Read time: 22 minutes

Here in Central Texas, we’re lucky – we’ve got one of the largest networks of rivers and lakes in the state. These vast networks also happen to make for some pretty amazing swimming holes. It would be a shame not to take advantage of them during the dog days of summer. However, when looking for swimming hole guides around Austin, we noticed that they either lacked information, were inefficient, or didn’t have that personal touch that Austinites crave. That’s why we’ve decided to put together this comprehensive list of the best swimming holes in Austin, Texas. Through our own personal research and utilizing resources online, we’ve come up with the definitive guide to the best swimming holes within an hour of downtown Austin. We hope you enjoy our list, don’t forget to check the complete map of swimming holes below!

Jump into one of Austin’s best swimming holes! Check out our ultimate guide to the best places to swim in Austin and Central Texas.

Best Swimming Holes in Austin within 10 miles:

Best Swimming Holes within 10 to 30 miles around Austin:

Best Swimming Holes 30+ miles from Austin:

Barton Springs Pool A local favorite in Austin, Barton Springs Pool has been attracting all walks of life since its inception in 1837, from free-spirited, topless hula hoopers to congressmen to famous film directors. You can always count on a place to swim at Barton Springs Pool, and you can also always count on the water being a brisk 68 degrees. If you haven’t been to Barton Springs Pool, go ASAP! 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: 5 am to 10 pm Directions: Take Barton Springs Rd from downtown Austin and turn left into the park entrance. For newcomers, it’s just on the other side of the road from the massive field at Zilker Park. Pro Tip: A lot of things are prohibited at Barton Springs Pool, so go with as little on your person as possible. They also offer an hour of free swimming every night from 9 pm to 10 pm, so you can easily avoid the crowds and fees.

Barton Springs Spillway A popular spot for owners to bring their dogs, Barton Springs Spillway is a great little spot to enjoy the brisk water of Barton Springs Pool without paying the $3 entrance fee. Bring your tube, jump in the cold water, and enjoy the day for free! 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746 Entrance Fee: None Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: Head to Barton Springs and stay east of the actual pool area, outside of the gates. Pro Tip: Barton Springs Spillway can get very crowded. Instead of going during busy hours, visit on off hours for a more relaxing experience.

Deep Eddy Pool While not as popular as Barton Springs Pool, Deep Eddy Pool is also a notable and historic swimming hole that provides locals with a fantastic spot to swim during the summer. Since the Colorado River provides the water for this man-made pool, you can always bet on water temperatures being around 70 degrees. If you’re looking to wade in the water or swim laps, Deep Eddy Pool is the swimming hole to visit! 401 Deep Eddy Ave, Austin, TX 78703 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: 8 am to 8 pm Directions: From downtown Austin, head west on 6th Street and cross under Mopac Loop 1. Here, 6th, 5th, and Cesar Chavez converge to form Lake Austin Blvd. Just after the intersection at Mopac, turn left onto Deep Eddy Ave. Pro Tip: During the summer, Deep Eddy Pool provides Splash Party Movie Nights, showing family-friendly films on an inflatable screen! Check their website for showtimes.

Red Bud Isle One of the more popular leash-free dog parks in town, Red Bud Isle is also a great place to swim in Lake Austin if you’re a dog. Unfortunately, swimming is still illegal. Located just before the Lake Austin Dam, Red Bud offers easy parking and access to the less traversed area of Lady Bird Lake just outside of downtown. Visit the park’s website for more information! 3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746 Entrance Fee: None Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: Take Lake Austin Blvd west from downtown and turn left onto Redbud Trail. You can also take Enfield Rd toward the lake and turn left onto Lake Austin Blvd, then a quick right onto Redbud Trail. You’ll see the entrance to the park on your left. Pro Tip: Near the southern tip of Red Bud Isle, along the eastern shore of Lady Bird Lake, there is a rope swing that you can only get to via boat or swim (unless you know the secret entrance by the apartments). Enjoy it!

