26 beautiful Texas swimming holes, pools and lakes in driving distance of San Antonio
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!
Scroll down to view images
Shutterstock / Roschetzky Photography
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.
Shutterstock / Christian Perry
Krause 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.
Shutterstock / Susan Natoli
Blue Hole
100 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley, (512) 660-9111, cityofwimberley.com
Minutes from downtown Wimberley, Blue Hole makes for a refreshing stop during a day trip to the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Reservations are required, so be sure to plan ahead.
Shutterstock / Marcus Wennrich
Balmorhea 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.
Wikimedia Commons / LoneStarMike
Hippie 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.
Shutterstock / Silvio Ligutti
Devil’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.
Shutterstock / Roschetzky Photography
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.
Shutterstock / Silvio Ligutti
McKinney 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.
Photo via Instagram /
brandik1970San 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.
Shutterstock / Brandon Seidel
Pedernales 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.
