reflects the city's ever-present slogan, "Keep Austin Weird." The 109-acre clothing-optional park sits on rocky terraces stacked above Lake Travis. Just 20 minutes away from Austin, the beach has gained international recognition among nudist travelers. The park charges entrance fees for day use, though annual permits are available.
