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Deep Eddy
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When those scorching Summer days start hitting, a cool Texas swimming hole can be the best relief.
The Austinot has scoured the area for the best swimming holes in and around the Austin. Here’s the list we came up with:
- Deep Eddy – Located at Town Lake, this swimming hole suits kids, lap swimmers and everyone in between. Not only that, but it’s billed the oldest swimming hole in Texas and has been around for over 100 years! Though parking can be a challenge, we encourage you to be a part of history by checking out Deep Eddy.
Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve
Barton Springs – Everyone knows about Barton Springs, for good reason! Located in the heart of Austin, Barton Springs is well-maintained with plenty of grass to lay out on. Pets, coolers, food and alcohol aren’t permitted.
- Hamilton Pool – (Click the link to the left to see more photos of Hamilton Pool and hear a podcast that talks about it.) Even though you have to drive 30 miles Southwest of Austin to get to Hamilton Pool, it’s one of our favorite swimming spots. With a waterfall, picturesque rocky overhang, clean beach and aquamarine-colored water, Hamilton Pool is stunningly beautiful. Who knew a spot like this could be so close to Austin?
- Jacob’s Well – Take a drive to Wimberley, TX to experience a unique swimming hole that happens to be connected to one of the longest underwater caves in Texas. This spot is free (for now) and only 25 swimmers are allowed in the water at a time. Complete with a delightful rope swing, Jacob’s Well is worth visiting.
Blue Hole
Blue Hole – Also in Wimberley, the Blue Hole swimming hole is celebrating a grand re-opening this weekend. The site is now home to soccer fields, a playground, a volleyball court and more, but they’re kept out of site of the swimming hole.
If you have tips for how to make a successful trip to any of these locations, please share with us and our readers. And make sure you invite us to come with you if you decide to go swimming this Summer!
@QuasiBrit asks:
What swimming holes would you add?
Photos courtesy of sselhcuo, Zen Nomad, Youens and Micheal Cote.
Don’t know if it’s still there, but there used to be a great swimming hole at Cristoval near San Angelo.
Thanks for the tip Trina! What makes this place of yours memorable for you?
Here is a link to our top picks in the Hill Country.
https://hillcountryoutdoorguide.com/activity/swimming-holes/
This Blue hole and Hamilton Pool looks really great. I can try to visit here if I will have a chance.
We are gonna try and hit Blue Hole next weekend @samycary:disqus – but definitely let us know if you visit, we’d love to hear your take on the spot too.
Krause Springs!
Great tip, @largomason:disqus! We didn’t make it out to Krause Springs last season, but it’s definitely high on our list for this year!
Definitely check it out for a follow up or daytrip article @knektion:disqus. Just a tiny bit further out from Hamilton Pool, but very nice- Plenty of campgrounds, pic-a-nic areas, a natural springs waterfall with a grotto behind it. Even a man-made pool for people who don’t want so much nature in their nature. Always used to go there when I was a kid.
Any where on the Upper Lupe. The best, the lake on top of San Marcos Springs, behind the Ice House, is off limits to us!!! It shouldn’t be!!!
@b1c61019d8c99eb163e05a67b6ec156f:disqus, what is the story with the lake on top of San Marcos Springs? Did it used to be open to the public? I want to know more!
The lake on top of the San Marcos springs is actually the headwaters of the San Marcos river. The site used to be owned by Aquarena Springs, but since the 90’s it’s been controlled by Texas State University. It’s a pretty ecologically sensitive area, so they don’t let anyone swim there. It’s for the better I suppose, but man… it would be AWESOME to swim there. Scuba divers from the university seem to have access though…
Barton Springs might have some serious mojo, but so do the headwaters of the San Marcos River! It’s literally been a destination point since the dawn of man.
Really appreciate the insight, @ece3b4378600e13e29468fc3019f5e1d:disqus. Thanks for stopping by!
You guys should try pedernales falls state park and Milton reimers ranch park. There would probably be enough river swimming spots to make a separate list
@troygrones:disqus, we love Pedernales, which we’ve been to since this article was published. Krause Springs is also missing from this list – we recently wrote a whole article about that awesome spot. As for Milton Reimers Ranch Park, I haven’t heard of it. Tell me more!
Well its on the Pedernales River, and the entrance is a few miles before you get to Hamilton Pool. One drawback to the swimming is the lack of shade, but if you’re ok with that the river is calm, pleasant and pretty clear. The park has some nice trails and I’ve read it is great for rock climbing as well.
We originally went because we got to Hamilton Pool late and the line was too long. The park ranger recommended Reimers ranch so we figured we’d try it
Very cool! Thanks for the tip. We’ll have to check it out.
the slab in Llano, or if that is empty of water, the very west end of Lake Marble Falls. Or Inks Lake. Or Jacob’s Well. Or Blue Hole in Georgetown. Or the beaches on multiple lakes. etc etc.