Barton springs

Hiking area · Auditorium Shores

Barton springs

Hiking area · Auditorium Shores

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Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

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Highlights

Natural spring-fed outdoor pool in Zilker Park with glorious water  

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Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 Get directions

austintexas.gov

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Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 Get directions

+1 512 974 6300
austintexas.gov

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Aug 12, 2025

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Dive Into Austin’s Hottest Pool Bars at Cabana Club and Swim Club | Eater Austin

"A well-known public municipal pool that has traditionally served locals seeking to cool off during Austin’s sweltering summers." - Darcie Duttweiler

https://austin.eater.com/2025/6/9/24446037/austin-hotel-pool-bars-cabana-club-swim-club-cocktails
View Postcard for Barton springs

Jeremy Bell

Google
🌞💦 Barton Springs is pure magic! 💦🌞 People lining up to do flips off the diving board like it was the Olympics of Good Times 🤸‍♂️💫 total 10s across the board! 🏅 The water? ✨Glorious.✨ The lifeguards? 🛟 Absolute pros holding it down. The crowd? Beautiful souls everywhere you looked .. like, did we just walk into an indie swimwear commercial? 😍👙🕶️ Would give it 6 stars if I could. See you next summer, Austin! 🫶🌊🧊 Love from 🇨🇦
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Elle W.

Yelp
A Hippie-Watching Paradise! Barton Springs Pool was a blast! While the water was chilly, the real entertainment was watching the laid-back hippies soaking in the sun and the fearless souls taking wild jumps into the pool. It's the perfect spot for some chill vibes and a good laugh!
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Kelley R.

Yelp
To clarify, The overall experience of the facility like an old Midcentury public facility. I don't know the origins of this place so don't hold me to that. It just feels sort of warm, worn, and historic. There is a cover price to get in, which will give you access to the locker room/shower area and swimming area which has active lifeguards on duty. We went during the solar eclipse in April 2024. So take my experience with a grain of salt - but the event brought out all sorts of rowdy young folks that lacked self awareness about their behavior impacting others' experience. The vibe was chill and quiet except for then blasting Miley Cyrus over the swimming area, twerking, and shouting loudly about (I kid you not) charging their anuses with the eclipse sun. It made me laugh some at the time. But they were also just really drunk and swimming into my friends. I think on any other day it would have been a pleasant experience. The guests ruined the vibes. Also don't expect to swim comfortably in April...the water was very cold.
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Kimi S.

Yelp
Barton Springs is such a vibe. For less than the cost of a cheeseburger, you can spend an entire afternoon swimming in a natural pool fed by an underground spring. My 1970's era community pool could NEVER. We went in April and while the weather was a bit cool, our group of girls had so much fun people-watching, sunning, and checking out all of the different pool areas. The water was delicious and refreshing and it felt so nice to be able to commune with so many different people at this incredible public park. Affordable, healing, and just plain beautiful, I recommend Barton Springs to anyone visiting the Austin area.
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Susan M.

Yelp
It's cold yes, but it feels soo good. You are not allowed food or drink anywhere along the pool other than bottled water. The parking lots were under construction when we were there in Oct so it was a bit of a walk to the pool. We put our stuff down and jumped in. The bottom is mossy and a little slippery but not as bad as I had thought from reading the reviews. It gets to 18' on the far end by the diving board. We were in around 4-5' and it was perfect. This was prob the best part of our Austin trip. Do know that you leave your stuff out on the grass in the open and if you really wanna enjoy yourself in the pool I would bring as little as possible and not be like me who was constantly looking over my shoulder to make sure nobody was stealing my stuff .
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Mahwish S.

