When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Jessica Hollis Park
Why Jessica Hollis Park is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Jessica Hollis Park, located on the scenic Lake Austin in Texas, offers a vibrant and attractive environment perfect for gathering with friends. Spanning 62 acres just below Mansfield Dam, it is a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, with easy access to the water and self-serve rentals available for paddleboards and kayaks. The park is outfitted with essential amenities including year-round and seasonal bathrooms, drinking water, picnic shelters, accessible picnic tables, campsites, and wheelchair-friendly facilities, which make it a convenient and accommodating venue for groups. It also provides both paid and free parking options. The natural beauty combined with recreational offerings creates an inviting atmosphere for day-long outings, making Jessica Hollis Park a great place to relax, play, and catch up with friends amidst lakeside tranquility.
Here's what people think of Jessica Hollis Park
As of recent, Jessica Hollis Park holds a 4.4-star rating based on 561 reviews.
Reviews of Jessica Hollis Park reveal a generally positive attitude from visitors, reflected in its solid 4.4 rating from over 560 reviews. Many have highlighted the park’s excellent location on Lake Austin, praising its suitability for swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding activities. Positive feedback frequently mentions the well-maintained facilities, including accessible picnic areas and restrooms, which enhance the comfort and convenience for families and groups. Reviewers also appreciate the peaceful environment and natural beauty surrounding the park, which contributes to a relaxing outdoor experience.
On the other hand, some users have pointed out a few drawbacks. Complaints include the cost associated with access, described by some as expensive, and concerns about the lack of parking lot security, which can affect visitors' comfort and safety. A few reviews also note that parking availability and fees could be better managed to improve the overall visitor experience.
Overall, the reviews suggest that while Jessica Hollis Park may have minor issues with parking and access fees, it is widely regarded as a welcoming and enjoyable destination. Its recreational offerings and natural setting continue to attract locals and visitors looking for a fun day at the lake with friends or family.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jaye P.
Beautiful and not overcrowded. The water was crystal clear and everyone working and nearby was really kind and friendly. The place was also very clean and had a lot of shade for each picnic table. Will definitely come again!
Viktoria Varunok
I think this is the perfect place to gather with friends or family for a picnic or barbecue. The nature here is incredibly beautiful. The water is quite clean, with many trees and green grass. There are several grills, trash bins, tables, and benches for sitting. There were no issues with parking either, but it is not free.
Rachael P.
Update May 2025! Place has gone downhill. We paid $75 for 6 people (three couples) and they told us we only get 2 parking spaces. The lot is empty and they say we can't pay for another spot. For a party of 6 it is not unreasonable to be able to park 3 cars. There is no nearby parking and they will not allow us to pay for more. Save your money and go down the road to the left to the free spot. We loved coming here when it was under construction. It was free then. It now costs money, but they've made significant improvements. There are now a ton of picnic tables. Each one has a little charcoal grill and a little shade. There are also hooks where you could hang a hammock. We really enjoy bring our tubes an floating. The only thing is at about 6 o'clock the dam let's out and a strong current comes over the water that will take you down the river. This dam water is significantly colder than the other water and smells very bad. So be gone (or out of the water) before 6!
Kendall Harvey
Beautiful park that feels hidden and isolated! Make sure you are aware of busy weekends and booking a reservation as overcrowding would for sure be an issue if they didn't. It may be annoying to some but it is for the greater good. Attendant Parker, Josh, and the security guard are all super nice and attentive locals who want to make sure you have a great experience. Hands down the best park in the Cedar Park/Lakeway area!
Anissa M
I had a great experience. Location is a bit out of the way which was nice. We rented a paddle board from their rental locker. Everything was done through an app then a text confirmation which made everything fairly simple. Not great if you only have cash but we enjoyed it. Expect a bustling atmosphere with lots of fellow paddler, which adds to the excitement! Will definitely be back.
Jaye P.
Beautiful and not overcrowded. The water was crystal clear and everyone working and nearby was really kind and friendly. The place was also very clean and had a lot of shade for each picnic table. Will definitely come again!
