Pace Bend Park

Stashed 45-minutes northwest of Austin, Pace Bend Park offers 1,368 acres for your hiking, camping, and swimming pleasure. The park occupies a peninsula formed by a bend in Lake Travis, and because it's surrounded by water, you'll always be able to find a nice spot to swim somewhere along the bountiful nine-mile shoreline. Boating is popular here, with two main ramps located at Collier Cove on the west side and Tatum Cove on the east side.

Know before you go: The park is open every day, sunrise to twilight, but arrive early on weekends in the summer to guarantee admittance. Bring cash for the $5 adult entry fee ($3 for seniors, free for children under 12), and make a reservation if you plan to camp out overnight.

Where to eat/drink: Lee’s Almost by the Lake offers tasty no-frills burgers, hotdogs, and pizzas after your outdoor adventure, and a little closer to town sits can’t-miss Texas barbecue hotspot It’s All Good.