Swimming Holes Around Austin

Trying to come up with things to do with out of town visitors in the height of summer?  The Austin area offers a wide variety of activities to entertain even the most difficult audience.  During the summer months, your primary goal will be trying to stay cool, and Austin and the surrounding area offers swimming holes a-plenty. 

The iconic Barton Springs in Zilker Park is open from early spring to late autumn. Sometimes called the soul of Austin, this spring fed pool maintains a steady 68 degrees in all seasons.  And don't forget to impress your visitors with a promise of seeing the extremely rare salamander that is only found in the spring and pool at Barton Creek.

The Deep Eddy Pool, near downtown in west Austin, boasts a huge wading area for the tiny people and water temperatures that never rise above 72 degrees.  Throughout the summer, they host Splash Party Movie Nights, where family pleasing movies are played on a big screen while viewers float in the pool.  

If you are willing to go a bit further afield, then you really should make a visit to Hamilton Pool, about 40 minutes outside of Austin off of Highway 71.  The natural spring is found in a grotto that was formed when the dome of an underground river collapsed thousand of years ago.  The result is a very family friendly and secluded swimming spot that seems like a fairy wonderland.  Because the ecosystem around the springs is fragile, the park closes when the 100-car parking lot is full, so you must call ahead. 

Further impress your guests by stopping off at the Salt Lick on your way home, renowned for what some would argue is the best barbeque in Texas.  It definitely provides the proper atmosphere, located as it is in the middle of nowhere about 12 miles south of US 290 West. The menu includes brisket, chicken, ribs, sausage, and the ubiquitous peach and berry cobblers.  Take note, however, that it is located in a dry spot in Hays County, so you have to bring your own alcoholic beverages.

Blue Hole, located in Wimberly, Texas, has been named one of the top ten swimming holes in Texas.  The land was privately owned, but in 2005 was purchased by the village of  Wimberly and is being developed into a regional park.  Another spot appropriate for fairies, the Blue Hole is surrounded by old growth cypress trees and boasts a rare ecosystem of natural grasses, wildflowers, birds, reptiles and insects.  And its proximity to downtown Wimberly means that after cooling off in the springs, you can proceed to shop `til you drop in one of the towns dozens of specialty stores and art galleries.  Shops are open Monday, Thursday, Friday and on the weekends.  Market Day takes place the first Saturday of the month from April through December, when more than 400 vendors put antiques, collectibles, arts and crafts up for sale.

Krause Springs, another stunning swimming hole great for families, boasts clear and shallow waters.  Located about 30 miles from Austin off of Highway 71, the pool is listed on the National Register of historic places and is also shaded by large cypress tress.  You can picnic and camp at the pool, and there are admissions fees.