The weather is hot enough in Texas to make any sane person either avoid being outside altogether or get into the water immediately.
Luckily, as the temperatures climb, temps within the Lone Star States’ bodies of water remain cool and refreshing.
For those seeking aquatic enjoyment, San Antonio has a number of swimming holes, pools and lakes within driving distance, each with its own unique features.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in.
Barton Springs
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 PhotographyHippie Hollow
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 / LoneStarMikeDevil’s Waterhole
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 LiguttiBalmorhea State Park
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 WennrichMcKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, (512) 243-1643, tpwd.texas.gov
Located in South Austin, McKinney Falls State Park offers plenty of outdoor fun, but visitors flock to the park in the summer to swim. The Upper Falls swimming hole is particularly popular for its deeper water and picturesque limestone formations. Credit: Shutterstock / Silvio LiguttiSan Pedro Springs Park Pool
2200 N. Flores St., (210) 732-5992, sanantonio.gov
Looking to spend a day in the poolside shade at a history-filled park smack-dab in the middle of San Antonio? Look no further than San Pedro Springs Park Pool. The 46-acre park dates back to the eighteenth century, making it the second-oldest public park in the country, behind only the Boston Commons. The spring-fed pool was built as a part of the park’s overall renovation in 1915-20, replacing what was once a lake bed. Credit: Instagram / @saparksandrecKrause Springs
404 Krause Spring Road, Spicewood, (401) 236-7554, krausesprings.net
Thirty-two springs, a natural pool and a spring-fed manmade pool are scattered throughout the 115-acre property, ensuring endless relaxation. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Krause SpringsDeep Eddy
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 3.0Spicewood Springs
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 SimmonsComal River
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. HighsmithBlanco State Park
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 PhotographyLanda Park Aquatic Complex
350 Aquatic Circle, New Braunfels, (830) 221-4350, nbtexas.org
While Landa Lake is home to endangered species and off-limits for swimming, visitors to the 51-acre Landa Park can take a dip in the park’s spring-fed pool — or better yet, jump in using the pool’s rope swing. Credit: Courtey Photo / Landa Park Aquatic ComplexMedina Lake
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“The Slab” at Llano River
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 JewellGarner State Park
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 PhotographyCanyon Lake
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 DanielLake Amistad National Recreation Area
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 CreatorsChalk Bluff River Resort
1108 Chalk Bluff Road, Uvalde, (830) 278-5515, chalkbluffriverresort.com
Although located on private land, a day pass will get you access to the resort’s one-mile stretch of the famously clear Nueces River. Credit:Photo via Instagram / chalkbluffpark_texasSchumacher Crossing
Highway 39, Hunt
Schumacher Crossing has come to be a favorite of locals and tourists alike, known for its pristine Guadalupe River waters and scenic picnic areas. Credit: UNT Libraries Special CollectionsGuadalupe River State Park
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 MalesSan Felipe Springs
401 Mario Salas Ave., Del Rio, edwardsaquifer.net
San Felipe Springs are the fourth-largest in the state, and the crystalline waters serve as a great swimming spot if you’re near the border. Credit: Texas Historical CommissionParadise Canyon
2220 County Road 2615, Rio Medina, (830) 751-9911, paradisecanyon.com
With gorgeous natural scenery and endless options for entertainment, a weekend at Paradise Canyon is the perfect getaway from the city. Credit: Instagram / @paradisecanyontxRiding River Ranch
971 Kent Creek Road, Leakey, (830) 555-1234, ridingriverranch.com
Spend the night at the cabins and the day admiring the scenery while wading in the spring-fed lake and springs. Credit: Facebook / Riding River RanchPedernales Falls State Park
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