Bertram TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Bertram, Texas.
1. Krause Springs
NATURAL SPRING PARADISE
Krause Springs is a stunning natural swimming hole featuring 32 springs on a historic family-owned property near Bertram. Visitors can enjoy swimming in both man-made and natural pools surrounded by lush fern grottos and century-old cypress trees. The property also offers camping facilities and beautiful butterfly gardens, making it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
2. Hamilton Pool Preserve
COLLAPSED GROTTO OASIS
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural pool created when the dome of an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago, forming a unique swimming hole with a 50-foot waterfall. The jade-green waters are surrounded by limestone cliffs and canyon vegetation, creating one of Texas' most photographed natural attractions. Visitors must make reservations in advance to enjoy swimming (when permitted) and hiking the short trail to this natural wonder.
3. Lake Buchanan
HIGHLAND LAKES GETAWAY
Lake Buchanan, the second-largest of the Highland Lakes in Central Texas, offers crystal clear waters perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming just a short drive from Bertram. The expansive lake features numerous coves and inlets to explore, with opportunities for sailing, jet skiing, and water skiing on its 22,333 acres of water. Visitors can also enjoy spotting wildlife, including bald eagles during winter months, or take a scenic Vanishing Texas River Cruise to witness hidden waterfalls and rugged outcroppings.
4. Inks Lake State Park
SPARKLING BLUE WATERS
Inks Lake State Park offers year-round recreation with its constant-level lake making it a reliable destination regardless of drought conditions. The park features designated swimming areas with sandy beaches, including the popular Devil's Waterhole where brave visitors can jump from pink granite outcroppings into deep, cool waters. Visitors can also rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, or enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing in this scenic Hill Country destination.
5. Blue Hole
HISTORIC SWIMMING DESTINATION
Blue Hole is a beloved natural swimming spot along Cypress Creek featuring crystal-clear spring-fed waters surrounded by ancient cypress trees. The swimming area includes rope swings, grassy areas for picnicking, and limestone bluffs that create an idyllic setting for cooling off during hot Texas summers. The park surrounding Blue Hole has been preserved through community efforts and now includes hiking trails, picnic areas, and a community pavilion.
6. McKinney Falls State Park
URBAN WATERFALL RETREAT
McKinney Falls State Park offers a natural oasis within Austin city limits where Onion Creek creates beautiful limestone waterfalls and swimming holes. Visitors can swim in both the Upper and Lower Falls areas, where smooth limestone ledges create natural water slides and deep pools perfect for cooling off. The 726-acre park also features 80+ campsites, nearly 9 miles of hiking and biking trails, and historical structures including the remains of Thomas F. McKinney's homestead.
7. Colorado Bend State Park
WILD RIVER ADVENTURE
Colorado Bend State Park showcases the wild beauty of the Colorado River with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling along six miles of riverfront. The park's crown jewel is 70-foot Gorman Falls, a lush fern-covered waterfall reached via a challenging 1.5-mile trail, creating one of the most unexpected scenes in Central Texas. Visitors can also explore over 35 miles of trails, go on wild cave tours, or camp under the stars in this remote Hill Country destination.
8. Shore Club Volente Beach
LAKESIDE WATER PARK
Shore Club Volente Beach offers a family-friendly waterpark experience on the shores of Lake Travis with water slides, a lazy river, and a beachfront area. The attraction combines traditional waterpark features with access to Lake Travis swimming, creating a versatile destination for cooling off during hot Texas summers. Visitors can also enjoy waterfront dining, beach volleyball, and seasonal events that make this a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
9. Reveille Peak Ranch
ADVENTURE PARK WATERS
Reveille Peak Ranch offers diverse outdoor recreation including swimming in two dedicated areas - the family-friendly pavilion pool and an adults-only quarry with crystal clear waters. The 1,300-acre adventure park combines water activities like kayaking and canoeing with extensive trail networks for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. Overnight camping options and catch-and-release fishing make this a comprehensive outdoor destination near Lake Buchanan.
10. Pace Bend Park
CLIFF JUMPING PARADISE
Pace Bend Park features over nine miles of shoreline along Lake Travis with dramatic limestone cliffs and secluded coves perfect for swimming and cliff jumping. The park's western shoreline offers rugged cliffs reaching heights of up to 45 feet, while the eastern side provides more gentle slopes and sandy beaches for traditional swimming access. Visitors can also enjoy primitive camping, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing across the park's 1,368 acres of juniper and oak woodlands.
Bertram Things To Do
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