Yelp
My first time coming the Barton Springs in Austin! I'm sure during the summer when school is not in session that this is a very busy place. We came in a Tuesday and it still had a good amount of people there. Parking in the lot during the week was free. They have walk up stations that you can buy your pass right in front of the gate. Find a decent spot on the grass or on the hill. You can bring your towels, blankets, floaters and lawn chairs. No loud music or outside food/drinks besides bottled water. The water at the end of September was cold! I definitely recommend going at the height of the day to catch as much of the sun to warm you up as you can. We didn't make it there until after 4pm and the sun was already low. I couldn't stay in for too long without the sun being on me. You know the water is cold when you get out of it and the air is warmer than the water. It still was a good experience. There are plenty of life guards for you to safely swim. There is a post like every 5ft spanning the entire length of the pool. There is also a diving board. FYI: currently their building with the locker rooms and showers are under renovation. They did provide the trailer potty's with toilets and showers that you can use.
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Britney H.

Yelp
I'm so glad my friends from Texas showed me around and said that Barton Springs pool was the place to be for a place to go to in Texas! The water was cool and clear! I was AMAZED to see the seaweed, algae and the Austin skyline in the area! I definitely would recommend this to anyone visiting Austin! TIP: Currently, they are redoing the springs installation and construction is involved right now! In addition, there IS a REENTRY stamp if you need to go out and grab something from the car so remember to STAMP if needed! PARKING was free and able as well as there are restrooms outside before entering the pool!
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Alan N.

Yelp
Parking here can be a B. I circled around for 10 minutes looking for a spot. When I finally found a spot, I asked the locals how they paid for parking. They said they didn't. So idk if parking is enforced because I didn't see a machine anywhere. $5 to enter. Pretty cool place. Would recommend checking out and spending some time with your friends here
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Sophie T.

Yelp
Truly obsessed with Barton Springs. I've honestly never seen anything quite like this before. It's a community "pool" but it's such an inviting spot that people of all ages are at. It costs $5 to enter and there's grassy hills you can lay out on and then you just hop in the water whenever you feel like it. Bring your own towels, sunblock, and floats if you have them. We didn't have a float this time around but looking at the folks floating in the water made us want our own. Next time! Barton Springs is monitored very well by the lifeguards (they catch everything!) so you know you're safe here. We could've spent the entire day relaxing/tanning/hopping in the water. Such a gem in Austin. I wish Boston had something like this!!
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Requel P.

Yelp
This review is for the dog area of the pool. First it's free. Secondly it's probably my preferred side as everyone was just chilling and enjoying themselves. There were people swinging off of the rope into the spring. Definitely wear swim shoes as it was slippery trying to walk over the hard rocks and the moss covering them. I also saw some small fish in there as well. Definitely a beautiful place to cool off with your furry friends.
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Anna B.

Yelp
One of the highlights of our trip to ATX! Barton Springs is a fun, inexpensive way to spend the day. You do leave your stuff unattended so I would think about what you want to bring in but there's so many people around, we felt safe keeping an eye on it from afar. The water feels amazing and there are different depths. We really enjoyed watching people on the diving boards. There are bathrooms there. I will say ubering out was very difficult, there are certain areas Ubers can't go in Austin so we had to walk a decent distance before we were in the clear. Great time for anyone and everyone!
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Boon C.

Yelp
The spring pool is a favorite of the local. You just need to paid a small fee and you can swim in the natural spring water pool. This pool located at the west side of Austin. The water came from Barton Creek. It is located within the Zilker Metropolitan Park. The pool is part of the creek dam form the pool. This natural pool has life guard. You can travel along creek trail to enjoy the nature. Down stream of the dam is welcome many dog play in the water. Great for pet water activities. Parking is not free. A small fee is needed. But the park is very nice. Great place to jog.
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Arleen A.

