Shiner TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Shiner, Texas.
1. Palmetto State Park
SCENIC RIVERSIDE SWIMMING
Palmetto State Park offers a lush, tropical-like atmosphere along the banks of the San Marcos River, providing numerous opportunities for river swimming, paddling, and fishing. Visitors are drawn to the park's shaded paths, picnic areas, and historic structures, as well as its unique swampy feel created by the abundant palmetto plants. The park is a favorite retreat for those seeking a quiet riverside escape surrounded by natural beauty.
2. Lake Texana Park and Campground
RELAXED LAKESIDE RETREAT
Lake Texana Park and Campground sits on the spacious shores of Lake Texana and features a sandy beach area, swimming, fishing, and boating options. Large shade trees, campsites, and covered pavilions create a laid-back environment ideal for families and friends to unwind by the water. Wildlife watching and peaceful views add to the appeal of this well-loved lakeside getaway.
3. Coleto Creek Reservoir and Park
POPULAR WATERFRONT PLAYGROUND
Coleto Creek Reservoir and Park offers a scenic lake setting with swimming, fishing, boating, and a broad beach zone along the reservoir. The park is known for its well-maintained picnic spots, camping facilities, and playgrounds, ensuring a fun-filled day or weekend for all ages. Visitors enjoy tranquil sunsets and excellent opportunities for birdwatching and relaxation.
4. Welhausen Park
PEACEFUL TOWN CREEKSIDE
Welhausen Park is a local favorite in Shiner, offering green spaces and a relaxing creekside setting ideal for small picnics and outdoor play. Although it is not a major beach or swimming hole, the park's water feature and charming atmosphere make it a pleasant waterfront spot in town. This modest oasis provides a peaceful escape within walking distance of downtown Shiner.
5. Bluestem
COUNTRYSIDE POND EXPERIENCE
Bluestem in Shiner offers guests a rustic countryside retreat complete with picturesque ponds and tranquil water views. The property is popular for its walking trails, outdoor relaxation, and opportunities to spot local wildlife near the water's edge. Its peaceful, rural setting makes it a unique choice for visitors seeking quiet waterfront moments close to town.
6. Rockport Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GULF SHORE
Rockport Beach is a mile-long, meticulously maintained stretch of sand on the Texas coast, renowned for its gentle surf, cleanliness, and inviting atmosphere. Families appreciate the playgrounds, shaded picnic cabanas, fishing piers, and Blue Wave certification marking it as an environmentally friendly beach. Its shallow waters and soft sand make it an ideal spot for worry-free swimming and relaxation.
7. Matagorda Bay Nature Park
BAYFRONT NATURE ESCAPE
Matagorda Bay Nature Park offers visitors wide sandy beaches at the mouth of the Colorado River, with options for swimming, shelling, kayaking, and fishing. The park is prized for its expansive Gulf views, birdwatching opportunities, and peaceful campground right next to the water. Its blend of coastal scenery and riverfront activity appeals to nature lovers and families alike.
8. Bastrop State Park
PINE-LINED LAKEFRONT RELAXATION
Bastrop State Park is home to scenic lakes and ponds nestled within stands of loblolly pines, inviting visitors to swim, fish, or paddle on the calm waters. Trails wind through the forest toward tranquil shorelines, making the park a refreshing destination for hikers and families seeking a forested lakefront escape. The historic park setting adds a touch of Texas heritage to any waterfront adventure.
9. Lake Bastrop North Shore Park
ADVENTURE-FILLED LAKESHORE
Lake Bastrop North Shore Park features sandy lakefront spots for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, as well as rentals and lakeside cabins. The park's lively, recreation-focused atmosphere attracts groups looking for water sports and sunbathing in a wooded, scenic setting. Its versatile shoreline ensures fun for both active adventurers and those seeking lakeside tranquility.
10. Bastrop / SE Austin / Colorado River KOA
RELAXED RIVERFRONT CAMPING
Bastrop / SE Austin / Colorado River KOA provides a welcoming riverside escape with direct access to the Colorado River for canoeing, swimming, and fishing. The campground features spacious sites, a pool, and shaded areas, offering a relaxed environment for both overnight guests and day visitors. Its laid-back ambiance and river views create a true waterfront haven just outside Bastrop.
Shiner Things To Do
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