Texans are well-accustomed to summertime heat, and our favorite way to combat it is to find the nearest swimming hole and jump right in. These natural swimming holes in Texas are the perfect way to spend a summer day, and since you’re surrounded by Texas’ beautiful natural landscape, you’ll feel even closer to nature than you would at a normal pool. Who’s ready to dive in?

1. Krause Springs (Spicewood)
Krause Springs, 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA
Flickr/trektexas
Krause Springs is a privately owned swimming hole in Texas, but guests are allowed for a small fee - and you can even camp on the grounds. The water is spring-fed, so it's especially cool and perfect for beating the Texas summer heat. And between the gorgeous waterfall and lush greenery, you'll feel like you've stepped right into a scene from Tarzan.
2. Hamilton Pool (Dripping Springs)
Hamilton Pool Preserve, 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, USA
Jonathan Cutrer/Flickr
Hamilton Pool is one of the most popular swimming holes in Texas and there's no secret as to why. Ancient limestone surrounds the jade-green water and you will see an enormous waterfall that cascades over the rocks. It just can't be beat.
3. Jacob's Well (Wimberley)
Jacobs Well, Texas 78676, USA
Flickr/paddymurphy
Some of the clearest water in Texas exists here at Jacob's Well. Even if you aren't a thrill seeker, the drive out here is still completely worth it. Chilling in the spring and staring at the 200+ foot-deep abyss in front of you is just as exciting (and much safer) as jumping into the well from the rocks above.
4. Balmorhea State Park (Toyahvale)
Balmorhea State Park, 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786, USA
Flickr/Angi English
Not only is this Texas swimming hole a refreshing oasis in the middle of the West Texas desert, but it's also the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the entire world! The water is absolutely beautiful, and it's a must-visit if you live out west or are just passing through.
5. Blue Hole (Leakey)
Riding River Ranch, 971 KENT Crk Rnch Rd, Leakey, TX 78873, USA
Flickr/Angi English
Blue Hole is part of Leakey's Riding River Ranch, so unfortunately you can only swim here if you're a guest - but that's a perfect excuse to book a night or two because the rest of the property is absolutely gorgeous as well!

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6. Barton Springs Pool (Austin)
Barton Springs Municipal Pool, 2201 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Flickr/wallyg
Barton Springs Pool is definitely one of the most popular swimming holes in Texas, especially since it's located in Austin. The water is freezing, but we can assure you that you won't be complaining when it's pushing 100 degrees outside.
7. Cypress Falls (Wimberley)
Cypress Falls Swimming Hole, 50 Marina Cir, Wimberley, TX 78676, USA
Cypress Falls Swimming Hole/Google Maps
With the more popular Jacob's Well and Blue Hole in Wimberley, Cypress Falls often gets overlooked - but that's a darn shame because it's absolutely gorgeous. This is a hidden gem that definitely belongs on your summer bucket list.
8. Frio River at Garner State Park (Concan)
Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
Flickr/trishzatx
Garner State Park is one of the most popular overnight camping spots in the state, and it's also home to one of our favorite Texas swimming holes. Swimming, tubing, or kayaking in the river with breathtaking limestone cliffs and mesas surrounding you is an absolutely surreal experience.
9. Barton Creek Greenbelt (Austin)
Barton Creek, Texas, USA
Flickr/paddymurphy
The next time you go hiking at the Greenbelt, keep going just a bit farther than you normally would until you come across a little swimming hole. The water is an inviting blueish-green color, and there are tons of mini waterfalls cascading down over the rocks at this stunning Texas natural pool.
10. Devil's Waterhole at Ink's Lake State Park (Burnet)
Devils Waterhole, Texas 78072, USA
Flickr/theaustinot
Kids and teenagers love Devil's Waterhole because they can jump off the craggy rocks into the water below. If you aren't quite that adventurous, you can simply swim and enjoy the refreshing water. If the hole gets too overcrowded, you can also swim in Inks Lake.

Have you been to any of these natural swimming holes in Texas? If so, which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below, and if your favorite Texas swimming hole didn’t make the list, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

For more water adventures, be sure to check out beautiful Mustang Island.

If you’re still in the mood for more Lone Star State adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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Jackie Ann | June 02, 2022

What are the most beautiful beaches in Texas?

Beautiful beaches in Texas are easy to find, offering a break from the sometimes stifling warm weather month heat. Some of the most popular include:

  • Galveston is known for its wide open spaces, as well as Galveston Island State Park. This park offers a lovely waterfront hike with an observation tower to take in the sights.
  • Whitecap Beach in Corpus Christi is named after the beautiful white sands along the shore.
  • Surfside Beach in Brazoria County is situated on Follet's Island right along the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Where can we find state parks in Texas?

There are 89 state parks in Texas and that number also includes historic sites and natural areas.

  • The largest state park in Texas is Big Bend Ranch State Park, located in West Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border.
  • Acton State Historic Site in Granbury is the smallest state park in Texas and it’s the burial site of Elizabeth Crockett, the wife of Davy Crockett.
  • Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City features beautiful limestone rocks and lots of hiking trails.

 

Where can we find waterparks in Texas?

There are several wonderful waterparks in Texas, each offering its own unique amenities and fun.

  • Altitude H20 in Corsiciana is the largest floating aqua park obstacle course in Texas and features several inflatables including trampolines, slides, and swinging ropes.
  • Big Rivers Water Park & Adventures in New Caney is both a traditional waterpark and an inflatable aqua park.
  • Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring features water rides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.

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