Yelp
Ah!!! I really love this swimming spot! My friends and I came on a Saturday around 12 pm. There was lots of parking as many people were leaving. We parked in the dirt lot and paid for parking at the kiosk. I think it was $13 until midnight. Then we followed the crowd down the path to a sign that pointed left for pool tickets. The kiosk to purchase with your card is super, super slow, especially when you try to buy for 5 people. Some kiosks only work if they claim you as "Austin residents." I tried for about 15 minutes using 3 different kiosks because I had no cash. Please just bring cash and pay at the window instead. Also, you cannot bring any type of cooler inside. It's a protected area, and the lifeguards will do anything to prevent you from bringing outside food. I saw a girl drinking her squeezable applesauce and got scolded. Up the hill outside the entrance and gated area, I saw a picnic area and people with coolers. You just can't bring them within the gates. Also, this guy was swimming and pulling up the endangered plants. Don't be that guy, it's a $10k fine, and he got kicked out of the pool. Barton Springs is a safe swimming area. There are three sections. The first pool looks shallow and had kids. The second area is where I stayed and had 8 feet of water and the diving board. The third area is gated and was the river area and dog beach. That looks like where all the free people go. Tips: Wear swim shoes. I slipped on the hill with no patch of grass. It's slimy at the bottom of the pool and on the stairs, which is the worst feeling for me. Wear a hat in the water. Put on lots of sunscreen. Don't smuggle food or alcohol. Don't bring a cooler because you're gonna have to walk it all the way back to your car. Bring a backpack with towels and lots of water. Also, you can bring lawn chairs, and there's a shower inside these portable trailers. My guy friends said the restrooms were nasty.
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Andrew W.

Yelp
Water is so clear and love chilling at this place! The fencing area will cost money if you are citizen of Austin area will be $5 but if not then $9 per person! Definitely worth the money and experience for sure! Will definitely come back with friends and family next time! There's a train running through as well! Love it
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Dee M.

Yelp
Nice reprieve - water is refreshing! This place exceeded my expectations. I paid $5 to enter. I was so pleased since I brought swim gear! **always bring a swim suit when you travel!
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Maya G.

Yelp
BUY A TICKET ONLINE BEFORE COMING! if you do not buy a ticket online you will have to stand in an unshaded area at the singular ticket machine that is faulty at times and takes forever. be aware that the lifeguards are quite strict here. i got yelled at for having a pool noodle in a 5ft deep area and for hanging on to my boyfriend's back a la twilight bella/edward spider monkey. if you bring food there WILL be a lifeguard that comes and tells you to put it away. no alcohol is allowed but lots of people were vaping/smoking weed. the water is super cold and the pool floor is quite slippery and can have sharp rocks at times so don't be reckless and bring water shoes if needed. overall, barton springs is a great place to beat the heat as long as you come prepared.
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Karla D.

Yelp
Weird... I KNOW I've left a review before. Literally here 1-2 times a year. It's an amazing community pool with vegetation and water life. Great place to relax.
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Gohar K.

Yelp
Great place to cool off on a hot summer day in Texas. On our way from Waco we stopped by to swim in these cold spring water pool. So refreshing. You pay a fee to get in and can stay all day if you like. Some green areas to lay down and relax. There are bathrooms nearby and most important .....lifeguards .... My family and I had a great time here for a few hours. It sure was a hot day in Austin. I love how you could see the city building while swimming here...
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John F.

Yelp
What a cool place! Visited on a very hot Mid-September weekend afternoon and loved cooling off in the chilly spring fed water. Because it was so hot it was pretty busy. There was still plenty of room for us to put down towels and take a dip. This is Austin, (and I'm not complaining) but there was one girl happily walking around the deck topless. I was a bit surprised! Nobody seemed to care however. (Stay weird Austin?!) The temperature outside was above 100 degrees and I was told the water was 67. Big shock getting in, but it was so nice to feel cool when it was this hot. Maybe this is because it was late in the season, but most of the rocks which people hung out and stood on, where covered with really slippery weeds. It is very dangerous! I slipped and fell, but luckily didn't get hurt. The steps that we used to walk in and out with out using the slippery rocks, were really hard to walk on too. The stones in the steps hurt your feet! Kind of like walking on gravel. This "pool" is a pretty awesome thing that Austin offers. As a visitor, I am so glad we read about it. Great local flavor to check out. $9 for non-Austin, $5 for locals. There is a "free" area too, but it's full of dogs which wasn't very appealing.
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Matt S.

