TENNIS

SWIMMING

BARTON SPRINGS POOL
2101 Barton Springs Road (In Zilker Park) Map
512.476.9044
Many people think Barton Springs is not only the best swimming spot in Austin, but also the best swimming spot on earth. The 1,100 ft. long, 3 acre, spring-fed pool is one of the largest non-chlorinated swimming pools in the country. It averages 68 degrees year round. You can find ducks, bass, crawfish, and double-crested cormorants splashing alongside the swimmers. Barton Springs was created millions of years ago as a result of a landshift that created the Balcones Fault. Native Americans called the springs Sacred Springs and came to the springs to heal their wounds. Over the years, it has become a very popular spot for Austinites and their visitors. There is a shallow end for children, a deep area for floating, a diving board, and room for lap swimmers.   It is open year round and closed on Thursdays for cleaning. There is a small charge. 

DEEP EDDY POOL
401 Deep Eddy Drive at Lake Austin Boulevard Map
512.476.4521
Deep Eddy Pool Schedule
Lap swimmers have their own pool, kids can frolic to their heart's content, and sunbathers can enjoy the cool water and massive cottonwood trees of Deep Eddy Pool. It is the state's oldest swimming pool. It originated as a natural swimming hole on the Colorado River before Lady Bird Lake existed. The concrete pool was constructed in 1915 and was the first outdoor pool in Texas. At that time, there were cabins, camping areas, and even a ferris wheel. A variety of performances including a diving horse were popular attractions. Today, the spring-fed pool is popular for lap swimming and wading. During summer, a large movie screen is set up for pool-side Splash Party Movie Nights. Float in the pool while enjoying family films! There is a small charge.

STACY POOL
800 E. Live Oak Map
512.476.4521
Stacy Pool is the place to swim during cold weather because it is heated by a natural warm spring. (The water is a mixture of city water and 100 degree well pumped water, resulting in a pool temperature average of 80 degrees.)  It is not a large pool but it is popular with swimmers, especially lap swimmers. It is run by the city's aquatics department. Admission is free.




HAMILTON POOL PRESERVE
Hamilton Pool Preserve has a sandy beach, a 75-ft waterfall, and a huge rock formation that can be explored from a path that circles the pool. Cliff Swallows live above the pool in tiny nests and are seen constantly coming and going. The park also has good hiking trails. Hamilton Pool is located approximately 30 miles southwest of Austin. Take Highway 71 west of Austin and turn left onto FM 3828 (Hamilton Pool Road). Travel 13 miles to the Preserve entrance, which is on your right. Call 512.264.2740 for swimming conditions before you come. Admission charge.







SAN MARCOS RIVER
The San Marcos River is about a 30-minute drive from Austin. Fed by San Marcos Springs, there are several spots that are popular along the river. Tube it, snorkel it, or swim it! The falls below Peppers Restaurant have long been a favorite of the locals. Along the river, you can spot rare plants, turtles, and fish.

SCULPTURE FALLS ON BARTON CREEK
This is a beautiful spot when the creek is flowing. Located about 1.3 miles upstream of the MoPac bridge and is accessible by walking or cycling. City curfew on trails is from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. To view a photo, click here.




KRAUSE SPRINGS IN SPICEWOOD
Krause Springs is one of the best yet least-known swimming spots in Central Texas. It is privately owned, and it has a regular cement swimming pool as well as a rustic swimming spot on Little Cypress Creek. Overnight camping is available.  Take Highway 71 west to Spicewood. Look for the signs on the right.  Call 210.693.4181 for more information. Map



HIPPIE HOLLOW
Hippie Hollow is one of the few public swimming spots in Texas where clothing is optional. It is also one of the best places to see the rare black-capped vireo, an endangered bird. The Park features a steep, rocky shoreline and provides spectacular views of Lake Travis. No one under 18 is admitted. From FM 620, go west 1.5 miles on Comanche Trail just past the Oasis Restaurant.  Call Travis County Parks at 512.473.9437. Map.

BLUE HOLE IN GEORGETOWN
Located on the San Gabriel River, the Blue Hole is a small but well-worth visiting swimming spot. Nearby there is a grassy area on the riverbank for picnics. From the Williamson County Courthouse in Georgetown, go north on U.S. 81 (also called Austin Avenue), turn left on 2nd Street, then right on Rock Street to the river. Admission is free. (The Blue Hole has been closed temporarily due to damages received from spring '08 flooding.)

BLUE HOLE IN WIMBERLEY
333 Blue Hole Lane
Wimberley, Texas
Located on Cypress Creek, one quarter mile east of the town square, is the Blue Hole in Wimberley. Rope swings hang from huge cypress trees that line the spring-fed creek. For a beautiful picture, please visit Friends of Blue Hole. 512.847.9127 or 512.847.0025 Map.