Twin Falls The baby brother to Sculpture Falls, Twin Falls is one of the best swimming holes in the Barton Creek Greenbelt. This swimming hole comes equipped with a rope swing, a jumping rock, plenty of sun and shade, and your fair share of crusty hippies (if you’re into that kind of thing). It can get fairly crowded on the weekends, so try to visit Twin Falls away from peak hours! 3918 S MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78746 Entrance Fee: None Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: From downtown, take Highway 71/290 West to the exit for Highway 360. Take 360 to the light where it intersects with Mopac Loop 1 and turn left onto the South Mopac access road. Don’t merge onto the highway. Stay right and park close to the trailhead. Head down to the creek and stay right toward Twin Falls for about five miles. If you’re feeling lost, check out the maps at the entrance and they’ll tell you where to go. Pro Tip: For the most part during the summer, the Twin Falls swimming hole will be dry, but in early fall (September/October), it’s a beautiful swimming hole after a big rainfall. Hide your valuables in your car; break-ins have been known to happen!

Gus Fruh Trail at Barton Creek Greenbelt Gus Fruh Trail is the access trail to the Barton Creek Greenbelt from Barton Hills Dr. It offers easy access for folks looking for great climbing and a superb swimming hole from the Lamar Blvd side of the greenbelt! While it is also pretty dry during the summer, it becomes an intimate swimming hole after a heavy rainfall in the early months of fall. 2642 Barton Hills Drive, Austin, TX 78704 Entrance Fee: None Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: From downtown, your best bet is to take Barton Springs Dr west toward Zilker Park, turn left onto Robert E. Lee Rd, and then right onto Barton Hills Dr. You’ll see the trailhead on the right. Pro Tip: This place is great for wading and soaking during the summer, especially since there’s plenty of shade. Be sure to check water levels before you head over!

West Lake Beach West Lake Beach is a great place to take your family and friends! Located along Lake Austin, just north of the Lake Austin Dam, West Lake Beach features a roped-off swimming area that gets up to six feet deep! 2509 Westlake Dr, Austin, TX 78746 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: Saturday 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday 11 am to 7 pm, open during the week by special arrangement Directions: From Mopac, take 15th/Enfield Rd west to Lake Austin Blvd. Turn left onto Lake Austin Blvd, then a quick right onto Red Bud Trail. Follow Red Bud Trail until you get to the intersection of West Lake Dr. (a gas station is on the corner). Follow West Lake Dr for 1.9 miles and keep right at the split. Follow it along the water to West Lake Beach. Pro Tip: The only way you can enter and access West Lake Beach is by making a reservation, it is no longer open to the public. West Lake Beach is often rented out for private events, so make sure to reserve ahead of time. Their phone number is (512) 327-9004.

Sculpture Falls Moderately hidden away down a one-mile hike in the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Sculpture Falls is one of the choice spots for Austin natives to cool off during the summertime (though it’s rather gorgeous all year round). You’ll find people doing everything from relaxing in the water to throwing a football to canoeing after a heavy rainfall! 1710 Camp Craft Rd, Austin, TX 78746 Entrance Fee: None Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: From downtown, take Highway 71/290 West and exit at Highway 360 North. Take a left onto Scottish Woods Trail off of Hwy 360 until it meets 1710 Camp Craft Rd. Park your car on the street and walk up the road until you see the entrance to Greenbelt Trail. Follow the stony steps down about a mile, making sure you always fork to the right. Once you hit the bottom, take another right and keep on walking. Follow it down until you hear people or running water. Pro Tip: Only go if it has rained in Austin recently, because Barton Creek tends to dry up during summer droughts. As a general rule of thumb, wait a couple days for the bacteria to clear from the water after a heavy rain.

