25 gorgeous swimming holes and pools within driving distance of San Antonio

By San Antonio Current Staff

No matter how high you blast the air conditioning, sometimes the best way to beat the Texas heat is with a swim.

Many public and private pools and parks are opening their gates to the public for the season, so you can plan a refreshing escape to a nearby watering hole or a road-trip-worthy destination.

A vast array of natural swimming holes and notable pools are available in and around San Antonio, so we rounded up a list to keep you cool all summer long.

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San Pedro Springs
2200 N. Flores, (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. The 46-acre park dates back to the eighteenth century, making it the second-oldest public park in the country, behind 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. Entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, a day at San Pedro Springs is a day spent at a park officially worthy of preservation.
Photo via Instagram / caroleckelkamp

Garner 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.
Photo via Instagram / ridj_photography

Lake Amistad 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.
Photo via Instagram / rolo77nino

Comal River
Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels, (830) 387-4408, playinnewbraunfels.com
What better way to spend the day than floating down the Comal River with a drink of choice in-hand and some tunes?
Photo via Instagram / awkwardninja87

Canyon Lake
Canyon Beach Park, tpwd.texas.gov
Take the exit off of IH-35 for Buc-ee’s and you’re almost at Canyon Beach Park, one of the designated swimming spots at Canyon Lake, located on the lake’s northern shore. With picnic tables, closeable grills and a beach, it’s practically like you’re at the gulf — minus the salt water.
Photo via Instagram / burnsdotravel

Krause Springs
404 Krause Springs Rd, Spicewood, (401) 236-7554, krausesprings.net
Thirty-two springs, a natural pool and a spring-fed man-made pool are scattered throughout the 115-acre property, ensuring endless relaxation.
Photo via Instagram / thebishopsofroam

Blanco State Park
101 Park Rd, Blanco, (830) 833-4333, tpwd.texas.gov
Just an hour north of San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country, the spring-fed river of the Blanco State Park makes for a perfect day trip with its space for swimming as well as fishing, paddling, or even a weekend campout.
Photo via Instagram / lovinglifeaustin

Rio Vista Park
555 Cheatham St, San Marcos, (512) 393-8400, toursanmarcos.com
Whether you’ve got your own inner tube, want to rent, or are just seeking some fresh water to swim in, Rio Vista Park in San Marcos is the perfect stop. With no admission or parking fees, this swimming hole is a great deal for any San Antonian looking to escape the heat.
Photo via Instagram / swpiercephotography

Medina 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 the Bandera County Park.
Photo via Instagram / ourfulltimeadventure

Landa Park Aquatic Complex
164 Landa Park Dr, 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.
Photo via Instagram / greatspringsproject