Texans are tough enough to endure the heat that comes with living in paradise, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t come up with a few ways to stay cool. Raspas and margaritas are summer staples, but nothing works quite as well as being in the water. Whether you’re down for swimming, tubing, canoeing or kayaking, we’ve found the most gorgeous and fun freshwater spots for you to spend some time in.
Comal River 1880 Interstate 35 Business, New Braunfels, (830) 387-4408, comaltubes.com Because tubing down the Comal is a Texan rite of passage. Photo via Instagram, _jeepingtx_
Barton Springs 2201 Barton Springs Road, Austin, (512) 867-3080, austintexas.gov Play a few rounds of ultimate frisbee in the nearby Zilker Park, then cool off with a swim. Photo via Instagram, olivialsilvestri
Frio River 234 RR 1050, Concan, (830) 232-6132, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner Would your year be complete without a swim or two in the Frio River? Photo via Instagram, axel.sir
Hippie Hollow 7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, (512) 854-7275, hippiehollow.com Let it all hang out at this nude beach, ya hippie. Photo via Instagram, iamthezizz
Krause Springs 404 Krause Spring Rd, Spicewood, (830) 693-4181, krausesprings.net Choose between the manmade pool and natural pools with a waterfall and grotto. We think we know which one you’ll love more. Photo via Instagram, lorenzomarezphotography
Devils River State Natural Area 21715 Dolan Creek Rd, Del Rio, (830) 395-2133, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/devils-river You might scratch up your body on the rocks, but the water is totally worth it. Photo via Instagram, jcra8ton
Landa Park 164 Landa Park Dr, New Braunfels, (830) 221-4350, nbtexas.org The inner child in you is already so excited for that slide, we know. Photo via Instagram, katgus
Rio Vista Park 555 Cheatham St, San Marcos, (512) 393-8400 Spend a day on the water and practice your kayaking skills. Photo via Instagram, miss_yvette_rod
McKinney Falls State Park 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, (512) 243-1643, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls Take a dip in calmer waters or battle the current right next to the falls. Photo via Instagram, harlenem
Cattail Falls Big Bend National Park, visitbigbend.com Big Bend is practically it’s own state, so make sure to visit this exquisite waterfall when you’re exploring. Photo via Instagram, ld08rn
Blue Hole 100 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, (512) 660-9111, blueholeregionalpark.com Save yourself from getting beaten by the Texas sun by jumping in these waters with plenty of shade from the trees. Photo via Instagram, ipheek
Blue Lagoon 649 Pinedale Rd, Huntsville, (936) 438-8888, facebook.com/BlueLagoonScuba Grab a tube and friend, and get your ass down to Blue Lagoon. Photo via Instagram, nicoletfinger
Campbell’s Hole Barton Creek, Austin, facebook.com/pages/Campbells-Hole Make a few splashes in these serene waters. Photo via Facebook, Carole Yeong
Colorado Bend State Park Bend, (325) 628-3240, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/colorado-bend Whether you want to go fishing, paddling or both, you can do it all at Colorado Bend. Photo via Instagram, tailsofcharmingcharlie
Hamilton Pool 24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs, (512) 264-2740, parks.traviscountytx.gov Because where else but Texas would you find something so cool? Photo via Instagram, matthew_little_g
Westcave Waterfall 24814 Hamilton Pool Road, Round Mountain, (830) 825-3442, westcave.org Explore these caves and relax underneath the natural waterfall. Photo via Instagram, douggep
Twin Falls S Mo-Pac Expy, Austin, (512) 974-6700, facebook.com/TwinFallsofAustin You know you’re tempted to belt out “Part of Your World” on those rocks. Photo via Instagram, jmmmaniar
Guadalupe State Park 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, (830) 438-2656, tpwd.texas.gov/guadalupe-river Tired of swimming? You can still enjoy the river by tube or canoe. Photo via Instagram, guadaluperiverstatepark
Fort Clark Springs 300 US-90, Brackettville, (830) 563-2493, fortclark.com Clear waters, full coolers, can’t lose. Photo via Instagram, the_maryann
Gorman Falls Colorado Bend State Park, (325) 628-3240, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/colorado-bend Hike the Gorman Falls trail and end your rugged excursion with a swim. Photo via Instagram, luen96
Paradise Canyon 2220 Co Rd 2615, Rio Medina, (830) 751-9911, paradisecanyon.com Try something new and go snorkeling at one of the water spots closest to SA. Photo via Instagram, ashlip_lium88
Riding River Ranch 971 Kent Creek Rd, Leakey, (830) 555-1234, ridingriverranch.com With a swimming spot as beautiful as this one, you won’t want to get out of the water. Photo via Instagram, ibethekatiemae
Jacob’s Well 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, (512) 214-4593, co.hays.tx.us Who wouldn’t want to dive into this gorgeous well? Photo via Instagram, silverhero
Schumacher Crossing Hunt, hillcountryoutdoorguide.com/location/schumacher-crossing/ Prepare to see plenty of fish right by this man made waterfall. Photo via Instagram, strawberry_roan
Blanco State Park 101 Park Road 23, Blanco, (830) 833-4333, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/blanco There’s enough water for days, but your trip won’t be complete without a few hours of swimming. Photo via Instagram, pj_dunn