West Lake Beach is a quaint, lakeside marina open to the public just Northeast of West Lake Hills in North Austin. If you’re looking for a swimming spot that doesn’t require a rocky hike but still has plenty of other activities, this is the spot!
Before we get started, we want to remind you to take precautions due to the pandemic. We encourage you to consider the safety of yourself and your neighbors. Our swimming hole features will remain online as a reference that you can access when you are able to safely experience the location.
Here’s absolutely everything you need to know about swimming at West Lake Beach!
Location and Hours:
West Lake Beach is located in Northwest Austin, adjacent to the Lake Austin Marina, at 2509 Westlake Drive. This “beach” is not really a beach after all, but a privately owned park on the Colorado River/ Lake Austin – whatever you prefer to call it! West Lake Beach is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and open during the week by special arrangement. The beach is often closed for private parties, so make sure to call ahead to check if they’re open!
Admission Cost:
Unfortunately, this park is not free but it may be worth the cost for all the area has to offer. Admission for the beach is $8 for adults. Children 12 and younger are $5. For groups of 20 people and more, West Lake Beach kindly asks that you call ahead to put down a deposit to reserve space.
History:
West Lake Beach was established in 1955 and has been family-owned and operated ever since by the Depwe Family. The area was first just a simple picnic park, but later added boat storage for those that take their boats out on the lake. David Depwe still owns and runs the family-oriented area for those looking to swim, picnic, take their boat on the water, and more.
Size:
West Lake Beach has two good-sized areas to swim in, that also feature a sandy beach and a water volleyball court. There is also a large pavilion in the middle of the park, with picnic tables scattered around the area as well. The park can accommodate up to 300 people at one time, so be sure to check before going if they have reached capacity. Here is a handy map to see the layout of the property.
Water Temperature:
The water at West Lake Beach tends to compliment the weather and temperature. So, if you’re swimming in March, the water will be cooler. Swimming in August? A little warmer. You’re swimming in water from the Colorado River so in the summer the water will be around 80 degrees.
Parking and Amenities:
Spend the day at West Lake Beach with all there is to do! You can swim, fish, boat, play in the sand, play volleyball, grill, and more. Unlike a lot of other swimming holes in Austin, this swimming spot requires no hiking to reach the water. There’s a parking lot directly off West Lake Drive, with a short, easy walk to the water. Parking is included with the admission price.
Kid-Friendly:
West Lake Beach is very kid-friendly! The owners of the property pride themselves as a family oriented park and swimming spot so this is the perfect place for the entire family. The water is shallow in some areas, while deeper in others. Make it a day and bring food to grill on one of their grills and drinks to sip on. Please note that there is not a lifeguard on duty and boats are allowed outside the floating walls in the water.
Prohibited Items:
No pets or glass are allowed at the beach. West Lake Beach does allow outside food and drink, including alcohol though. The family oriented space is very respectful of the neighborhood it is located, so please keep that in mind!
Pro Tips:
We love West Lake Beach for the family-centered swimming spot that it is. Remember to bring floats and large beach towels or blankets to claim your space on the grassy areas. Pack a lunch and hang out all day! We also think this would be a great spot to host a birthday party or a family reunion as you can rent the entire beach out!
Check out all of the swimming holes in the area here.
And if you’re looking for more beach options, click here.
