Brenham TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Brenham, Texas.
1. Lake Somerville Marina & Campground
FAMILY-FUN LAKESIDE RETREAT
Lake Somerville Marina and Campground offers 168 acres of wilderness campground with a beach area for swimming and marina fishing. Visitors can enjoy two playgrounds, a pavilion for family gatherings, and cabin rentals that overlook the lake with spectacular views of sunrise and sunset. The campground is equipped with over 93 campsites that include electricity and water, picnic tables and fire rings for roasting marshmallows and telling stories around the fire.
2. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE PARK
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is picturesquely located on the Brazos River, offering a beautiful setting for picnicking, sightseeing, and bird-watching. The historic site is revered as the location where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed on March 2, 1836, and features the Star of the Republic Museum, Independence Hall, and Barrington Plantation. The expansive park grounds provide visitors with a unique insight into the lives and times of the men who fought and won Texas' independence from Mexico.
3. Lake Conroe
POPULAR BOATING DESTINATION
Lake Conroe offers boat rentals and water recreation opportunities just a short drive from Brenham. Visitors can enjoy a day on the water with group rentals accommodating up to 12 people for fishing, swimming, and watersports. The lake's scenic shoreline and clear waters make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike seeking a refreshing escape.
4. Blue Bell Creameries
ICE CREAM BY WATER
Blue Bell Creameries, often called the 'little creamery' in Brenham, is one of the most popular attractions where visitors can cool off with Texas' favorite sweet treat after a day at nearby water destinations. The Visitor Center is filled with pictures, videos, and history of what many call 'the best ice cream in the country.' No visit is complete without enjoying a generous scoop of ice cream from the Parlor and browsing the Country Store for unique gifts or souvenirs.
5. Nails Creek State Park
SERENE LAKE ACCESS
Nails Creek State Park provides access to Lake Somerville with swimming areas and fishing opportunities in a tranquil setting. The park features hiking trails that wind through oak forests and along the lakeshore, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and water recreation activities while surrounded by the natural beauty of Central Texas.
6. Birch Creek State Park
LAKESIDE NATURE ESCAPE
Birch Creek State Park sits on the shores of Lake Somerville offering swimming beaches, fishing piers, and boat ramps for water enthusiasts. The park's diverse ecosystem includes woodlands and wetlands that provide habitat for numerous bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, and water recreation while immersed in the peaceful natural surroundings.
7. Rocky Creek Park
HIDDEN WATERFRONT GEM
Rocky Creek Park offers a secluded waterfront experience near Brenham with swimming areas and fishing spots along the creek. The park's shaded grounds provide a cool retreat during hot Texas summers with picnic areas and walking paths along the water's edge. Visitors appreciate the park's less crowded atmosphere compared to larger lakes in the region, making it perfect for families seeking a quiet day by the water.
8. Lake Bastrop
RECREATIONAL WATERFRONT PARADISE
Lake Bastrop, within driving distance from Brenham, features two separate parks with swimming beaches, boat rentals, and fishing piers. The 900-acre lake is surrounded by pine forests creating a picturesque setting for water recreation, camping, and hiking along shoreline trails. Visitors can enjoy the lake's warm waters for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding while taking in views of the wooded shoreline.
9. Brenham Splash Pad
DOWNTOWN WATER FUN
Brenham Splash Pad offers a family-friendly water play area in the heart of downtown where children can cool off during hot Texas days. The splash pad features various water sprayers, fountains, and play structures designed for safe water fun without the depth of a swimming pool. Nearby picnic areas and shade structures make it a perfect spot for families to spend a refreshing afternoon while exploring Brenham's downtown attractions.
10. Yegua Creek Park
PEACEFUL WATERSIDE RETREAT
Yegua Creek Park provides access to Lake Somerville with quiet beaches and excellent fishing spots in a less developed setting. The park's natural shoreline attracts wildlife and offers visitors a chance to experience the tranquility of lakeside relaxation away from crowds. Boating, swimming, and fishing are popular activities at this hidden gem that locals consider one of the best-kept secrets in the Brenham area.

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