The Best Watering Holes in and Near Austin
Summer is definitely here! Ninety and 100 degree temps are no joke deep in the heart of Central Texas, and if you’re feeling overheated, we encourage you to think about two things:
#1. The Snowpocalypse of 2021 (remember 9-degree temps?!), and
#2. The top 7 BEST watering holes near Austin
We’re confident these two things will keep you going strong. Without further ado, the best watering holes near Austin, in no particular order...cannon ball!!!
Barton Springs
You know about “the Springs,” but do you know about the Springs? Like free late night swim from 9 to 10 pm (except Monday and Thursday)? Or random yoga pop ups at the Monkey Tree (on the back side of Barton Springs Pool off of Azie Morton Road)? Or the natural side that is free to enter (on the side of the park near Robert E. Lee)? If not, you haven’t experienced the Springs.
The Greenbelt
Tucked away, south of downtown, by the Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls area of the greenbelt. Cool down in the shallow creek waters in a slow-moving current and enjoy picnicking or time soaking up the sun on the sidelines. Note: The best entrance is on the southwest side of MoPac (Loop 1) and 360, though parking can sometimes be a bit tricky. When driving south on MoPac, you will see cars parked to the right along the side of frontage road, so you will know you've come to the right place. Once parked, there is about a half-mile hike on a well-defined path to reach the watering spot.
Deep Eddy Pool
401 Deep Eddy Dr., Austin, TX 78703
http://austintexas.gov/department/deep-eddy-pool
If you're looking for a classic public pool experience in the heart of Austin, Deep Eddy is the golden ticket. An old time Austin staple that screams creamsicle orange push-pops, bright pink sunglasses, the smell of Coppertone sunscreen and muscle tee tan lines—total old school summer vibes. Also offers lap swimming, wading pool and pool-side movies in the summer.
Krause Springs
404 Krause Springs, Spicewood, TX 78669
https://krausesprings.net/about
A camping and swimming site located in the Hill Country, in Spicewood, Texas (approximately 30 miles northwest of Austin). The 115-acre property has 32 springs, and several feed the man-made pool and the natural pool which flow into Lake Travis.
Jacob’s Well
1699 Mt Sharp Rd., Wimberley, TX 78676
http://jwna.checkfront.com/reserve/
Jacob’s Well is the second largest fully submerged cave in Texas. It delivers several thousand gallons of water per minute. Swimming is available in two-hour time slots, by reservation only, from May 1 - September 30.
Hamilton Pool
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd., Dripping Springs, TX 78620
https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/hamilton-pool-preserve
A hop, skip and 40-minute jump (drive) away from central Austin takes you to a whole new world in the Texas Hill Country. Jump into the swimming hole with a 50-foot waterfall. Reservations are required.