Travis: Waterfront, Parks and Cultural History

The region’s parks each have a distinct focus. Their shorelines, recreational amenities and historic sites give you concrete points of reference for choosing the right focus for your stay.

Waterfront Landscapes and Nature

Pace Bend Park is in the far western part of Travis County, in the Hill Country region of Central Texas. Its shoreline along Lake Travis is more than nine miles long. In western Travis County, Reimers Ranch Park has nearly three miles of continuous shoreline along the Pedernales River. The two figures refer to different bodies of water; together, they show how varied Travis’s waterfront landscapes are. Their lengths can also be compared: the shoreline at Pace Bend Park, at more than nine miles, is significantly longer than the nearly three miles at Reimers Ranch Park.

On Lake Travis, Sandy Creek Park is situated on one of the quieter coves. It is home to the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. This makes wildlife another distinct aspect of the area’s natural setting, alongside its waterfront landscapes. For travelers who prioritize scenery and nature when choosing a destination, these parks offer different points of interest: an extensive shoreline, a riverbank or a quieter cove where an endangered bird species is found.

Water Activities and Camping

At Mansfield Dam Park on Lake Travis, you can picnic, swim and fish. Its boat ramp has four lanes, and there is an accessible fishing pier right next to it. The underwater diving area has four diving platforms. This clearly distinguishes the park’s offerings: activities along the shore, boat access and a dedicated area for diving.

Arkansas Bend Park combines a two-mile shoreline with opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking and accessing the lake. Boaters have access to two boat ramps and a service pier. The park also has 18 developed campsites with water hookups and 20/30/50-amp electrical hookups. These details refer to the campsites in the park. They help distinguish the camping facilities from the recreational opportunities and lake access when you’re considering which focus suits your trip.

East Metropolitan Park also offers fishing opportunities: its fishing ponds are accessible from the shore, and there is also a modern fishing pier. The park also has a swimming pool maintained by Travis County Parks. For a stay focused on fishing or swimming, this offers a different profile from the waterfront landscapes along Lake Travis or the Pedernales River.

Trails, Stargazing and History

Reimers Ranch Park has more than 18 miles of mountain biking trails. The park also offers an astronomy observatory program, where visitors can enjoy a star-filled sky and learn about the universe. Reservations are required for the program, so plan ahead before your visit.

At McKinney Falls State Park, you can fish and swim in Onion Creek. The trails for hiking and biking differ considerably: Rock Shelter Trail is 0.6 miles long and for hiking only; Homestead Trail is 3.1 miles long and designated for hiking and biking. The two trails offer clear guidance if you want to choose a route based on its length and intended use.

The Prehistoric Rock Shelter at McKinney Falls State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For a different historical perspective, visit Richard Moya Park, where you’ll find a century-old bridge that once crossed the Colorado River as Congress Avenue Bridge in downtown Austin. Alongside outdoor activities, you can also include traces of history in your Travis trip plans.

All-terrain wheelchairs are available at McKinney Falls State Park for use on the Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail. Conditions can change quickly, so check availability before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Austin, Leander, Pflugerville, Lakeway, Sunset Valley, Manor, Wells Branch, Windemere, Hudson Bend, Bee Cave, Jonestown, Manchaca, San Leanna, Point Venture, Volente.

For the broader travel overview: Texas.