4 The Best Swimming Holes In Austin to Take a Deep Dive
Summer is here and there are so many things you could be doing around Austin. No matter what your summer bucket list entails, swimming has to be on there with the countless places you could take a dip in. Here are 4 of the best swimming holes in Austin to take a deep dive.
1. Barton Springs Pool
Okay, don’t hate us for making Barton our first spot. We know it’s a little cliche, but it’s the pinnacle of Austin swimming holes. The Barton Springs Pool is a local favorite because of its cool, 68 degrees water year-round, and its cheap prices!
The Pool has been open since 1837 and gets its water from nearby natural springs. If you’ve never been to Barton, you have zero excuses, not to this summer; it’s a great place to stop by for swimming laps or endless tanning.
It’s the perfect mix of a swimming hole and a pool. Currently, the Pool is requiring reservations in order to maintain capacity, which you can make on their website!
The Free Side!
If you’re a little more adventurous, but you still want to stay in Central Austin, Barton’s free side is for you. While Barton’s pool is awesome because of its ample seating and cleaner water, the natural side of Barton boasts more nature and wildlife as well as a lower price-free!
To get here, you’ll park around Zilker Park and mosey on over to the water. There’s a bridge safe to jump off of, a few rope swings, and scattered spots to sit at around the walking path. It’s definitely a fun spot to hit if you’re trying to save a few bucks!
2. Austin Motel Pool
Missing that swimming pool vibe? Check out Austin Motel’s Daily Pool Passes to visit their iconic, kidney-shaped pool! Passes are $20 Monday-Thursday and $40 Friday-Sunday from 11 AM-5 PM, with discounted Adult Swim Passes for $15 from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Their pool bar is open for all-time slots, so grab a cocktail while you’re there! After your slot is up, dry off at Gueros or any other of the amazing restaurants has to offer. Why not make a day of it?! Reservations for daily passes are available on Austin Motel’s website.
3. McKinney Falls
Back to swimming hole territory, McKinney Falls is another Austin classic, even though it’s a little farther out of town. McKinney Falls State Park has awesome campsites and cabins, hiking trails, and, of course, swimming spots.
The Upper Falls and Lower Falls are the go-to swimming spots for visitors. When there’s been good rain, there are beautiful waterfalls at both spots!
The entrance fee for the Falls is $6, and it’s a great place to check out if you’re looking to get out of the city but don’t want to go too far!
4. Sculpture Falls
If you want to go on a little hike before your swim, this is the spot for you! Sculpture Falls is a section of the Greenbelt with some sweet waterfalls. It’s about 2.5 miles from the trailhead, so it’s a relatively easy hike!
This is another cool swim, with the water staying around 70 degrees year-round. If you need to cool off on your hike there, no worries: there are several small pools along the trail! This one’s also alcohol-friendly, so don’t forget your coolers!
