10 Best Swimming Holes in Austin

Nestled within McKinney Falls State Park, Onion Creek meanders gently. It offers idyllic spots to splash in the shallows or energetically jump off the cliffs and ledges, plunging into the deep, clear pools below. Only 13 miles from Austin, it feels like a different world, with mesmerising falls, sparkling cool water, and majestic cypress trees watching over you.

Offering hours of fun for the whole family, this is a popular destination for both locals and visitors and therefore purchasing a day pass in advance is strongly recommended.

As you enter the refreshingly cool lake water at Emma Long Metropolitan Park, feel the sand squish between your toes and admire the magnificent oak and juniper trees that line the banks and provide welcome shade from the hot Texan sun.

This fabulous swimming spot on the banks of Lake Austin, with its small sandy beach area, roped-off shallow waters, and picnic areas and grills, is a particularly brilliant find for families with young children. Just be aware that the park is a cash-free zone and advanced reservations are required from Friday to Sunday.

Hamilton Pool Preserve is fed by a stunning 50-foot waterfall that cascades past delicate ferns into a beautiful and natural limestone grotto. The rocky shoreline and U-shaped overhang, combined with crystal jade water, have made this spot the backdrop for many a photo op and film (including ‘Predators’ and ‘The Tree of Life’).

Although 23 miles from Austin in Dripping Springs, this is the go-to swimming hole for those in the know. Take the opportunity to dive and swim with the local turtles or simply float on your back and try to spot the Golden-Cheeked Warbler flying above.

Find your favourite spot on the banks of Lake Pflugerville, then choose whether to take a plunge in the refreshing reservoir or lay back and watch the kite surfers fly across the water. This impressive lake is 20 miles northeast of Austin and, as well as having plenty of room for everyone, amenities such as changing rooms and bathrooms make for an easy day out.

If you’re looking for some beach vibes, there is more than one sandy area and many shallow areas for kids to safely have fun in the water, making it a popular destination for families. The bottom of the lake is pebbled, so water shoes are a good idea.

If you’ve always wanted to plunge from a rope swing into the crystal-clear waters of a scenic lagoon, then Blue Hole is your answer. Spring-fed, surrounded by stunning limestone bluffs and lined with magnificent cypress trees, it has magical qualities that make the 50-minute drive from Austin worth every second.

Be adventurous and swim into the deeper waters where you’ll meet a variety of fish or simply splash in the shallows before drying off on the grassy lawn. Just be aware that there are no on-site reservation facilities so reservations to swim must be made online in advance of your visit.

Surrounded by sumptuous forest, Twin Falls is a breathtaking area in which to take a relaxing swim. Whether you choose the stream above the falls or the deeper pool below, the echoing sound of cascading water and the beauty of your surroundings will allow you to unwind. A naturally formed seating area just below one of the falls makes it feel like you’re in a first-class spa but, if you’ve had enough relaxation, the second fall boasts a jumping platform into a deep pool.

It's only a short drive from Austin but bear in mind that there are no cafes and restaurants in the area. If you can time your visit straight after a rainfall, you’ll see Twin Falls in all its glory, alive with greens and booming with water.

Deep Eddy is a spring-fed, man-made pool close to Austin which has the honour of being the oldest pool in Texas. If you’re a serious swimmer who likes to cover distance, then this is the place to come, as half of the pool is dedicated to lap swimming. However, the other half has a beach entry and is aimed at those who just want to have fun in the water. Whichever side you choose, ensure you have plenty of sun cream, as the pool isn’t shaded.

Deep Eddy may be old, but it definitely keeps its cool status by hosting regular family film nights. Watching your favourite film whilst floating on the water is an experience not to be missed!

Jacob’s Well is a photographer’s dream and a must-visit place for daredevils, as well as being a quirky and exciting swimming experience. You’ll quickly discover that swimmers at this hole are divided into 2 distinct types – those that relax in the picturesque, crystal-clear shallows and those that make waves as they cliff jump off a rocky platform into the spectacular 120-foot deep well.

If you don’t want to jump but still want to look down the well (an unmissable, eerie experience) aim for high noon when you can see to even deeper depths and try to fathom out its hidden secrets.

Dive into the cool, crystalline spring water of Barton Springs pool and immediately feel rejuvenated in mind and body. This impressive 3-acre limestone pool set within Zilker Park allows you to escape the scorching Texan heat whilst meeting tadpoles, fish, and of course the endangered Barton Springs Salamander, so easy to spot with their distinctive bright red external gills.

Make a splash as you cannonball into the deep zone, perfect your diving technique on the diving board, swim leisurely from side to side, or simply float and watch the world go by. And remember that, many years ago, a 5-year-old Robert Redford learned to swim here.

Secret Beach, a secluded sandy beach just outside Austin, is a perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages and families with children who want to explore. The hike to the beach is an adventure in itself and it’s likely you’ll meet at least 1 deer as you make your way along the trail.

Swimming is unfortunately no longer allowed at Secret Beach, but you can still paddle, wade, splash about, and have fun at the edge of the water. Don’t forget your bucket and spade as the sand makes incredible sandcastles. Why not stay on into the evening and enjoy a campfire with friends?