50 ways to cool off in Austin

barton springs pool on a summer day with a green lawn full of people laying on towels — We triple-dog-dare you to jump off the diving board at Barton Springs Pool.

Summer in Austin is no joke, and when the temperatures rise, the whole city seeks a place to cool off.

That’s where we come in. We’ve curated a list of the best local swimming spots for every vibe, whether you want to sip a cocktail in a rooftop pool, hike to a limestone-laden oasis, or something in between.

Pro tip: Bookmark this page to plan summer weekends or spontaneous splash sessions.

City pools

Bartholomew Pool, 1800 E. 51st St.
You might have to beg the kiddos to take a break from this pool’s massive water slides, but the diving board and wading pools provide plenty of fun too.

A bustling outdoor pool scene on a sunny day, with people of all ages lounging on colorful towels and blankets on a grassy area under the shade of tall trees. The large pool in the background is filled with swimmers enjoying the cool water. The area is lively, with groups of friends and families relaxing, chatting, and soaking up the sun. The lush greenery and the relaxed atmosphere create a perfect summer day setting. — Deep Eddy Pool is open until 8 p.m. daily and only charges $5 for admission.

Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Ave.
A dip in the oldest swimming pool in Texas is a rite of passage. After your swim, be sure to stop by Pool Burger for a bite to eat or Deep Eddy Cabaret for a cold beer.

Balcones Pool, 12017 Amherst Dr.
This neighborhood pool is situated inside Balcones District Park, which boasts sports courts and a trail with a small waterfall.

Barton Springs Pool, 2131 William Barton Dr.
A beloved natural swimming hole, Barton Springs Pool is perfect for cooling off any time of the year — the water stays around 68-70 degrees no matter the weather.

Big Stacy Neighborhood Pool, 700 E. Live Oak St.
Admission is free at this laid-back pool with six lanes for swimming laps.

Colony Park Pool, 7400 Loyola Lane
Choose your adventure at this splashy new spot: Chill out in a shaded, shallow area or get active with the diving board, water slides, and lap lanes.

Springwoods Municipal Pool, 13320 Lyndhurst St.
Children will love the spiral slide and shallow pool at this spot in northwest Austin.

Bars with pools

a patio with a small, above ground pool in the middle and people sitting at surrounding tables with umbrellas — Kitty Cohen’s patio is perfect for guests to sit on the edge of the pool and cool off.

Kitty Cohen’s, 2211 Webberville Rd., Ste. #3548
Situated in the center of its Palm Springs-inspired outdoor patio, the shallow pool is perfect for sitting on the edge with a frozen cocktail in-hand.

Swim Club, 650 E. 10th St.
A reservation at the American restaurant in Downright Austin grants you access to the pool, which is decked in pink hues and retro decor. You can also secure entrance to the pool via ResortPass.

A pool with four small fountains surrounded by blue and green umbrellas, in front of the Cabana Club. — *We dare you* not to take a dip in this 21+ pool.

Cabana Club, 5012 E. 7th St.
The all-day coffee shop, restaurant, and bar invites remote workers to break out their laptops in its spacious clubhouse and cool off from the workday in the pool.

Lakes and creeks

Bull Creek District Park, 6701 Lakewood Dr.
This 48-acre park is split by a stream, which is often used for swimming and fishing. Hikers can also access the Bull Creek Greenbelt, a two-mile out-and-back trail.

Barton Creek Greenbelt, multiple locations
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is one of Austin’s most cherished attractions and stretches ~7 miles through south Austin. The natural area offers several swimming holes, including Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, perfect for a post-hike dip.

Many people and pets splash in the water on the free side of Barton Springs Pool, with the paid side visible in the background. — Nicknamed “Barking Springs,” the free area right beside Barton Springs Pool allows pets, snacks, and drinks.

Barkin’ Springs, 2105 Andrew Zilker Rd.
This free beach downstream of Barton Springs Pool is a hot spot to bring the dog on a hot day. Make sure to check the status of the lake’s algae before letting your pup take a dip.

Bob Wentz Park, 7144 Comanche Trail
Pack a picnic and soak in the sun on the shores of Lake Travis. Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring cash for admission, floats, water shoes, and plenty of sunscreen.

Hippie Hollow Park, 7000 Comanche Trail
Aptly named, this rocky shoreline on Lake Travis is famous for being the only clothing-optional public park in Texas.

Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park, 614 N. Commons Ford Rd.
This grassy park on Lake Austin has a rich history. Today, locals love sunbathing on the boat dock, swimming in the lake, and snacking in the picnic area.

