Whether your visiting for a weekend or you live there and you’re looking to escape the relentless Texas heat, Austin and its surrounding areas offer some fantastic swimming holes that provide the perfect cool-down. I had the chance to explore a few of these gems, and they are truly worth the visit. Here are my top picks for refreshing swimming spots near Austin.
Barton Springs
Barton Springs is a beautiful and fun swimming hole to experience and it’s right in Austin. It’s essentially a huge public swimming pool on 3 acres within Zilker Park that’s fed by a natural spring. There’s a diving/jumping board and a lifeguard on duty. There are a couple things to keep in mind when planning your trip. The first, depending on the time and day of the week, the line to get inside can be pretty brutal so try to get there early. Secondly, there is not much shade so it can make it a bit hard to just chill when you’re not in the water. Come prepared with a hat and sunscreen. And lastly, plan to have lunch before or after your visit because food is not allowed!
Here are few things they are strict about:
- No Coolers, ice chests, or thermal bags
- No Food
- No Pets
- No Glass
- No Frisbees, footballs, soccer balls or other hard balls
- No Portable speakers
- No Tobacco – smoking of any kind is not allowed
- No Alcohol
Fee:
- Infant (<1 year) Free
- Child (1-11) Resident $2 / Non-resident $4
- Junior (12-17) Resident $3 / Non-resident $5
- Adult (18-62) Resident $5 / Non-resident $9
You can purchase tickets in advance here, but it’s not required.
Address: 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Blue Lagoon Regional Park
Blue Lagoon Regional Park is an incredible swimming hole 45 minutes outside of Austin. We took Diego here and he loved it! It’s in a bit of a rural area within a local park that has a really beautiful nature trail to explore.
Things to note:
- You can bring food and cooler but there’s a bit of a walk so less is better
- You can rent an umbrella area which I recommend if you don’t have one with you because shade is non existent on the grassy area there’s specific times you can enter.
- They have an intermission time that the park folks use to clean up and reset the area
- You do need a reservation! Do not come without one. We learned the hard way, but planned ahead on our second time visiting so we finally got to experience it.
Fee:
- Adult Ages 13 – 59 $12
- Youth Ages 4 – 12 $8
- Senior Ages 60+ $8
- Military Must show Valid ID $8
Purchase your pass, here!
Address: 100 Blue Hole Ln., Wimberley, TX 78676
Lower McKinney Falls – McKinney Falls State Park
The swimming hole at McKinney Falls State Park is far from your typical “swimming hole” and it’s only six miles away from Austin. This expansive oasis, fed by a creek, sometimes features a stunning waterfall, depending on recent rainfall. The swimming hole also has quite a bit of depth so if you’re gutsy, you can jump in!
What makes McKinney Falls truly special is its serene, natural atmosphere, all while being easily accessible. The hike down to the swimming hole is manageable, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Wear sneakers or water shoes with a good grip that you don’t mind getting wet. You’ll need to cross water and scramble down some areas, so sturdy footwear is a must. Ice chests are not allowed at the swimming hole, and food consumption is strictly limited to the picnic area above the falls. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of McKinney Falls State Park.
Local Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit on a holiday weekend, be sure to reserve your entry online. During our visit, park rangers were turning cars away, but our reservation allowed us to proceed without any issues. We did this both times, and although it wasn’t necessary on the second visit, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Extra note, there are campgrounds and cabins, so if that’s something you would like to do you can reserve in advance!
Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, six miles south/southeast of downtown Austin (as the crow flies) or 13 miles southeast of downtown Austin, Texas (by road)
Fee:
- Adult Ages 13 and up: $6 per person
- Kids 12 and under: Free
Buy passes in advance here.
Conclusion
Exploring the swimming holes near Austin, Texas, is a fantastic way to beat the heat and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. From the bustling Barton Springs to the tranquil Blue Hole Regional Park and the serene McKinney Falls, there’s a spot for everyone. Make sure to plan ahead, respect the rules, and most importantly, have fun cooling off in these refreshing oases. Happy swimming!
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