It’s no doubt that summer sizzles in Austin. Fortunately, mother nature has been gracious enough to enrich Austin with different splashy swimming holes that will provide you a fun way to cooling off your body. Read this article to find great spots in and around Austin for your exceptional summer experiences.
Best Swimming Holes in and around Austin
Krause Springs
424 Co Rd 404
Spicewood, TX 78669
(401) 236-7554
Located 30 miles in the western part of Austin, Krause Springs is a renowned and well-loved camping and swimming site resting on the incredible Texas Hills Country. The site has both manmade and natural pools. Spend the day swimming in one of the 32 springs, and make sure you take a walk through the beautiful buffer fly garden before you head home. krausesprings.net
Deep Eddy Pool
401 Deep Eddy Ave
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 472-8546
Deep Eddy Pool is the oldest swimming pool in Texas and continues to be a favorite among many Austin nights. This manmade pool is fed with clear, cold water from two wells, and the pool temperature varies between 66 and 75 °F year-round. Large trees provide shade on the grassy hill around the pool, and lap lanes are available for swimmers. austintexas.gov/department/deep-eddy-pool
Hamilton Pool Preserve
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
(512) 264-2740
You can find this swimming hole in Dripping Springs, about a 4o minute drive from Austin. This fantastic natural pool was created thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed. A 50-foot waterfall of natural spring waters supplies the jade-green waters of Hamilton Pool Preserve. Tourists love this geographical wonder formed from the spilling out of the Hamilton Creek over limestone outcroppings. parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/hamilton-pool-preserve
Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 974-6700
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is described as a Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls that serves as hidden local secrets. When visiting the site, you’ll trek about half a mile from the closest entrance. The good thing is the relaxation of the shallow stream waters upon the arrival at the first section of the Creek Greenbelt called the Twin Fall. You’ll then trek another mile to reach the Sculpture Falls. Barton Creek Greenbelt is constantly changing all depending on the amount of rain Austin has had.
austinparks.org/barton-creek-greenbelt/
The images for these swimming waterfalls are found at https://www.austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/post/your-guide-to-navigating-austins-barton-creek-greenbelt/
Blue Hole
Blue Hole Ln
Wimberley, TX 78676
(512) 660-9111
The glorious swimming hole is located a 45-minute drive to the southern region of Austin in Wimberley, TX. Blue Hole has crystal clear water that stays at an ideal temperature of 75 degrees all year round. Towering cypress trees shade the swimming hole offering a great place to spread a blanket on the manicured lawns by the waterside. Cool off on a hot summer day and test your skills on some of the rope swings along the creek. cityofwimberley.com/index.asp?SEC=2812138D-B663-41E2-8098-D8C4EB09FD94&DE=810FE823-A37F-40D4-AA89-B3228D5327EA
Inks Lake
3630 Park Road 4 West
Burnet, TX 78611
(512) 793-2223
This is among the most incredible lakes where you can go swimming around Austin. The swimming hole is located outside of Austin, about 50 miles, but it is worth traveling given the beauty and the stunning nature of Highland lake that gives you an excellent site for catching rays in the water. There are a few swimming spots here, but Devil’s Waterhole is one of the most popular natural swimming spots. Enjoy beautiful rock formations surround this swimming hole year-round. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake
Guadalupe River State Park
3350 Park Rd 31
Spring Branch, TX 78070
(830) 438-2656
Enhance your experience at Guadalupe River’s endless swimming, wading, tubing, and canoeing spots during a hot summer. Although the river can be low during the dry season, the water will always be around 68 degrees and warm enough to swim. The spot is about an hour’s drive from Austin, but it’s worth listing it among your visits. Image link https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river
McKinney Falls
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 243-1643
McKinney Falls State Park is located just 13 miles from the heart of downtown Austin. This is pretty much a vacation destination within the city limits for anyone that loves the outdoors and being in nature. There are so many things to do here, but the main attraction is the falls. Enjoy the natural pools created by Onion Creek flowing through and over limestone. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls
Jacob’s Well Natural Area
1699 Mt Sharp Rd
Wimberley, TX 78676
(512) 214-4593
Jacob’s Well is located 40 minutes out of Austin and is well worth the short drive. This creek features an artesian spring & underwater caves surrounded by shady trees and rocky ledges that offer a picture-perfect
swimming hole. Jacob’s Well is the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas, and it feeds gallons of water into the Blanco River daily. hayscountytx.com/departments/hays-county-parks-recreation/jacobs-well-natural-area/
Barton Springs Pool
2201 William Barton Dr
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 974-6300
Barton Springs Pool is a top favorite swimming spot; it is conveniently located in the heart of Austin in Zilker Park. This pool is filled from natural underground springs, and it stays a refreshing 68 degrees year-round. You can enjoy sunbathing on the grassy hills surrounding the pool after taking a swim or jumping off the diving board. http://austintexas.gov/page/pools-splash-pads
Conclusion
The above is a list of the best swimming holes in and around Austin. Ensure that your next summer is about creating memories by having fun by visiting one or more of the swimming holes we have listed.