A serene lakeside scene with a colorful inflatable watermelon tube and a blue float resting on grassy ground near the water’s edge. A colorful beach bag and water bottles are also in the foreground. The lake is calm, surrounded by lush green trees and distant hills, with a small boathouse visible on the far shore. The sky is overcast, with clouds hanging above the peaceful landscape. — Sit on the shores of Lake Austin or float in the water and watch boats pass by.

Emma Long Metropolitan Park, 1600 City Park Rd.
Make a reservation to hang out at this lush green space on the shores of Lake Austin, which also features a sandy beach area and camping opportunities.

Splash pads

Bailey Splash Pad, 1201 W. 33rd St.
Colorful pipes of all shapes and sizes provide the splashes at Bailey Neighborhood Park, which also features a volleyball court, softball field, and playground.

Bartholomew Splash Pad, 5201 Berkman Dr.
Keep this spot in mind when shopping in the Mueller neighborhood this summer — a quick cool-down is just a short drive away.

Chestnut Splash Pad, 2205 E. 16th St.
Bring an umbrella to this east Austin pocket park if you want to stay out of the sun.

Clarksville Splash Pad, 1811 W. 11th St.
Kids can run underneath a rainbow-shaped water feature at this recreation center near the Johnson Creek Greenbelt.

Eastwoods Splash Pad, 3001 Harris Park Blvd.
Cool off in the splash pad, but don’t skip the tennis courts, playground, and wooded areas at this park, which was the original site of Eeyore’s Birthday Party.

Children play in a splash pad in Downtown Austin, Texas while adults watch them. The skyline is visible in the background, as well as a large grassy hill and several trees. — The Liz Carpenter Splash Pad is a great place to get cool while visiting Auditorium Shores or walking on the trail. | Photo courtesy city of Austin

Liz Carpenter Splash Pad, 200 Dawson Rd.
Parents will enjoy sweeping views of the Downtown skyline, and kids will love cooling off after playing at the adjacent Butler Metro Park.

Lott Splash Pad, 1180 Curve St.
When you’re eating at Franklin Barbecue, Paperboy, or Hillside Farmacy this summer, remember this pocket park is close by.

Metz Splash Pad, 2407 Canterbury St.
Kids will remember this splash pad for its flower water feature.

Two children play in a splash pad area with water fountains. One child is running and laughing, while the other, seated in a wheelchair, is smiling and enjoying the water. Trees and other people are visible in the background. — Don’t skip the splash pad when visiting Pease District Park this summer.

Pease Splash Pad, 1100 Kingsbury St.
End a playdate with a splash at Pease Park’s interactive water feature, but also see Malin the Troll and the treehouse observation pod.

Ricky Guerrero Splash Pad, 1100 Brodie St.
There’s plenty of room to play at this south Austin splash pad with leaky fire hydrants, fountains, and trees for shade.

Rosewood Splash Pad, 2300 Rosewood Ave.
This splash pad, which is covered by large shade structures, is sandwiched between a public pool and free tennis courts.

Hotel pool passes

You can swim at Austin Motel with a $25 day pass or for free at a summertime event.

Austin Motel, 1220 S. Congress Ave.
You can people-watch from this iconic motel’s colorful, kidney-shaped pool located in the heart of South Congress Avenue. Rocky’s Bar will be there serving cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Bonus: You can join the Austin Motel Swim Club if you love this pool.

Azul Rooftop, 310 E. 5th St.
Located 20 stories in the air, this rooftop pool offers panoramic views of Downtown + has fire pits, cabanas for rent, and a bar just steps away. Psst — passes are cheaper if you bring a friend.

A rectangular pool is surrounded by wooden decking and lounge chairs shaded by white umbrellas, nestled beneath mature trees and bordered by red brick walls. In the background, a mid-century modern style building with a red and gray patterned facade rises above the scene, casting shadows across the quiet, shaded courtyard. — The Carpenter Hotel also has a restaurant and coffee shop inside.

Carpenter Hotel, 400 Josephine St.
Indulge in a specialty pool menu just for sunbathers while you swim to your heart’s content at this centrally located hotel. Psst — you can buy a month-long pool pass for $200.

Hotel Magdalena, 1101 Music Lane
You’ll want to book passes to this pool in advance if you want to get in on the weekend because they sell out early. Don’t forget to check out special prices for pairs and families.

Omni Austin Hotel Downtown, 700 San Jacinto at E. 8th St.
Overlook the city while you lounge in this heated rooftop pool, where you’ll have access to everything you need for a relaxing day in the sun. While you’re there, don’t miss food + beverage delivery service from the adjacent Cloud Bar.

Otopia Rooftop, 1901 San Antonio St., Unit #1100
Atop the Otis Hotel, this rooftop pool is perfectly heated to match the season and offers plenty of cabanas for larger groups.

