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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Tru by Hilton Austin Airport, TX
Posh & Serene 2BR w Private Patio
Texas Bungalows Hotel & Hotel Que at  i35 Austin Pflugerville

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Reviews of Barton Springs Pool

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
197
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
120
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
15
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
6
1 - Terrible 2%

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

No signage nor directions, vrry ling walk wirh kids, FILTHY parking area, rude people; online said they were open, got there and CLOSED, but parking lot was PACKED. We were told we could get to the free part of the river, no signs so we asked a park ranger and staff; they said it was closed, probably 500+ people were therre. They claimed "too many people showed up for them to stop" and they coild give us a ticket for $1,000 each. We left, not worth the walk nor the hassle.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Make sure to bring swim shoes. Lots of rocks and algae.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Unfair to charge out of town visitors $9/ea vs. locals at $2/ea.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Closed! Check the website!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

So much unrealized potential. Clean the area up and this would be a gem!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Really great place to relax. The pool was fun to swim in but algae was kinda gross. Dogs running and playing in one area was really cute to watch. Website says its 68 deg F year round- it's definitely colder during winter! Brrr! Free entry and free parking during winter season.

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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 refreshing swimming in the natural spring-fed waters while surrounded by beautiful parks. The area is vibrant with live music, festivals, and theater events, offering a lively atmosphere. Additionally, there are plenty of outdoor experiences and shopping options nearby, making it an ideal spot for a day trip filled with relaxation and entertainment.

Shopping

The nearest shopping options near Barton Springs Pool include Barton Creek Square Mall, just 2 miles away, offering a variety of stores and entertainment. Wild About Music, also 2 miles away, features unique musical gifts. Sunset Valley Marketfair is 4 miles away, showcasing local vendors and city vibes.

Recreation

Zilker Park, just 0.3 miles from Barton Springs Pool, offers serene walking trails and picnic spots for relaxation. Austin City Limits, 0.2 miles away, provides live music entertainment for an enjoyable night out. For family fun, visit the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, located 2 miles from the pool.

Adventure

Explore the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike North End, a scenic trail located 3 miles from Barton Springs Pool, perfect for outdoor adventure. For tennis enthusiasts, the South Austin Tennis Center and Caswell Tennis Center, both 2 miles away, offer exciting matches and a vibrant atmosphere.

Nightlife

Experience vibrant nightlife near Barton Springs Pool with a visit to the Moody Theater, just a mile away, offering a blend of culture and romance. Alternatively, enjoy the charm of the Paramount Theatre, 2 miles away, or catch a show at Zach Theatre, only 0.7 miles away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

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 on your visit to Barton Springs Pool, plan your trip in August or December to January for lower rates, and consider staying on a Monday when prices are cheapest. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and explore package deals that combine flights and activities. Joining the One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and earn you cash for future stays. Additionally, take advantage of free activities around the pool and opt for public transport or bike rentals to explore the area affordably.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Barton Springs Pool are August 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 Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Barton Springs Pool is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can arrange your search results from the lowest to the highest price, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll see a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • 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 deal.
  • 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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