Trey Perry, Hamilton Pool, CC BY 3.0
Texas is home to some of the most inviting swimming spots, perfect for cooling off during those hot summer days. Whether you’re into swimming, tubing, or just splashing around, the Lone Star State has plenty of places where you can enjoy the water. From natural springs and rivers to man-made lakes and pools, there’s a spot for everyone. Let’s dive into some of Texas’ best swimming destinations!
Barton Spring Pool in Austin Texas
Address: 2131 William Barton Dr., Austin, TX 78746
Barton Springs Pool, located in Zilker Park in Austin, is a local favorite. This three-acre pool is fed by underground springs, keeping the water at a refreshing 68-70°F all year round. It’s a great spot for families with kids, featuring a shallow end for the little ones and a diving board for more adventurous swimmers. The pool is open year-round, but hours vary, so be sure to check ahead. There’s a small entrance fee, but it’s well worth the experience.
Deep Eddy Pool in Austin Texas
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Address: 401 Deep Eddy Ave, Austin, TX 78703 As the oldest swimming pool in Texas, Deep
Eddy Pool has been a gathering place for locals for over a century. Spring-fed and cool, it’s perfect for a summer dip. The pool’s historic bathhouse adds to its charm. Open year-round, the pool offers lap swimming and recreational swimming. With affordable admission fees, it’s a great place to beat the heat.
McKinney Falls State Park in Austin
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Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744
Just minutes from downtown Austin, McKinney Falls State Park is an oasis for nature lovers. The park’s swimming areas are along Onion Creek, where you can enjoy a dip surrounded by the beauty of natural rock formations. In addition to swimming, the park offers hiking, camping, and mountain biking, making it an excellent weekend getaway spot.
Blue Hole Park in Georgetown
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Address: 100 Blue Hole Park Rd, Georgetown, TX 78626
Blue Hole Park is a peaceful spot located along the San Gabriel River, surrounded by limestone cliffs. It’s a great place for a refreshing swim in clear, cool water. The park is free to enter and offers beautiful scenery that makes it feel like a hidden gem.
Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley
Address: 100 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, TX 78676
Tucked away in the charming town of Wimberley, Blue Hole Regional Park is known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque setting. Visitors can swing from the ropes hanging from century-old cypress trees or relax on the grassy shores. There’s a small fee to enter, and reservations are required during the summer, so plan ahead!
Hamilton Pool Preserve in Dripping Springs
Address: 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Hamilton Pool is one of Texas’ most famous swimming spots. With a stunning waterfall that drops into a natural pool surrounded by lush greenery, it’s no wonder this place is so popular. However, due to its popularity, reservations are required year-round. The hike down to the pool is steep, so be prepared for a bit of a workout before you cool off in the pool’s chilly waters.
Schlitterbahn Water Park in New Braunfels
Address: 400 N Liberty Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
If you’re looking for more excitement, Schlitterbahn Water Park is the place to be. Known for its water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools, this park is a hit with families. Many of the attractions use water from the nearby Comal River, adding a natural touch to this fun-filled experience.
Tube Chute in New Braunfels
Address: 499 E Mill St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA
An authentic thrill ride may be found at the City Tube Chute in New Braunfels. Tubers ride through a dam bypass on the Comal River in the world’s longest chute of its kind before continuing to float through Prince Solms Park.
The river chute is accessible year-round at 100 Liebscher Drive, but the facilities are only accessible from May 1 through Labor Day. From May 1 through June 1 and from mid-August through Labor Day, only on weekends. From June 1 until mid-August, every day at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Renting a life jacket or renting tubes costs an additional $7 per person. From May 1 through Labor Day, parking in Prince Solms Park costs $20 per day.
Garner State Park in Concan Texas
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Address: 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838
Located along the Frio River, Garner State Park is a favorite for tubing and swimming. The cool, clear river winds through the park, offering plenty of spots to take a dip or float along. Rent a paddleboard, canoe, or inner tube for a relaxing day on the water. The park also has cabins and camping spots for those looking to stay overnight.
