For those of you who don’t already know, summer in Texas is long and HOT! Are you looking for a way to cool off? If so, the area’s pools and lakes may be your best option. Living in the area for several years, we have pinpointed some of our favorite swimming destinations. Below is our list of the Top 5 Central Texas swimming holes to beat the heat this summer, plus some of Northwest Austin’s top public pools:
Central Texas Swimming Holes
Located along the South Fork of the San Gabriel River in Georgetown, Blue Hole Park’s swimming area offers a great respite from the unrelenting heat of Texas. As the swimming zone is part of the San Gabriel River, the water here runs a bit warmer than other swimming holes in the area. It’s broad swimming area, numerous picnic tables, clean bathroom facilities, minimal crowds and proximity to Georgetown’s town square (six blocks to be exact) all make this swimming hole one of the top destinations in the area to beat the scorching heat of summer.
Location: 100 Blue Hole Park, Georgetown, TX 78626
The Deep Eddy Pool is the oldest and most historic swimming pool in Texas featuring a bathhouse built during the Depression era by the Works Progress Administration. The site, located on the Colorado River, was originally used as a swimming hole, because of the cold springs that rose from the river banks, became a resort, featuring a bathhouse, in the 1920s, and is now a popular swimming pool owned by the City of Austin. The shallow end, cool water, and massive cottonwood trees make this spot a family favorite! A small fee is required for admittance to the pool. Click here for more information.
Location: 401 Deep Eddy Ave., Austin, TX 78703
Three acres in size, Barton Springs Pool is fed from underground water and is a refreshing 68 degrees year-round (on average). With the beautiful trees, cold and clear water, and diving board, this is certainly a favorite among Austinites! Bring a mask and snorkel to explore all the fish life. Moss makes the bottom a bit slippery for young children and non-swimmers. Note nominal charge for admittance.
Location: Located in Zilker Park, 2201 Barton Springs, Austin, TX 78704
Formed by thousands of years of water erosion, Hamilton Pool is one of the most unique swimming and hiking destinations in the Austin area. Hamilton Pool is located 23 miles west of Austin and features a 50-foot waterfall, picnic tables, hiking trails, and restrooms. Reservations are now required to enter Hamilton Pool from May 1, 2017, to September 30, 2017 – click here to reserve your entrance to the pool.
Location: 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd., Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Running directly through downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake is an outdoor haven for all walks of Austin residents. Austinites love to use the 10-mile trail around the lake to get their daily exercise. In the summer months, rent kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards to enjoy life on the lake with unbeatable views of the Austin skyline.
Northwest Austin Public Pools
River Ridge Pool
- 414 S Ridge Circle, Georgetown, TX 78628
Williams Drive Pool
- 3201 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78628
Block House Swimming Pool Apac
- 3100 N Blockhouse Dr., Leander, TX 78641
Elizabeth Milburn Park and Pool
- 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park, TX 78613
Sendero Springs Pool
- 4203 Pasada Ln., Round Rock, TX 78681
Creekside Park & Pool
- 4300 Brushy Creek Rd., Round Rock, TX 78681
Lake Creek Pool
- 800 Deerfoot Drive, Round Rock, TX 78664
Cat Hollow Pool
- 8600 O’Connor Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681
Veteran’s Memorial Pool
- 2525 W New Hope Drive, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Dive into any one of these destinations for a crisp and refreshing Central Texas summer!
Do you have any questions about Northwest Austin and beyond? Give us a call; we would be happy to answer any questions you may have about these great communities!
Free fun in Austin has no limits! Below are a couple of free fun activities that we recommend in the Austin area. Have fun!
Concerts in the Park
Concerts in the Park happen every weekend at the Hartman Concert Park in front of the Long Center City Terrace. The Austin ensemble puts on a free concert with shows ranging from classic to jazz!
Tour the State Capitol
If you like history, then the Texas State Capitol is the place for you! The architecture of our Capitol building resembles the look of the U.S. Capitol building and the grounds surrounding the capitol are absolutely gorgeous — making for the perfect location to walk your dog or have a picnic in the park. Tours of the Capitol building are only free for groups of 10 or more with a reservation.
Baylor Street Art Wall
Spray paint art, also known as graffiti, is a great way to express yourself! However, it isn’t always legal — but thats not true of the Hope Outdoor Gallery. The Gallery is located on 11th Street and Baylor Street and boasts a tremendous view of downtown. The art here is always changing – so there is always something new for everyone to see!
Bull Creek Greenbelt
Bull Creek Greenbelt is a great location to explore the outdoors and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a drive, enjoy the creek, and if you’re really up for it, there is a 3.5-mile hiking trail that’s amazing!
Blues on the Green
Live music and Austin, Texas, basically go hand-in-hand, and it doesn’t get more Austin than the Blues on the Green concerts in Zilker Park. This concert series has been hosted every summer and is FREE to the public!
Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake runs directly through Austin, TX, and is an outdoor haven for Austin residents. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast then this Austin location is the place for you! Austinites love to use the 10-mile trail around the lake to get their daily exercise. Also, in the summer months, you can rent out kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards, and enjoy the outdoors on Lady Bird Lake.
Farmer’s Market
Look around for a local farmers market! This gives you the perfect opportunity to see local Austin fares and produce. Just because you go doesn’t mean you need to purchase anything, you can just go to people watch and see what local Austin farmers and small businesses have to offer!
South Congress
South Congress, known as SoCo to Austin locals, is the very definition of Keep Austin Weird. This Stretch of Austin, just south of downtown, is home to many weird shops, fun eateries, and great views of the Texas Capitol building! This is a stop you don’t want to miss.
Have you ever noticed that the mosquito level in Austin is low? Well, that’s because we have bats! Every night thousands of bats flock from the Congress Avenue Bridge to search for food (mosquitos). You have to see this at least once! Just beware that it may stink!
Austin Wall Murals
Austin is no stranger to weird art, and these wall murals all over the city describe that perfectly! The most photographed mural, “I love you so much,” is located just near South Congress. So, grab a friend and pose for pictures at this wall mural and explore the city! Have fun!
Resources:
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2012/oct/17/austin-top-10-outdoor-activities
http://www.austintop50.com/p/top-50-things-to-do-in-austin-this.html