Yelp
Awesome public swimming pool with water sourced from natural springs. Huge area with lifeguards and a diving board. Plenty of grassy space on both sides of the pool for lounging. No alcohol permitted. Definitely recommend stopping by for a dip on a hot day. Access was free of charge when I went but I think you need to buy tickets normally.
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Bret B.

Yelp
103 F outside and 68F 12,700,000 gallon per day spring fed fresco goodness can't be beat in Austin in July. Bring your beach chair, towel, but no outside beverages or coolers. Parking is challenging on best days. $5 per day for adults from Austin and $9 from visitors from other parts of Texas and beyond. The water stays ~ 68F all year so great year round swimming hole.
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Chazz D.

Yelp
This is a must stop if you are visiting Austin Texas especially in the summer heat as the water is always a cool 68 Degrees! Very large swimming areas with crystal clear fresh water plus a diving board which is amazing for the kids. Entree fee is only 9$ for the entire day Note:No alcohol allowed
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Olivia C.

Yelp
I loved this! The water was cold but it felt so good on a hot day. I recommend going on a weekday so it isn't super crowded! Beautiful views of the Austin skyline & a small hiking trail that takes you all the way around the pool.
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Kathleen M.

Yelp
I hate to say it, but our last trip to Barton Springs was such a disappointment. I've lived in Austin for almost a decade now and it's always been a joy to visit this natural, spring-fed swimming pool, but my latest trip has me reconsidering if it's worth it to deal with the lines and the parking on a weekend. We arrived around 10:30 an on Sunday, July 16th to find all but one of the parking meters broken. The line to pay for parking (an all-day fee for $7) was almost 30 minutes long in the direct sun, with no shade. The City of Austin offers a parking app for easy payment, so I'm shocked that these lots and meters aren't connected to the app for easy and quick payment. Once we finished paying for parking, we headed to the next line to get in. Think we'd avoid the line by purchasing our tickets online, it was definitely frustrating to find that there was really no benefit to buying tickets in advance - you still have to wait in line. And the line was around 40-50 groups deep.... So more waiting in the sun with no shade. I'd honestly recommend at least installing misters for people waiting in line. It wouldn't be nearly so bad with shorter lines and a bit better management, but the heat coupled with no shade was almost unbearable. Once we were inside, we were immediately hit with a foul smell. It seemed to die down once we were on the other side of the pool, so I'm not sure what the smell was coming from. Things were significantly improved once we were actually in the cool, refreshing water, but I'd highly recommend coming in the early hours to avoid the hassle of obscene lines in direct sunlight. Texas is just too hot to not have shade! In looking at previous pictures, I found a few from July 2021, which I've included for reference. You can even see a clear difference in the vibrancy of the grass, the water.... These pictures show a stark difference in this area and I almost think Barking Springs is a better choice than Barton Springs these days.
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Lauren G.

Yelp
I already want to come back. The water is of course very cold but so refreshing. The life guards are definitely attentive and on duty. Lots of shade all around. Your not allowed to have alcohol ,ice chests , food ,or animals and a number of other things. But by the smells of it they don't mind you being discreet with those of you rolling up.We parked about .5miles away parking was about $7 for about 7 hours worth of time. $10 per adult. There is one food tick outside the park.
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Ericka S.

Yelp
In my opinion, Barton Springs Pool, and Zilker Park in general, should be on the list of attractions for anyone visiting Austin or the Hill Country in general. This is something you rarely see: a beautiful, natural swimming pool. You also feel as if you're stepping back in time while visiting here. It's an inspiring place I really miss sometimes.
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Kelley H.

