Texas summers are known for being a bit on the hot side, so places to cool down are a welcome relief. Fortunately, Bastrop offers plenty of spots for a relaxing swim, play in the water, and have a great time!
The following are just a few of the numerous locations where you can soak in Bastrop’s summer fun. When planning your next getaway, consider these scintillating summer sensations.
PARK IT
Lake Bastrop North Shore Park, which is attractive to campers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts, is ideal for swimming. Rent a pontoon boat, canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard from Float On Boat Rentals, or make use of the boat ramp for your personal boat and head out to Lake Bastrop where you can swim to your heart’s content.
In between water fun, take a nature trail hike, play a game of sand volleyball, or enjoy the shaded picnic area for a bite to eat until you’re ready to take another dive. When it’s time to call it a day, stay the night at one of the park’s many lodging choices, from campsites and RV areas to safari tents and even Airstream campers, perfect for those who prefer glamping.
Lake Bastrop South Shore Park features many of the same amenities as its northern counterpart, with additional cabins and campsites, a 9-hole mini golf course, games of horseshoes, a playground, and large shaded areas. When you’re not out swimming in the South Shore Park’s lake, hike or bike along the 9.2-mile network of trails that will take you to the north end of the lake.
As you view the Bastrop State Park swimming pool from a distance, it will take every ounce of willpower to keep from diving in. However, you’ll have to check in first (reservations are required) and pay a small fee, then it’s straight to the water to cool off. The park is available for overnight stays at campsites, cabins, and group halls and features a wide variety of activities, including fishing, hiking, geocaching and birding.
Want to wear the kids out? Take them to the Fisherman’s Park Splash Pad, open until Labor Day. With buckets dumping out water and a ring that sprays anyone who gets close, your children will be soaked while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere. The popular park also features covered pavilions, a playground, sports courts, a nature trail, a fishing pier, and more.
The slow-moving Colorado River, which flows through Bastrop, is great for numerous water sports, including swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and fishing. There are two main access points to the river in Bastrop; the popular Fisherman’s Park is one. Bastrop River Co. offers an El Camino Real Paddle Trail trip by kayak or canoe and is perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. The two- or three-hour adventure starts at Fisherman’s Park and ends 6 miles later at the Colorado River Refuge, a nature area with excellent walking trails. There are several places along the ride where you can stop and swim or just sit back and relax.
The other access point is at Bastrop County Nature Park, a 24-acre wooded area along the Colorado River that is part of the Texas Paddling Trail system. The nature park features a swimming area and a beach for sitting back and soaking in the sun. You can also use the barbecue pits and picnic area, while a nature trail is excellent for hiking and birding.
STAY AND PLAY
For visitors new to Bastrop, there is a place where you can stay, swim, play, cruise, ride and so much more. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a one-stop, do-it-all experience you won’t soon forget.
Set on more than 400 acres along the banks of the Lower Colorado River, Hyatt Regency offers more than just a pool – actually, they have several, including one for the whole family, another just for adults and yet another for the kids. The pools are part of the Lost Pines Water Park, an incredible area with a 1,000-foot lazy river, a splash pad, a water slide, whirlpools and more.
Resort guests have access to everything Hyatt Regency offers, but if you just want to frolic at the water park without staying overnight, purchase a Lost Pines Water Park day pass and get your swim on!
If relaxing in a cozier establishment is your preference, check out The Reserve at Greenleaf. This eco-friendly experience features state-of-the-art yurts, perfect for families or couples looking for an environmentally friendly getaway. The Reserve includes a large pool with a water slide, two hot tubs, and plenty of space to share with friends and family. Hiking, kayaking, and fishing adventures are also available near the Colorado River or Lake Bastrop.
If you’re seeing the sights in an RV, head to Basin RV Resort, situated on the banks of the Colorado River. Besides all the attractions you’ll find in Bastrop – downtown shopping, zip lining, museums, music, and more – the resort’s swimming pool and splash pad provides fun for hours. The river offers fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, among numerous other activities.
READY TO REFRESH
After enjoying a fun-filled day in the water, it’s time to treat yourself to good food, a refreshing beverage, and a bit of relaxing. Bastrop is home to many fantastic restaurants, breweries and bars, and each location offers the friendly customer service that our town is famous for.
Enjoy a delicious craft beer, live music, and southern cuisine with a Cajun twist at 602 Brewing Company. Serving lunch and dinner, 602 is housed in a historic 1890 building in downtown Bastrop with a friendly atmosphere and a large outdoor patio. Watch the Lower Colorado River run by from the outdoor patio while enjoying a variety of refreshments at Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard. Known for its award-winning pizza, Neighbor’s is a fun establishment with games for the kids, live music, and tasty beer and eats.
Using locally sourced ingredients, Old Town Restaurant and Bar on Main Street is an ideal place to get together with family and friends. You’ll find a variety of great food on Old Town’s extensive menu, as well as plenty of ice-cold beer to cool off on hot summer days. With nearly 30 draft beers to choose from, as well as bottle and can beer, wine, sake, champagne and more, you’ll have plenty to choose from at Bastrop Beer Company. Stay inside and play arcade games or pool, or enjoy your beer outdoors and have fun.
To start your swim-and-more day, stop by the family-owned Sunshine Sister Coffee Company, in the Chestnut Grove Food Truck Court in downtown Bastrop. Try a variety of coffee, matcha and tea, or cool off with one of the flavorful lemonades. If you’re craving something sweet, head to the Sugar Shack, where you’ll find chocolate-dipped strawberries, fudge, brownies, and an assortment of candy. We bet a cone or cup of delicious Blue Bell ice cream or an in-house-baked ice cream cookie sandwich will sound pretty good about then.
Bastrop activities and establishments are hot, so visit the cool places that will provide you with long-lasting memories. Plan your Bastrop getaway today!