Balmorhea State Park in West Texas
Address: 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786
Balmorhea State Park is home to the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. This desert oasis features crystal-clear water that stays a comfortable 72-76°F year-round. It’s a great stop on a road trip through West Texas, and the nearby San Solomon Springs feed the pool with millions of gallons of fresh water daily.
Krause Springs in Spicewood
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Address: 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669
Krause Springs is a family-owned property featuring a natural swimming hole and a man-made pool, both fed by natural springs. Located in the Hill Country, this spot is perfect for a day of swimming and relaxing under the shade of trees. The water is cool and refreshing, and the grounds are beautifully maintained.
W.A. Pace Park in Salado
Address: 100 Art Fair Rd, Salado, TX 76571, USA
Salado provides a stopover along Interstate 35 north of Georgetown. In W, you may find Salado Springs. A. Pace Park, where children and dogs can swim around in the shallow water.
W.A. Pace Park, which can be found at 100 Art Fair Road, is accessible for free and is open from sunrise to nightfall.
Blanco State Park
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Address: 101 Park Rd 23, Blanco, TX 78606, USA
You can locate a swimming hole that was created by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression along the Blanco River’s beaches, north of San Antonio. The Blanco State Park, which has a one-mile section of the river, has day-use picnic tables, camping, a playground, and a gathering pavilion. A large portion of it was constructed as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). A program created by President Roosevelt to provide employment for Americans; the CCC was a component of the WPA.
Accessed from the U.S. at 1010 Park Road 23. Blanco’s Route 281 is. Open from dawn until dark all year round. Adults must pay $5 to enter, while children under the age of 12 are free. During the summer, making reservations online is advised.
Jacobs Well in Wimberley
Address: 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676
Jacob’s Well is a natural artesian spring that’s both stunning and a little mysterious. Known for its clear water and depth, the well is popular with adventurous swimmers who enjoy jumping into the deep pool. However, due to its fragile ecosystem, swimming is only allowed with a reservation, so make sure to plan ahead.
Devil’s Waterhole in West of Burnet
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Address: 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611
Located in Inks Lake State Park, Devil’s Waterhole is a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping. The scenic rock formations around the waterhole create a unique and exciting environment for visitors. It’s a great place for families, with plenty of nearby camping and hiking options.
Lake Tejas in Colmesneil
Address: 152 Lake Tejas Lp, Colmesneil, TX 75938, USA
This east Texas sanctuary, surrounded by pine trees and equipped with diving boards, boardwalks, and a water chute, has been assisting Texans in coping with extreme heat for many years.
80 yards of sandy shoreline and a buoyed swimming area provide protection, giving the impression that you are near the ocean.
Whatever your degree of comfort in the water, there is something for you. Paddle boats, floats, kiddie slides, and a designated swimming area ensure this.
In order to make your visit safe and pleasurable, lifeguards are on duty.
Hippie Hollow in Austin
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Address: 7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732, USA
Not mentioning this park, which is located beside Lake Travis, would be remiss.
While many people will want to skip this entry, some may want to give it a shot.
Why? because it’s the only location in Texas where it’s okay to be naked.
Although the lake views are fantastic, the shoreline designated for getting a full-body tan is extremely rough. Be mindful that passing boats may be staring at the beach’s display.
Burger Lake in Fort Worth
Address: 1200 Meandering Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76114, USA
Burgers Lake is a family-oriented one-acre lake that is jam-packed with entertainment to exhaust even the most exuberant members of your crew. It has the atmosphere of an old-fashioned summer camp.
There are fountains, six diving boards, a swing from which you can jump into the water, water slides, and water chutes.
Large trees and two sandy beaches provide both sunny and shade areas.
300 picnic tables and charcoal grills are available in the park for you to use while you prepare a feast for your hungry charges.
Conclusion
From the calm springs and rivers of Central Texas to the expansive lakes and water parks, the state has something for everyone who enjoys the water. Whether you prefer a natural swimming hole or a full-day adventure at a water park, Texas offers countless spots to make a splash. Grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and towel, and head out to explore the best swim spots Texas has to offer!