Yelp
Very beautiful ! The water is always a chilly 60 degrees since it's a natural spring! It's chilly when you get in but very refreshing when it's 100+ degrees outside! Parking is a nightmare and is $5 per car but overall once you get parked and head down there- you pay for admission from the pay to enter machines- $5 for Austin Residents, $9 for visitors- and then you get in line to enter- it's pretty wide open spaces ! Note: Food, coolers and alcohol aren't allowed in- and I would suggest wearing chacos or other water shoes because the pavement around the spring is hot and the spring itself is nothing but rocks at the bottom so it's not very comfortable to stand on

Marcy C.

Yelp
Great place to be able to get on or in the water!! Has a train and place to eat too if it is open for the kids. Nice park to just spend some time and keep cool.
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Krystal J.

Yelp
With how hot it is in TX this is THEEE SPOT to beeee at! Love this place , it's large so much space to just hang out and chill for the day. Also there's a diving board here which is pretty cool
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Michael L.

Yelp
THE BIG: Gorgeous natural spring pool in the heart of Austin. Right next to Zilker Park. THE BLACK AND WHITE: I didn't get the hype of Barton Springs pool until I recently went and now I get it. Natural pool with no chlorine and the water is fed from an under water spring that keeps the temperature very cool! (~68-70 F) There are shallow ends ~5 feet and then deeper ends ~9 feet. You can also bring your floatie if you want to float instead of treading water. Floaties have their own special area near the end of the pool. Lifeguards are on-premise which is great in case of accidents and for those wanting to do some gnarly tricks, there is a diving board, which always has a queue. THE FINAL BAMBOO: $10 entrance fee for non-Austin residents ($5 for local Austinites). There's a free section right outside of the pool but imo dirtier.
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Sabine B.

Yelp
The water is so cold. Definitely an experience. It was busy when we got there Sunday afternoon and we lucked out finding a parking spot. There was no signs how to get to the actual pool from the lot so we just followed other people. Buy your tix on the app to avoid waiting at the kiosks. Limited space on the lawn. The pool floor is slippery and the groves don't make it any easier not to fall. The changing area is very reminiscent of old time bath houses. Can't be shy there. I'd like to go back in the summer.
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Amy L.

Yelp
Okay beautiful pool- wish I got to enjoy it. Came on 4th of july with my two veteran boyfriends- and got denied entry- because one of us was holding a red white and blue truly!!! (on americas birthday, hello!) we were not going to bring the single can with one sip left into the pool anyway, but they told us to throw it out and then we could buy tickets. So we promptly threw the can out and they STILL didn't let us enter. Disrespectful and discriminatory. But no worries, because we walked over to the free side and got HAMMERED. don't waste your time in the pool, don't give those freaks ur money, go to the free side and experience the american dream.
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Klemens T.

Yelp
Came here for the first time with my family. Do some research before coming here. We originally didn't plan on coming here. This was kind of a past second add on. We came around 2pm and the parking lot was packed with a line. The line moved smooth, but just plan to either go in circles or just park farther and walk. It's $7 for parking all day. Please check the picture I'm also posting for what items are prohibited such as coolers, pets, etc. It's basically a large fresh water pool that have large rocks that you can stand on, kelp and algae growing. Stairs and ladder leading into the water is a bit slipper so be careful. The water is initial ice cold, but you of course, adapt to the temperature so it's not too cold. There are parts of the water that looks pretty gross, but for the most part, it's great. There are a lot of lifeguards on duty. The staff are fast, but they don't seem like the friendliest. More about speed than a friendly customer service. It's $5 for Austin adult residents or $9 for non resident. Fresh water is constantly flushing out so at least you know it's not too gross lol. There were little turtles as well. Just outside the little dam, are where people who don't wanna pay goes to party. They played loud music, brought their coolers and drank alcoholic drinks, but there's no pool and lifeguard so partake at your own risk. There are little kiosks outside the main entrance where you can buy your entrance ticket and walk right in, otherwise, you have to pay at the window with CASH ONLY. Judt ou
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Gina C.

