Emma Long Metropolitan Park is located at the edge of Lake Austin and has a beautiful beach and many cosy lounging spots. The drive to the park is short and scenic, up a hilly road, and after a few minutes, you’ll start feeling like you’re hours away from civilization – a way to quickly get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a quiet place in all seasons and you’re unlikely to find it crowded even in the summer months.
Access and Parking
The park boasts a very convenient location since it’s a short drive from anywhere in Austin. It’s open from 7 a. m. to 10 p. m. daily throughout the whole year. The car entry fee is $5 for weekdays and $10 for weekends and holidays, which is quite reasonable for a whole day of fun and relaxation. There is ample parking lining the lake. If you come early, you’ll get a chance to occupy a spot very close to the beach section.
Activities
Emma Long Park is a family-friendly recreational spot good for sunbathing, swimming, fishing, boating, strolling, camping, and just communing with nature. Apart from the beach, there are hiking trails, picnic areas, camping sites, and a motorcycle trail. The views are beautiful and relaxing. For those who like active recreation, there are also volleyball nets on site.
Kid-Friendly Beach
Emma Long Park has a sandy beach with shallow water – a real paradise for kids, who can play with toys, build sandcastles or wade safely in the water. There is also a pier, and most children are fond of jumping from it into the water!
Amenities
The beach is located conveniently close to the restrooms. For your convenience, there are also showers and open-air changing rooms. If you’re planning a picnic, you can make use of one of the picnic tables with BBQ pits, which are spread out throughout the parking area. Sometimes the tables are dirty, so it’s a good idea to bring a tablecloth.
Dog-Friendly Place
The park rules allow you to bring your furry friend with you. Most dogs are absolutely happy during such visits, running around, jumping in the water, chasing the waves, and bringing sticks you throw to them. There is plenty of shore-front area to both sides of the beach, where you can play with your dog without having to disturb other visitors.
Camping
There are campsites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Depending on the price you pay per night (and on how early you come to secure a spot!), you can get a primitive campsite without any utilities or a campsite with water, electricity, and even waterfront view. There are also bathrooms and BBQ and fire pits available.
Driving Time
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35 minutes from Austin, TX
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45 minutes from Georgetown, TX
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1 hour 40 minutes from San Antonio, TX
Hotels and rentals
If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:
- Nearby rentals from VRBO.
- Nearby rooms and properties from Booking.com.
Beaches nearby
Additionally, there's a number of beaches near Emma Long Park Beach which you can visit:
- West Lake Beach (4 miles)
- Bull Creek District Park Beach (4 miles)
- Tom Hughes Park Beach (5 miles)
- Deep Eddy Pool Beach (5 miles)
- Twin Falls Beach (6 miles)