10 Places to Swim in Austin, Texas

Austin’s swimming scene has more going for it than most cities. There are dozens of publicly accessible swimming holes and spring-fed pools, some within city limits and others a short drive into the Hill Country. Because of the warm weather, most stay open year-round. Before you head out, our concierge team can set you up with complimentary beach towels, a soft-sided cooler, and sunscreen.

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Austin Swimming Holes

1. Barton Creek Greenbelt

Distance From the Heywood Hotel: 6.5 miles

The Barton Creek Greenbelt features 12 miles of hiking trails surrounded by picturesque limestone bluffs. Three popular swimming spots are accessible near the Loop 1 and Highway 360 intersection: Twin Falls (a quarter-mile hike from the trailhead), Sculpture Falls (around 1.5 miles further in), and Hill of Life Dam (over a 5-mile round trip). May and late spring are the most reliable times to visit, since swimming depends on current water levels. You can check conditions online before heading out, or ask our concierge team for an update.

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Austin’s Spring-Fed Swimming Pools

2. Barton Springs Pool

Distance From the Heywood Hotel: 3 miles

Barton Springs Pool is the crown jewel of Austin swimming. A spring-fed, natural-bottom pool measuring three acres, the water holds steady at 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The facility includes lifeguards, changing stations, and restrooms.

2026 Admission and Hours: $5 per person (residents) / $9 per person (non-residents). Senior tickets: $2 (residents) / $5 (non-residents). Open daily 5:00am–10:00pm; closed Thursdays 9:00am–7:00pm for cleaning. Lifeguards on duty 8:00am–10:00pm.

3. Deep Eddy Pool

Distance From the Heywood Hotel: 3.5 miles

Deep Eddy Pool is the oldest pool in Texas. Spring-fed and not chlorinated, with a concrete bottom, swim lanes, and a wading area, the water temperature stays around 70 degrees year-round. Pool Burger restaurant is right next door if you work up an appetite after a morning swim.

2026 Admission and Hours: $5 per person (residents) / $9 per person (non-residents). Senior tickets: $2 (residents). Lap swim 8:00am–8:00pm daily; recreational swim 10:00am–8:00pm. Closed Tuesdays for cleaning.

Swim Barton Springs on Us The Heywood Hotel offers free Barton Springs Pool passes for guests who book our Summer Swim Package. We’ll also send you out with complimentary beach towels, a soft-sided cooler, and sunscreen. Barton Springs is 3 miles from the hotel. Book the Summer Swim Package →

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Swimming Holes Near Austin

4. Jacob’s Well

Distance From the Heywood Hotel: 40 miles (Wimberley)

Jacob’s Well is a fully submerged cave, the second-largest in Texas. The water holds at a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit. While the opening measures only 12 feet in diameter, the waters plunge 30 feet below the surface into a complex cave system. The depth of the largest cavern reaches 140 feet.

Status as of 2026: Jacob’s Well is closed for swimming for the foreseeable future due to low water levels. Hiking is allowed year-round with no reservation required. Entrance fee: $9 (adults) / $5 (seniors and service members).

5. Blue Hole Wimberley

Distance From the Heywood Hotel: 40 miles

Blue Hole Regional Park is a natural, spring-fed swimming hole lined by historic cypress trees. The park covers 126 acres of natural forests and native grass fields, with 4.5 miles of nature trails winding through the property.

2026 Admission and Hours: Open seasonally May 1st through Labor Day, plus weekends in September. Reservations required; time slots are 9:00am–1:00pm or 2:00pm–6:00pm. Admission: $15 (adults) / $10 (seniors).

6. Krause Springs

Distance From the Heywood Hotel: 38 miles (Spicewood)

Krause Springs is a privately owned camping, hiking, and swimming site with 32 springs on the property, feeding into both a manmade pool and a natural pool. Activities include floating along shady, cypress tree-lined banks, rope swings, and sunbathing. It gets busy on weekends, so calling ahead is a good idea.

2026 Admission and Hours: $11 per adult. Open daily 9:00am–8:00pm.

7. Hamilton Pool Preserve

Distance From the Heywood Hotel: 30 miles

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural spring-fed pool created thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed. A 50-foot waterfall marks the entry point. It’s one of the most scenic swimming spots in Texas, and reservations book out fast.

2026 Admission and Hours: Reservations required; book at least 2 months in advance for weekends. Admission: $12 per vehicle plus $8 per adult ($3 for seniors). Cash only for entry fees. Open daily 9:00am–6:00pm; time slots are 9:00am–12:30pm or 2:00pm–5:30pm.

8. Emma Long Metropolitan Park

Distance From the Heywood Hotel: 20 miles

Emma Long Park sits on the Colorado River with an open shorefront and plenty of shady spots. While swimming is not allowed in Lady Bird Lake, Emma Long allows river swimming in year-round cool water.

2026 Admission and Hours: Open 8:00am–7:00pm daily. Reservations required Friday through Sunday and on holidays. Cost: $5 per vehicle (Monday–Thursday) / $10 per vehicle (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays).

9. Pedernales Falls State Park

Distance From the Heywood Hotel: 40 miles (Johnson City)

Pedernales Falls State Park offers a chance to wade in the Pedernales River as it flows over the state’s iconic limestone formations. The trail to the swimming area is a bit of a rocky hike, which keeps the crowds manageable.

2026 Admission and Hours: Open 8:00am–10:00pm daily. Admission: $6 (adults). Reservations recommended for weekends, holidays, and busy seasons.

10. Hippie Hollow

Distance From the Heywood Hotel: 30 miles

Hippie Hollow is the only official clothing-optional public park in Texas, located on Lake Travis. Entry is restricted to adults 18 and older. It’s a rocky retreat rather than a sandy beach, but the views of Lake Travis are worth the drive.

2026 Admission and Hours: Open 9:00am–8:30pm daily. Admission: $8 (adults) / $3 (seniors). Cash required.

Plan Your Austin Swimming Trip at the Heywood Hotel The Heywood Hotel is a MICHELIN-rated boutique hotel in East Austin, 3 miles from Barton Springs Pool. Our concierge team can help you plan a day at any spot on this list, pack you out with towels and sunscreen, or connect you with a free Barton Springs pass through our Summer Swim Package. Book Your Room →