Commons Ford Ranch Commons Ford Ranch is a lakefront park on Lake Austin that is great for taking the family out for the afternoon with the dog or enjoying a scenic picnic. The park offers a volleyball court, barbeque pit, picnic tables and many trails to explore. Visit the park website for ore infromation about Commons Ford Ranch! 614 Commons Ford Road, Austin, TX 78733 Entrance Fee: None Hours: 1 pm to 6 pm from Tues – Sun Directions: From downtown Austin, merge onto TX-1 Loop S and take exit toward Texas 360 Loop N/Capital of Tx Hwy. Turn right onto TX 360 Loop N and exit/turn left at Farm to Market Road 2244/Bee Cave Road. Turn right onto Cuernavaca Drive and left onto Commons Ford Road. You’ll see signs for the park. Pro Tip: Take a car that is good for offroad parking and once parked, follow the rock path to the park.

McKinney Falls McKinney Falls is one of the closest state parks to central Austin that you can actually enjoy a nice swim in. It’s also great for hiking, camping, and simply catching a break from the city. If you’re looking for a nearby but more remote swimming hole in Austin, McKinney Falls is sure to please! 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: 8 am to 10 pm (unless you’re camping)! Directions: From downtown Austin, take I-35 south to Highway 71/290 East (Ben White Blvd). Exit for Montopolis Dr. Take a right on Montopolis Dr, left onto Burleson Rd, and then right onto McKinney Falls Pkwy. You’ll see signs for the park. Pro Tip: Take the path to the Lower Falls for better swimming!

Bull Creek Bull Creek weaves in and out of gorgeous Highway 360 for 12 miles, beginning in north central Travis County and ending in Lake Austin, where it merges with the Colorado River. That being said, there are a lot of incredible water spots along Bull Creek. If you’re looking to explore some fantastic trails and swimming holes in Austin that don’t get as much attention, Bull Creek might just be your new favorite spot! 300 Old Spicewood Springs Road Austin, TX, 78759 Entrance Fee: None Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: From downtown, take Highway 360 north until it hits Spicewood Springs Rd. Once on Spicewood Springs Rd, take an immediate right onto Old Spicewood Springs Rd and follow that down until you see trailhead parking on the left. Pro Tip: Choose to get lost in this beautiful creek system! After a little exploring, you’ll find a lot of trails to go down. They usually lead to some pretty awesome and unexpected swimming holes and secluded spots. See if you can find the abandoned car!

Blue Hole at Georgetown Georgetown’s Blue Hole is located along the South San Gabriel River in Blue Hole Park in Georgetown, TX, north of Austin. It’s mostly a wading area, as you’re no longer allowed to jump off the cliffs due to low water levels, but there are great limestone bluffs, plenty of trails nearby, and close parking. It’s a very popular local swimming hole in the summertime! 100 Blue Hole Park, Georgetown, TX 78626 Entrance Fee: None Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: From Austin, take I-35 north through Round Rock and exit University. Turn left onto Austin Ave. From there you should be able to see the Blue Hole Park five blocks north of Georgetown Square. If you have trouble, call and ask: (512) 930-3595. Pro Tip: Now that jumping off cliffs is against the law, there are nasty rumors about the hole being a police trap for jumpers; it’s not. Just don’t go there if you’re looking for jumping and rope swings. The Blue Hole is really the best when you’re there to relax and wade in the water!

Hippie Hollow Hippie Hollow is a “clothing optional” park located in the gorgeous Hill Country of Lake Travis. This beautiful park is situated among 109 acres of pristine land only 20 miles from downtown Austin. This self-proclaimed “safe, nudist atmosphere” is a beautiful spot to take a dip and spend an afternoon right outside of the city. 7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: 9 am to Sunset Directions: From downtown Austin, go north on Mopac Loop 1 until you reach RM 2222. Head west on RM 2222 until it turns into Bullick Hollow Rd. Continue on Bullick Hollow Rd until you reach Oasis Bluff Dr. Take a left on Oasis Bluff, then a right on Comanche Trail. Pro Tip: Since this park is clothing-optional, it is 18+ only! Make sure to keep Hippie Hollow’s park rules in mind, if you don’t know the park rules, check out their website!

