June Beach of the Month: Lake Travis, Texas
When Mr. UR hatched the Beach of the Month plan way back at the end of last year, I knew some months it would be tough to get my toes in the sand due to time constraints or already made travel plans. So I'm stretching it this month - because I make the rules - to a beach on a lake. That's right, a lake. When you think of sand by a body of water, lakes don't usually come to mind. But they do have sand by water. I visited Lake Travis - about 45 minutes northwest of Austin, Texas - and it has a beach. Well, actually more than one beach.
Lake Travis is a reservoir on the Colorado River that was established to contain floodwaters in the flood prone region. A year round playground, Lake Travis suffered severe drought in 2008 and has only recently come back to full capacity, though there is much of the lake that still looks dried up - particularly in the coves - and the water level still fluctuates. But I think you can still enjoy this large lake and find what you're looking for.
A popular spot in Texas Hill Country, Lake Travis is a short drive from Austin, Temple, Waco or even San Antonio. One of the most famous spots on the lake is The Oasis Restaurant which is the 5th largest restaurant in the US. If you've been on Instagram or Pinterest, you've probably seen the images from here. It is a 5 level complex including a restaurant on multi-levels, a brewing company, shops and a live music venue. Known as "The Sunset Capital of Texas", you can't beat this restaurant with it's terraced views of the sunset sitting some 450 feet above the lake. Be prepared for crowds - especially on weekends - because everyone wants to see this view. We went on an extremely hot weeknight, though, and there were no crowds and no wait.
The Lakeway Resort and Spa is another popular spot on Lake Travis. Sitting right on a point on the lake, Lakeway includes 4 pools, fine dining, a spa, a marina and is surrounded by golf courses. It didn't work for us this time but I'd love to stay here sometime.
You can also rent a boat and enjoy swimming, skiing or wake boarding, try ziplining over the lake on the longest and fastest zipline in Texas or enjoy Volente Resort and Waterpark.
If you can't get to the shore, and you feel the need for water then a lake may be just what you need. And if you're in Texas, then Lake Travis may be that lake.Like everything in Texas, it's big - 18,000 acres and 270 miles of shoreline - so I'm sure you could find what you want here. Even just a few hours of peace and water. Or maybe you'd just like to see one of those famous sunsets in person.
How about you? Have you been to Lake Travis?
Linking up with: The Weekly Postcard at Travel Notes and Beyond, The Weekend Wanderlust Weekend Travel Blog Party and WATW at Communal Global!
Lake Travis is a reservoir on the Colorado River that was established to contain floodwaters in the flood prone region. A year round playground, Lake Travis suffered severe drought in 2008 and has only recently come back to full capacity, though there is much of the lake that still looks dried up - particularly in the coves - and the water level still fluctuates. But I think you can still enjoy this large lake and find what you're looking for.
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| There are deer everywhere at the lake |
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| Texas or Italy? |
A popular spot in Texas Hill Country, Lake Travis is a short drive from Austin, Temple, Waco or even San Antonio. One of the most famous spots on the lake is The Oasis Restaurant which is the 5th largest restaurant in the US. If you've been on Instagram or Pinterest, you've probably seen the images from here. It is a 5 level complex including a restaurant on multi-levels, a brewing company, shops and a live music venue. Known as "The Sunset Capital of Texas", you can't beat this restaurant with it's terraced views of the sunset sitting some 450 feet above the lake. Be prepared for crowds - especially on weekends - because everyone wants to see this view. We went on an extremely hot weeknight, though, and there were no crowds and no wait.
The Lakeway Resort and Spa is another popular spot on Lake Travis. Sitting right on a point on the lake, Lakeway includes 4 pools, fine dining, a spa, a marina and is surrounded by golf courses. It didn't work for us this time but I'd love to stay here sometime.
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You can also rent a boat and enjoy swimming, skiing or wake boarding, try ziplining over the lake on the longest and fastest zipline in Texas or enjoy Volente Resort and Waterpark.
If you can't get to the shore, and you feel the need for water then a lake may be just what you need. And if you're in Texas, then Lake Travis may be that lake.Like everything in Texas, it's big - 18,000 acres and 270 miles of shoreline - so I'm sure you could find what you want here. Even just a few hours of peace and water. Or maybe you'd just like to see one of those famous sunsets in person.
How about you? Have you been to Lake Travis?
Linking up with: The Weekly Postcard at Travel Notes and Beyond, The Weekend Wanderlust Weekend Travel Blog Party and WATW at Communal Global!
This lake looks really nice. I love the ocean but sometimes, it is nice to swim in a lake and not have to worry about the salt water, riptides or nasty creatures that like to sting. The surrounding area looks really beautiful and serene. I would definitely head out there if I was nearby.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very nice lake - though it's very hot in summer. It's all good though! I survived, lol. Thanks for visiting The Unpaved Road!
DeleteBeautiful photos of Lake Travis. I wouldn't mind heading down there in late September when it's not quite as hot and humid to enjoy those views... especially those sunsets. Absolutely breathtaking! Love the beach of the month plan!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sara! And thanks for visiting The Unpaved Road!
DeleteYou had me at deer. I actually love lake beaches. All of the peacefulness and none of the aggressive waves that will bowl you over. Lake Travis really does look like Italy. We were just talking about a possible trip to Austin. Being only 45 minutes away, this looks like a nice side trip.
ReplyDeleteI think combining Austin and Lake Travis is a great plan - a little city, a little country. Thanks for visiting The Unpaved Road!
DeleteI thought the Beach of the Month series was only about ocean beaches. Lake Travis looks quite beautiful! #TheWeeklyPostcard
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link-up - and for visiting The Unpaved Road!
DeleteLooks very nice. I realize this is a man-made lake - do they stock it with fish? Just curious. Clearly the deer like this setting. #TheWeeklyPostcard
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if they stock it with fish - but I did see several people fishing so I imagine they do. And the deer were unbelievable - there were so many! Thanks for visiting, Deborah!
DeleteNice place! I am trying to remember if I have visited this lake. Once, I had a summer internship on Austin and stayed on the city 10 weeks. Your photos bring back memories. Seems like I have been. I would totally count a lake as a beach. In some way I prefer lakes or rivers because of the non-salty water. #TheWeeklyPostcard
ReplyDeleteWe live on a lake and I really enjoy it - non-salty water, no critters or humongous waves. :) Thanks for visiting, Ruth!
DeleteWhat a great set of photos of this pretty beach. Love all the scenery around the area.
ReplyDeleteThanks Betty! It looks very different from the lake where I live so I really enjoyed the scenery, also. Thanks for visiting The Unpaved Road!
DeleteI agree with you that sand at the waters edge of a lake is a proper beach. And, I like the fresh water The Oasis Restaurant looks massive. It's hard to believe that it can ever get crowded.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Rhonda - and it is hard to believe that The Oasis could get crowded and it wasn't the night we were there but they say that it can be wall to wall people at sunset. Funny, huh?
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