Yelp
So much fun!!! $5 for locals, $10 for out of state, and free from 9-10pm. It is the best place for a night swim! Lively, fun, and the water feels perfect during the hot summer. A must visit!
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Eric S.

Yelp
Sacred Gem of Austin TX! Morning Dips has a difficult culture and paid area only! Summer time is amazing to escape the ((Heat.))

Sherika S.

Yelp
Car got broken into, no security or cameras. Y'all be safe out there. Over $800 worth of things stolen. ALWAYS take your stuff with you.
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Carrie M.

Yelp
Looooove Barton Springs Pool. Going for a swim here is perfect on a hot summer day. I remember when it used to be $3 admission when I started college only a few years ago, and now it's $5. This price is for Austin residents, but they don't check if you're a resident (at least in my experience), so don't pay for the non-resident ticket. The water is cool, there is a good amount of algae, and it's just a very fun place to relax or tire yourself swimming around in this huge pool. You can't bring any outside food or alcohol, but you can stamp your hand and eat at the tables right by the entrance then reenter.
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Sandy Y.

Yelp
Great place to hang out on those hot summer days! There's large grassy areas all around the pool with plenty of trees to shade you. The water is definitely pretty cold when you first get in, but you'll acclimate quickly! There's varying depths to the pool, so make sure you pay attention to the signs as it can change quickly. Be prepared when swimming over to the shallower end, you'll be going through moss and other water foliage. It surprised some of us as we made our way over! Overall, huge and refreshing natural springs with a nice view of the city. One of the many natural beauties Austin has to offer. Entrance fee is $9 for non-residents. You can purchase your tickets online ahead of time to avoid waiting in a line at the kiosk.
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David B.

Yelp
Hey there fellow adventurers! Today, I'm going to share an exciting escapade to a natural wonder right in the heart of Austin, Texas - the Barton Springs Pool! Picture this: a scorching 103-degree day, and what better way to cool off than with a refreshing dip in a pool fed by cool underground springs? Sounds like paradise, doesn't it? Barton Springs Pool is an iconic landmark that needs to be on every traveler's must-visit list. It's an oasis where you can unwind, splash around, and enjoy some delicious food while soaking up the sun. But before you head there, let me give you some tips for an epic Barton Springs adventure! First things first, brace yourself for a bit of a shock - despite the hot weather, the water temperatures average around 68-70 degrees! Brrr! Trust me; it's chilly even on the hottest days. My advice? Don't hesitate, just jump right in! The initial cold might take your breath away, but it's incredibly refreshing and exhilarating. Plus, it's the perfect excuse for some hilarious, involuntary dance moves! You can find all the nitty-gritty details about Barton Springs Pool at their official website (https://www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool). Check out their hours of operation to plan your visit and make sure to purchase your tickets online to skip the line at the ticket kiosk. Who wants to waste time waiting when there's a cool pool waiting to be explored? When you arrive, you'll notice that rafts and tubes are allowed in designated areas. So, if you're feeling lazy, just grab a floatie, lay back, and let the natural springs do the rest. It's like being on a mini-vacation within a vacation! Now, before you pack up your gear, do yourself a favor and review the list of prohibited items. I'll save you the suspense; unfortunately, they don't allow the selfie sticks! I know, I know, how will we take those epic Instagram shots? Fear not, though; the stunning views and crystal-clear waters are way more picturesque than any selfie. And guess what? If you're feeling peckish after all that swimming and splashing, there's a delightful food truck right outside the gate serving up mouthwatering paninis that hit the spot! However, don't forget to get your hand stamped before you leave; otherwise, you'll have to dive back into the admission line when you return. Imagine the look on your friends' faces when they see you making a grand reentrance! Now, let's dive into some history and facts. Barton Springs Pool has been a cherished location for generations of Austinites and visitors alike. Its rich history dates back to the 1830s when settlers first discovered the underground springs. Back then, it was a gathering spot for Native American tribes, and later, the spot became known for its healing properties. In 1918, the pool area was purchased by the City of Austin, and over the years, it evolved into the natural treasure we know today. The pool is fed by four underground springs, which pump around 27 million gallons of chilly water into the pool every day! Talk about a natural wonder! These springs maintain a constant water level and keep the pool temperature refreshingly cool all year round. It's a delightful contrast to the blazing Texas heat, and it's a testament to Mother Nature's incredible creations. So, whether you're an Austinite looking for a quick weekend getaway or a traveler passing through, Barton Springs Pool is a must-visit destination. It's a place where you can create cherished memories, enjoy quality time with friends and family, and perhaps even make some new friends as you bond over your involuntary cold-water dance moves! In conclusion, don't miss out on this refreshing oasis in the heart of Austin. Dip into the Barton Springs experience, embrace the chill, and enjoy the beauty of this unique natural gem. Oops! I mean... marvel at the allure of this hidden paradise! Oops again! Let's just say, it's an unmissable adventure you'll be talking about for years to come. So pack your swimsuits, grab some friends, and get ready for an unforgettable day at Barton Springs Pool! Dive in, chill out, and let the good times flow! (P.S. If you spot a guy doing an awkward jig as he jumps into the pool, that's probably me. Don't forget to say hi!)
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Linda M.