St. Edward’s Park St. Edward’s Park is a hidden gem in Austin. Not only is it beautiful and perfect for those looking to hike, bike, and run, but it has some amazing swimming holes too. If you’re the wandering explorer type, St. Edward’s Park was made for you. After a heavy rain, it’s hard not to find a swimming hole here! 7301 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759 Entrance Fee: None Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: From downtown, head north on Mopac Loop 1. Take the exit toward Highway 183 North (Research Blvd). Follow 183 for about a mile and then turn left onto Highway 360 (Capital of Texas Highway/Great Hills Trail). Turn right onto Spicewood Springs Rd. and you’ll see the park entrance on your left. Pro Tip: It’s easy to get lost in St. Edward’s Park. When you’re going down the trail, merge to the right until there is a huge open field. Follow that path to the right and straight for about a half mile. When you see another dirt path, take a left then enter Rope Swing Heaven!

Emma Long Metropolitan Park Arguably the only swimming hole in Austin with a true “beach” shorefront, Emma Long Park sits along Lake Austin providing cool water to swim in year round, even when the water level is relatively low. Though it can get crowded during the summer, it’s fairly easy to find your own spot to enjoy the water along the long strip of land! 1706 City Park Road, Austin TX, 78730 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: 8 am to 7 pm Directions: From downtown Austin, take Mopac Loop 1 north. Exit for RM 2222 (Northland Dr) and turn left. Follow 2222 through the hills, cross Highway 360 (Capital of Texas Highway), and turn left onto City Park Rd. Follow it four miles and you’ll dead end into the park. Pro Tip: Walk up the river about half a mile to escape where the majority of the crowd swims and find your own private swimming hole to enjoy!

Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point Bob Wentz Park is located in the basin area of the scenic Hill County of Lake Travis. This water-recreation hotspot is popular for windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving, and swimming during the summertime. The sandy shoreline of Bob Wentz Park provides pedestrians with a beautiful spot to sunbathe, play volleyball, go for a peaceful walk, or just spend a lazy summer afternoon with friends! 7144 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: 8 am to Sunset Directions: rom downtown Austin, go south on Mopac Loop 1 until you reach RM 2222. Go west on RM 2222 until it turns into Bullick Hollow Rd. Continue on Bullick Hollow Rd until you reach Oasis Bluff Dr. Take a left on Oasis Bluff until you reach Comanche Trail. The destination will be on your right. Pro Tip: Parking often reaches capacity during peak summer months, so be prepared to wait up to an hour if you don’t get there early, as they operate on a “five in, five out” basis!

Mansfield Dam Park Located adjacent to the Mansfield Dam on the main body of Lake Travis, this popular boating spot is also a fantastic spot for swimmers. Providing a roped-off swimming area away from boats for pedestrians, this beautiful park is perfect for those looking to escape the city for an afternoon to clear their minds! 4370 Mansfield Dam Rd., Austin, TX 78734 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: From downtown Austin, go south on Mopac Loop 1 until you reach RM 2222. Go west on RM 2222 until it turns into RR 620. Turn left onto RR 620 N for about four miles until you reach Commanders Point Dr. Keep going until it turns into Mansfield Dam Rd and you reach your destination on the left. Pro Tip: When the water gets low on Lake Travis, many new islands appear. Bring your tube and a camera and let your inner explorer run free!

Pace Bend It boasts over nine miles of shoreline, which means that there’s plenty of swimming to be had. Pace Bend is also great for the avid cliff jumper. The limestone cliffs of Lake Travis form the perfect setting to enjoy a safe cliff jump into Lake Travis! 2011 Pace Bend Rd N, Spicewood, TX 78669 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: Day use is sunrise to sunset, but Pace Bend also offers overnight use. Directions: From downtown Austin, take Highway 71 West for about 20 miles, then head north on FM 2322, and then hang a right onto Grisham Trail. Pro Tip: Pale Face is one of the more notorious spots to jump. Be aware that the climb back up is pretty difficult. Also keep an eye on water levels. Pace Bend is known for being a great place to cliff jump, but with current water levels, you’ve got to take extra caution when picking your spots.

