Blog > 7 Swimming Holes in the Austin Area
What's better than swimming amongst the sheer beauty of Central Texas nature? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Check out these spots to stay cool these next few months and take advantage of everything the Austin area has to offer!
Blue Hole. Credit Pierce Ingram.
BLUE HOLE
Drive 45 minutes south of Austin to reach the glorious Blue Hole, located just outside of Wimberley. The water stays an ideal 75 degrees year-round, and is shaded by towering cypress trees. Manicured waterside lawns are the perfect place to spread out a blanket and a picnic. Rope swings hanging from the trees complete the perfect water hole experience.
BARTON CREEK GREENBELT
The Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls areas of the Barton Creek Greenbelt are locals' favorite spots. Hike a half-mile to reach Twin Falls from the closest entrance. Hike a mile further and you’ll reach Sculpture Falls, another hidden gem watering hole.
Jacob's Well. Credit Pierce Ingram.
JACOB'S WELL NATURAL AREA
Swim in an artesian spring just 40 minutes outside of Austin at Jacob's Well Natural Area. The cool, clear water is surrounded by rocky ledges and shady trees, creating a picture-perfect swimming hole. Jacob’s Well is the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas, and the spring releases thousands of gallons of water a day, eventually feeding into the Blanco River.
Krause Springs. Credit Haley Plotkin.
KRAUSE SPRINGS
Krause Springs, a well-loved swimming and camping site, is located in Spicewood, just 30 miles west of Austin in beautiful Texas Hill Country. The Krause family has privately owned the site for more than 50 years. Spend the day swimming in its 32 springs, as well as natural and manmade pools. And be sure to take a walk through the colorful Butterfly Gardens!
Barton Springs. Credit Monet Hambrick.
BARTON SPRINGS POOL
Combine great swimming with people watching at the historic Barton Springs Pool, just minutes from downtown Austin. Located in the heart of Zilker Park, this swimmer’s paradise features clear water fed from underground springs that stays a refreshing 68 degrees year ‘round, along with grassy hills for sunbathing.
DEEP EDDY POOL
The huge Deep Eddy Pool is the state’s oldest pool, and offers a traditional public pool experience for lap swimming and recreational swimming in the center of Austin.
Hamilton Pool. Credit Dave Mead.
HAMILTON POOL PRESERVE
Located a 40-minute drive from Austin in the Texas Hill Country, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole formed by the Hamilton Creek spilling out over limestone outcroppings, creating a dramatic 50-foot waterfall that plunges into a canyon.
Hours and availability are subject to change often at all of these locations, so check websites before heading out or making plans!