When summer hits, Austin takes to the water all over the city and surrounding Texas Hill Country. A favorite is Blue Hole, a spring-fed swimming hole in Wimberley, about 45 minutes south of Austin. This watering hole stays a cool 75 degrees year-round and is surrounded by towering cypress trees that keep the whole place shaded and serene. 

But before you load up the car, there's one thing you need to know: Blue Hole requires advance reservations for swimming. Read on for everything you need to plan a great visit.

How to Make a Reservation

Reservations are required for the swim area from May 1 through Labor Day (plus weekends in September). Passes are sold as half-day blocks — either 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. — and you book online in advance.

Weekend spots, especially in June and July, fill up fast. If you're going on a Saturday or Sunday, book as early as you can. Weekdays are much easier to snag. You'll get a wristband when you check in at the park office, then it's a short paved walk down to the water.

Note: you only need a reservation for the swim area. The rest of the park — trails, picnic areas, playground, sports courts — is free and open to the public from 8 a.m. to sunset daily.

What Blue Hole Is Actually Like

The swimming area is set along Cypress Creek, with a wide grassy lawn running along the bank — perfect for spreading out a blanket, setting up chairs, and staying all afternoon. The water is clear and distinctly blue-green, and yes, it's cold when you first get in. Jump right in rather than easing in slowly; it's faster that way.

Rope swings hang from the cypress trees and launch you out over the deeper part of the pool. There are wooden docks with ladders to help you get back out, which you'll want after you inevitably do it again. A shallow area near the edge of the pool works well for smaller kids.

There are no lifeguards on duty, so keep an eye on your group. The bottom is rocky and can be slippery; water shoes are a good idea, especially for kids.

Picnic tables are available along the stone path leading to the water, and restrooms with changing stalls are on-site.

What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

Bring

  • Reservation confirmation (you'll need it at check-in)
  • Towels, chairs or a blanket, sunscreen
  • Water shoes
  • A cooler with food and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Floats, inner tubes, or pool noodles (standard-size only)

Not allowed in the swim area

  • Alcohol or glass containers
  • Pets (dogs are allowed in the rest of the park, just not the swim lawn)
  • Smoking or vaping
  • Kayaks, paddleboards, or oversized inflatables
  • BBQ grills

Tips for a Better Visit

Go earlier in the season: Water levels tend to drop as summer progresses, and Blue Hole has had to close the swim area early some years when the creek runs low. If you're flexible, aim for May or June rather than late August.

Arrive before your time slot starts: Check-in can take a few minutes, and you don't want to eat into your swim time.

Bring more food than you think you need: There's no food vendor on-site. A cooler with lunch, snacks, and cold drinks makes for a much better afternoon.

Weekday mornings are the sweet spot: Fewer people, easier to find a good spot on the lawn, and parking is no problem.

Getting There

Blue Hole Regional Park is located at 100 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley, TX 78676, about 45 minutes southwest of Austin via TX-12. Parking is free and right next to the park entrance.

Make a Day of It in Wimberley

Wimberley's small downtown is worth a wander before or after your swim. The town square has local shops, galleries, and restaurants (it's about five minutes from the park).Walk around before your afternoon swim reservation, or grab lunch to refuel before heading back to Austin.

Blue Hole Regional Park is managed by the City of Wimberley Parks & Recreation Department. Admission prices and hours are subject to change; always check wimberleyparksandrec.com for current information before your visit.