Troy TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Troy, Texas.
1. Lake Whitney State Park
SCENIC LAKE GETAWAY
Lake Whitney State Park offers visitors a beautiful lakeside escape with swimming beaches, boating facilities, and fishing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy camping along the shoreline with stunning views of the clear blue waters and surrounding limestone bluffs. The park's diverse landscape provides a perfect setting for outdoor recreation including hiking trails that offer panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding Texas Hill Country.
2. Meridian State Park
TRANQUIL WATERFRONT RETREAT
Meridian State Park features a peaceful 72-acre lake perfect for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating activities. The park's clear waters are surrounded by limestone hills and juniper forests, creating a serene atmosphere for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy the designated swimming area during summer months while the surrounding hiking trails offer opportunities to spot local wildlife and native plants.
3. Lake Somerville State Park
ADVENTURE ON WATER
Lake Somerville State Park encompasses a sprawling reservoir with sandy beaches and designated swimming areas perfect for cooling off during hot Texas summers. The park is divided into two units, Birch Creek and Nails Creek, both offering waterfront camping, fishing piers, and boat ramps for water access. Visitors can enjoy water sports, bird watching, and miles of multi-use trails that connect the two sections of the park.
4. Shore Club Volente Beach
FAMILY WATERPARK FUN
Shore Club Volente Beach is a waterfront resort and waterpark situated on the shores of Lake Travis offering a perfect family-friendly escape. The attraction features water slides, a lazy river, and a private beach area with access to the clear waters of Lake Travis. Visitors can enjoy dining at the beachside restaurant while taking in spectacular views of the lake and surrounding Hill Country landscape.
5. Fort Parker State Park
HISTORIC LAKESIDE RECREATION
Fort Parker State Park centers around a 750-acre lake created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, offering swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities. The park's swimming area features a sandy beach with a designated swimming zone perfect for families seeking relief from the Texas heat. Beyond water activities, visitors can explore historic sites, hiking trails, and observe diverse wildlife in this natural oasis.
6. South Padre Island
TROPICAL GULF PARADISE
South Padre Island boasts miles of pristine sandy beaches along the warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters, dolphin watching tours, and some of the best beachcombing in Texas. The island's vibrant atmosphere includes beachfront restaurants, water sports rentals, and spectacular sunset views that highlight its reputation as one of Texas' premier beach destinations.
7. Port Aransas Beach
FISHING AND FAMILY FUN
Port Aransas Beach stretches for miles along Mustang Island, offering visitors soft sand beaches and the rolling waves of the Gulf of Mexico. Known as the 'Fishing Capital of Texas,' the area provides excellent opportunities for surf fishing, deep-sea charters, and pier fishing throughout the year. Beachgoers can drive directly onto certain beach areas, set up for the day with easy access to amenities, and enjoy the relaxed coastal town atmosphere that makes this a beloved Texas getaway.
8. Galveston Island East Beach
HISTORIC COASTAL ENTERTAINMENT
Galveston's East Beach is the largest beach on the island, featuring fine sand shorelines, beach volleyball courts, and seasonal live entertainment. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the Gulf waters, participate in sandcastle competitions, or simply relax while taking in views of ships entering the harbor. The beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with concession stands, chair rentals, and nearby access to the historic Pleasure Pier for a complete seaside experience.
9. Rockport Beach
TEXAS' FIRST BLUE WAVE
Rockport Beach holds the distinction of being Texas' first Blue Wave Beach, recognized for its cleanliness, responsible management, and focus on environmental protection. The beach offers calm, shallow waters perfect for families with small children, along with picnic areas, playgrounds, and fishing piers for visitors to enjoy. Its well-maintained facilities, including palapas for shade, walking paths, and bird-watching opportunities, make it a standout destination on the Texas Gulf Coast.
10. East End Lagoon Nature Preserve
COASTAL WILDLIFE HAVEN
East End Lagoon Nature Preserve offers a peaceful waterfront escape just minutes from Galveston's bustling tourist areas. The preserve features kayaking opportunities, fishing spots, and an ADA-accessible nature trail surrounded by native coastal plants. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching in this important habitat while experiencing a tranquil side of Galveston Island that contrasts with its more energetic beach scenes.
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