Barton Springs

When I lived in Austin, I couldn’t get enough of this place!! Swimming in it, walking along it biking along it.. you name it.. it’s a magical spot and those who are local believe it actually is.

This is the soul of the city and one of the main reasons I moved to Austin over forty years ago. Although the city is unrecognizable from back in the day the Springs remain pretty much the same providing a nostalgic reprise from the hustle outside this oasis. Weekends are very crowded but during the week the pool is a reminder of days gone bye.

Along with Charlton Lido and Millwall Docks in London this is my favourite place to swim. The landscape of the rocks and natural spring against the backdrop of the city skyscrapers is breathtaking. The water is crystal clear and on a winter morning there were around only 3 or 4 other people… and it wasn’t cold either. Gorgeous!

I love swimming here. It’s 68 degrees year round and it takes me a while to get in but I’m numb to the cold after about four minutes. Beautiful place to swim. Dogs aren’t allowed but you can go to the spillway or “barking springs” area outside of the fence when you want to go with your dog.

Beautiful place to relax! Clear cold spring water. Saw a beautiful giant turtle in the water. Bring water shoes. It's hard to walk on the rocky bottom. The dog side is free and non dog side you gotta pay. Have to pay to park. Not sure how much.

We took a couple kayaks down to the river and slowly made our way down to the Colorado river. We passed people jumping off a tree swing, jumping of one of the bridges, and paddle boarding by. I was there during the summer of 2021. The river was jam-packed and absolutely FUN! I loved every minute of it. Music was playing, beers were being tosses, people were laughing, and the sun was beating down.

The parking is pretty bad. It was pretty hard finding a close parking spot.

This is a must go summer destination! I can go there 2-3 times per week all summer. Have fun and be safe out there!

It’s really good place to vibe and swim in the natural pool.

What a magical place! We have not been at Barton Springs pool in over 3 years, but after out visit, we will definitely come back ASAP. The water was so refreshing that we felt cool driving home in 103 degree weather. It was crowded but there were plenty of spots to lay down. Lots of trees which surround the pool provide plenty of shade. The entry fee to the pool was $5 and $2 for seniors. Coolers and pets are not allowed, but there is a public park area for that outside the pool fencing.

The best place to go for an authentic Austin experience. Amazing people watching, cool off in the springs or watch the show at the diving board. Grab a spot on the south side on the hill and enjoy the sun and fun.

So wonderful swimming! Fresh and cool. Great to see fish and fossils in the limestone. There are open-aired changing areas Parking is a nightmare!

We were hiking around and while there are many other people doing the same thing there was plenty of room for everyone. Great views of the city from places in the trail. Our dog really enjoyed the trail and shady areas

Magical. What a game changer this spring is. Must see and do while you stay in Austin. Great daily routine for many locals to start their day or enjoy a sunset swim. Pool is long so it emulates an open water swim.

Great place to visit in Austin. I was there 1/2/2023. Thoroughly enjoyed myself! Saw lots of salamanders in the spring. I really loved the diving board!

Great place to cool down. Plenty of room to stretch out with trees to cover you. Lifeguards are great and ready for anything.
Wear watershoes and jump off the diving board

Fun place to take friends! I would recommend being a strong swimmer if you go. They do mark the depth of the pool, but I feel like it’s just a suggestion? In the 5 ft area I could not feel the bottom and was treading water. There is a shallow end where the kiddos swim.

We went on a super hot day - 86 degrees. The water is 68-70 degrees year round. Be prepared for the stinging cold water when you walk in, but you’re body will get adjusted!

The water is somewhat clear being spring water. There will be pieces of algae floating around with you.

What an absolute gem! The water is always amazing, especially during the summer! Use water shoes!

It's a perfect place to have some fun and get back in touch with nature!

A must if you're visiting Austin. Highly recommend getting there early morning, wasn't bad for Labor day weekend. People quickly started to pour in close to noon.

Very nice natural spring fed swimming hole and park. Honestly I didn't go in but people were swimming in February and I hear the water stays warm.

I used to swim in the Barton Springs back in 1968's I love the place. Nice place. I missed there. Thanks

Water is freezing, you have to do a couple back and forth laps before your body goes numb and you can't feel it 😅 The girls also walk around topless here just FYI! Lots of nips