Swimming Holes in Austin
On our list this summer — swimming holes! Austin has many such places, perfect for cooling down on a sweltering day. The key is remembering how accessible they are and actually making it out to all these amazing places.
Top on our current favorite list is Barton Springs. Located in Zilker Park just across Lady Bird Lake it’s easy to access, inexpensive and has a diving board - hard to find these days! Another favorite is Hamilton Pool, right off of Hwy 71. It is one of our nature go-tos when we have out of town visitors as almost everyone is captivated by it’s natural beauty. It’s a popular spot, now requiring reservations often well in advance. Come prepared for a small hike and your swimsuits but be forewarned, Hamilton Pool is often closed for swimming due to high bacteria levels. The good news, we’ve found their website informative and up to date so you’ll know what your day will look like before you set off.
Top on our must do this summer list is Blue Hole in Wimberley. For some reason we haven’t made it to this one but this summer we will! Located about 30 minutes from Austin this natural setting has been protected from development by the city for the use of not only residents but those of us close enough to enjoy it. Reservations are required so some advance planning is needed.
Next on our list is Blue Hole in Georgetown. This one I only recently found out about and I’m thrilled! It’s a short 20 minutes north of Austin. No reservations required, no fee, and no major hike to get there. Sounds perfect for a refreshing break on a hot summer day! Rumor has it it’s not too crowded so hopefully it stays a bit of a hidden secret ... and an amazing place to beat the heat.
And finally, McKinney Falls State Park! Where there is water in Austin there are kids and this state park is calling for them. It’s actually within Austin city limits a mere 12 miles from downtown. As it’s a state park they allow camping, food, fishing, biking. Sounds like a perfect weekend, day or midweek getaway without having to really get away!
As much of the Texas Hill Country sits atop limestone there are many more fresh, spring fed streams, pools and lakes but these are the ones we’re seeking out this summer when we need a break from heat.
