Nestled between Lake Austin and Lake Travis, the Four Points area is swimming in beach and swimming hole options. Did you see what I did there?
Okay, calm down and stop thinking about Ryan Gosling.
Greater Four Points Area
Bull Creek District Park
My friend, Nicole, always takes her kids on unique adventures in the greater Austin area. And, even better, she does a great job of documenting these adventures. Last week she went to Bull Creek with her kids and posted these great photos and video. She gave me permission to share them with you here. She said Bull Creek was a blast and she’ll be back with the kids soon.
| Address | 6701 Lakewood Dr., Austin, TX 78731 |
| Seasonal Hours | Daily: 5 am - 10 pm |
| Price | FREE! |
Hidden right under 360 at Lakewood Drive. Bull Creek can get crowded on the weekends.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Follow City Park Road down to the water and you’ll find Emma Long’s large sandy beach. Mondays through Thursdays, the price is only $5 per car and on the weekends the price is $10 per car. Several of my friends rave about how nice and wide open the beach is during week days. I’ve been to the beach on the weekend, though, and it was VERY crowded. So, I recommend you visit on a week day.
| Address | 1600 City Park Rd. Austin, Texas 78730 |
| Seasonal Hours | Daily: 7 am - 10 pm |
| Price | Monday - Thursday: $5 per day per car; Friday - Sunday and holidays: $10 per day per car |
Woodlands Park
This is a bit of a stretch to call it a beach or watering hole, but there are a few areas where you can access Lake Travis behind the park. The creek is right behind the park, but if you cross over on the bridge behind the park it takes you to a nice view of Lake Austin with rocky beach access.
| Address | 8820 Big View Drive, Austin, Texas 78730 |
| Seasonal Hours | Daily: Sun up to sun down |
| Price | FREE! |
Out of Bounds (A Short Drive Away)
Barton Springs Pool
I have had great experiences at Barton Springs Pool. That being said, I haven’t been in years and I encourage you to read some reviews on the Facebook page I’ve linked to above. Or, email me at angelique@fourpointsmom.com and I can add your feedback here!
| Address | 2201 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78704 |
| Seasonal Hours | Closed Thursdays 9 am -7 pm; Otherwise Daily: 5 am - 8 am Swim at own risk (No guard); 8 am - 10 pm (guarded swim) |
| Price | Children under 1: Free; Children 1 - 11: $1 for resident and $3 for non-resident; 12 - 17 Years old: $2 for resident and $4 for non-resident; Adults: $3 for resident and $8 for non-resident; Senior (62 - 79): $1 for resident and $4 for non-resident; Senior (80 and up): Free for resident; Veterans (honorably discharged): $1 for resident |
Hamilton Pool Preserve
I can’t have a list of local swimming holes without throwing in a local favorite, Hamilton Pool. It is quite a haul to get out to it, but you won’t be disappointed. Reservations are required, so you definitely need to plan ahead for this trip. But, grab a few girlfriends and take all the kids for a few hours of fun!
| Address | 24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620 |
| Seasonal Hours | Reservations required in Summer. Daily: 9 am - 1 pm and 2 pm - 6 pm, weather permitting. |
| Price | Daily: $15 per vehicle plus $10 reservation fee (and $1 credit card service fee) |
Pace Bend Park
This rocky beach is a bit of a drive, but it’s a fun place to get your feet wet on a rocky beach.
| Address | 2805 Pace Bend Rd. North Spicewood, TX 78669 |
| Seasonal Hours | Daily: Sunrise to civil twilight; open 24 hours a day for camping |
| Price | Daily: $10 per vehicle |
