It’s officially almost the time of year when the only thing on our minds is what body of water we’re jumping into next. Luckily, Texas makes that decision a piece of cake (okay, well, kind of) with the sheer number of places we have to go swimming (seriously, there are thousands). If you’re in need of some new places to swim in Texas, here are eight of our favorite spots that definitely belong on every Texan’s bucket list.

  1. Balmorhea State Park (Toyahvale)

Angi English/Flickr Boasting the title of the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world (didn’t we tell you everything is bigger in Texas?), this desert oasis has pristine waters, interesting, rare fish, and even scuba diving! It’s the perfect place to cool off on a scorching west Texas day. Make sure to visit the official website for the most up-to-date park hours and information.

Address: 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, Texas, 79786

  1. Mustang Island

John W. Schulze/Flickr Texas beaches are known for being “mediocre,” but still always overcrowded (we’re looking at you, Galveston). Few people know that our state actually has some gorgeous, photogenic beaches, like Mustang Island near Corpus. Check out this previous article for more information.

  1. Son’s Island (Seguin)

Son’s Island in Seguin, Texas If you’ve always wanted to visit The Bahamas or another tropical paradise but don’t have the time or money, you’re in luck. We have the next best thing right here in Texas: Son’s Island near New Braunfels! With luxurious cabanas, vintage RVs, soft white sand, beautiful pristine water, and a relaxing vibe that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, it’s about as close as it gets to a faraway island vacation. Learn more about this swimming spot here.

Address: 110 Lee Street, Seguin, Texas, 78155

  1. Westcave Preserve (Round Mountain)

Vicki Mitchell/Flickr Everyone tends to think of Hamilton Pool when the word “grotto” is mentioned, but there’s another at Westcave Preserve that doesn’t get nearly enough recognition. It has sapphire waters, lush greenery, and is surrounded by towering trees, making it reminiscent of an enchanting world from a Disney movie. Plus, it’s much less popular, which means fewer crowds, and that’s about as perfect as it gets. More info in a previous article here!

Address: 24814 Hamilton Pool Road, Round Mountain, Texas, 78663

  1. Canyon Lake

Marilyn Brinker/Flickr We’re big on fishing here in Texas, and Canyon Lake is one of the best spots for it in the whole state. It has a depth of 43 feet in some areas, making it one of the deepest lakes around. The sunsets are also especially breathtaking, and sunrise is a whole other magic show. Click here for a previous article about this awe-inspiring Texas landmark.

  1. The Sometimes Islands (Austin)

Drew Kolb/Flickr Our own version of Atlantis exists right here in Texas. The “Sometimes Islands” come and go depending on the water level of Lake Travis. Predicting their presence isn’t easy, so you’d better take advantage of them before they disappear! More info here from previous coverage.

  1. Jacob’s Well (Wimberley)

Tyler Riti/Flickr Jacob’s Well has a way of being fascinating and absolutely terrifying at the same time. You might wonder what could be so scary about a beautiful natural spring - the answer is the 200+ foot deep abyss contained within it. But it’s so pretty, though. More info about the Well here.

Address: 1699 Mt Sharp Road, Wimberley, Texas, 78676

  1. Krause Springs (Spicewood)

Michael Welch/Flickr Krause Springs looks like a scene straight out of a Tarzan movie, with some of the most luscious greenery in the state and a stunning waterfall to boot. If you’re in need of new swimming spots to check out this summer, definitely add this one to your bucket list. More info here.

Address: 424 County Road 404, Spicewood, Texas, 78669

So, what do you think? Have you ever been to any of these swimming spots? Where’s your favorite place to go swimming in Texas? Tell us all about it in the comments!

Angi English/Flickr

Boasting the title of the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world (didn’t we tell you everything is bigger in Texas?), this desert oasis has pristine waters, interesting, rare fish, and even scuba diving! It’s the perfect place to cool off on a scorching west Texas day. Make sure to visit the official website for the most up-to-date park hours and information.

Address: 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, Texas, 79786

John W. Schulze/Flickr

Texas beaches are known for being “mediocre,” but still always overcrowded (we’re looking at you, Galveston). Few people know that our state actually has some gorgeous, photogenic beaches, like Mustang Island near Corpus. Check out this previous article for more information.

Son’s Island in Seguin, Texas

If you’ve always wanted to visit The Bahamas or another tropical paradise but don’t have the time or money, you’re in luck. We have the next best thing right here in Texas: Son’s Island near New Braunfels! With luxurious cabanas, vintage RVs, soft white sand, beautiful pristine water, and a relaxing vibe that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, it’s about as close as it gets to a faraway island vacation. Learn more about this swimming spot here.

Address: 110 Lee Street, Seguin, Texas, 78155

Vicki Mitchell/Flickr

Everyone tends to think of Hamilton Pool when the word “grotto” is mentioned, but there’s another at Westcave Preserve that doesn’t get nearly enough recognition. It has sapphire waters, lush greenery, and is surrounded by towering trees, making it reminiscent of an enchanting world from a Disney movie. Plus, it’s much less popular, which means fewer crowds, and that’s about as perfect as it gets. More info in a previous article here!

Address: 24814 Hamilton Pool Road, Round Mountain, Texas, 78663

Marilyn Brinker/Flickr

We’re big on fishing here in Texas, and Canyon Lake is one of the best spots for it in the whole state. It has a depth of 43 feet in some areas, making it one of the deepest lakes around. The sunsets are also especially breathtaking, and sunrise is a whole other magic show. Click here for a previous article about this awe-inspiring Texas landmark.

Drew Kolb/Flickr

Our own version of Atlantis exists right here in Texas. The “Sometimes Islands” come and go depending on the water level of Lake Travis. Predicting their presence isn’t easy, so you’d better take advantage of them before they disappear! More info here from previous coverage.

