Bartlett TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Bartlett, Texas.
1. Lake Travis
AQUAMARINE WATERS PARADISE
Lake Travis offers stunning aquamarine waters perfect for cooling off during hot Texas summers. Visitors can enjoy swimming in secluded coves, fishing, and boating, with Mansfield Dam Park providing some of the most beautiful views of the lake. The park features barbecue grills with covered shelters tucked amid the canopies of native trees, making it ideal for a day trip from Bartlett.
2. Matagorda Bay Nature Park
PRISTINE COASTAL GETAWAY
Matagorda Bay Nature Park is a 1,334-acre park located at the mouth of the Colorado River on the Matagorda Peninsula offering pristine stretches of beach with outstanding views. The park provides opportunities for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and beach access in an off-the-beaten-path coastal destination. Part of this natural treasure is permanently protected through a conservation easement by Colorado River Land Trust, ensuring its iconic coastal vistas will remain as natural open space forever.
3. Inks Lake
SCENIC HIGHLAND LAKES RETREAT
Inks Lake is a constant-level lake in the Texas Highland Lakes region that provides year-round recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the clear waters, hiking on scenic trails, or camping along the shoreline with beautiful Hill Country views. The lake is known for its unique pink granite outcroppings and Devil's Waterhole, a popular swimming and cliff jumping spot during summer months.
4. Lake Buchanan
VAST SCENIC WATERWAY
Lake Buchanan is the second largest of the Highland Lakes with over 22,000 acres of water surface and 124 miles of shoreline. The lake offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing in a less crowded setting than other area lakes. Visitors can enjoy white sandy beaches at several access points, making it a perfect escape from the summer heat for Bartlett residents.
5. Colorado Bend State Park
NATURAL SPRINGS WONDER
Colorado Bend State Park features the stunning 70-foot Gorman Falls and over six miles of Colorado River frontage for water recreation. Visitors can swim in the cool river waters, fish for bass, or explore numerous springs and pools scattered throughout the 5,000-acre park. The park's Spicewood Springs offers a series of tiered natural pools perfect for cooling off during hot Texas days.
6. McKinney Falls State Park
URBAN WATERFALL OASIS
McKinney Falls State Park offers beautiful limestone swimming holes where Onion Creek and Williamson Creek converge just minutes from downtown Austin. Visitors can swim beneath the Upper and Lower Falls, hike through wooded trails, or camp overnight at one of the park's well-maintained sites. The park's natural pools feature smooth limestone bottoms and refreshing waters that make it a popular summer destination for families from the Bartlett area.
7. Granger Lake
LOCAL FISHING HAVEN
Granger Lake is a serene waterfront destination located just a short drive from Bartlett, featuring several parks with swimming areas and boat ramps. Visitors can enjoy fishing for white bass, crappie, and catfish, or swimming at designated beaches maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The lake's peaceful setting and relatively uncrowded shores make it a favorite local spot for cooling off during hot Texas summers.
8. Krause Springs
ANCIENT NATURAL POOLS
Krause Springs is a magical oasis featuring 32 natural springs set on 115 acres of private property that has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The property boasts both natural and man-made swimming pools fed by springs that maintain a refreshing 68 degrees year-round. Towering cypress trees, hanging ferns, and a picturesque waterfall create an enchanting atmosphere that makes visitors feel they've discovered a secret garden paradise.
9. Shore Club Volente Beach
FAMILY WATERFRONT FUN
Shore Club Volente Beach offers a lively waterfront resort experience on Lake Travis with a private beach, restaurant, and water activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach area, rent boats or jet skis, or dine at the lakeside restaurant with stunning water views. The venue frequently hosts live music events and special celebrations, making it a popular spot for both relaxation and entertainment within driving distance of Bartlett.
10. Lake Somerville State Park
TRANQUIL WILDERNESS ESCAPE
Lake Somerville State Park encompasses two units—Birch Creek and Nails Creek—connected by a 13-mile trail system, offering diverse waterfront experiences around the 11,630-acre lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming at designated beach areas, boating, fishing, or exploring the park's extensive trail system through woodlands and prairie. The park provides an ideal balance of developed facilities and natural wilderness for day trips or extended camping experiences away from the crowds.
Bartlett Things To Do
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