Well folks, it’s about that time of year. The temperature is steadily rising (along with the humidity) and nothing sounds more inviting than jumping into a cool body of water. Lucky for us, there are plenty of places to do just that in Texas – and they all provide beautiful views as a bonus. We covered this topic last year, which you can find here, but we decided to revisit it for 2016 and add a few new spots that we think are worth checking out. Here are 10 of the best swimming holes in Texas that you absolutely need to visit this summer.
- Blue Lagoon (Huntsville)
Flickr/roofless I think it’s safe to say this is some of the clearest water in Texas. Nothing is more inviting on a hot, humid summer day than immersing yourself in a giant pool of cold, beautiful water.
- Jacob’s Well (Wimberley)
Flickr/paddymurphy Jacob’s Well is hardly a hidden gem anymore, but it’s well deserving of the recognition it’s been getting lately. There’s something terrifyingly awesome about swimming over a 200 foot deep hole in the earth - a voice in the back of your head assures you you’ll get sucked into the dark abyss, but your curiosity won’t let you leave without testing out that prospect. Daredevils can jump from the towering rocks above, but be warned…you might not make it.
- Santa Elena Canyon (Big Bend National Park)
Flickr/daveynin A water source to cool off in is exactly what you’ll need after a grueling (yet rewarding) day of hiking at Big Bend. The Rio Grande winding through this canyon really is like an oasis in the middle of a dry, hot desert. Plus, you really can’t beat this gorgeous view.
- Hamilton Pool (Dripping Springs)
Flickr/darrellrhodesmiller I know Hamilton Pool makes just about every list about nature or water attractions, but can you blame us? It’s easily the most beautiful place in Texas. Between the crystal-clear water, limestone overhang, and picturesque waterfall, I can’t think of many places I’d rather be this summer.
- Devil’s Waterhole (Burnet)
Flickr/theaustinot This swimming hole has it all - rocks to jump off of (that aren’t nearly as tall as those at Jacob’s Well, so it’s much safer), a lake, and waterfalls upstream. The water itself isn’t too shabby, either. All in all, it’s a summer day well spent for the whole family.
- Krause Springs (Spicewood)
Flickr/mdwelch Krause Springs is like a scene straight out of Tarzan. With those gorgeous trees hanging over the water, you can avoid a sunburn and enjoy the beautiful view at the same time. A win-win situation, if you ask me.
- Tonkawa Springs (Garrison)
camptonkawa.com Often times, as beautiful as a swimming hole might be, overcrowding makes it almost impossible to enjoy. At Tonkawa Springs, you won’t have that problem. Not many people know about the little town of Garrison, so you’ll have all the room in the world to lay back and bask in the sun’s rays without having to battle a swarm of tourists.
- Barton Creek Greenbelt (Austin)
Flickr/paddymurphy The Greenbelt is easily one of my favorite places to go in Texas. There’s a short hike before you reach the water, but the scenery makes it all worth it (plus, jumping in the cold stream after working up a sweat is so rewarding). It’s a little refreshing pool of water nestled in the middle of a bunch of trees, and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
- Balmorhea State Park (Toyahvale)
Flickr/allisonallison This is the largest natural swimming pool in the entire world - that in and of itself is enough to get me out there. The beautiful water is just an added bonus. I definitely recommend checking it out this summer if you’re headed out that way!
- Frio River at Garner State Park (Concan)
Flickr/branditressler Garner State Park is an extraordinarily beautiful place, there’s no doubt about that - but there’s also no doubt about the fact that it gets ridiculously hot. Luckily, there’s open access to the gorgeous Frio River for visitors to take a satisfying dip in. With the backdrop of the limestone-covered rocks, the view doesn’t get much better.
Have you ever been to one of these swimming holes? Where else in Texas is a must visit for swimming this summer?
Flickr/roofless
I think it’s safe to say this is some of the clearest water in Texas. Nothing is more inviting on a hot, humid summer day than immersing yourself in a giant pool of cold, beautiful water.
Flickr/paddymurphy
Jacob’s Well is hardly a hidden gem anymore, but it’s well deserving of the recognition it’s been getting lately. There’s something terrifyingly awesome about swimming over a 200 foot deep hole in the earth - a voice in the back of your head assures you you’ll get sucked into the dark abyss, but your curiosity won’t let you leave without testing out that prospect. Daredevils can jump from the towering rocks above, but be warned…you might not make it.
Flickr/daveynin
A water source to cool off in is exactly what you’ll need after a grueling (yet rewarding) day of hiking at Big Bend. The Rio Grande winding through this canyon really is like an oasis in the middle of a dry, hot desert. Plus, you really can’t beat this gorgeous view.
Flickr/darrellrhodesmiller
I know Hamilton Pool makes just about every list about nature or water attractions, but can you blame us? It’s easily the most beautiful place in Texas. Between the crystal-clear water, limestone overhang, and picturesque waterfall, I can’t think of many places I’d rather be this summer.
Flickr/theaustinot
This swimming hole has it all - rocks to jump off of (that aren’t nearly as tall as those at Jacob’s Well, so it’s much safer), a lake, and waterfalls upstream. The water itself isn’t too shabby, either. All in all, it’s a summer day well spent for the whole family.
Flickr/mdwelch
Krause Springs is like a scene straight out of Tarzan. With those gorgeous trees hanging over the water, you can avoid a sunburn and enjoy the beautiful view at the same time. A win-win situation, if you ask me.
camptonkawa.com
Often times, as beautiful as a swimming hole might be, overcrowding makes it almost impossible to enjoy. At Tonkawa Springs, you won’t have that problem. Not many people know about the little town of Garrison, so you’ll have all the room in the world to lay back and bask in the sun’s rays without having to battle a swarm of tourists.
The Greenbelt is easily one of my favorite places to go in Texas. There’s a short hike before you reach the water, but the scenery makes it all worth it (plus, jumping in the cold stream after working up a sweat is so rewarding). It’s a little refreshing pool of water nestled in the middle of a bunch of trees, and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Flickr/allisonallison
This is the largest natural swimming pool in the entire world - that in and of itself is enough to get me out there. The beautiful water is just an added bonus. I definitely recommend checking it out this summer if you’re headed out that way!
Flickr/branditressler
Garner State Park is an extraordinarily beautiful place, there’s no doubt about that - but there’s also no doubt about the fact that it gets ridiculously hot. Luckily, there’s open access to the gorgeous Frio River for visitors to take a satisfying dip in. With the backdrop of the limestone-covered rocks, the view doesn’t get much better.
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