It’s late August in Austin, and summer is still going! One of the great things about Central Texas weather is that our swimming season lasts from April until early October. If you haven’t taken a dip in all of these best spots for swimming around Austin, do yourself a favor and squeeze in a swim before fall.
Barton Springs
Barton Springs Pool is the iconic Austin swimming hole. Right in the heart of the city, the pool is situated on a part of Barton Creek that is fed by Main Barton Spring, the fourth largest natural spring in the proud state of Texas. Visitors pay $3 admission to spend the day people-watching and swimming in the pool, with a picturesque view of downtown as their backdrop. The water stays a cool 68 degrees year ‘round, so hit up Barton Springs Pool while it’s still in the 90s for the ultimate refreshment.
Krause Springs
Another spring-fed swimming hole, Krause Springs is known mostly to locals in the Austin area. This privately owned camping and swimming area is about 30 miles west of town in Spicewood Springs. The pool is fed by two large springs and stays a constant 70 degrees. In addition to the spring-fed pool, Krause also features barbecue areas and a man-made swimming pool that’s also filled with spring water. Krause Springs, with its dripping water falls, ancient trees and lush ferns, is almost prehistoric looking and is definitely worth the drive.
St. Edwards Park
Located right in Austin city limits and just a short drive from downtown, St. Edwards Park features 80 acres that run along Bull Creek and can be accessed via Spicewood Springs Road, just west of 360. It’s a great area for hiking, wading, swimming and just taking in nature in a pretty solitary fashion. St. Edwards Park includes several great swimming spots along the creek, including one that features a small waterfall and another with a rope swing. However, since this creek is not spring-fed, it’s best to visit St. Edwards Park a day or two after a rain storm.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park is one of my favorite places for a wade or a swim. The waterfall is beautiful, the river is lined with centuries-old bald cypress trees, and there is plenty of wildlife to be seen. The park, just east of Johnson City, is composed of 5,211 acres of what was formerly the Circle Bar Ranch. Just head down to the day-use swimming area to wade in crystal-clear water under the shade of some of the oldest bald cypress trees in Central Texas.
Bull Creek Park
Bull Creek Park can be accessed via a small parking area on the western side of Loop 360 just south of Spicewood Springs Road. From there, it’s just a short walk to a fair-sized falls, complete with a rope swing. This is a great area for swimming, but if you keep hiking downstream, you’re sure to find more secluded spots along the creek, some of which feature man-made bathing pools and dams perfect for wading. This is another one best to visit shortly after a rainstorm.
With only a few weeks left of swimming season in the Austin area, get out there and go for a dip! Let us know your favorite swimming hole in the comments section below.
