Swimming Spots in Austin
Summer’s here, and we’re ready to get wet!
The weather is beautiful, the grass is green, and the kids are out of school. And that can only mean one thing: it’s pool season.
So what are you waiting for? Pack up your bathing suits and sunscreen and get ready for some fun in the sun. But don’t just hop in any old pool—we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of some of the best places to splash around in town. Check them out below!
POOLS & WATERPARKS
Barton Springs Pool
2131 William Barton Dr. Austin, TX 78746
We’ve all heard of Barton Springs. It’s one of the most popular spots in Austin, and for good reason. There are four natural springs located on the grounds of Zilker Park,[2] which feed into Barton Creek. The largest spring, Main Barton Spring (also known as Parthenia), supplies water to Barton Springs Pool, a popular recreational destination in Austin. The smaller springs are located nearby, two with man-made structures built to contain and direct their flow.
Passes may also be purchased online or on the ATXswims app.
Bartholomew Pool
1800 E. 51st St. Austin, TX. 78723
Bartholomew Pool is the place to be this summer. They have a 25-yard lap pool with a diving board at the deep end (12ft), two slides, and two smaller pools for the kids. The whole thing is surrounded by showers, bathrooms, lockers to store your stuff, and plenty of room to relax on the deck.
Big Stacy Pool
700 East Live Oak St., Austin, TX. 78704
The pool is open year-round, and offers lap swimming and other recreational activities. There is also an adjacent playground where children can play as their parents swim laps or engage in other activities.
Deep Eddy Pool
401 Deep Eddy Ave, Austin, TX. 78705
Deep Eddy Pool is one of Austin’s most beloved summertime spots, with a history dating back to the 1920s. Located in Deep Eddy Park and operated by the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department, this historic site features beautiful gardens and landscaping and a variety of activities, including swimming, walking paths, and picnicking.
Springwoods Pool
13320 Lyndhurst St. Austin, TX. 78729
Springwoods Pool is a great place for you to spend your summer days. This pool has a deep end, with a slide and six lap lanes. There is also a children’s entrance with mushroom-shaped water structure! Children and adults will be able to use Springwoods pool all year for swim lessons, triathlon training, and master swim classes.
El Salido Pool
11500 El Salido Pkwy, Austin, TX 78750, United States
The El Salido Pool is kid friendly. There are beach entrance pools that are perfect for kids who haven’t quite mastered the art of swimming yet, but are ready to splash around. The toddler pool has a water playscape that includes fountains, a waterfall and water cannons. There’s also a two meter diving board for older kids who want to take a dip into the pool. (kids must be at least seven to use the three-meter diving board)
Springwoods Pool
13320 Lyndhurst St. Austin, TX. 78729
Springwoods Pool is open to the public during the summer months, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. During this time, it it features, wading pool, recreational pool, ADA chair, shade structures, waterslide. The pool is also available for private rentals, making it a popular destination for birthday parties and other group gatherings. There are several shaded areas around the pool, including picnic tables and benches, where visitors can relax and enjoy a snack or a meal. There’s a changing area and outdoor shower for everyone.
WATER HOLES
Campbell’s Hole
1337 Spyglass Dr, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Campbell’s Hole is a beautiful swimming spot near Austin, where you can stroll, picnic, sunbathe and swim when there’s enough water in the creek bed. A great place for outdoor enthusiasts and those who are looking for a quick and refreshing getaway from the tiring city.
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway Austin, TX 78744, United States
One of the park’s main attractions is its two waterfalls, Upper McKinney Falls and Lower McKinney Falls. Visitors can swim, fish, or simply relax in the cool waters of the pools.
McKinney Falls State Park also boasts a variety of hiking and biking trails that wind through the park’s rugged terrain. The trails range in difficulty from easy to moderate, and offer scenic views of the park’s natural beauty, including rock formations, forests, and wildlife.
Twin Falls
3918 S MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78746, United States
Twin Falls is a popular swimming hole in spring, when it can be warmer than your average swimming hole. The water gets deep enough in places to jump from the upper ledge to the lower ledge. There is plenty of room to swim and get wet, both in the deeper area below the falls and in the stream just above the falls!
Sculpture Falls
Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746, United States
Sculpture Falls is a popular swimming spot in Austin along the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail. It is about a mile past Twin Falls and just before mile marker 6.25. Once you reach Sculpture Falls, you will find a wide variety of swimming holes as well as ropes to jump off of and a tightrope! There are also dryer rocks for sunbathing if you prefer not to get wet.
Hill of Life Dam
Austin, TX 78746, United States
This mile-long beachfront trail is the perfect way to get out and enjoy the outdoors. While you can start the hike and remain in this area, we recommend that you continue on the trail to see what else it has to offer. As it comes with a swimming gem that is very scenic.
Gus Fruh Pool
2642 Barton Hills Dr, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Don’t let the heat get you down! Come out and cool off in the water at Gus Fruh. This park is a really cool spot for all ages–not only do they have great trails, but you can also swim in the creek. Please make sure you do your own research on water quality and swim at your own risk!
Bob Wentz Park
7144 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732, United States
Setup a picnic or grill out with this dog-friendly gathering spot. The floating dock is designed for swimming and picnics, and has grills, picnic tables and a ramp for non-motorized boats.
West Lake Beach
2509 Westlake Dr, Austin, TX 78746, United States
West Lake Beach is a great park for families to spend an afternoon. The beach has two swimming areas, one large area with sandy shoreline and another smaller area with shallow water. There is also a volleyball court, which can be a lot of fun when the sun is beating down. This park can accommodate up to 300 people at one time, so if you are planning on going make sure that it isn’t already at capacity.
SWIMMING PROGRAMS & CLASSES
Swim School of Austin
1001 W. Anderson, Austin TX 78757
Come learn to swim! They have classes for all levels and all ages, from intro to advanced and everything in between, plus gear sales and rentals, service, and repair. Enjoy the large heated pool with underwater windows so you can watch the class in progress!
The Zilker Shuttle service is a popular and convenient transportation option for anyone looking to visit Zilker Metropolitan Park in Austin, Texas. And the good news is that it is returning this summer! From Saturday, May 27 through Monday, September 4, visitors can use the free shuttle service from the One Texas Center parking garage to the park. Here’s the link for more details.3
There’s no better way to spend your summer than hanging out at the pool with your family! Head to any of these swimming pools and water parks that offer fun for everyone.
Recent Posts
