Hamilton Pool (photo courtesy of ferretfacejones)
Battle the record-breaking heat with a dip in the refreshing waters of these top Central Texas swimming spots, as you enjoy the scenic beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
Austin Area
Hamilton Pool – This gorgeous spring-fed pool, pictured above, is about 30 miles southwest of Austin. While the 50-foot waterfall may slow to a trickle in dry years, the water level stays pretty constant and the setting is stunning. Call 512-264-2740 before you go.
Barton Springs Pool – This three-acre pool In Zilker Park is one of the coolest spots in Texas, with its 68-degree spring-fed water and shady park land. It's closed on Thursdays. 512-476-9044.
Barton Creek Greenbelt – There are several nice swimming spots in Barton Creek along this beautiful 8-mile-long greenbelt.
Wimberley
Blue Hole – This lovely swimming spot on cool Cypress Creek in Wimberley is lined with towering cypress trees and surrounded by 126 acres of serene park land. 512-847-0025
Burnet County
Krause Springs – This privately owned park on the edge of Lake Travis near Spicewood is considered by many to be the most picturesque swimming spot in Texas. The park boasts a natural spring-fed pool with cascading waterfalls and an inviting manmade pool, along with 32 springs, a butterfly house and a campground. 830-693-4181
Devil's Hole at Inks Lake State Park – Formed by a creek cascading into the lake, this pretty swimming hole is surrounded by dramatic granite boulders. The park, which is west of Burnet off Texas 29, also offers camping and boat rentals. 512-793-2223
New Braunfels
Landa Park – Cool off in the huge spring fed pool, wade in the Comal River, or swim in the manmade swimming pool at this historic municipal park in New Braunfels. Other amenities in the park include a tube chute that plunges into the river, paddle boats, mini-golf, a miniature train and a golf course. 830-221-4360
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort – The whole family will enjoy the miles of tube chutes, wave pools, and water playgrounds beneath shade trees along the Comal River in New Braunfels. Check out the new Congo River Expedition. Accommodations at the resort include motel rooms, cottages, and condos. Schlitterbahn also has parks on Galveston and South Padre islands. 830-625-2351
Guadalupe River – Float along a scenic stretch of the Guadalupe River near New Braunfels in an inner tube, canoe or raft, or just swim in the cool water. From I-35, take the Loop 337-Texas 46 exit and follow scenic River Road to find river outfitters and public launch points, but be careful to respect private property. This river experience varies greatly depending on the amount of water being released from the Canyon Lake dam. Check the water flow rate here or call 830-964-3342. Visit this page for a list of outfitters offering rentals and shuttle service.
Boerne
Guadalupe River State Park – This park near the charming town of Boerne offers swimming, canoeing and tubing along a beautiful stretch of the Guadalupe River. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, hiking, and camping, and the new 5.3-mile equestrian trail is also open to mountain biking. The adjacent Honey Creek Natural Area is open for guided tours at 9:00 on Saturday mornings; call 830-438-2656 to confirm.
Blanco
Blanco State Park – The shallow water in this section of the Blanco River makes a nice family friendly swimming area. Tube, canoe and kayak rentals are available, and the small park also offers hiking, boating with electric motors, and campsites. 830-833-4333
See the slideshow below for photos of these beautiful Texas Hill Country swimming holes. Keep in mind that drought may reduce water levels and sometimes spring-fed pools are closed due to high bacteria counts. It's best to call before you go.
Other Top Texas Travel Destinations
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Glen Rose, the dinosaur capital of Texas
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