Austin is obviously awesome, but we've got one major drawback: we're landlocked.
Sure, you can drive a few hours down to Port A or Padre. But if you don’t have the time or the wherewithal to subject yourself to I-35, Austin has plenty of hotspots right around the corner to assist you in attaining those tropical and beachy vibes you crave. Check out our picks for the Most Tropical Places to Achieve Beach Vibes, below.
And if you want an actual beach, check out our roundup of Texas Beaches!
Contributed By Ashley Ragan
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3501 E 7th St
Securing their place comfortably at the top of a tropical list, Kinda Tropical is true to their namesake: from mango margaritas to jackfruit sandwiches, KT has all the makings of a day spent pseudo-beachside. They also have quite the array of CBD products available, perfect for adding even more ~chill~ to your dedicated relaxation time.
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photo via zanzibar
304 E Cesar Chavez St
Zanzibar's lush rooftop will instantly transport you into vacation mode with their tiki cocktails, island-inspired bites, and downtown Austin skyline views. Adding to the tropical vibe, they use With fresh fruit and specialty rums in their drinks. The theme continues when it comes to their island-inspired fare, including sushi burritos, duck egg rolls, and spicy tuna poke.
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photo via yelp
1300 S Lamar Blvd
The baby of the Tatsu-Ya family, Tiki Tatsu-Ya is hidden on South Lamar and has become a tiki favorite around town. They serve a mix of tropical and classic cocktails alongside Japanese and Polynesian foods. The decorations will make you feel like you're living your vacation dreams.
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Photo via Do512 Family
Roy G. Guerrero Park
Not exactly a “secret” by any means, this stretch of land is located along the Colorado River inside Roy G. Guerrero Park in East Austin. It takes about a 10-15 minute walk to the “beach” from the parking area, so it’s a fun and easy hike, too. Once there, please note that swimming is not allowed, but playing/basking in the sand is totally game.
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2700 W Pecan St #202 (Pflugerville)
To channel the feeling of sipping an ice-cold frozen libation on an island beach, look no further than 11 Degrees Daiquiri. Their signature to-go drinks include favorite daiquiri flavors like strawberry and banana as well other classic frozen blendos like margaritas, white russians, and even frozen Texas tea. Pick them up curbside and take them to the nearest sand. Sink your toes. Repeat.
Photo via Facebook
2315 Lake Austin Blvd
Pool Burger is located next to Deep Eddy Pool and combines a hole-in-the-wall vibe with a tiki bar experience. Its casual atmosphere provides the perfect spot to catch up with friends and enjoy a beachy meal. After taking a dip in Deep Eddy, hop on out and try the classic Hippy Burger - a veggie burger renowned for its juicy deliciousness!
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photo via The Oasis
6550 Comanche Trail
The Oasis is a 30,000 square foot restaurant (yep, you read that right!) that provides astonishingly breathtaking views of Lake Travis for that perfect Instagram opportunity. The venue is so large that it’s actually nicknamed The Sunset Capital of Texas, and for good reason. The sunset against the brightly colored umbrellas of The Oasis is nothing short of magnificent and not to be missed.
2728 S Congress Ave
If you're a fan of seriously excellent Caribbean food and resplendently shaded cabanas, you need to make friends with Habana. When we say that their food is seriously excellent, we seriously mean it. Drop in on a Friday or Saturday and order the Seafood Paella and a Mojito. You'll be feeling no pain.
Photo via Tribeza
2211 Webberville Road
Kitty Cohen’s is a retro-vibed, 1970s-themed spot as original as its name, and inspired by the rebel women in all of our lives. This breezy patio bar is located in East Austin with a Palm Springs, Cali vibe. You'll feel totally beached-out here under the palm trees and twinkle lights - there's also a knee-deep wading pool, their famous flamingo-adorned bathrooms, and strong, unique cocktails (boozy Slurpees, anyone?)
2905 Pearce Road
A not-so-touristy lakeside eatery is Ski Shores Waterfront Cafe. Ski Shores boasts the tagline, “boats, burgers, brews, and tunes,” and what more could an Austinite crave? At this dog-friendly spot, you may not only see pups, but fish, swans, and turtles as well! Ski Shores is an open-air venue with picnic tables, a bar, and a boat dock.
Photo via Facebook
3825 Lake Austin Blvd
Hula Hut is a relaxing lakeside spot with fresh food made daily, boasting a menu of Tex-Mex fare "with a Polynesian twist". Hula Hut offers outdoor seating replete with tiki torches, bamboo, umbrellas, dockside boat parking, and (the best part) complimentary chips with fresh salsa to kick off and spice up your meal. Pair a taco or burger with a signature margarita for the ultimate tropical experience.
Photo Credit: Sheridan Broderick / Facebook
2805 Pace Bend Road
Pace Bend Park, about an hour from Austin proper, contains all of the amenities one desires on a beach trip. The park has a boat ramp, deep coves for fishing, geocaching spots, hiking and biking trails, a rope swing, and plenty of swimming space. A popular spot for camping, it’s ideal for bonfires and for stargazing. The cliff jumping at Pace Bend Park is on another level of fun and adventure, and the views from the sprawling park are spectacular.
Photo via Facebook
306 Barton Springs Rd.
Feel the desire for a rousing beach volleyball match in South Austin? Head on over to Aussie's, which hosts both tournaments and leagues. Scheduled, competitive, or pickup, friendly games of volleyball can be played at the dog-friendly sports bar with a patio. And the best part? Aussie's serves margaritas for the low, low price of $5.00 all Saturday and Sunday long.
Photo Credit: @taylorjw_85
7000 Comanche Trail
If you’re seeking a unique Austin beach experience, head on out to Hippie Hollow. This spot is boat, beer, and birthday suit friendly. Yup, it’s a no-lifeguard-on-duty and no-clothing-necessary beach. Complete with trails and scenic views, Hippie Hollow invites you to frolic in the buff if you so choose. And just like Austin itself, the beach is incredibly welcoming to diverse crowds. For more info on Hippie Hollow, read our Do512 Explains about it right here.
Photo Credit: @Bwilderaf / Instagram
614 N Commons Ford Rd.
A rather secluded, underrated Austin park can be found in Commons Ford. Sometimes it’s empty and relaxed, while other times it’s a downright fun dock party. With a boathouse, picnic tables, volleyball nets, plenty of frolicking dogs, and a trail to a charming waterfall, Commons Ford is quite the hidden gem off the beaten path. And with all of the jet-skis and boats zooming and zipping by creating sizable waves, you’ll truly feel like you’re oceanside.
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1016 E 6th St
Perched in the midst of much East Sixth goodness, Shangri-La offers one of the more relaxed and dive-y vibes on the street. The bar’s pair of pool tables, spacious back patio, food truck, and tropical frozen drinks all contribute to its chill atmosphere and make it a great place to get into a beachside no-worries mindset.
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SPOTS FOR TROPICAL FOOD:
1506 South 1st St
1914 E 6th St
91 Rainey St
8023 Burnet Rd
3400 Comsouth Dr
5012 E 7th St
650 E 10th St
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Did we miss your favorite tropical-ish spot in Austin?
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