Central Texas is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural swimming holes in the country. Fed by underground springs, carved out of limestone by centuries of flowing water, and surrounded by ancient cypress trees, these swimming holes are a quintessential part of the Austin experience. Whether you want a quick dip inside the city or a day trip to a hidden grotto, this guide covers every swimming hole worth visiting near Austin — with practical details on cost, reservations, and what to expect. Pair a swimming hole visit with a river tubing trip for the ultimate Austin water day.
Barton Springs Pool
Austin's crown jewel. Barton Springs Pool is a 3-acre natural spring-fed swimming pool inside Zilker Park, right in the heart of Austin. The water stays a constant 68°F year-round, making it refreshing in summer and surprisingly pleasant in winter (yes, people swim here in January). The pool is about 1,000 feet long and up to 18 feet deep, fed by underground springs from the Edwards Aquifer.
Admission is $5 for adults, $9 for non-residents. No reservation needed — just show up. The pool is open year-round, with lifeguards on duty during operating hours. There's a large grassy area for lounging, and Zilker Park surrounds the pool with trails, fields, and shade trees. Check the City of Austin Parks page for current hours. This is the most iconic swimming spot in Austin, and for good reason.
Deep Eddy Pool
The oldest swimming pool in Texas, operating since the 1910s. Deep Eddy is a spring-fed municipal pool on the banks of Lady Bird Lake in West Austin. It has a gentle current that flows through the pool, making it feel like swimming in a natural spring. The shallow wading area is perfect for families with small children, and the main pool is large enough for laps.
Deep Eddy is free on certain days and never more than $5 on paid days. No reservations needed. It's less crowded than Barton Springs, more family-friendly, and has a charming old-Austin vibe that feels like stepping back in time. Open year-round.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
The most stunning swimming hole in Texas. About 45 minutes west of Austin, Hamilton Pool is a collapsed grotto with a 50-foot waterfall cascading into a jade-green pool surrounded by limestone cliffs and ferns. It looks like something out of a movie — because it literally has been in movies.
Reservations are absolutely required. Travis County Parks limits daily visitors to protect the fragile ecosystem. Book your timed-entry slot online through the Travis County Parks website — during summer, slots sell out 2–3 weeks in advance. Admission is $12–15 per vehicle. The hike from the parking lot to the pool is about a quarter mile down a steep trail. Note: swimming is occasionally suspended due to water quality or high water levels — check before you go.
Jacob's Well
A 140-foot-deep natural artesian spring in Wimberley, about 45 minutes south of Austin. Jacob's Well is one of the most unique swimming holes in the world — crystal-clear water flows up from a massive underwater cave system, creating a natural pool that's both beautiful and slightly intimidating when you look straight down into the abyss.
Reservations are required through Hays County. Swimming is seasonal (typically May-September) and limited to designated time slots. The well is surrounded by a nature preserve with hiking trails. Admission is $9-12. This is a bucket-list swimming hole. The clarity of the water is unlike anything else in Texas.
Krause Springs
A private 115-acre paradise in Spicewood, about 45 minutes west of Austin. Krause Springs has been family-owned since 1955 and features 32 springs feeding into a natural swimming hole and creek. The main pool is surrounded by massive cypress trees with rope swings and small waterfalls. It feels like a secret garden.
Admission is $9 per person. No reservations needed — just show up and pay at the gate. Camping is available ($15/night) if you want to make a weekend of it. The springs are open year-round, and the water stays cool even in the hottest summer months. Bring cash — they don't always accept cards.
Blue Hole
Wimberley's family-friendly swimming hole. Blue Hole Regional Park is a Hays County park featuring a beautiful cypress-lined swimming area on Cypress Creek. The water is shallow and calm, making it perfect for families with young children. Shady trees line the banks, and there are hiking trails throughout the park.
Admission is $5–9 depending on the season. Reservations are recommended in summer — the park limits capacity to prevent overcrowding. Pair a Blue Hole visit with a day in downtown Wimberley for shopping and dining at the town square.
McKinney Falls State Park
Two waterfalls inside Austin city limits. McKinney Falls State Park is a hidden gem just 15 minutes southeast of downtown Austin. The park features Upper and Lower McKinney Falls, where Onion Creek cascades over limestone ledges into natural swimming pools. You can swim at the base of both falls when water levels permit.
Entry is $6 per person (Texas State Parks pass). No reservations needed for day use. Beyond swimming, the park has 7+ miles of hiking and biking trails, plus campsites. Check the Texas Parks & Wildlife page for current conditions. It's the most accessible "nature escape" in Austin. You're swimming under a waterfall without leaving the city.
Swimming Hole Comparison
| Name | Distance | Cost | Reservations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barton Springs Pool | In Austin | $5-9 | No | Year-round swimming |
| Deep Eddy Pool | In Austin | Free-$5 | No | Families & kids |
| Hamilton Pool Preserve | ~45 min | $12-15 | Required | Stunning scenery |
| Jacob's Well | ~45 min | $9-12 | Required | Crystal-clear springs |
| Krause Springs | ~45 min | $9 | No | Camping + swimming |
| Blue Hole | ~45 min | $5-9 | Recommended | Family-friendly |
| McKinney Falls | In Austin | $6 | No | Waterfalls & hiking |
Planning Tips
- Book early: Hamilton Pool and Jacob's Well require reservations that fill up weeks in advance during summer. Book as soon as your Austin trip is confirmed.
- What to bring: Reef-safe sunscreen (many swimming holes prohibit chemical sunscreen), water shoes, a refillable water bottle, and a towel. Check our full what to bring guide.
- Arrive early: Most swimming holes hit capacity by noon in summer. Aim for a morning visit, then spend the afternoon on a river float.
- Check conditions: Water levels, swimming advisories, and seasonal closures can change. Check the official park websites before you go.
- Combine trips: Pair a Barton Creek Greenbelt hike with a Barton Springs swim, or visit Jacob's Well before a Blanco River tubing trip in Wimberley.
Swimming holes are just one piece of the Austin outdoor puzzle. For the full picture, explore our complete guide to things to do in Austin.