10 Top Rated Things to Do in Bastrop, Texas

Bastrop State Park

#1 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Bastrop

Bastrop State Park is known for loblolly pines woodland area. The state park features 8.5 mile scenic loop through the undeveloped area. Bastrop State Park is connected to the west of near by Buescher State Park. The connecting 12-mile scenic Park Road 1C between Bastrop and Buescher state parks is popular for biking and scenic drive through the forested areas of the Lost Pines. The swimming pool is open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. A park entrance permit is not required to use the swimming pool. Admission to use the pool is $5 per person 13 years and older and $3 per person with park entrance permit. 12 years and under can use the pool for $3 per person. Things to do include hiking, biking, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

Bastrop State Park Trails

• Piney Hill Spur - 0.3 mile
• Pine Warbler Trail - 0.3 mile
• Farkleberry Spur - 0.4 mile
• Post Oak Spur - 0.5 mile
• Scenic Overlook Trail - 1.7 miles
• Lost Pines Loop - 4.3 miles

Downtown Bastrop

#2 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Bastrop

Downtown Bastrop is known for brick storefront ine the streets, artisans and artists display their handcrafted wares, and local restaurants. Located along the banks of the Colorado River, downtwon Bastrop is the prime attraction for visitors. Main street is the primary attraction of historic downtown Bastrop with more than 30 shops of home decor, handcrafted goods, clothing, and more authenticate shopping. Things to see include art galleries, Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center, and local stores.

Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center

#3 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Bastrop

Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center is a historical structure that served as a fire and police station as well as a tax office in the 1930s and 1940s. The museum exhibits include materials and documents relating to the history of Bastrop and Bastrop County. The museum artifacts span more than 200 years. Guided bus tours available from visitor center to experience most popular tour that includes visit to historic home, historic church, and historic district.

Bastrop Opera House

#4 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Bastrop

Bastrop Opera House is a live theatre venue. The historic 1880 house is known for stage performances featuring vaudeville, melodramas, musicals and comedies. Bastrop Opera House represent youth, community actors, and professionals. Visitors can enjoy vast schedule of performances throughout year.

Lake Bastrop

#5 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Bastrop

Lake Bastrop is a reservoir formed by the construction of on Spicer Creek in the Colorado River. The reservoir is popular for recreational fishing. The lake include catfish, crappie, perch, sunfish, carp, and largemouth bass. Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) maintains two public parks, North Shore Park and South Shore Park on the lake. Both park offers bot ramps, fishing pier, picnic, and camping facilities.

Lost Pines Art Center

#6 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Bastrop

Lost Pines Art Center was founded by a group of seven artists in 1998. Now known as Lost Pines Art League, the center consists of over 150 members who volunteer over 5,000 hours per year. The Art Center features gallery, classrooms, artist studios, and leasable office space. It includes a 12,000 square foot main building, working studios, and a meandering sculpture garden that serves as an outdoor gallery with a replica of part of the lower Colorado River, contemplative spaces, event space, and an amphitheater.

Lake Bastrop North Shore Park

#7 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Bastrop

Lake Bastrop North Shore Park managed by Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is more than just a public park. It includes campgrounds and offers variety of recreation activities. The park has 5 Airstream campers that includes heat and A/C, shower, restroom, kitchen and grill. It also has water and electric campsites. Park admission is $5 for adults with Children 12 and younger free. Pavilion can be rented for private events. Outdoor recreation activities include hiking, biking, picnicking, and sand volleyball court.

Buescher State Park

#8 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Bastrop

Buescher State Park located north of Smithville, Texas features 6 mile round trip hiking trail through the forest and 30-acre lake. The park is connected near by Bastrop state park via 12-mile scenic Park Road 1C. The lake offers fishing, conoeing, and boating recreation activities. The park offers rental kayak and cone with life jackets and paddles. Buescher State Park is also popular for bird watching with over 250 species of birds spotted in the park throughout the year. Things to do include hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, and bird watching.

Buescher State Park Trails

• Winding Woodland Trail (1.5 mile)
• Pine Gulch Trail (3.5 miles)