There’s nothing better on a scorching Texas summer day than a refreshing swim. If the neighborhood pool isn’t doing it for you, though, the state offers other great ways to spend a day on the water — from swimming holes and lakes to picturesque spring-fed pools.
We rounded up beautiful swimming spots from across the Lone Star State, focusing on places near San Antonio and road-trip worthy destinations. Hell, we even threw in one place where you can swim nude!

234 RR 1050, Concan, (830) 232-6132, tpwd.texas.gov
Located along 2.9 miles of the Frio River, generations of Texans have spent their summer days at Garner State Park swimming or floating along to beat the blazing heat. Credit: Shutterstock / Roschetzky Photography



9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, (432) 375-2370, tpwd.texas.gov
Located in the West Texas town of Toyahvale, Balmorhea State Park’s legendary swimming pool is worth the lengthy drive to get there. Fed by San Solomon Springs, the park’s pool stays 72 to 76 degrees year-round. Visitors can swim, snorkel and even scuba dive in the 1.3-acre pool, which reaches depths of up to 25 feet. Credit: Shutterstock / Marcus Wennrich

7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, (512) 854-7275, parks.traviscountytx.gov
Located in the basin area of Lake Travis approximately half an hour from downtown Austin, Hippie Hollow is a hidden gem. What makes it particularly special — and not for everyone — is that it’s the only clothing optional public park in Texas. That’s right: you can swim in the buff here. Because of this, entry to the park is restricted to visitors 18 and older. Credit: Wikimedia Commons / LoneStarMike

3630 Park Road 4 W, Burnet, (512) 793-2223, tpwd.texas.gov
Part of Inks Lake, the sparkling blue waters and colorful rocks of the Devil’s Waterhole are the perfect backdrop for breathtaking Texas sunsets. Time your visit just right with when the Valley Spring Creek is running — then, you’ll be able to explore the scenic waterfalls upstream. Credit: Shutterstock / Silvio Ligutti

2131 William Barton Drive, Austin, (512) 974-6300, austintexas.gov
Nestled in central Austin’s Zilker Park, the 68-to-70-degree spring water at Barton Springs makes for a great stop to cool off during a day of exploring the city. The 3-acre pool also serves as home for the endangered Barton Springs Salamander. Credit: Shutterstock / Roschetzky Photography

5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy., Austin, (512) 243-1643, tpwd.texas.gov
Located at the confluence of Onion Creek and Williamson Creek, this Austin spot is truly an escape from city life without being out in the sticks. The park offers a variety of activities, including camping, hiking, mountain biking, road biking, bouldering and geocaching, plus swimming and fishing at Onion Creek. Credit: Shutterstock / Silvio Ligutti


2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, (830) 868-7304, tpwd.texas.gov
Not too far from Johnson City are the tranquil, though sometimes turbulent, waters at Pedernales Falls. Certain areas are available to swim in, and there’s also chances for tubing, canoeing and kayaking down the river. Credit: Shutterstock / Brandon Seidel

164 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels, (830) 387-4408, playinnewbraunfels.com
What better way to spend the day than a relaxing float down the Comal River with your best friends and some tunes? After it emerges from the ground at Comal Springs, the Comal River becomes the shortest navigable river in Texas before feeding into the Guadalupe. Credit: Library of Congress / Carol M. Highsmith

101 Park Road 23, Blanco, (830) 833-4333, tpwd.texas.gov
Just an hour north of San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country, the spring-fed river of Blanco State Park makes for a perfect day trip with its space for swimming as well as fishing, paddling, or even a weekend campout. Credit: Shutterstock / Philip Arno Photography

401 Deep Eddy Ave., Austin, (512) 472-8546, austintexas.gov
Austin’s Deep Eddy is the oldest swimming pool in Texas. Capacity is limited, so get there early to beat the crowds. Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0

3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, (830) 438-2656, tpwd.texas.gov
Swim, tube, canoe or fish — or do all four! With four miles of river frontage, Guadalupe State Park is sure to make for a full day. Credit: Shutterstock / Thomas Males



FM 3404, Kingsland, lakesandhills.com
Sunbathe and wade in the shallow waters at this popular gathering spot along the Llano River in the Hill Country town of Kingsland. Fishing and RV camping are also allowed here, making this spot a treat for all types of vacationers. Credit: Shutterstock / Gloria Jewell

Highway 90 West, Del Rio, (830) 775-7491, nps.gov
Escape the desert heat in the waters of the U.S. portion of the International Amistad Reservoir, a “borderland paradise” known best for its water recreation, camping, hiking and rock art viewing. Swimming is restricted in certain areas, so head to Governors Landing or Diablo East if you’re looking to take a dip in this natural oasis. Credit: Shutterstock / Wirestock Creators

1769 Canyon Park Road, Canyon Lake, (830) 907-2300, wordcc.com/canyon-park
Canyon Park, one of the designated swimming spots at Canyon Lake, is located on the lake’s northern shore. With picnic tables, closable grills and a beach, it’s practically like you’re at the gulf — minus the salt water, of course. Credit: Shutterstock / Tricia Daniel


14444 PR 37, Lakehills, (830) 612-2715, banderacowboycapital.com
While better known as a fishing and boating destination, visitors are more than welcome to go for a swim, whether mid-fishing trip or after a picnic at Bandera County Park. The park is currently closed due to low water levels in Medina Lake after extended drought conditions, but conditions are subject to change. Credit: Shutterstock / Mia GiAngelos




2236 Park Hill Dr., Bend, (325) 628-3240, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks
Not to be confused with Krause Springs in Spicewood, TX, Spicewood Springs is a clear-water oasis located in Colorado Bend State Park northeast of Austin. The Spicewood Springs Trail takes visitors along a route with multiple spring-fed pools and waterfalls. Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Clairissa Simmons