A rectangular outdoor pool is lined with lounge chairs and large umbrellas, facing a modern bar area beneath a building with a perforated brick facade. A man lounges on a chair in the foreground, while a bartender stands behind the bar. The surrounding architecture features clean lines, neutral tones, and a mix of concrete and wood accents under a partly cloudy sky. — Imagine lounging at the South Congress Hotel pool with a cold drink and book to read.

South Congress Hotel, 1603 S. Congress Ave.
Next time you’re looking to spend the day on South Congress Avenue, add this sunny rooftop pool to your agenda.

WET Deck at W Austin, 200 Lavaca St.
This hotel’s poolside oasis is the perfect place to unwind — especially if you pair it with a day at W Austin’s AWAY Spa and some poolside bites from the hotel.

Waterparks

Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort, 400 N. Liberty Ave., New Braunfels
This waterpark on the banks of the Comal River has been entertaining Central Texans since 1979. It’s a 70-acre site with over 50 attractions, including a wave pool, tube chutes, water slides, and many kid-friendly water activities.

Typhoon Texas Waterpark Austin, 18500 TX-130 Service Rd., Pflugerville
Get an adrenaline rush as you race down water slides, let your worries melt away on the lazy river, or soak up the sun at Tidal Wave Bay.

Quest ATX, 10815 FM Rd. 1625
Though this facility claims the title of “Austin’s first and only cable wakeboard park,” it’s more than a home for wakeboarding pros. Visit for a day of fun on the obstacles course, blob, 85-ft tall slides, or paddleboards.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, 3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock
Did you know Round Rock is home to the largest indoor waterpark in the US? Now you do. Explore 223,000-sqft of aquatic thrills inside the resort, or catch some rays at the new Summer Savanna Outdoor Waterpark.

Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark, 16107 FM Rd. 2769, Ste. D, Leander
This lakeside retreat features four waterslides, a main pool deck, a pirate-ship splash zone, a sandy beach, and Lake Travis access. When hunger hits, order a cheeseburger or club sandwich from Beachside Billy’s.

Aerial view of Waco Surf, a recreational water park in Waco, Texas. On the left, people are surfing in a large wave pool with a white sand beach lined with lounge chairs. A small wooden lifeguard station with surfboards is positioned near the shore. On the right, groups of people float down a lazy river in bright blue and orange inner tubes, surrounded by trees and greenery. The scene is sunny with a blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds. — Waco Surf has a brand-new food and beverage menu for this summer.

Waco Surf, 5347 Old Mexia Rd., Waco
There’s something for everyone at this waterfront playground: a surf lagoon, a lazy river, water slides, restaurants and bars, and beach access. You can book a cabana for the day or stay overnight in a private lake house.

Worth the drive

Blue Hole Regional Park, 333 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley
Make a reservation to relax in this spring-fed swimming hole, which is lined by Cypress trees and known for its clear waters + rope swings.

Krause Springs in Texas — Krause Springs is listed on the National Registry of Historical Sites.

Krause Springs, 424 Co Rd. 404, Spicewood
Spend most of your day enjoying this historic site’s 32 natural springs, but don’t leave without visiting the Butterfly Gardens.

Hamilton Pool Preserve, 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd., Dripping Springs
Reserve a time slot to swim and check the website before you visit — this stunning spot sometimes closes due to high bacteria levels and falling rocks.

A group of people in colorful tubes in the middle of the river. — Lie back, relax, and enjoy a float with some of your best buddies over a drink.

Texas State Tubes, 2024 N. Old Bastrop Hwy., San Marcos
As you float down the San Marcos River, the only thing you need to worry about is reapplying your sunscreen. Pro tip: Pack plenty of snacks and stop on the river’s shore to eat lunch, but don’t bring glass.

Faust Street Bridge, Faust St. Bridge, New Braunfels
On a hot weekend, you’ll find plenty of people in the Guadalupe River underneath this historic bridge. Want to fit in? Bring a lawn chair to sit in a shallow area or a float to tie up.

Pedernales Falls State Park, 2585 Park Rd. 6026, Johnson City
Sit on a slab of limestone while dipping your toes in the water at this tranquil park. Pro tip: Be prepared to hike to the swimming area.

Jacob’s Well Natural Area, 1699 Mt. Sharp Rd., Wimberley
Okay, so you won’t be able to swim here for a while... the iconic site is closed to swimmers for the foreseeable future due to low water levels. Still, it’s one of the most beautiful springs in the area, and we hope it returns to its former glory soon.

Landa Park Aquatic Complex, 350 Aquatic Cir, New Braunfels
Alternate your time between three pools at this property on the Comal River: an Olympic-sized pool, a zero-depth pool, and a spring-fed pool built in the early 1900s.

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