We know that Austin is no stranger to steaming hot summers, and Austinites are always looking for a relaxing escape from the heat. That's why we have compiled a list of a few of our favorite swimming holes near Austin! Whether you want to stay in the heart of downtown or would rather take a day trip to swim, we're sure there is a perfect spot for you to kick back and relax in the water. Prefer to see the swimming holes on a map? Check out our swimming holes map here!
Less than 10 miles from Downtown Austin:
1. Deep Eddy Municipal Pool
Distance from downtown: 2.5 miles
Directions: 401 Deep Eddy Ave, Austin, TX 78703
Hours: Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 8 AM-12 PM for lap swim and 12 PM-8 PM for recreational swim
If you’re craving the classic public pool experience, Deep Eddy Pool is the perfect place for you! The pool has been named the oldest swimming pool in Texas and has been serving as a cool sanctuary for Austinites since 1915. The beach entry and lap lanes make this pool perfect for both relaxation and exercise. This spot is so perfect that leaving will have you singing the “Deep Eddy Blues.”
Cost & Reservations:
Residents: 1-11 and 62+ $1, 12-17 $2, 18-62 $3
Non-residents: 1-11 $3, 12-17 $4, 18-62 $8, 62+ $4;
Children under 1 and veterans can enter for free.
Deep Eddy does not require reservations, but there is a maximum capacity that fills up fast. Make sure to get there early to get a great spot!
Photo by Austingov.org
2. Barton Springs Municipal Pool
Distance from downtown: 3 miles
Directions: 2201 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746
Swim at your own risk hours: Daily 5 AM-8 AM
Guarded swim: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 8 AM-10 PM
Barton Springs, as one of the most popular and well-known swimming spots in Central Austin, is a staple to visitors and locals alike. Placed right inside Zilker Park, this area is perfect to take a dip in the cool water or just relax on the grassy lawns that line the springs. Famous for its year-round 68° swim, Barton Springs is known for its crisp water that is sure to keep you cool on a hot summer day. The springs are also home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander, so after your swim make sure to pop over to the Swim! educational exhibit to learn more about the ecosystem of Barton Springs.
Cost & Reservations:
Residents: 1-11 and 62-79 $2, 12-17 $3, 18-61 $5;
Non-residents: 1-11 $4, 12-17 and 62-79 $5, 18-61 $9;
80+ and Active Duty Military can enter for free
Photo by David Duyker
3. Gus Fruh at Barton Creek Greenbelt
Distance from downtown: 5 miles
Directions: 2642 Barton Hills Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Hours: Open daily 6 AM-10 PM
Gus Fruh trail, located at the Barton Creek Greenbelt, is just a ¼ mi walk to a picturesque swimming hole. There are many swimming holes along the Greenbelt, but Gus Fruh stands out because of its calm atmosphere and relaxing trees that provide just enough shade to wash your cares away. This spot is family-friendly and provides fun for children and adults alike. Additionally, if you would like to take a break from swimming, there are always quiet spots to set up your towel or hammock and soak up some sun.
Costs & Reservations:
The Greenbelt requires no reservations or entry fees, but make sure to check here before you go if the water levels at the swimming holes are safe to swim.
10-20 miles from Downtown Austin:
Photo by Michelle on TripAdvisor
4. McKinney Falls State Park
Distance from downtown: 10 miles
Directions: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744
Hours: Open daily 8 AM-10 PM
The flowing waters of Onion Creek provide beautiful limestone falls into the cool pools at McKinney State Park. You can take a dip in either the upper or lower falls, both of which provide a perfect spot to splash around or have a relaxing summer dip. The Lower Falls is a kid-friendly spot, ideal for wading and shallow swimming.
The Upper Falls has deeper waters that are the ultimate place to bring a floatie and just relax. Although slightly warmer than the constant 68° of Barton Springs, this spot is a perfect family-friendly area to lay down your chairs and your worries! There are so many things to do at this state park, and if you feel like your stay is too short, there is always an option to camp in a tent or in one of the newly remodeled cabins.
Costs & Reservations:
Day passes are required to swim and give you access to all the fishing, hiking and other adventures that the park provides. Ages 13+ $6, children under 13 enter for free
Reservations must be made to swim the Upper and Lower Falls. Make them in advance to make sure you secure your spot!
5. Bull Creek District Park
Distance from downtown: 10 miles
Directions: 6701 Lakewood Dr, Austin, TX 78731
Hours: Open daily 5 AM-10 PM
For more of a hidden gem swimming hole, visit Bull Creek. Lined with trails, Bull Creek gives way to four main swimming holes and a stream all along the trail that are ideal for dipping your toes in. The Middle Falls are easy to access because of the parking lot right on the edge of the swimming hole. The most popular swimming spot is the Upper Falls. This well-loved wading area provides the amenities of a close restroom and parking nearby.
If you are willing to hike a little bit farther it is totally worth it! The Side Falls are often less busy and lend themselves to a more peaceful and private summer swim. This area is also right across from the Bull Creek Nature Preserve! Lastly, if you want to take a quick swim before or after your hike, the Lower Bull Creek Falls sits right at the trailhead. Bull Creek can be less crowded than spots close to the city, so the short drive is very rewarding!
Cost & Reservations:
Reservations are not required and entry is free, so swim at your own risk. Bull Creek also allows dogs! Come take your pup for a fresh swim, just make sure to keep them on a leash and clean up after them!
6. St. Edward’s Park
Distance from downtown: 13 mi
Directions: 7301 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759
Hours: Open daily 5 AM-10 PM
Nestled in the bends of Spicewood Springs Road is St. Edwards Park. If you are an explorer that loves to get lost in nature this spot is perfect for you! In addition to all the hiking trails, you can find swimming areas around every corner that are ready for you to dive into. St. Edwards is also dog friendly, making it a perfect place to cool off with your pup on a hot day.
