Staying Cool in Austin

As it heats up here in Austin, you are likely looking for ways to stay cool. Though Austin may be a land-locked city, there are lots of swimming holes around the Austin area to get you through the summer months.

Blue Hole – Wimberley, TX

This natural spot is just 40 minutes south of Austin. The Blue Hole is on a 126-acre preservation of natural forests, grass fields, old cypress trees and wildflower grasses. More info.

Blue Hole – Georgetown, TX

Just a quick, 20-minute drive north of Austin will get you to the beautiful Blue Hole in Georgetown. This FREE swimming hole is easy to get to, and is usually not too crowded. For more information, please call (512) 930-3595.

Jacob’s Well – Wimberly, TX

Jacob’s Well is about a 45-minute drive from Austin and is one of the longest underwater caves in Texas. Also an artesian spring, this well surges up thousands of gallons of water and acts as headwaters to Cypress Creek, which flows to the Blue Hole and the Blanco River. More info.

Bull Creek District Park – Austin, TX

Bull Creek District Park covers 48 acres in northwest Austin. A hike and bike trail runs alongside the creek where you will find lagoon-like section with rocks that serve as natural slides. More info.

McKinney Falls State Park – Austin, TX

McKinney Falls State Park is in Austin, just 13 miles southeast of the State Capitol. There are lots of trails, wide open spaces, and water that you can wade or jump in. More info

Hamilton Pool – Dripping Springs, TX

The historic swimming pool, located just 40 minutes outside of downtown Austin in Dripping Springs, is a collapsed grotto which now sports a 50-foot waterfall and unique rock formations that encircle the pool. Visitors can choose to swim, shade themselves in the rock shelf located behind the waterfall, or explore the numerous hiking trails located in the park. More info.

Krause Springs – Spicewood, TX

Listed in the Natural Registration of Historical Places, Krause Springs hosts over 34 small springs, a waterfall, a man-made wallowing pool, and a natural swimming pool. Located 30 miles outside of Austin, Krause also offers overnight camping. More info.

Barton Springs – Austin, TX

Located in Zilker Park, the 3-acre crystal clear natural spring stays a cool 68 degrees year-round, making it ideal for the really hot Texas days. Barton Springs Pool comes equipped with diving boards, a large shallow area, public restrooms, and several lifeguards daily.

Deep Eddy Pool – Austin, TX

Austin is also home to plenty of man made pools which allow public access including Deep Eddy Pool, located in Central Austin. The pool is fed from a natural spring. More info.