UPDATED FOR SUMMER 2023
Austin has been reaching an all-time high in temperatures this summer and it’s not slowing down. I’ve rounded up the best swimming holes in Austin to cool off including both man-made pools and natural swimming holes.
SEE ALSO: 45 Top Things To Do In Austin, Texas, Updated 2023
This is your personal guide to the best swimming holes and watering holes by local Austinites.
Table of Contents
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is one of the most iconic swimming holes Austin has to offer. This natural spring-fed pool is fed by underground springs and is a refreshing oasis in the heart of the city. Located in Zilker Park’s 358 acres, this 3-acre pool is perfect for a quick dip or a day of lounging in the sun.
History of Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. The pool was originally created as a swimming hole for the local community, and over the years, it has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Today, it’s a beloved landmark in Austin, and it’s easy to see why.
What to Expect at Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to cool off in the Texas heat. Here’s what you can expect when you visit:
- Crystal-clear water: The water at Barton Springs Pool is always crystal-clear and cool, with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Natural beauty: The pool is surrounded by lush greenery, and it’s a great spot for a picnic or a game of frisbee.
- A laid-back atmosphere: Whether you’re looking to swim a few laps or just lounge in the sun, Barton Springs Pool is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
- The pool is filled with water from the nearby natural springs so don’t be surprised if you see fish and the endangered Barton Springs salamander swimming alongside you.
- No food, coolers, smoking, or alcohol is permitted.
Jump off any of the diving boards and enjoy the brisk water on a hot summers day!
ENTRANCE FEE: $5 for Austin residents and $9 for non-Austin residents.
PAYMENT: Cash and credit card.
PROHIBITED ITEMS AND ACTIVITIES:
- Coolers, ice chests and thermal bags
- Food
- Pets
- Smoking
- Glass
- Alcohol
- Frisbees, footballs, soccer balls or other hard balls
- Drinks are permitted but must be in a plastic re-sealable container with a twist-top lid
RESERVATIONS: None
HOURS: Open 5am – 10pm every day except closed Thursdays from 9am – 7pm for cleaning
2201 Barton Springs Rd, austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool
McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is a natural oasis located just a few miles outside of downtown Austin. This park offers two swimming holes, both of which are fed by Onion Creek. With hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning waterfalls, McKinney Falls State Park is the perfect spot for a day of outdoor adventure.
Things to Do at McKinney Falls State Park
- There’s no shortage of things to do at McKinney Falls State Park. Here are a few of our favorite activities:
- Swimming: The park offers two swimming holes, one of which has a waterfall that’s perfect for a refreshing dip.
- Hiking: There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. They offer stunning views of the waterfalls and the surrounding landscape.
- Picnicking: The park has several picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal with family and friends.
Tips for Visiting McKinney Falls State Park
If you’re planning a trip to McKinney Falls State Park, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Bring plenty of water and snacks: There’s no food or drink available in the park, so make sure you bring everything you need for a day of outdoor adventure.
- Wear sturdy shoes: The hiking trails can be rocky and uneven, so make sure you wear shoes that are comfortable and supportive.
- Respect the wildlife: McKinney Falls State Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including snakes and spiders. Make sure you keep a safe distance and don’t disturb their habitat.
ENTRANCE FEE: $6 for adults and children 12 years and under are free.
PAYMENT: Cash or credit card.
PROHIBITED ITEMS:
- Food or snacks
- Alcohol or glass
- Coolers, ice chests, or thermal bags
- Pets in the water
- Speakers or music
- Frisbees, footballs, soccer balls, or other hard balls
RESERVATIONS: Not required but reservations are recommended for both camping and day passes.
HOURS: 8am – 10 pm daily
5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls
SEE ALSO: 14 Best Hiking Trails In Austin TX
Krause Springs
Krause Springs is a hidden gem located about an hour outside of Austin in the Texas Hill Country. This family-owned swimming hole offers 32 natural springs, two swimming holes and rope swings, making it the perfect spot for a day of swimming and relaxing in the sun.
What Makes Krause Springs Unique
Krause Springs is a unique swimming hole that offers something for everyone. Here are a few things that make it stand out:
- Multiple natural springs: With 32 natural springs on the property, Krause Springs is a water lover’s paradise.
- Two swimming holes: Krause Springs offers two swimming holes, one of which has a waterfall that’s perfect for a refreshing dip.
- Camping: If you want to spend more than a day at Krause Springs, you can pitch a tent and camp on the property. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
Tips for Visiting Krause Springs
If you’re planning a trip to Krause Springs, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Bring plenty of water and snacks: There’s no food or drink available on the property, so make sure you bring everything you need for a day of swimming and relaxation.
- Wear sunscreen: Krause Springs is a sunny spot, so make sure you protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Respect the property: Krause Springs is a family-owned property, so make sure you follow the rules and treat the property with respect.
ENTRANCE FEE: $8 per adult (12+ years), $5 per child (4-11 years), FREE for children under 4 years.
PAYMENT: Cash only.
RESERVATIONS: Not applicable.