Viktoria Varunok
I think this is the perfect place to gather with friends or family for a picnic or barbecue. The nature here is incredibly beautiful. The water is quite clean, with many trees and green grass. There are several grills, trash bins, tables, and benches for sitting. There were no issues with parking either, but it is not free.
Rachael P.
Update May 2025! Place has gone downhill. We paid $75 for 6 people (three couples) and they told us we only get 2 parking spaces. The lot is empty and they say we can't pay for another spot. For a party of 6 it is not unreasonable to be able to park 3 cars. There is no nearby parking and they will not allow us to pay for more. Save your money and go down the road to the left to the free spot. We loved coming here when it was under construction. It was free then. It now costs money, but they've made significant improvements. There are now a ton of picnic tables. Each one has a little charcoal grill and a little shade. There are also hooks where you could hang a hammock. We really enjoy bring our tubes an floating. The only thing is at about 6 o'clock the dam let's out and a strong current comes over the water that will take you down the river. This dam water is significantly colder than the other water and smells very bad. So be gone (or out of the water) before 6!
Kendall Harvey
Beautiful park that feels hidden and isolated! Make sure you are aware of busy weekends and booking a reservation as overcrowding would for sure be an issue if they didn't. It may be annoying to some but it is for the greater good. Attendant Parker, Josh, and the security guard are all super nice and attentive locals who want to make sure you have a great experience. Hands down the best park in the Cedar Park/Lakeway area!
Anissa M
I had a great experience. Location is a bit out of the way which was nice. We rented a paddle board from their rental locker. Everything was done through an app then a text confirmation which made everything fairly simple. Not great if you only have cash but we enjoyed it. Expect a bustling atmosphere with lots of fellow paddler, which adds to the excitement! Will definitely be back.
Jaye P.
Beautiful and not overcrowded. The water was crystal clear and everyone working and nearby was really kind and friendly. The place was also very clean and had a lot of shade for each picnic table. Will definitely come again!
Viktoria Varunok
I think this is the perfect place to gather with friends or family for a picnic or barbecue. The nature here is incredibly beautiful. The water is quite clean, with many trees and green grass. There are several grills, trash bins, tables, and benches for sitting. There were no issues with parking either, but it is not free.
Rachael P.
Update May 2025! Place has gone downhill. We paid $75 for 6 people (three couples) and they told us we only get 2 parking spaces. The lot is empty and they say we can't pay for another spot. For a party of 6 it is not unreasonable to be able to park 3 cars. There is no nearby parking and they will not allow us to pay for more. Save your money and go down the road to the left to the free spot. We loved coming here when it was under construction. It was free then. It now costs money, but they've made significant improvements. There are now a ton of picnic tables. Each one has a little charcoal grill and a little shade. There are also hooks where you could hang a hammock. We really enjoy bring our tubes an floating. The only thing is at about 6 o'clock the dam let's out and a strong current comes over the water that will take you down the river. This dam water is significantly colder than the other water and smells very bad. So be gone (or out of the water) before 6!
Kendall Harvey
Beautiful park that feels hidden and isolated! Make sure you are aware of busy weekends and booking a reservation as overcrowding would for sure be an issue if they didn't. It may be annoying to some but it is for the greater good. Attendant Parker, Josh, and the security guard are all super nice and attentive locals who want to make sure you have a great experience. Hands down the best park in the Cedar Park/Lakeway area!
Anissa M
I had a great experience. Location is a bit out of the way which was nice. We rented a paddle board from their rental locker. Everything was done through an app then a text confirmation which made everything fairly simple. Not great if you only have cash but we enjoyed it. Expect a bustling atmosphere with lots of fellow paddler, which adds to the excitement! Will definitely be back.
How to reach Jessica Hollis Park
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Why rally at Jessica Hollis Park with your friends?
Jessica Hollis Park is a standout choice for gathering with friends because it combines stunning natural beauty