Reimer’s Ranch Reimer’s Ranch is an open parkland located along the Pedernales River, and it’s actually the largest parkland acquisition in the history of Travis County. Mostly known for its rock climbing, Reimer’s has an awesome beach area where swimmers go to stroke, soak, and sunbathe! 23610 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: 8 am to Sunset Directions: From downtown, take Highway 71/290 West (Ben White Blvd) toward the “Y.” Veer right and take Highway 71 West at the split. Stay on 71 for eight miles and then turn left onto Hamilton Pool Rd (FM 3238) in Bee Cave. The park entrance is located a little over 10 miles along Hamilton Pool Rd, and it’s about 2,000 feet before the Hamilton Pool park entrance. Pro Tip: The earlier you leave the house, the better. During prime swimming months, Reimer’s gets busy with climbers, bikers, and swimmers!

Lake Pflugerville With many activities to engage in that are family oriented, Lake Pflugerville offers fishing, swimming, jogging, canoes, kayaks and wind surfing. There are also seven fishing piers and a 3-mile trail for walking or jogging. If you want to participate in any athletic events, Lake Pflugerville has 3k and 5k races, triathlon competitions and non-motorized boating activities! Lake Pflugerville, Pflugerville, TX 78660 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: 10 am to 10 pm Directions: ake TX 130 North and take exit 431 to Pecan Street, then turn left onto Weiss Lane. Lake Pflugerville should be straight ahead. Pro Tip: Children who are ages 16 and younger can fish without a permit. Motorized power boats and glass bottles are prohibited. The park’s pavilion is available to be reserved for celebrations and has a capacity to fit 125 people. Reservations must be made in person at the Pflugerville Recreation Center between 9 am to 5 pm!

Walnut Creek Kid friendly and dog friendly, Walnut Creek offers a mountain bike trail, picnic areas with barbecue pits and shade, basketball courts, volleyball courts, softball fields, playgrounds and swimming pools! 12138 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753 Entrance Fee: None Hours: 5 am to 10 pm Directions: Take Mopac North and exit to State Route 734/Parmer Lane, then turn right on Willow Wild Drive. Pro Tip: The soccer fields may be crowded because soccer teams practice on them. Sometimes they even feature movies in the park! Check their website to see the Walnut Creek Park’s movie schedules.

San Marcos River Three words: Snorkeling. In. Texas. The San Marcos River is a great place to enjoy crystal-clear water! There are countless swimming holes located along this 75-mile river, and several riverside parks as well. A local favorite is the Rio Vista Dam access point, which features a three-tier swimming hole. The river system extends from San Marcos down to Luling, TX, and there are an array of activities to take part in throughout. City Park Street, San Marcos, TX 78666 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: Call ahead for specific hours and dates: (512) 353-4628 Directions: From downtown Austin, head south on I-35 toward San Marcos. Exit for Aquarena Springs Dr. and that will put you in the heart of San Marcos. Pro Tip: Floating is by far the most popular activity on the river, but if you’re interested in finding a new place to take a dip, make a day of it and get some great BBQ while you’re in Luling!

Hamilton Pool Preserve This historic swimming hole is another treasure beloved by Austin natives. Located three-quarters of a mile upstream from the Pedernales River, Hamilton Creek spills over a 50-foot waterfall, forming the natural pool in a steep box canyon. Get there early, as there is a maximum number of visitors they allow into the preserve. Otherwise, plan on waiting in your vehicle for up to an hour before being admitted! 24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: 9 am to 1 pm or 2 pm to 6 pm Directions: From downtown Austin, take Highway 71/290 (Ben White Blvd) west and hang a right onto Highway 71 at the “Y.” Follow that for eight miles and then turn left onto Hamilton Pool Rd. Pro Tip: If it hasn’t rained recently, take the path to the left when the trail to Hamilton Pool forks. It will lead you to a spot where the Hamilton Creek and Pedernales River meet. It also provides some gorgeous scenery!

