Barton Springs Pool Tours

Zilker Park featuring a pool, a lake or waterhole and a park
Barton Springs Pool featuring a river or creek and swimming
Barton Springs Pool featuring a river or creek and swimming
Barton Springs Pool showing a river or creek and swimming
Barton Springs Pool which includes a garden and a river or creek


One of the “crown jewels” of Austin’s bustling downtown, this natural limestone pool is a refreshing place to spend a steamy Texan afternoon.

It’s no secret that a Texas summer can be scorching, but luckily, Barton Springs Pool is here to cool you down. A massive 3-acre (1.2-hectare) natural limestone pool in the heart of Austin’s downtown, it is fed by underground springs that keep the water 68 F (20 C) year round. Swim laps or just play around in the water, the perfect place to escape the summer heat.

Ease yourself down the ramp into the somewhat chilly water or jump off the ledge into the deep area. Swim from side to side or practice open water swimming, watching the landscape go by as you paddle upstream or down. Practice your diving skills under the watchful eye of the well-trained lifeguards.

Visit historical bathhouses and view exhibits on the origins of the pool. Switch between sunbathing and cooling down in the water during a long, relaxing afternoon.

Explore the vegetation near the water in search of the endangered Barton Springs salamander with its distinctive fringed neck. Bring a snorkel and mask for a face-to-face meeting with the fish life teeming below the surface, dodging in and out of algae as people play above.

Get land-based exercise running or biking along the nearby trails then cool off with a cannonball jump into the pool. Otherwise, relax in peace with a book for hours as crickets chirp around you.

Barton Springs Pool is located in the southern part of Austin’s Zinker Park, close to Downtown Austin. Drive here in 15 minutes from the University of Texas at Austin’s campus or arrive in 1 hour via public transportation. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a 20-minute drive away. Free parking is available nearby, though this can be hard to find during events in the park.

The pool is open daily from May to September, from dawn until late at night, although it is closed during the day on Thursdays for cleaning.

Admission is free in the early morning and late at night, with fees collected at other times of day. The pool is extremely popular on weekends, so come early.

Plan a trip to see Barton Springs Pool

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Posh & Serene 2BR w Private Patio
Hotel Magdalena
Downright Austin, A Renaissance Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Barton Springs Pool

citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
citizenM Austin Downtown
Omni Austin Hotel

Omni Austin Hotel

4 out of 5
700 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
Omni Austin Hotel
Hyatt Place Austin Downtown

Hyatt Place Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
211 E 3rd St, Austin, TX
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Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street, Austin, TX
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Aloft Austin Downtown

Aloft Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
109 E 7th St, Austin, TX
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Glass Parkside Treehouse SPECTACULAR -POOL-LAKE-RIVER-KAYAK-SUP/Bike/Hike

Glass Parkside Treehouse SPECTACULAR -POOL-LAKE-RIVER-KAYAK-SUP/Bike/Hike

Austin
Glass Parkside Treehouse SPECTACULAR -POOL-LAKE-RIVER-KAYAK-SUP/Bike/Hike
The Carpenter Hotel

The Carpenter Hotel

3.5 out of 5
400 Josephine St, Austin, TX
The Carpenter Hotel
Barton Springs Hideaway. On the Park at Barton Springs Pool, mins to Downtown

Barton Springs Hideaway. On the Park at Barton Springs Pool, mins to Downtown

Austin
Barton Springs Hideaway. On the Park at Barton Springs Pool, mins to Downtown
EPIC POOL experience LAKE, River, NATURE HIKE-bike-SUP-kayak-park &city

EPIC POOL experience LAKE, River, NATURE HIKE-bike-SUP-kayak-park &city

Austin
EPIC POOL experience LAKE, River, NATURE HIKE-bike-SUP-kayak-park &city
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Barton Springs Pool

At Barton Springs Pool, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including swimming in the refreshing waters, exploring nearby golf courses, and discovering other popular Austin swimming holes. The area is also vibrant with live music, festivals, and theater events. For those looking to extend their adventure, consider a day trip or a long park exploration to fully experience the scenic beauty and recreational offerings of this iconic location.

Food and drinks

Indulge in mouthwatering Texas barbecue at Franklin Barbecue, located 2 miles from Barton Springs Pool. For a refreshing drink, visit Live Oak Brewing Company, 7 miles away, or explore the lively atmosphere at Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery, 18 miles out. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Shopping

For shopping near Barton Springs Pool, visit Wild About Music, only 2 miles away, for unique gifts. Sunset Valley Marketfair is 4 miles away, offering a local vibe. If you're up for a drive, check out Arboretum at Great Hills Mall, located 9 miles away, for a wider selection.

Recreation

Zilker Park is a tranquil recreational area, perfect for unwinding with its expansive green spaces and scenic views, located 0.3 miles from Barton Springs Pool. The Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center offers family-friendly aquatic fun, just 2 miles away, while W Austin Wet Deck provides a lively outdoor pool experience, 1 mile away.

Adventure

At Barton Springs Pool, you can experience the thrill of motor racing at the Circuit of the Americas, located 12 miles away. For a scenic outdoor adventure, hike the Shoal Creek Trail, just 3 miles away. Camp Ben McCulloch, 17 miles away, offers family-friendly camping amidst nature.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Barton Springs Pool! Catch a show at the Moody Theater for a mix of culture and romance, or bring the family to Blazer Tag for some thrilling arcade fun. For a cozy evening, enjoy a movie at Flix Brewhouse with great food and drinks.

Find the best attractions near Barton Springs Pool

When visiting Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Texas, explore local attractions that blend culture and family experiences. Enjoy the refreshing spring waters of Barton Springs Pool, a beloved natural swimming hole. Nearby, discover historic civic buildings and event venues that showcase the city's vibrant spirit. Whether you're looking to relax in nature or soak up Austin's unique atmosphere, the area offers a delightful mix of activities for every traveler.

  • Sixth Street: Known for its vibrant nightlife, Sixth Street is a must-visit for those looking to experience Austin's lively atmosphere. With an array of bars, live music venues, and street performers, this iconic street offers something for everyone, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
  • Austin Convention Center: A hub for events and conferences, the Austin Convention Center showcases the city's business vibe. Its modern facilities host a variety of gatherings, providing insight into Austin's thriving economy and culture through exhibitions and trade shows.
  • Texas State Capitol: This historic building is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of Texas heritage. Visitors can explore its impressive grounds and learn about the state's history, making it a culturally enriching experience.

Best time to go to Barton Springs Pool

The best time to visit Barton Springs Pool can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Barton Springs Pool falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Barton Springs Pool falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May75.0°F (23.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July85.1°F (29.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August86.5°F (30.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Barton Springs Pool

To save money during your visit to Barton Springs Pool in Austin, consider taking advantage of the free entry to the pool and nearby attractions like Zilker Park and South Congress Avenue. Plan your trip in July or December to January for lower accommodation rates, and aim for a Tuesday check-in to save on lodging. Use Expedia to find the best deals by filtering prices low to high, and consider booking a package for flights, hotel, and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and offer OneKeyCash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Barton Springs Pool are July and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Barton Springs Pool is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Barton Springs Pool is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals available, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Barton Springs Pool with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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