Where to swim on Lake Travis: the ultimate guide to Lake Travis swimming spots

On a sunny Texas summer day, there’s only one way to beat the heat: jumping into some cool, refreshing water! Whether you’re planning on a relaxing dip or high-octane cliff diving, a swim on Lake Travis will fit the bill. Today, the staff at Northshore Marina at the Hollows is here to share all of our favorite Lake Travis swimming areas, from party hotspots to quiet coves.

The Best Spots to Swim on Lake Travis

We won’t make you wait–Here are our top picks for where to swim on Lake Travis:

Devil’s Cove

Devil’s Cove is THE place to party on Lake Travis. When you sail around the cliffs, you’ll see tons of boats anchored along the hollow. Grab your beverage of choice, hop into a water tube, and enjoy the good vibes. If you’re swimming in Lake Travis with a bunch of friends, Devil’s Cove is a must-visit location – it’s perfect for bachelor or bachelorette parties, a birthday bash, or a weekend getaway from UT Austin. You’ll probably make a new friend while you’re swimming!

Starnes Island

Did you know that Lake Travis was featured in Spy Kids? One of the opening shots was filmed at Starnes Island, but you don’t need to go undercover to find this popular Lake Travis swimming spot. Early in the morning, Starnes Island is peaceful and quiet – the perfect place for a solo sunrise swim – and its impressive depths (over 100 feet in some places) make it ideal for scuba diving.

But on weekends, the volume gets turned up a notch. If you’re looking for a laid-back hang with your friends, Starnes Island is the place to be. Its location on the Sandy Creek Arm creates a chill, secluded atmosphere where you can swim and chat all day long.

Cow Creek Cove

If crowded beaches or party boats are not your scene, Cow Creek Cove will be right up your alley. This hidden cove is a secret oasis for Lake Travis locals, far away from most of the action – and most cell service. If you want to unplug and float in peace, Cow Creek Cove is the best spot to swim in Lake Travis.

Tom Hughes Park

Tom Hughes Park is another Lake Travis swimming area frequented by the locals. This park is nestled in the scenic Hill Country, giving you spectacular views from the water. If you’re looking to get your heart pumping, Tom Hughes also has great places for cliff jumping. There are even some hiking trails if you’re willing to brave the rugged terrain.

Pace Bend Park

Pace Bend Park is the sporty swimmer’s destination. Pace Bend has everything a thrillseeker could want: cliffs to jump off of, deep water to explore, and designated swimming coves, plus trails for mountain biking, hiking, horsebacking riding, and camping sites. If you’re boating, you can easily anchor at one of the three boat ramps and take a dip in the crystal clear water.

Arkansas Bend Park

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Pace Bend, Arkansas Bend Park is the Lake Travis swimming spot for you. This hidden cove near Lago Vista has tons of shade and no wake zones, so it’s a haven on busy summer days. The water is on the shallow side – you’ll have more fun wading than practicing your backstroke. Arkansas Bend Park was recently renovated, so you can enjoy new amenities like boat ramps, improved campsites, and multi-use trails.

Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point

Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point is one of the most popular places to swim on Lake Travis, and for good reason! The park is surrounded by the beautiful Hill Country, and it’s a hub for water sports, scuba diving, and kayaking. Only non-motorized watercrafts can launch in the park, so your chances of getting splashed by a wake are much lower than some other Lake Travis swimming areas. Because Bob Wentz Park is so popular, it can quickly reach capacity – especially on holiday weekends. Get there early to snag your spot. 

Tips for Swimming in Lake Travis

Swimming in Lake Travis is tons of fun, but there are a few things you should be aware of before you dive in:

• Watch out for zebra mussels. Lake Travis’s shoreline is home to large quantities of zebra mussels, and their sharp shells can cut your feet. Keep an eye out, especially at Pace Bend Park and Arkansas Bend Park, and consider wearing water shoes for some extra protection.

• Not all swimming spots are free. While there are some free swimming areas in Lake Travis, the parks run by Travis County Parks charge a small day fee, generally $5 per person and $3 for seniors, with free admission for children under 12 and disabled veterans. For free swimming in Lake Travis, head to Cow Creek Cove, Devil’s Cove, or Starnes Island.

• Prepare for rocky terrain. Because Lake Travis is a manmade lake, its shoreline was carved out of limestone rather than sand. That means that terrain near the water is often jagged and slippery, especially at more isolated swimming areas. Be careful!

• Be aware of boaters. Lake Travis is a very popular boating destination, and you may encounter a pontoon speeding by, especially if you’re somewhere that’s primarily accessible by boat, like Devil’s Cove or Starnes Island. Try not to swim too close to docks and boat ramps, and look for designated “no wake” zones.

• Swim at your own risk. Most Lake Travis swimming areas don’t have lifeguards, so you swim at your own risk. Bring a buddy for safety, and check the weather conditions before you head out.

Grab all your Lake Travis swimming essentials at Northshore Marina

The perfect Lake Travis swimming spot is just one part of your day on the lake – you’re also going to want snacks, drinks, and swimming gear. You can grab all of these essentials at Northshore Marina’s ship store. Northshore Marina is very close to Devil’s Cove and geographically one of the closest to Starnes Island, so you can jet right over if you forgot your sunscreen or need a refill on chips.

Our Lake Travis ship store has a full selection of snacks and drinks, including:

• Ice cream and candy
• Chips and dips
• Soda and energy drinks
• Tea and coffee
• Ice-cold beer
• Wine
• Buzzballz

Plus, we have other Lake Travis swimming gear like water toys, swimwear, sunscreen, and sunglasses. You can also take advantage of our Wi-Fi, air-conditioned restrooms, and private showers (for members) when you’ve had your fill of the sun.

Have any questions about swimming in Lake Travis or our marina? Contact us at any time!