As the temperatures climb into the triple digits, swimming becomes a necessity for Austinites—not a luxury. Though there are numerous chlorinated pools available throughout the city, many people prefer diving into one our area’s abundant rivers, lakes and swimming holes. Here is the lowdown on some great spots to get wet and (hopefully) cool off.
There is no better place to start than right in the middle of the city at Barton Springs. Located in Zilker Park, this iconic city pool is spring-fed, which keeps its temperature at 69 degrees year-round. With its recently remodeled and expanded grounds, the pool offers even more space to relax, plus better access for people with disabilities. The pool charges an entrance fee between 8am and 9pm. There is an additional parking fee if you enter the park from Barton Springs Road.
In addition, people who don’t want to pay the fee to enter the people often swim in the Barton Creek just below the pool. Recent trail improvements have made the shore more accessible, although this area gets the nickname “Barkin’ Springs” because many people bring their dogs to swim there.
If lake swimming is more your style, Lake Austin is a great option since its level remains constant (unlike its upstream neighbor Lake Travis, which rises and falls based on rainfall). Two parks with lake frontage and access are Emma Long Metropolitan Park (on City Park Rd, off Route 2222, just west of Loop 360) and Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park (near Bee Caves Road, west of Loop 360).
The aforementioned Lake Travis abounds with recreational spots. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and Travis County Parks operate 15 parks on the lake, including the popular Pace Bend, Bob Wentz at Windy Point, and Cypress Creek parks, as well as Hippie Hollow, the only legally recognized clothing-optional public park in the State of Texas.
If you head west on Highway 71 near Lake Travis, you’ll find Hamilton Pool, another perennial favorite with its grotto and 50 foot waterfall. To get to Hamilton Pool Preserve, look for the turnoff for Hamilton Pool Road, west of Hwy 620. Due to its popularity, advance reservations are required, so visit the link above for more information.
If you head west out of Austin on Hwy 290 instead, past Dripping Springs and about 10 miles east of Johnson City, you’ll find Pedernales Falls State Park, with its great places to swim and relax in the Pedernales River. If you continue past Pedernales Falls to Hwy 281 and head south for a few miles, you will find the charming town of Blanco, home of Blanco State Park, where the beautiful Blanco River entices swimmers.
The Blanco also flows through the lovely Hill Country town of Wimberley. Yet, though the river again offers a great option for a dip, the town’s biggest swimming draws are spring-fed. Blue Hole Regional Park, located along Cypress Creek, is frequently mentioned as one of the best swimming spots in the entire state. Just north of Wimberley, and only recently opened to the public as a park, is Jacob’s Well Natural Area, where people can swim in the clear, cold waters of Jacob’s Well, an artesian spring that rises out of the Trinity Aquifer.
If a floating down a river in an inner tube is more to your liking, head south from Austin to the city of San Marcos and the San Marcos River. You can rent tubes at Lions Club Tube Rental, located in San Marcos City Park. Downstream to the east of San Marcos is the town of Martindale, where other tube rental outfits are located. Or head further south to the prime tubing destination of New Braunfels, where Central Texans love to float down either the Comal or Guadalupe Rivers. Just make sure to check rules and plan for crowds, especially on the weekends, and be aware that laws prohibiting open containers are strictly enforced.
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