Summertime has officially arrived in Austin, Texas, and for locals, this news means spending every weekend splashing around in the top swimming holes in the state to beat the heat. So grab your swimsuit, a little sunscreen, and a towel, and check out our favorite swimming spots:
Barton Springs
Barton Springs is an Austinite favorite. Measuring 1,100 feet in length, this spring-fed pool is one of the only non-chlorinated swimming pools of its size in the country. It is literally one of the coolest swimming holes in Texas with an average year-round temperature of 68 degrees, so no matter how hot it gets outside this summer, you can rest easy knowing there will always be one place in the city you can go to cool off.
Entrance Fees
Adult (18+): Resident $5; Non-resident $9
Junior (12-17): Resident $3; Non-resident $5
Child (1-11): Resident $2; Non-resident $4
Under 12 months: Free
Senior (62+): Resident $2; Non-resident $5
Deep Eddy Pool
Deep Eddy Pool is one of Austin’s local gems because the water is filtered in from the Colorado River – making the water’s temperature about 70 degrees all summer long. So if you’re looking for a place to take a refreshing dip, relax by the water, and catch a few rays, you’re going to love this man-made pool.
Entrance Fees
Adult (18+): Resident $5; Non-resident $9
Junior (12-17): Resident $3; Non-resident $5
Child (1-11): Resident $2; Non-resident $4
Under 12 months: Free
Senior (62+): Resident $2; Non-resident $5
Hamilton Pool
Photo by amazingplacesonearth.com
Hamilton Pool is truly a work of art, and an incredible sight to see with Hamilton Creek spilling over the steep box canyon’s edge, creating a 50-foot waterfall that feeds into its own natural pool. You and your family will be glad you visited this historic site.
Hamilton Pool requires reservations to visit: Click Here
McKinney Falls
This family-friendly place is much more remote than our other swimming hole favorites, but it’s a great location for those seeking a retreat from city life. When you check out McKinney Falls, you’ll not only be able to swim at your leisure, but you can also hike and set up your own campsite.
Entrance Fees
Adults: $6
Under 12 years: Free
Campbell’s Hole
Located on the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Campbell’s Hole includes rock formations, sandbars, and a pebble beach, and lies near the Homedale and Spyglass access points. It’s also less popular than some other Austin swimming holes, so there’s usually room to spread out. Just be ready for a short hike to get there.
Entrance Fees
Free
Blue Hole Regional Park
Located in Wimberly just 45 from Austin, Blue Hole Regional Park is a natural, spring-fed swimming hole in the Hill Country featuring a swim lawn, a large shallow area perfect for younger kids, shady Cypress trees, clear water, and rope swings. Reservations are required.
Entrance Fees
Adults (13-59): $12
Child (4-12): $6
Children 3 and under: Free
Seniors (60+): $6
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Emma Long Metropolitan Park in Northwest Austin has hiking trails, boat ramps, and camping sites, as well as a beach-entry swimming spot and docks to jump into the Colorado River. There’s also ample space to picnic, making it a family-friendly spot for an afternoon of fun.
Entrance Fees
$5 per day/vehicle, Monday through Thursday.
$10 per day/vehicle Friday through Sunday, and holidays.
Krause Springs
Photo by generalchemistrylaboratory
Our last swimming hole selection goes to Krause Springs—one of Texas’ best-kept secrets. Located only 30 miles outside of the city lies a collection of 32 natural springs, which stay at the perfect swimming temperature all year round. Once you’ve visited Krause Springs you’ll wonder why you hadn’t visited it before.
Entrance Fees
Adult (12+): $10
Child (4-11): $6
Children under 4 years: Free
