Austin summers hit 100°F. Luckily, Central Texas has more spring-fed swimming holes than anywhere in America. Here's where to cool off.
Zilker Park. $5. 68°F year-round, spring-fed, 3 acres. Austin's most beloved institution. Arrive early on weekends. The soul of the city. Open 5 AM-10 PM. Nothing else like it.
Lake Austin Blvd. $5. The oldest swimming pool in Texas (1915). Spring-fed, lap lanes, wading area. Less crowded than Barton Springs. A true Austin gem.
Barton Creek Greenbelt. Free. 1.5-mile hike to natural limestone pools and small falls. Best after rain when the creek is flowing. Bring water and good shoes. Worth the walk.
Barton Creek Greenbelt. Free. Shorter hike than Sculpture Falls (0.5 mi from trailhead). Two small waterfalls and wading pools. Family-friendly. Check flow before going — dry in drought.
North Austin. Free. Multiple swimming spots along Bull Creek. The main area off Lakewood Dr has a small falls and pool. Shallow — great for kids. Easy parking.
Spicewood. $9. 32 springs feeding natural and man-made pools. Camping available. A Hill Country classic. Butterfly garden, rope swing, waterfall pool. 30 min west. Cash only.
SE Austin. $6. Two waterfalls, swimming hole on Onion Creek. Hiking, camping. A state park inside city limits. The upper falls swimming area is the best spot.
Lake Austin. Free. Metropolitan park with Lake Austin access. Shallow swimming area, picnic tables, trails. Less known than Barton Springs. Quiet and peaceful.
45 min west. Reservation required. A collapsed grotto with a 50-foot waterfall. Surreal natural beauty. Book your permit online weeks in advance. No swimming when bacteria levels are high — check before going.
Wimberley. Reservation required. A 140-foot deep natural spring. Crystal clear water, 68°F. One of the most photographed swimming holes in Texas. Limited daily access — book early. Free but permit required.
Wimberley. $9. Cypress-lined swimming hole on Cypress Creek. Rope swing, clear water, shady banks. The classic Hill Country swimming experience. 45 min south.
Johnson City. $6. Dramatic river falls and swimming areas. 1 hour west. Swimming allowed in the river below the falls (not at the falls). Gorgeous Hill Country scenery.
San Marcos. Free-$15. Spring-fed, 72°F year-round. Free access at Rio Vista Park. Tubing, kayaking, swimming. 45 min south. The most consistent water flow in Central Texas — never dries up.
New Braunfels. $15-25 for tubing. The Texas tubing capital. Rent a tube, float for 2-4 hours. Multiple outfitters. Can get rowdy on weekends. 1 hour south. A Texas rite of passage.
Find all the best hangout spots, explore the rest of Texas, or check out Austin festivals.