Tyler Riti/Flickr

Jacob’s Well has a way of being fascinating and absolutely terrifying at the same time. You might wonder what could be so scary about a beautiful natural spring - the answer is the 200+ foot deep abyss contained within it. But it’s so pretty, though. More info about the Well here.

Address: 1699 Mt Sharp Road, Wimberley, Texas, 78676

Michael Welch/Flickr

Krause Springs looks like a scene straight out of a Tarzan movie, with some of the most luscious greenery in the state and a stunning waterfall to boot. If you’re in need of new swimming spots to check out this summer, definitely add this one to your bucket list. More info here.

Address: 424 County Road 404, Spicewood, Texas, 78669

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 9207 TX-17, Balmorhea, TX 79718, USAAddress: Mustang Island, Texas, USAAddress: 110 Lee St, Seguin, TX 78155, USAAddress: 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX 78663, USAAddress: Canyon Lake, TX, USAAddress: Lake Travis, Texas, USAAddress: 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676, USAAddress: 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Places To Swim in Texas April 20, 2021 Tori Jane How many swimming holes in Texas are there?   Texas is an enormous state with literally thousands of swimming holes peppered all over. No matter where in the state you’re located, you’ll probably be able to find plenty of ideal swimming holes for those warmer months of the year. Some of our favorite Texas swimming holes are Barton Springs pool, in Austin, which is a gorgeous spring-fed paradise where the temperature is a perfect 68 degrees all year. Hamilton Pool, in Dripping Springs, is an astonishingly beautiful swimming spot that will make you forget you’re not in a movie. There are also lots of spots throughout our numerous state parks, and no matter what kind of experience you’re hoping for, you’re likely to find it in the Lone Star State.  What are the most popular summer activities in Texas? You know what they say: everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes our summer shenanigans! You could always do any of the basics - hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, things like that - but we promise you they won’t be basic in Texas. Our campgrounds are breathtaking, our lakes are crystal-clear, and the possibilities are endless. If you’re more of an urban adventurer-type, there are always hubs of arts and entertainment like Deep Ellum, in downtown Dallas.  Where are the best swimming spots in Texas? Considering there are way too many awesome swimming holes in Texas to even begin to list here, well, it’s hard to know where to start. However, some of the most awe-inspiring swimming spots in the Lone Star State include Hamilton Pool, which is so beautiful that it’s simply unfair, and Jacob’s Well is absolutely incredible (and deep) as well. We’ve also got our fair share of “blue holes”, too, like the one in Leakey, and the Devil’s Watering Hole in Burnet is second to none. For more swimming-spot inspiration, check out this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Places To Swim in Texas

April 20, 2021

Tori Jane

How many swimming holes in Texas are there?   Texas is an enormous state with literally thousands of swimming holes peppered all over. No matter where in the state you’re located, you’ll probably be able to find plenty of ideal swimming holes for those warmer months of the year. Some of our favorite Texas swimming holes are Barton Springs pool, in Austin, which is a gorgeous spring-fed paradise where the temperature is a perfect 68 degrees all year. Hamilton Pool, in Dripping Springs, is an astonishingly beautiful swimming spot that will make you forget you’re not in a movie. There are also lots of spots throughout our numerous state parks, and no matter what kind of experience you’re hoping for, you’re likely to find it in the Lone Star State.  What are the most popular summer activities in Texas? You know what they say: everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes our summer shenanigans! You could always do any of the basics - hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, things like that - but we promise you they won’t be basic in Texas. Our campgrounds are breathtaking, our lakes are crystal-clear, and the possibilities are endless. If you’re more of an urban adventurer-type, there are always hubs of arts and entertainment like Deep Ellum, in downtown Dallas.  Where are the best swimming spots in Texas? Considering there are way too many awesome swimming holes in Texas to even begin to list here, well, it’s hard to know where to start. However, some of the most awe-inspiring swimming spots in the Lone Star State include Hamilton Pool, which is so beautiful that it’s simply unfair, and Jacob’s Well is absolutely incredible (and deep) as well. We’ve also got our fair share of “blue holes”, too, like the one in Leakey, and the Devil’s Watering Hole in Burnet is second to none. For more swimming-spot inspiration, check out this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Texas is an enormous state with literally thousands of swimming holes peppered all over. No matter where in the state you’re located, you’ll probably be able to find plenty of ideal swimming holes for those warmer months of the year. Some of our favorite Texas swimming holes are Barton Springs pool, in Austin, which is a gorgeous spring-fed paradise where the temperature is a perfect 68 degrees all year. Hamilton Pool, in Dripping Springs, is an astonishingly beautiful swimming spot that will make you forget you’re not in a movie. There are also lots of spots throughout our numerous state parks, and no matter what kind of experience you’re hoping for, you’re likely to find it in the Lone Star State. 

What are the most popular summer activities in Texas?

You know what they say: everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes our summer shenanigans! You could always do any of the basics - hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, things like that - but we promise you they won’t be basic in Texas. Our campgrounds are breathtaking, our lakes are crystal-clear, and the possibilities are endless. If you’re more of an urban adventurer-type, there are always hubs of arts and entertainment like Deep Ellum, in downtown Dallas. 

Where are the best swimming spots in Texas?

Considering there are way too many awesome swimming holes in Texas to even begin to list here, well, it’s hard to know where to start. However, some of the most awe-inspiring swimming spots in the Lone Star State include Hamilton Pool, which is so beautiful that it’s simply unfair, and Jacob’s Well is absolutely incredible (and deep) as well. We’ve also got our fair share of “blue holes”, too, like the one in Leakey, and the Devil’s Watering Hole in Burnet is second to none. For more swimming-spot inspiration, check out this article.