One of the best ways to enjoy sunny days in Austin is by the water. Luckily, Mother Nature helps out with several splashy swimming holes that offer a fun way to cool off. Shake the summer heat at some of the best swimming holes found in and around Austin.

Please note that swimming is not always guaranteed and may be subject to change due to environmental factors. Please check each location's website for current information on swimming conditions.

Two little girls and their father sit on the edge of the pool and smile at Barton SpringsBarton 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 the 360-acre 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.

No reservation is required, but visitors must purchase an entry pass online or onsite at a ticket kiosk. Check current hours before you go.

People swimming laps at Deep Eddy Pool, with bystanders sitting along the edge with their feet in the water.Deep Eddy Pool. Credit Alexandra Reichek. 

Deep Eddy Pool

The huge Deep Eddy Pool is the state’s oldest man-made, spring-fed pool and offers a traditional public pool experience for lap swimming and recreational swimming in the center of Austin. 

Open daily; check the website for hours and admission fees.

Blue Hole swimming hole in Wimberley texas near austin
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 crystal-clear waters of Blue Hole stay an ideal 75 degrees all year round and are shaded by towering cypress trees. Manicured waterside lawns are the perfect place to spread out a blanket and crack open your cooler. Rope swings hanging from the trees complete the quintessential water hole experience.

Advance reservations are required for swimming, so make your reservation online.

Woman sitting on a rock under waterfall at Krause Springs near Austin Texas
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 the beautiful Texas Hill Country. The friendly 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.

The Springs are open. Visitors can review guidelines and admission rates on the Krause Springs website or call (401) 236-7554 to inquire about availability.

Sculpture FallsSculpture Falls at Barton Creek Greenbelt. Credit Alexandra Reichek.

Barton Creek Greenbelt

The Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls areas of the Barton Creek Greenbelt are hidden local secrets. It’s about a half-mile hike on a well-defined trail to reach Twin Falls from the closest entrance. But once you arrive, you’ll be treated to relaxing shallow stream waters, although there are plenty of rocky areas for adventurous climbing and exploring the falls. Hike a mile further and you’ll reach Sculpture Falls, another hidden gem watering hole.

Trail access is open and Greenbelt swimming is subject to current water levels. Swim at your own risk.

View from under the cover of the overhang at Hamilton Pool Preserve.Hamilton Pool. Credit Gerardo Cedeno @Jerry_Editor_Photography.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Located a 40-minute drive from Austin in the Texas Hill Country, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a geological wonder. This historic swimming hole was formed by Hamilton Creek spilling out over limestone outcroppings, creating a dramatic 50-foot waterfall that plunges into a canyon.

Water access is dependent upon recent rainfall. Check the website for the latest opening and reservation information.

Two children looking at Jacob's Well from a viewing area above the water.Jacob's Well. Credit @simple.adventurous.life on Instagram.

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.

Limited activities such as hiking are currently available at Jacob's Well, although swimming is NOT currently allowed. Please see their website for more details.

Looking for places to swim in the offseason or would rather hop in a traditional pool? Learn more about pool passes in Austin so you can enjoy a dip any time of year.