Krause Springs Quite possibly one of the best-kept secrets in Texas, Krause Springs is a breathtaking private springs located in Spicewood, 30 miles outside of Austin. Located in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas, Krause Springs has 32 springs on its 115-acre property, with one large natural swimming hole where you’ll see most people spending their time. With great water levels and temperatures year round, you never have to worry if the swimming will be great! 404 Krause Springs Rd., Spicewood, TX 78669 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: 9 am to Sunset Directions: Located in Spicewood, take Highway 71 west from downtown Austin and hang a right at the “Y.” Stay on 71 for 25 miles, until you see Texas Spur 191, and turn right. Take another right onto 404 (Mike Wall Ln) and take your first left onto Krause Springs Rd. Pro Tip: Krause Springs is on private property, so if you’re over 21, feel free to enjoy an adult beverage worry-free!

Jacob’s Well Located in the Wimberley Valley, Jacob’s Well is as much a geological landmark as it is a great spot to take a dip. The well is actually the end of an underground, natural spring, so the water is crisp and clear all year round. Public tours of the area are offered every Saturday at 10 am, but we recommend going out with a small group and relaxing in the pool! 221 Woodacre Drive, Wimberley, TX 78676 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: 8 am to 6 pm Directions: From downtown Austin, take Highway 71/290 West (Ben White Blvd) and stay straight onto Highway 290 at the “Y.” Take Highway 290 into Dripping Springs and then turn left onto Ranch Road 12. Take that south towards Wimberley. Turn right onto County Rd 182 (Jacob’s Well Rd) for two miles, then turn right onto Pleasant Valley, and another right onto Woodacre Dr. The park entrance will be on your right. Pro Tip: If you’re driving from Austin, be sure to leave for the well at a decent time. The drive will take you about an hour, and often visitors have trouble finding the actual well due to lack of signage. Give yourself plenty of time to explore! It’s all part of the allure!

Blue Hole at Wimberley The Blue Hole is a pristine section of land along the creek that has long been the go-to place for Central Texans looking for a picture-perfect Hill Country swimming experience. Named one of the top ten best Texas swimming holes regularly, the Blue Hole offers great swimming in the crystal-clear water, as well as camping! Blue Hole Road, Wimberley, TX 78676 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: 8 am to Sunset Directions: Head south on I-35 through Buda, exit for FM 1626/Kyle Pkwy, and stay on the access road. Turn right onto Kohler’s Crossing for a couple miles and then turn left onto FM 2770/Jack C. Hays Trail for one mile. Turn right onto FM 150 West for six miles and then continue onto FM 3237/Old Kyle Rd for about 10 miles. Take a right onto Old Kyle Rd and your next right will be Blue Hole Rd. Pro Tip: The park is currently undergoing a great deal of revitalization, so you’ve got to search a little harder to find that secluded, secret getaway spot. The majority of the Blue Hole Park currently caters to families and larger groups or parties. If you’re looking for something less crowded, we recommend going to Jacob’s Well!

Pedernales Falls If you are looking to escape the city and enjoy a quiet afternoon in a scenic spot with a beautiful river, look no further than Pedernales Falls! Unlike most of the places mentioned on this list, Pedernales Falls caters to those seeking more of a reflective afternoon than a social one. That’s not to say you can’t enjoy a fantastic day with your family or friends, though! 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: Just like heading to Hamilton Pool, take Highway 71/290 (Ben White Blvd) west from downtown. This time you’ll stay straight onto Highway 290 toward Dripping Springs. Follow 290 through Dripping Springs (approximately 25 miles) and then turn right onto RM 3232 for six miles. Turn right onto Co Rd 201 (Pedernales Falls Rd) and take your first left onto Park Rd 6026. Please note this is a partially restricted road. Pro Tip: To get to the falls, drive a little farther past the swimming area. The hike is worth the view!

