Presidio TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Presidio, Texas.
1. Rio Grande at Presidio
ICONIC BORDER RIVERFRONT
The Rio Grande at Presidio provides a tranquil riverside setting where visitors can dip their toes in the famed international river that borders Mexico. The wide, slow-moving waters and rugged desert backdrop offer a unique, off-the-beaten-path ambiance for swimming, picnicking, or simply soaking up the views. Its remote beauty makes this spot a quintessential West Texas river escape.
2. Capote Falls
TEXAS' TALLEST WATERFALL
Capote Falls, nestled in Presidio County, is the highest waterfall in Texas, dropping an astonishing 175 feet in one of the state's driest regions. The remote setting means visitors are treated to dramatic canyon scenery, a lush oasis below the falls, and the rare sound of cascading water in the desert. While access can be limited due to private land, the falls remain a legendary and breathtaking natural escape in the Big Bend region.
3. Big Bend Ranch State Park River Access
WILD WEST RIVER ADVENTURES
Big Bend Ranch State Park offers multiple points to access the Rio Grande, where visitors can swim, picnic, or launch canoes and kayaks for river exploration. Surrounded by rugged mesas and desert scenery, the riverbanks here provide peaceful sandy stretches and crystal-clear water ideal for a refreshing dip. This lesser-traveled area promises solitude and immersion in West Texas' striking natural beauty.
4. Lajitas Resort and Golf Club – Rio Grande Beach
RESORT RIVER BEACH
Lajitas Resort sits on a scenic bend of the Rio Grande, offering guests an inviting river 'beach' for sunbathing, swimming, or launching paddle trips. The setting combines lush riverbanks with desert mountains, providing a picturesque oasis feel. Onsite amenities and adventure outfitters add to the appeal for a full-service yet wild West Texas waterfront getaway.
5. Candelaria Rio Grande River Crossing
HISTORIC REMOTE SWIMMING SPOT
The Candelaria crossing offers a secluded spot on the Rio Grande, where locals and adventurers enjoy the cool waters against a dramatic Chihuahuan Desert backdrop. The shallow river near this tiny border settlement is perfect for wading, swimming, and birdwatching. Its remoteness and storied history lend a sense of adventure and solitude that is hard to find elsewhere.
6. Balmorhea State Park Pool
SPRING-FED DESERT OASIS
Balmorhea State Park boasts the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool, filled with crystal-clear waters from San Solomon Springs in the middle of the West Texas desert. Visitors swim, snorkel, and even scuba dive in this naturally cool, turquoise oasis surrounded by mountain views. The combination of unique aquatic life and refreshing waters makes this a magical escape from the desert heat.
7. San Felipe Springs
RIVERSIDE SPRING PARK
San Felipe Springs flows into numerous beautiful swimming areas and parklands right in Del Rio, offering a lush, shaded escape on the banks of San Felipe Creek. The waters are refreshingly cool year-round, making this a top spot for families and nature lovers. The setting combines mature trees, grassy banks, and crystal-clear spring-fed streams for a picturesque city oasis.
8. Hamilton Pool Preserve
SPECTACULAR GROTTO SWIM
Hamilton Pool Preserve features a stunning collapsed grotto and 45-foot waterfall, creating a breathtaking blue-green swimming hole surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. The natural pool and sandy beach offer a surreal and tranquil experience for swimming and relaxing. Reservations are required due to its popularity as one of Texas' most iconic swimming holes.
9. Amistad National Recreation Area
LAKESIDE DESERT ADVENTURE
Amistad National Recreation Area surrounds the vast Amistad Reservoir, where crystal-clear waters invite boating, swimming, and sunbathing along rugged desert shores. The lake's sprawling inlets and coves offer sandy beaches and hidden swimming holes amid striking limestone bluffs. This destination blends desert wilderness with expansive water recreation opportunities.
10. Indian Lodge at Davis Mountains State Park
MOUNTAIN OASIS POOL
Indian Lodge, located in the Davis Mountains State Park, features a serene outdoor pool surrounded by scenic mountain landscapes. While not a natural swimming hole, the lodge's well-maintained pool offers a cool, refreshing break after exploring the park's hiking trails and overlooks. The peaceful, high-elevation setting makes this a unique and relaxing retreat in West Texas.
Presidio Things To Do
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