HOURS: 9am – sunset daily.
404 Krause Spring Rd, Spicewood, TX 78669, krausesprings.net
Deep Eddy Pool
This historic swimming pool is the oldest swimming pool in Texas and has a bathhouse built during the Depression-era. You can swim in the lap swimming pool or the large wading pool. Feel free to bring a floatie and float the summer away, I did! Food isn’t allowed but there is a Jim Jim’s Water Ice stand at the pool.
Deep Eddy Pool is only slightly warmer than Barton Springs Pool because the Colorado River provides the water for this man-made pool. There are lifeguards on duty.
ENTRANCE FEE: $5 for Austin residents and $9 for non-Austin residents, $3 for junior (12-17 years) residents and $5 for junior non-Austin residents, free for children under 1 year.
PAYMENT: Cash only.
RESERVATIONS: None
HOURS: Open weekdays and weekends 9am – 8pm for lap swim
401 Deep Eddy Ave, austintexas.gov/department/deep-eddy-pool
Barton Creek Greenbelt
The trail is 12+ miles long so it can be challenging to find the best entry point. Check out Thrillist’s guide to navigating the Greenbelt. My go-to is the Loop 360 access point at 3755-B Capital of Texas Hwy. It’s about a 45-minute hike to Twin Falls. Be sure to pack plenty of cold water and snacks. It’s dog-friendly too! This is the most popular spot of all the swimming holes in Austin! Barton Creek greenbelt is subject to varying water levels.
The Green Belt stretches almost 7.9 miles with popular spots like Campbell’s Hole, Gus Fruh, Sculpture Falls, and Twin Falls.
ENTRANCE FEE: Free!
PAYMENT: Free!
RESERVATIONS: None
HOURS: There are no specific hours for Greenbelt but I’d recommend going when the sun is up since there are no lights on the trail. City curfew hours are 5am–10pm.
Sculpture Falls
Sculpture Falls is a hidden swimming hole in Barton Creek Greenbelt but you have to hike to it! Sculpture Falls is also dog-friendly. Park off 360 turn – you’ll see cars parked along the side.
It’s about a 1.5-mile hike to the falls so I highly recommend parking lots of iced water, sunscreen, bug spray, and running shoes. Be careful when you’re walking along the trail as this is a popular area for mountain biking.
When you get to Sculpture Falls, be careful as your crossing the rocks because the rocks are very slippery with algae. If you have water shoes, bring them!
ENTRANCE FEE: Free!
PAYMENT: Free!
RESERVATIONS: None
HOURS: None
Hippie Hollow Park
Hippie Hollow Park lies in the basin area of Lake Travis in the Hill Country of central Texas, approximately 30-minute drive from downtown Austin. The park features a steep, rocky shoreline and provides some spectacular views of Lake Travis. This heavily-used park is popular for sunbathing and swimming.
If you’re not familiar with Hippie Hollow, you need to know that clothing is optional. Yup, and it took me 10 years living in Austin and my 30th birthday to muster up the courage to visit Hippie Hollow and go nude. Hippie Hollow is a popular spot for sunbathing.
Definitely add Hippie Hollow to your swimming holes in Austin list.
ENTRANCE FEE: $8 per person.
RESERVATIONS: None
PROHIBITED ITEMS:
- Camping
- Fireworks
- Glass containers
- Ground fires
- Lewd behavior
- Pets
- Public display of consumption of alcohol
- Tobacco products
AMENITIES:
- Clothing optional
- Designated swimming area
- Drinking water
- Nature and hiking trails
- Paved ADA accessible trail
- Restrooms
HOURS: Every day from 9am – 8pm.
7000 Comanche Trail, parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/hippie-hollow
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Hamilton Pool Preserve is another must-visit spot for swimming holes Austin. This scenic spot is located about 45 minutes outside of the city, but it’s well worth the drive. Hamilton Pool is a natural swimming hole and natural pool with a 50-foot waterfall, and it’s surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs.
How to Get to Hamilton Pool Preserve
Getting to Hamilton Pool Preserve is easy, but you’ll need to plan ahead. The preserve is located about 23 miles west of Austin, and it’s only accessible by reservation. You can make a reservation online, and it’s recommended that you do so at least two weeks in advance, as spots fill up quickly.
What to Expect at Hamilton Pool Preserve
- Hamilton Pool Preserve is a breathtakingly beautiful spot, and there’s plenty to see and do when you visit. Here’s what you can expect:
- A stunning waterfall: The 50-foot waterfall is the highlight of Hamilton Pool Preserve, and it’s the perfect spot for a refreshing swim.
- Limestone cliffs: The preserve is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, which add to the natural beauty of the area.
- Wildlife: You may see a variety of wildlife when you visit, including birds, turtles, and fish.
No swimming allowed at Hamilton Pool Preserve for the foreseeable future. We do not expect to allow swimming this spring or summer. Rocks have been falling at many locations in and around the pool. We are working with geologists to assess the hazard.
ENTRANCE FEE: $12 reservation fee – paid online with a credit card, not refundable. Entry fees are an additional $15 per vehicle, or $5 per vehicle if the vehicle has a senior citizen (62 years) or a disabled vet (60%).