Comal River The Comal River is one of the most popular swimming and tubing spots in the state. If you haven’t spent a day tubing down the Comal, you really can’t call yourself a Central Texan. New Braunfels is the most popular point from which to embark on the Comal River, and there are several tube rental companies that offer tubes, rafts, river shuttles, and more. Check out Texas Tubes, Comal Rockin’ R, Landa Falls, and Corner Tubes for specific rates and tube rentals! 664 South Seguin Avenue, New Braunfels, TX 78130 Entrance Fee: No entrance fee, but tube rental is dependent on the tube company. Hours: Depends on the tube company Directions: Downtown New Braunfels is where the majority of the tubing action is. Once you’re there, you’ll be able to easily navigate to your desired tube outfitter. From Austin, take I-35 south through San Marcos and exit for Seguin Ave. That will get you to the Comal River and a variety of tubing areas. Pro Tip: Go with a large group and bring your own tubes. You’ll save money by not having to rent. After a relaxing and fun ride, there are plenty of places to eat and drink in New Braunfels.

Blanco State Park Blanco State Park is a beautiful park with a lush, scenic river, perfect for enjoying a day away from the city during the summertime. Since the water comes from the Blanco River, you can almost always count on it being a brisk 70 degrees. Though not as popular as the San Marcos River or the Guadalupe River, you can rent tubes and canoes to take down the river if you’re looking for a little more adventure! 101 Park Road 23, Blanco, Tx. 78606 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: From downtown Austin take Mopac Loop 1 toward Highway 71/290 W. Turn right at 290 W and continue for roughly 25 miles until you hit FM 165. Turn left and continue on FM 165 for roughly 15 miles until you reach Chandler St (signs for Texas 163 Loop). Turn right on Chandler St and continue until you reach State Hwy P23. Turn left and keep a slight right on Park Road 23. Blanco State Park is on your left. Pro Tip: If you’re looking for some quality reflective time, the western part of the park is usually nowhere near as crowded as the rest of it.

Inks Lake Inks Lake is a bit farther of a drive from Austin and the farthest we’re going to recommend you drive, considering we’re trying to make it easy for you to get your swim on without having to drive to the beach. Inks Lake is a stunning Highland Lake located in the city of Burnet. Inks Lake State Park is a beautiful site to catch some rays in the water! 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: From downtown, take Mopac Loop 1 north. Take the exit for Highway 183 North/Research Blvd. Continue on 183 through the tolls for a little over 20 miles, then turn left onto Highway 29 West and drive 30 miles, through the town of Burnet. Take a left onto Park Road 4 West and you’ll see the park entrance on the right. Pro Tip: This place is gorgeous! We recommend making a weekend of it if you’re going to go. Bring a tent and a rod and enjoy the lake and surrounding trails. Also be sure to check out Devil’s Waterhole on the north shore of Inks Lake!

Guadalupe River State Park With endless spots to swim, wade, tube, canoe, and just enjoy a hot summer day, the Guadalupe River has it all. While the river can get low during really dry months, you can almost always count on the water being a brisk 68 degrees and high enough to swim. While this spot is a little bit of a longer drive than an hour from Austin, we’d be remiss not to include it on the list. Try to make a day of it and visit nearby Boerne or Spring Branch, TX! 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: 8 am to 10 pm Directions: From Austin, take I-35 south toward New Braunfels and exit for Highway 46 West. Follow 46 for 25 miles across Highway 281 and turn right onto State Park Road 31. Follow Park Road 31 for about five miles and you’ll see the park entrance on your right. Pro Tip: If you’re looking for some of the best tubing in Texas on the Guadalupe River, check out Lazy L & L!

