Texas typically affords its residents an abundance of sunshine, and summertime often beckons people to enjoy the outdoors. Adventurers can pick the activity that fits their lifestyle and head out to hike, bike, fish and cool off in Georgetown this summer.
HIKE AND BIKE
Georgetown is home to miles of hike and bike trails. This short list highlights options that range from downtown exploration to more rugged hikes for the adventurer. Don’t have a bike? Don’t worry: The city has several options for you to check out a bike at the library and visitor’s center. Guests of the Sheraton Georgetown Hotel can take advantage of its bike program and even grab a picnic for the trip.
1. Berry Springs Park 1801 CR 152 The park’s 2.5-mile hike and bike trail will eventually connect to Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department trails and was voted a “Best Kept Secret” by residents.
2. The San Gabriel River Trail—downtown Nearly 4 miles of crushed granite or concrete trails combine in a path that connects northwest downtown at College and Walden Streets to San Gabriel Park and Rivery Park on the west side of I-35 near the Sheraton Texas Hotel.
3. The San Gabriel River Trail—TheGood Water Loop At Lake Georgetown is a 28-mile trail that passes through a variety of landscapes. The trail extends from Booty's Road Park to Overlook Trailhead and completely circles the lake.
CHILDREN'S TRAILS
Georgetown’s parks and trails have something for children of all ages and several are designed specifically to encourage young learners to explore.
4. Explorer Park at Rabbit Hill Park in Teravista 1109 Blue Ridge Drive Georgetown’s newest park will be completed in July via a partnership with Newland Communities. The park will feature a splash pad and a nearby exploration trail that includes a “dino dig” where children can dig for fossils.
5. Berry Springs Park—Born Learning Trail 1801 CR 152 Developed by United Way Worldwide, Born Learning trails are designed to boost child development and encourage families to get active.
6. Creative Playscape 1003 N. Austin Ave. This unique play area includes a history wall and activities that honor the city’s history from pre-settlement to the growth of modern times.
WATER
Texans often survive the summer by seeking cool places to chill out. From freshwater watering holes to public pools, options abound.
7. Blue Hole Park 100 Blue Hole Park Road Blue Hole Park is a scenic watering hole bordered by limestone bluffs along the South Fork of the San Gabriel River and is located five blocks north of the downtown Square along North Austin Avenue.
8. Lake Georgetown This Army Corps of Engineers-maintained lake is a major water source for Georgetown utility customers and also provides an array of activities. Guests can bring a kayak, canoe or paddleboard, fishing poles or floats and partake in the calm waters. Georgetown Paddle Co. rents and delivers equipment to the three access parks.
OUTDOOR POOLS
The city of Georgetown offers five outdoor public swimming pools during summer months which may require a membership or admission fees. Visit www.parks.georgetown.org for details.
9. Williams Drive Pool 3201 Williams Drive At 50 meters long, this is the city's largest outdoor pool. It can be divided into eight lanes and includes as 12-foot-deep diving well.
10. Village Pool 370 Village Commons Blvd. Located inside the Georgetown Village subdivision, the 4-to-5-foot-deep main pool can be divided into lanes. The shallow baby pool is 6-12 inches deep.
11. Outdoor Play Pool 1003 N. Austin Ave. Features include water slides, splash fountains, tumble buckets and water cannons. Admission is for recreation center members. Visit www.parks.georgetown.org for more information.
12. Ridge Pool 414 S. Ridge Circle Located inside the River Ridge subdivision off Leander Road, this pool features depths that range from 4-10 feet.
13. Georgetown Tennis Center 400 Serenada Drive The main pool and smaller 1-foot-deep baby pool are located within the tennis center.
14. San Jose Park 1707 San Jose St. The 1,656-square-foot water play area has 15 spray features, including a shower tunnel, the Storm Spinner, popcorn jets that shoot water from the ground and a post that sprays water in a bell shape.
SPLASH PADS
15. Downtown Splash Pad 816 Main St. Located next to the Art Center just off the Square, the Downtown Splash Pad is a brick courtyard withground-based water jets. Free.
16. Rabbit Hill Park Splash Pad 1109 Blue Ridge Drive Georgetown’s newest park, scheduled to open in July, will feature a splash pad. Free.
FISHING
Visitors can gather their fishing poles and tackle boxes—plus a fishing license—and hit the shore.
17. San Gabriel Park 445 E. Morrow St. Spend the morning or afternoon fishing along the banks of the San Gabriel River. One can fish anywhere in the river, but the park offers several access points. Free.
18. Chandler Park 108 Spring Valley Road Chandler Park sits on the south side of the San Gabriel River. Tables and grills are available to the public. Free.
19. Lake Georgetown Fishing is available at all parks around Lake Georgetown. Day visitors pay a small entrance fee. All three parks have restrooms on-site and open at 6:30 a.m.