Summer in Texas is HOT! Are you looking for a way to cool off and enjoy the outdoors this year? Head out to Central Texas’ best swimming holes for a refreshing vacation in the sun:
- Barton Springs Pool
- Location: 2201 Barton Springs Road
- Open daily all year
- Cost: Adult Austin residents pay $3 March through September
- What you should know: No cooler, food, alcohol or glass bottles are allowed.
- Deep Eddy Pool
- Location: 401 Deep Eddy Drive
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (weekdays) and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (weekends)
- Cost: $3 for adult Austin residents
- What you should know: The water is refilled every other day with fresh non-chlorinated well water.
- Hamilton Pool Preserve
- Location: 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd., Dripping Springs
- Hours (reservation periods): 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m.
- Cost: $15/vehicle
- What you should know: Make your reservation by paying $11 online.
- Barton Creek Greenbelt
- Location: 3755-B Capital of Texas Hwy.
- Popular areas: Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls (accessible near the intersection of Loop 360 and MoPac Expressway) and Campbell’s Hole (accessible from the entrance on Spyglass Drive)
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Cost: Free
- What you should know: The Greenbelt is open from dawn to dusk and dogs are allowed. Water levels vary greatly depending on rainfall.
- Rio Vista Park
- Location: 555 Cheatham Street, San Marcos
- Cost: FREE
- What you should know: Rio Vista can get very crowded. We recommend showing up early to get a prime spot!
- Lake Pflugerville Park
- Location: 18216 Weiss Lane, Pflugerville
- Hours (May 21 to September 3 – weather permitting): Monday through Thursday from 12 to 8 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Cost: FREE
- What you should know: Shade is hard to find! For some cover from the sun, consider bringing an umbrella.
- Emma Long Metropolitan Park
- Location: 1600 City Park Rd.
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
- Cost: $5 per car Monday through Thursday and $10 per car Friday through Sunday and holidays.
- What you should know: Perfect park for swimming, boating and camping.
- Blue Hole – Georgetown
- Location: 100 Blue Hole Park, Georgetown
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Cost: FREE
- What you should know: Park in a public lot or the garage at Third and Rock street for free.
- Blue Hole – Wimberley
- Location: 100 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley
- Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk
- Cost: Park entry is free. Adults 13 and over pay $10 to swim.
- What you should know: Make a swimming reservation online – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 6 p.m.
- Krause Springs
- Location: 404 Krause Spring Road, Spicewood
- Day Guest Cost: $8 per adult (12+ years) and $5 per child (4-11 years)
- Camping Overnight Cost: $15 per adult (12+ years) and $10 per child (4-11 years) and $15 per RV campsite
- What you should know: Credit card is not accepted – bring cash!
- Blanco State Park
- Location: 101 Park Road 23, Blanco
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- Cost: $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under
- What you should know: At about an hour drive from Austin, some recommend staying the night at a hotel or camp in travel-trailers or reserve screened shelters.
- Colorado Bend State Park
- Location: Bend
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Cost: $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under
- What you should know: Located around two hours from Austin, this park is the perfect weekend getaway with tons of outdoor activities.
- Comal Springs and Landa Park
- Location: New Braunfels
- Hours: Pool is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday through Friday
- Cost: Fees vary for different park features
- What you should know: The park offers picnicking, hiking, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, playscapes, miniature golf, two pools, paddleboats and more.
We hope you have a refreshing and fun-filled summer exploring Central Texas’ best swimming holes!
Do you have any questions about the Central Texas area? Send them our way. We would be happy to share our expertise of the region with you!
