Once summertime hits, one of my favorite spots to take the kids is to the little beach at Emma Long Metro Park. It’s fun enough to invite a group of friends on a weekend but easy enough for me to take the kids on my own!
The reasons I love it for families: great views of the hills around Lake Austin, contained shallow area, sandy beach, some shady trees nearby the beach, and close-by bathrooms.
Emma Long is worth a visit if you’re in Austin for a summer vacation or looking for activities to keep cool. Here’s everything you need to know about a trip out to this Lake Austin beach.
In This Post
Plan Your Visit to Emma Long
Where is Emma Long Metro Park?
Emma Long is a city park on the north side of Lake Austin (part of the Colorado River). It’s in northwest Austin, near 360 and 2222.
The address is 1600 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730.
Is Emma Long beach good for kids?
My favorite part about Emma Long is the little beach area! It’s situated between two docks and has sand perfect for digging holes and building sand castles. The swimming area has a big shallow area that doesn’t get deeper until a marked rope line, so it’s easy to manage littles here.
The docks are really fun if your kids like jumping off into the water too!
When boats drive by, they do send waves into the swimming area, so be prepared to keep small kids upright. They can knock little kids over, which used to upset my kids when they didn’t like getting their faces wet!
Do you need reservations at Emma Long?
On Monday through Thursday, there are no reservations for Emma Long. You just show up and pay at the kiosk.
Friday through Sunday (as well as holidays), the Emma Long website says reservations are required, so I always pre-purchase my pass. BUT I have seen them sell day passes at the gate when the park has not reached capacity. It’s just a risk.
If you don’t have a reservation, look online at the reservation system to see if passes are sold out.
Passes are available up to 14 days in advance, until midnight the night before if not sold out.
How much does Emma Long Metro Park cost?
Admission to Emma Long costs $5 per vehicle for a day pass Monday through Thursday. It is $10 per vehicle Friday through Sunday (and holidays).
The motorcycle trail and hiking trailheads are outside of the day pass area, so you can access those for free.
Can you swim in Emma Long?
Yes, you can swim at Emma Long in the designated swimming area. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty and dogs are not allowed in the swimming area.
Can you hike at Emma Long?
Yes, the Turkey Creek trail is a popular hiking trail with locals and it is outside the paid day pass area, so it’s FREE. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead.
Turkey Creek is an out-and-back trail with a small loop toward the end and several water crossings.
What is there to do in Emma Long park?
Emma Long Park in Austin is great for swimming, floating, picnics, hiking, camping, and mountain biking (for experienced mountain bikers familiar with the trails).
What should I bring to Emma Long Park?
You can spend a whole day here if you want (and if you pack right!). Things you may want to bring:
- Swimsuit;
- Water shoes if you don’t want to walk on little shells and slimy lake bottom;
- Sand toys;
- Umbrella for shade;
- Picnic blanket or chairs;
- Picnic lunch and drinks;
- Sunblock
Not allowed:
- Styrofoam;
- Glass;
- Alcohol is only allowed at a paid campsite or picnic site reservation;
- Smoking
Don’t bring your big speakers here. Amplified music/sounds/dj’s and/or bands all require a sound permit, and are only issued for the picnic table areas with a reservation.
Please make sure you throw your trash away properly or pack it out. There are even trash bags available at the entrance if you’d like to pick up any litter you see while you’re there.
Does Emma Long park have showers?
Yes! The Emma Long bathrooms near the beach have showers. There are also feet and body sprayers outside of the bathrooms to wash sand off.
Is there anywhere to eat near Emma Long?
If you’re hungry after your swim and you want to go out to eat, head to Ski Shores Cafe for a fun, on-the-water meal. There is a turf area and a little bit of sand for kids to play on. Or head to Waterloo Ice House at 360 and 2222, where they have a playground with a good amount of tree shade.
Some more of our favorite places to swim: Barton Springs, Deep Eddy, Krause Springs, Blue Hole.