Anyone living in Austin, Texas, knows most of the year is hot and dry. So how do Austinites beat the heat and still enjoy the outdoors? Pools, hammocks, sunscreen, shade, and swimming holes. Austin is well known for its beautiful lakes in the surrounding areas. But, if you’re looking to check out a freshwater swimming hole these sites are your opportunity for fun in the sun and swimming in Austin, Texas.
1. Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is one of the crown jewels of Austin nestled within Zilker Park in South Central Austin. The pool is fed by Barton Spring which is the 4th largest natural spring in Texas. At a whopping 3 acres in size and a constant year-round temperature of 68-70 degrees, it’s no wonder the pool attracts nearly 800,000 visitors a year. Barton Springs Pool is a natural swimming hole and there are freshwater creatures living in the pool. Bring a mask, snorkel, and water shoes to check out all the pool has to offer. Onsite there is a bathhouse, diving board, and plenty of space on the grassy lawn to lay out a towel.
- Family-Friendly? Yes
- Dog Friendly? No
- 2131 William Barton Dr., Austin, TX 78746
- Closed Every Thursday for Cleaning
- Reservations are required: Make Reservations
2. Barton Creek Green Belt
The Barton Creek Green Belt is 12 miles of trails along Barton Creek accessible through numerous access points throughout South Austin. Spend your day in the greenbelt hiking, mountain biking, swimming, rock climbing, sunbathing, or just relaxing in a hammock. The greenbelt is a local favorite swimming hole for good reason. Plan your trip with the Barton Creek Green Belt Map and explore all the swimming holes along the greenbelt. Be sure to check the Green Belt Water Meter to make sure it’s safe to swim. A new trail addition, the Violet Crown Trail, travels through the greenbelt and connects Zilker Park to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center located in Southwest Austin.
- Family-Friendly? Yes. Terrain can be steep and rocky.
- Dog Friendly? Yes.
- South Austin
- Swimming is subject to current water levels. Swim at your own risk.
- Open Sunrise to Sunset
3. Jacobs Well Natural Area
Jacob’s Well is an artesian spring that delivers thousands of gallons of water per minute and acts as the headwaters to Cypress Creek near Wimberley. The well is quite possibly the longest underwater cavern in Texas and is a significant geological area in the Texas Hill Country. The Natural Area is open to the public for hiking daily, but if you want to visit the swimming hole, you’ll need reservations. Tours are available Saturdays 9 am-10 am.
- Family-Friendly? Yes
- Dog Friendly? No
- Reservations are Required for Water Access: Make Reservations
- 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676
- Open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily for Hiking
4. Deep Eddie Pool
Deep Eddie is the oldest swimming pool in Texas. Deep Eddie began as a swimming hole where a cold spring rose from the banks of the Colorado River. The spring was near a large boulder which created an eddy current. The pool was built surrounding the swimming hole in 1915 and has served as the centerpiece of a resort, the Deep Eddie Bathing Beach which included a 50 ft diving platform, zip-line, slide, and Ferris Wheel. The pool is spring-fed from 2 wells and is not chlorinated. Water temperature on average is between 66-75 degrees.
- Family-Friendly? Yes
- Dog Friendly? No
- 401 Deep Eddy Ave, Austin, TX 78703
- See the website for hours
5. Hamilton Pool Preserve
Hamilton Pool is an amazingly beautiful natural swimming hole that was formed when an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago. Hamilton Creek creates a 50-foot waterfall as it plunges into the box cannon where the pool is located.
- Family-Friendly? Yes
- Dog Friendly? No
- Reservations Required: Make Reservations
- 24300 Hamilton Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
- Swimming is not guaranteed.
Now you have the inside scoop with Austin swimming holes. Get out there this summer and enjoy the great outdoors in Austin, Texas.