Sewell Park Sewell Park sits on a stretch of the San Marcos River that winds through the Texas State University campus, making it a favorite spot for Texas State University students, who can often be seen sunbathing, picnicking, and playing Frisbee. Sewell Park is a great place to float the afternoon away on a tube or practice your snorkeling technique, as the visibility is generally high! 700 Aquarena Springs Dr San Marcos, TX 78666 Entrance Fee: None Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: Take I-35 south to San Marcos and take exit 206. Follow the service road as it curves to the right and continue on Aquarena Springs Dr. After a little over a mile this becomes University Dr, and Sewell Park is directly on the left. Pro Tip: This portion of the river has some plant life on the bottom that can reach the surface at certain times of year, so if that puts you off, call ahead to ask about the conditions before making the trip!

Rio Vista Park Rio Vista was appearing on top-ten lists of area swimming holes even before an extensive refurbishment, which turned Rio Vista Park into an excellent place to go tubing, white water rafting, kayaking, or to just enjoy a swim upstream. The park also provides other amenities such as restrooms, hike and bike trails, ball courts, and picnic areas! 601 Cheatham St San Marcos, TX 78666 Entrance Fee: None Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: Take I-35 south to San Marcos and take exit 204B. Follow the service road for close to a mile, then turn right on S CM Allen Pkwy, then another right on Cheatham St, and a left onto Reynolds St. Pro Tip: If Rio Vista Park is too packed, there are some other great swimming areas immediately upstream or downstream from Rio Vista. (You can also get to some secret swimming holes through the wildlife habitat park across the street from Rio Vista.)

John J. Stokes Park at Thompson’s Islands While this city park is a fantastic place to cast off your kayak and paddle downstream on relatively calm water, John J. Stokes Park is also a wonderful swimming hole, particularly the spot just downstream from the first bridge you’ll cross as you enter the park. Just east of I-35, this San Marcos River park is popular with locals! County Road 299 San Marcos, TX 78666 Entrance Fee: None Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Directions: Take I-35 south toward San Marcos and take the Hwy 80 exit east toward Lockhart. Turn right on River Rd, and just after the road loops to the right, take a left onto CR 299/Cape Rd. The park is a short distance down the road. Pro Tip: The concrete structure that forms the waterfall can get very slippery, so be careful if you venture that way!

Abbott’s Campground Located on the beautiful Guadalupe River outside New Braunfels, Abbott’s Campground is great for tubing, rafting, kayaking, and swimming, though the water can be quite chilly since its source is the deep Canyon Lake reservoir. However, this depth and temperature also makes Abbott’s Campground a good place for trout fishing! 546 Riverside Path Canyon Lake, TX 78133 Entrance Fee: None Hours: Weekdays after 12 pm to 6 pm and Weekends 10 am to 6 pm Directions: ake I-35 south toward New Braunfels and take exit 195. Take a right on Watson Ln, a left on FM 1102, and after about two miles, turn right on Hoffmann Ln. About two and a half miles later, take a right onto FM 306 and follow it about seven miles to Riverside Path, where you’ll take a right and see Abbott’s on the right. The park is a short distance down the road. Pro Tip: If you’re planning on tubing or kayaking, be sure to check the USGS river flow data for this part of the Lower Guadalupe, as the flow can be anywhere between a slow trickle and torrential rapids. Stop by The Shanty for a beer after your swim.

Camp Huaco Springs Get to Camp Huaco Springs early, because this prime stretch of the Guadalupe River is a very popular place for swimming, tubing, trout fishing, and kayaking, though you might have quite a few tubers to contend with. Located just outside New Braunfels, Camp Huaco is well run and offers about a mile of riverfront for sunbathing and relaxing! 4150 River Rd New Braunfels, TX 78132 Entrance Fee: Check website Hours: 9 am to 8 pm Directions: Take I-35 south toward New Braunfels and take exit 190B. Take a right on Post Rd, another right on Gruene Rd, a left onto Common St, and the first right onto TX-46E. After about a mile and a half, turn right on River Rd, which forks right after about two miles. Camp Huaco is roughly a mile after the fork, on the right. Pro Tip: There are a couple of places where it’s easy for swimmers to be swept downriver or for tubers to get flipped from their tubes, so be sure to ask for some guidance on how to avoid that, and hang on to your beverage!