Ah. School is finally in session. Fall semester routines are back in motion with bus schedules, sports games and homework. This is the time of the year that the floral department at HEB smells like cinnamon and everyone begins decorating porches with hay bales and mums. We all start ordering everything in Pumpkin Spice flavoring and asking our kids “What do you want to be for Halloween?” It’s such a cozy time… especially to stay local.
But this is Texas. So it’s also scorching hot.
And I must tell you, before you toss your summer vibes to the wind and go fill your Amazon cart with new scarves, book yourself a weekend or day trip to one of these local spots to cool off! I know I’m already filling up my calendar!
10 Local Spots To Beat The Heat Now That Summer Is Over
Son’s Island Seguin, TX. Yep, I said island… in Texas. Hidden along Lake Placid and only accessible by boat or a 100 foot wooden bridge, the island feels like a destination getaway. Tropical trees and thatched roof cabanas line the entire 4,000 foot perimeter, giving it a secluded oasis vibe. Son’s Island offers camping, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more!
Georgetown Blue Hole Park Georgetown, TX. Pack a picnic, your fishing gear and swimsuit! This beautiful lagoon is along the South Fork of the San Gabriel River. There is no entry fee to access the park. Equipment rentals are not offered.
Rockin’R Gruene, TX. This is the only river front event location in Gruene. Spend an afternoon tubing on the river and end the day with live music, entertaining games on the green space, and great food provided by food trucks. Or you can enjoy one of the many restaurants with live music in the town of Gruene.
Guadalupe River State Park Spring Branch, TX. If nature is calling you, try camping out at this state park! With access to four miles of the river, you can swim, fish, tube and canoe all day, or take your family out on a scenic hike.
Jacob’s Well Wimberley, TX. This spot is cool in every meaning of the word. Jacob’s Well is an underwater cave that stretches 140 feet deep. Being that it’s the second-largest fully submerged cavern in Texas, your family can take a literal dip in history. It is the water source of Cypress Creek, which flows through Blue Hole Regional Park. There is no fee to park or enter the natural area. A fee is only required to swim in Jacob’s Well. Guests must make an online reservation to swim.
Ingram Dam Ingram, TX. It’s like a giant slip and slide for big kids! Algae from the steady flow of water streaming over the dam creates the perfect slippery surface. People ride down in tubes, surf boards, skate boards… basically anything that will glide down into the Guadalupe River. The dam divides Ingram Lake, making it a great spot to sail, ski and swim!
Lake Bastrop South Shore Park Bastrop, TX. If you like boating & camping, check this out. Just slightly east of Austin is this family friendly lake destination. The park offers mini golf, pedal carts, water-crafts and more for rental. Bring your own boat and spend the day on the lake! Overnight camping and cabins are available, as well as a local deli to deliver sandwiches right to your campsite!
Sandy Creek Park Leander, TX. Cool off at this quiet cove on Lake Travis. Nestled in the beautiful Hill Country, this 92-acre park is perfect for swimming, hiking, camping, and fishing. If you bring your boat, you’ll appreciate that the park is easily to get in and out of. Just keep in mind that there is a small fee to enter the park and it’s cash only.
Blue Hole Regional Park Wimberley, TX. This gorgeous oasis isn’t open much longer for swimming! The Blue Hole swimming season is from May to September only. The water is covered by a canopy of trees that line the perimeter giving the landscape a fairy-tale dreamy vibe. It’s captivating enough to just float in a tube and enjoy the relaxing view all afternoon.
Geronimo Creek Retreat Seguin, TX. If you’re looking to avoid large crowds, check out this spot and enjoy private access to Geronimo Creek. If you book one of the super cute glamping accommodations, you can enjoy free kayaking, paddle-boarding and rope swinging. There seems to be fun stuff for everyone here with a common-area-game-room plus tons of yard games on four acres of land.
Let us know if you check out one of these local spots! Maybe I will see you there!