Cost & Reservations:
Reservations are not required for this park and entry is free!
20-30 miles away from Downtown Austin:
Photo by Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department
7. Blue Hole Park - Georgetown
Distance from downtown: 28 miles
Directions: 100 Blue Hole Park, Georgetown, TX 78626
Hours: Open daily 5 AM-10 PM
Located just half a mile away from Downtown Georgetown, Blue Hole offers a beautiful lagoon right on a fork of the San Gabriel River. The central spillway creates a small waterfall that offers moving water throughout the swimming hole. You may even be able to spot a few turtles on your visit! Blue Hole is perfect for a family to pack a lunch and bring floaties so you can spend all day at this tranquil spot!
Cost & Reservations:
There are no reservations or entry fees required to enter Blue Hole. The city does not monitor water or bacteria levels so swim at your own risk.
30-40 miles from downtown Austin
Photo by Todd Hower
8. Reimers Ranch
Distance from downtown: 33 miles
Directions: 23610 Hamilton Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Hours: Open daily 7 AM-8 PM
Although not exactly a swimming hole, Reimers Ranch is a perfect oasis perched on the banks of the Pedernales River. Once owned by the Reimers family, this land was acquired in 2005 and is now named the largest park in Travis County. The stretch of the river for swimming spans about three miles, long enough to have spaces for kids to splash and play, and deeper spots for adults to relax. There isn’t much shade on the beach, so make sure to bring your umbrellas for some relief from the sun.
No reservations are required to visit Reimers Ranch, but the park sometimes reaches capacity on weekends and holidays. Stay updated on closures here.
Costs & Reservations:
12-61: $5.00
62+: $3.00
Children under 12 and disabled veterans enter for free. This fee includes access to all the trails, fishing, swimming and even the astronomical observatory the Ranch has to offer!
Photo by Kate Storm
9. Blue Hole Regional Park - Wimberley
Distance from downtown: 40 miles
Directions: Blue Hole Regional Park, 100 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley, TX
Hours: Open daily 8 AM-6:30 PM
If you want to trade the bustle of Austin for a country-charm vibe, visit Blue Hole Regional Park. Best known for its beautiful clear blue waters, Blue Hole is a perfect place to bring the family on a warm summer day to cool off, and maybe even ride a rope swing into the river! When you’re done swimming, Blue Hole is just a quick 5-minute drive to Historic Downtown Wimberley. The swimming hole is also surrounded by 126-acres of natural forests with 4.5 miles of trails and plenty of spaces for a shady summer picnic.
Swimming season is open for weekends in May, then daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and weekends in September. Make sure you make a reservation because the swimming area does have a maximum capacity and fills up quickly!
Cost & Reservations:
$12 Adults (13-59), $6 Youth (4-12), Seniors (60+), and Military, $6 Wimberley Residents (78676 only)
Reservations to swim are required. There are swimming times from 9 AM-1 PM and 2 PM-6 PM, but you can reserve both times to swim all day!
Photo by No. 4 St. James
10. Jacob’s Well
Distance from downtown: 36 miles
Directions: 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676
Hours: Open daily 8 AM-6 PM, no entry after 5:30 PM
If Blue Hole isn’t for you, Wimberley is also home to Jacob’s Well. Fed by the Trinity Aquifer, Jacob’s Well is the second-largest fully-submerged cave in Texas. This is actually the same water that supplies Wimberley’s Blue Hole! Due to the aquifer, the swimming hole stays about 68°F, which is perfect for escaping the heat of the Texas summer. If you look closely you might even be able to see bubbles surfacing from the 140-foot cavern, which is a sign of the working aquifer pumping thousands of gallons of water a day into this swimming hole!
Cost & Reservations:
Swimming season is open May 1-September 30. Reservations are required for 2 hour swimming time slots!
Costs: $9.00 for adults, $5.00 for Hays County residents, children 5-12, seniors 60+, veterans, Free for children 4 and under
Photo by Krause Springs
11. Krause Springs
Distance from downtown: 36 miles
Directions: 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669
Hours: Open daily 9 AM-8 PM, Closed for Winter November 1-February 15
If you’re craving a genuine hill country experience, Krause Springs may be perfect for you! This land has been privately owned and beautifully maintained by the Krause family for over 50 years. In addition to the main swimming hole, there are a total of 32 springs throughout the property and many natural sites to explore all over the property. If your swimming time seems too quick, Krause also offers tent and RV camping!
Cost & Reservations:
Costs: 12+ $9, 4-11 $5, children under 4 enter for free.
Reservations are not required, but due to COVID, there will be limited entry to the parking lot. Get there early so you can stay all day!
Photo by Cypress Falls Event Center
12. Cypress Falls
Distance from downtown: 36 mi
Directions: 50 Marina Cir, Wimberley, TX 78676
Hours: Open daily 9 AM-9 PM
If you’ve been searching for the swimming hole equivalent of glamping, check out Cypress Falls. This swimming hole sits right next to the Cypress Falls Event Center and Lodge which offers restaurants and restrooms for your stay! Named after the small waterfall created from a dam in Cypress Creek, Cypress Falls provides fun for the whole family. Whether you choose to rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or just swim, there will always be fun to be had!
Cost & Reservations
Costs: 5-12 $6, 13-54 $8, 55+ $6, Military $2 off, locals $2. Children under 4 enter for free.
No reservation is required!
Remember to Leave No Trace!
Remember! Many of these natural areas deserve to be protected and should be left the way you found them. Make sure to dispose of all trash and pet waste in proper containers and respect all plants and wildlife. It's our shared responsibility to keep these spaces beautiful so they can be enjoyed by generations to come!
