Austin is one of the few cities where you can swim in natural spring-fed water just minutes from downtown. The spots here are cold, clear, and surrounded by nature.
This guide covers the seven best swimming spots in Austin with honest details on access, fees, water temperature, and what to expect when you arrive.
Disclaimer: Hours, fees, and reservation requirements can change by season. Always check each location's official website or contact the park directly before your visit.
What Makes Austin's Swimming Different
Most of Austin's best swimming spots are fed by the Edwards Aquifer, keeping water temperatures around 68 to 70°F year-round. That means a refreshing swim even in peak Texas heat.
Many spots require reservations or charge entry fees. Knowing this before you go saves a lot of frustration, especially on busy weekends.
Austin's natural swimming spots stay cool year-round, making them some of the most refreshing outdoor destinations in Texas. Ready to add a paddle board to your next water day?
The 7 Best Swimming Spots in Austin
1. Barton Springs Pool
The most iconic swimming spot in Austin. A 3-acre natural spring pool inside Zilker Park, just minutes from downtown.
- Water temp: Around 68°F year-round
- Fee: Around $5 for adults, $9 for non-residents; youth and senior rates lower
- Best for: All skill levels and families
- Tip: Arrive early on summer weekends. The pool fills up fast.
2. Hamilton Pool Preserve
A collapsed grotto with a 50-foot waterfall feeding into a jade-green swimming hole. One of the most photographed spots in Texas.
- Water temp: Around 68 to 72°F
- Fee: $12 reservation fee per vehicle plus $15 entrance fee at the gate (approximately $27 total per vehicle)
- Access: Advance reservation required through Travis County Parks
- Tip: Swimming is sometimes closed due to bacteria levels. Always check conditions before you go.
3. Hippie Hollow Park
Hippie Hollow is a clothing-optional park on Lake Travis with rocky ledges and open lake water. It has a distinct, laid-back character unlike any other spot on this list.
- Water temp: Around 75 to 82°F in summer
- Fee: Around $15 per person
- Best for: Adults looking for a relaxed, social atmosphere
- Tip: Lake Travis water levels can vary. Check access conditions before visiting.
4. Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool
A free, community-run outdoor pool in the South Congress neighborhood, open to the public during summer months. It has a relaxed, locals-first vibe that you won't find at the bigger spots.
- Water temp: Around 70 to 74°F
- Fee: Free
- Access: No reservations needed. Open seasonally, typically May through September.
- Tip: It is a smaller pool and can get crowded on weekday afternoons. Mornings are your best bet.
5. Barking Springs (Barton Creek)
A quieter, lesser-known stretch of Barton Creek popular with locals and their dogs. The water pools naturally between limestone ledges, making it a laid-back alternative to the busier spots nearby.
- Water temp: Around 65 to 72°F depending on season
- Fee: Free
- Access: No reservations needed. Accessible via the Barton Creek Greenbelt trail system.
- Tip: Water levels depend on recent rainfall. Check conditions before making the trip, especially in dry summer months.
Blue Hole in Wimberley offers shaded, family-friendly swimming just outside Austin. It fills up fast in summer, so book your reservation as early as possible.
6. Barton Creek Greenbelt
A free option with natural pools forming along Barton Creek depending on recent rainfall. Good for combining a hike with a swim.
- Water temp: Typically 65 to 75°F
- Fee: Free
- Access: Multiple trailheads around South Austin. No reservations needed.
- Tip: During dry summers, some pools may be low or empty. Check conditions first.
7. Deep Eddy Pool
Austin's oldest swimming pool, fed by well water near Lake Austin Boulevard. Classic neighborhood feel with a separate wading area for toddlers.
- Water temp: Around 70 to 74°F
- Fee: Around $4 to $9 depending on age
- Best for: Families, lap swimmers, and young children
- Tip: This is a traditional pool, not a natural spring. Expect a more community pool atmosphere.
Austin-Specific Safety Notes
Before swimming at any natural spot in Austin, keep these in mind:
- Bacteria advisories: Some spots close temporarily due to high bacteria counts after heavy rain. Always check before you go.
- Water levels: Lake Travis and creek-fed spots can vary significantly depending on recent rainfall and drought conditions.
- Sun exposure: Several spots have limited shade. Bring sunscreen and a hat.
- Entry and exit points: Natural limestone edges can be slippery. Wear water shoes when possible.
Bringing an iLAND Float or Paddle Board
Some Austin swimming spots allow floats and paddle boards, especially on lakes like Lake Travis and Lake Austin. An inflatable paddle board packs into a backpack, making it easy to carry to the water.
iROCKER's inflatable SUP boards are a great fit for calm lake conditions. They are stable enough for beginners and easy to set up without a lot of gear. For a full breakdown of paddle board construction and why it matters for durability, see our guide on what stand up paddle boards are made of.
And for dedicated paddle boarding destinations, see our paddle boarding Dallas guide covering 12 lakes and rivers across North Texas.
Rentals and Nearby Services
If you do not own a board or float yet, several outfitters around Lake Travis and Lake Austin offer rentals by the hour or by the day. Renting first is a good way to see what style of board you enjoy before buying.
For those ready to invest in their own gear, iROCKER offers a full range of inflatable SUP boards, paddles, and accessories built for lake conditions just like the ones around Austin.
Visit iROCKER SUP to find boards and gear suited for Austin's lakes and waterways.
FAQs
1. Which Austin swimming spots require reservations?
Hamilton Pool and Blue Hole in Wimberley require advance reservations, especially in summer. Barton Springs and Deep Eddy do not, but they can fill up quickly on weekends.
2. What's the water temperature at Austin's spring-fed pools?
Most spring-fed spots in Austin stay between 68 and 72°F year-round, which feels refreshing in Texas summers.
3. Are dogs allowed at Austin swimming spots?
Dogs are not allowed at Barton Springs Pool or Deep Eddy. Some Greenbelt access points allow leashed dogs on trails, but not in the water. Always check individual park rules.
4. Where can I bring a paddle board or float in Austin?
Lake Travis and Lake Austin are the best options. Some spots like Hippie Hollow have open water suitable for floats. Always check each location's rules before bringing gear.
5. What's the best swimming spot in Austin for kids?
Deep Eddy Pool has a dedicated wading area for young children. Krause Springs and Blue Hole in Wimberley are also family-friendly with calm, shallow areas great for kids.
