Barton Springs Pool | Austin
The 3-acre pool is fed by underground springs from the Edwards Aquifer and maintains a temperature of about 70 degrees year-round. The pool has provided visitors from Austin and surrounding areas with a respite from the Central Texas sun since it was built in the 1930s. Actor and director Robert Redford learned to swim at Barton Springs during a trip to visit family in Austin when he was a child. Nearby attractions: Zilker Park, Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que, Umlauf Sculpture Garden Contact info: 2201 Barton Springs Road, Austin 512-476-9044 www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool Hours: 5–8 a.m., swim at own risk; 8 a.m.–8 p.m., lifeguards on duty; 8–10 p.m., swim at own risk. Closed Thursdays from 9 a.m.–7 p.m. for cleaning Cost: Infants: free; children (1–11) & seniors (62+): $1 (resident), $2 (nonresident); junior (12–17): $2 (resident), $3 (nonresident); adult (18–61): $3 (resident), $4 (nonresident) Camping: No Alcohol: No
Blue Hole | Wimberley
People have been swimming at Blue Hole for at least a century, Park Manager Lauren Shrum said. The temperature at the swimming hole stays in the low 70s year-round. Generations of swimmers have been able to rely on the presence of temperate water and rope swings at this scenic swimming spot. Blue Hole is open on weekends in May and September and daily between May 27 and Sept. 2. Nearby attractions: The Leaning Pear, Downtown Wimberley, Duchman Family Winery Contact info: 100 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley 512-660-9111 www.blueholeregionalpark.com Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., July 4 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Cost: Ages 0–3: Free, ages 4–12: $5, ages 13–59: $9, age 60 and older: $5 Camping: Ten spots are available for organized groups only. Alcohol: No
Hamilton Pool | Dripping Springs
A collapsed grotto and canyon are the distinctive natural features of Hamilton Pool, designated a preserve in 1990. A 50-foot waterfall cascades down limestone formations and into the pool, which has steady water levels even in a drought. Hamilton Pool is also popular among bird enthusiasts, who can catch a glimpse of the Golden-cheeked Warbler. The grounds also feature picnic tables and walking trails. Nearby attractions: Twisted X Brewing Co., The Salt Lick, West Cave Outdoor Discovery Center Contact info: 24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs 512-264-2740 parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/hamilton-pool Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, weather permitting. No swimming or entry after 5:30 p.m. Camping: No Alcohol: No
Jacob's Well | Wimberley
Jacob’s Well is a popular wading and swimming destination that also includes a series of walking trails. Park Manager Brooke Leftwich said the an improvement project will be unveiled at a ceremony May 10. The celebration will include guided tours, birding opportunities and geocaching. Access to the well will be limited to 40 people at a time in 2014 in order to protect the sensitive nature of the area, she said. Nearby attractions: Driftwood Estates Winery, The Salt Lick, Wimberley Glassworks Contact info: 109 Woodacre Drive, Wimberley 512-847-2140 co.hays.tx.us/parks-department.aspx Hours: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. daily Cost: Free Camping: No Alcohol: No
