The 15 Best Places to Swim in Texas to Beat the Heat

When you think of the best places to swim, the Lone Star State may not be the very first place that comes to mind.

However, Texas offers an incredible array of beautiful swimming spots that are absolutely perfect for cooling off during those famously hot summer months. From crystal-clear natural springs to expansive lakes and sandy beaches, we explore 15 of the best places to swim in Texas for a memorable aquatic adventure.

1. Barton Springs Pool, Austin

📍 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746

• Known for its incredibly refreshing, year-round 68-70 degree water temperature.
• The pool measures three acres in size and is entirely fed from underground springs.
• Located in the heart of Zilker Park, this site offers beautiful views, a diverse crowd, and a unique urban swimming experience.

2. Hamilton Pool Preserve, Dripping Springs

📍 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

• A breathtaking natural pool created thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed.
• The preserve’s jade green pool is surrounded by large, dramatic slabs of limestone.
• Features a stunning fifty-foot waterfall that spills over the limestone outcroppings, adding to the enchanting ambiance.

3. Krause Springs, Spicewood

📍 404 Krause Spring Rd, Spicewood, TX 78669

• A well-loved, family-owned swimming and camping site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Offers 32 natural springs on the property that feed a manmade pool before flowing down into a natural pool near Lake Travis.
• A perfect, family-friendly oasis complete with rope swings and lush, butterfly-filled gardens.

4. Jacob’s Well, Wimberley

📍 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676

• A perennial karstic spring in the Texas Hill Country flowing from the bed of Cypress Creek.
• Famous for its stunningly clear, cool water and deep underwater cave system.
• The mouth of the well is four meters in diameter, creating a beautiful natural swimming hole (Note: swimming is subject to seasonal water level closures).

5. Blue Hole Regional Park, Wimberley

📍 100 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, TX 78676

• Consistently ranked as one of the best swimming holes in Texas, located right on Cypress Creek.
• Features clear blue water shaded by towering cypress trees and famously equipped with a highly active rope swing.
• Surrounded by 126 acres of natural forests, picnic areas, and trails, making it perfect for a family day trip.

6. Comal River, New Braunfels

📍 New Braunfels, TX 78130

• Known as the shortest navigable river in the United States, it is a legendary spot for tubing and swimming.
• The water is slow-moving, exceptionally clear, and maintains a constant 72-74 degrees.
• Provides a lively atmosphere right next to the famous Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

7. Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale

📍 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786

• Home to the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool.
• More than 15 million gallons of water flow through the pool each day, gushing directly from the San Solomon Springs.
• The pool is up to 25 feet deep, covers 1.75 acres, and holds 3.5 million gallons of crystal-clear water, making it a favorite for scuba divers.

8. Burger’s Lake, Fort Worth

📍 1200 Meandering Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76114

• A 30-acre park featuring a highly maintained, one-acre spring-fed swimming lake.
• Offers a clean and safe environment: the lake is chlorinated, heavily filtered, and features a sandy bottom.
• Packed with family fun, including multiple diving boards, a 20-foot trapeze, and certified lifeguards on duty.

9. Devil’s Waterhole at Inks Lake, Burnet

📍 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611

• Located inside Inks Lake State Park, this is one of the most scenic swimming holes in the Texas Hill Country.
• Surrounded by beautiful pink gneiss rock formations that adventurous swimmers love to jump from.
• A fantastic spot for paddling, kayaking, and exploring nature when you aren’t in the water.

10. San Marcos River, San Marcos

📍 170 Charles Austin Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666

• A pristine, spring-fed river that bursts from the Edwards Aquifer, remaining a refreshing 72 degrees year-round.
• The clear water and native wild rice make it an incredible location for snorkeling, tubing, and swimming.
• Highly accessible with multiple access points, such as the family-friendly San Marcos City Park and Rio Vista Park.

11. Garner State Park, Concan

📍 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838

• One of the most popular summer destinations in the state and a legendary spot for swimming in the icy Frio River.
• The park offers over 1,400 acres to explore, with deep swimming holes framed by towering limestone bluffs.
• A perfect place for camping, hiking, paddling, and joining their famous summer dances under the stars.

12. Medina River, Bandera

📍 Bandera, TX 78003

• A hidden gem in Texas, known for its clear, blue-green water and massive bald cypress trees.
• The shaded river is a great spot for tubing, kayaking, or just relaxing in the shallows.
• Often much less crowded than the Comal or Guadalupe rivers, making it a peaceful, nature-filled getaway.

13. Galveston Island State Park, Galveston

📍 14901 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554

• Offers both Gulf beach and bay sides for swimming, making it one of the most versatile places to swim in Texas.
• The park is home to a rich diversity of coastal wildlife and away from the heavy tourist crowds of the main seawall.
• Along with swimming in the surf, you can enjoy fishing, bird watching, beachcombing, and kayaking.

14. Lake Texoma, Denison

📍 50 Park Rd, Denison, TX 75020

• As one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, Lake Texoma is perfect for those looking for a grand swimming adventure.
• A massive hub for on-the-water fun, including water skiing, windsurfing, and sailing.
• The lake is surrounded by beautiful state parks with sandy swimming beaches, making it a popular destination for weekend camping.

15. South Padre Island

📍 South Padre Island, TX 78597

• Known for having the clearest, bluest Gulf waters in the state and miles of pristine white sand beaches.
• The island offers a variety of outdoor activities like horseback riding on the beach, kiteboarding, and dolphin watching.
• Home to Sea Turtle Inc., a rescue center where visitors can learn about conservation efforts for endangered sea turtles after a long day of swimming.