PAYMENT: Cash and local checks, no credit cards.
RESERVATIONS: Required, reserved here. Do not drive there without a reservation.
PROHIBITED:
- Camping
- Cooking
- Drones
- Fireworks
- Glass containers
- Ground fires
- Pets
- Public display of consumption of alcohol
- Tobacco products
HOURS: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm and 2 – 5:30pm daily, weather permitting.
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd. Dripping springs, TX, parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/hamilton-pool
@atasteofkoko Jacob’s Well – one of the most popular swimming holes near Austin Texas is open! Reservations required #texastiktok #jacobswell ♬ Summer Days – Martin Garrix / Macklemore / Patrick Stump
Jacob’s Well
This ecological resource is the most significant and largest continually flowing karstic spring in the Texas Hill Country. Wildlife depend on the spring, which forms the headwaters of Cypress Creek, a few miles north of Wimberley, Texas. Limestone cliffs and native vegetation surround the spring with enchanting beauty for visitors of all ages. We hope you enjoy this popular recreational area and educational, ecological resource. Located just outside of Wimberley, it is open year round for exploration.
Even though it’s been voted one of the most dangerous places to dive on Earth (it’s claimed the lives of more than eight divers), Jacob’s Well Natural Area is a very popular swimming spot in Texas and for this reason it’s called “the gem of Texas Hill Country” for its unique coloring and caving system, which provides a super cool diving experience. Reservations fill up fast as Texans swimmers from all over come for this artesian spring. No scuba diving, camping, or pets are allowed.
ENTRANCE FEE: $9 per person for adults, $5 for Hays County residents, $4 for children 5-12 years old, and free for children 4 and under.
PAYMENT: Credit/debit cards only, no cash or check.
RESERVATIONS: Required, reserve here. You can do walk-ins but it’s not recommended since they’re usually at full capacity.
HOURS: 10am – 8pm daily
1699 Mount Sharp Road, Wimberley, Texas, visitwimberley.com/jacobswell/
Blue Hole At Wimberley
I was blown away by how beautiful Blue Hole At Wimberley is – the clear water allows you to see the bottom and all the fish swimming around!
Blue Hole Regional Park is a 126-acre park that’s a gem in the Texas Hill Country. The park includes approximately 4.5 miles of trails, picnic areas, a community pavilion, playscape, basketball court, sand volleyball court, amphitheater, and the Blue Hole Swimming Area that’s surrounded by beautiful cypress trees. The entire park is open to visitors within the regular operating hours, however, swimming is only allowed during the designated swimming season.
Guests are permitted to bring food and beverages (no glass or alcohol), coolers, pool floats, and shade canopies (10X10) into the swimming area. Blue Hole is worth is as a day trip.
ENTRANCE FEE: $10 for adults, $6 for children aged 4-13, $6 for seniors above 60, and free for military.
PAYMENT: Credit/debit cards only, no cash or check.
RESERVATIONS: Reservations are required.
RULES:
- All swimming is at your own risk.
- Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
- No dogs, cats, or other animals allowed in the swim area. Service animals are allowed.
- No glass containers.
HOURS: 8am to dusk every day of the week.
100 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley, TX
RELATED: 14 Best Hiking Trails In Austin TX
Blue Hole In Georgetown Texas
I just went to Blue Hole in Georgetown recently! While the water isn’t clear like Blue Hole in Wimberley, it’s a closer drive and it is family friendly and dog-friendly. There were a lot of people barbecuing with tents set up when we were there. I recommend going during the week so it’s not as busy and bringing a floatie to float on.
Blue Hole Park is a scenic lagoon bordered by limestone bluffs along the South Fork of the San Gabriel River. Stagecoach Inn is located just 25 minutes from Blue Hole if you want to stay the night and explore the area!
ENTRANCE FEE: free
RESERVATIONS: none
RULES:
- Groups may not exceed 10 individuals.
- Water recreation equipment should be cleaned and sanitized before and after use.
- All swimming is at your own risk.
- Diving or jumping from cliff or rock face on City parkland
- Blocking trail from public access
- No parking in undesignated areas
- No fires in undesignated grills or fire pits
- No indecent or abusive language or activity, which creates a public nuisance
- No vandalizing or defacing any structure, facility, or natural feature
- No pets off-leash on land or in water
- No entering park after dusk
HOURS: 6am to 9pm every day of the week.
100 Blue Hole Park, Georgetown, TX
SEE ALSO: 11 Best Things to Do in Salado TX
Q: Are there any entrance fees for these swimming holes?
A: Yes, some of the swimming holes may charge an entrance fee. Check their websites or call ahead to find out.
Q: Can I bring my pets to these swimming holes?
A: It depends on the swimming hole. Some may allow pets, while others may not. Check ahead before you go.
Q: Are there any restrictions on swimming at these swimming holes?
A: Yes, some swimming holes may have restrictions on swimming, such as no diving or no jumping from cliffs. Make sure you read the rules and follow them.