Yelp
I love this pool. Some swimmers think it's too cold but honestly if you get in and stay for 5 minutes your body acclimates (i.e., goes numb). Be careful if you cannot swim; with the natural bottom, the pool depth can change quickly.
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Tiffany R.

Yelp
Great time with my husband. Only hard thing was the line but it went pretty fast. Water was cold and felt amazing. Great spot for summer heat.
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Mary Ann C.

Yelp
Barton Springs Pool will take your breath away, it is so beautiful. I'm thankful for the "See Austin" website for recommending Barton Springs as one of the top places to visit in Austin. We arrived early in the morning, parking was hard too find. Thankfully after going around the park twice, we found a spot not too far from the pool. You pay to enter the pool and you can get a hand stamp so that you can return anytime that day. I fully intended to return so I stamped the burnt orange butterfly on my hand. I never got back but the butterfly stained my clothes a few times. The water was cold yet we ventured in up to our knees. Some people were doing laps. The bottom is a bit slippery so be careful. Thankfully we didn't fall and there was a railing to hold on. If I go back, I want to spend more time at this natural spring pool.
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Evelyn S.

Yelp
Visited Barton Springs for the first time and I loved the cold waters as I love ice baths the only thing I didn't enjoy was all the rescues happening in this place I was here for give or take 3 hours and witnessed a couple walking by what seamed a 3ft depth and next thing you know they were both drowning same in the diving board! There is Algae everywhere how are people comfortable in swamp water I don't know I spent about 10 minutes in the water and I was out with no desire to jump back in despite my love for cold waters. Would I return? NO Please learn to swim before trusting this location for your "swimming" adventures
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Michelle S.

Yelp
Oh my goodness. What a great day and a great place to spend on a hot day. Ï absolutely loved it. There is even a food truck outside of the gate. Very clean. No food allowed inside which is good. That means no trash gets into the natural pool. You can take bottles of water. Highly recommend.
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Marie E.

Yelp
Great place to cool off and relax; the pool is absolutely beautiful. I felt completely comfortable being topless; everyone there was respectful. After a minute in the water, I became acclimated to the temperature. Would recommend to anyone.
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Munsa M.

Yelp
Came here Sunday early afternoon and had so much fun!! We bought our tickets ahead of time so luckily our line moved pretty quickly. There were a good amount of people there but we were able to find a spot on the hills and the pool wasn't too crowded. I wish there were more grassy spots though bc our stuff ended up getting pretty muddy. We had fun swimming around and jumping off the diving boards!!
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Ashleigh J.

Yelp
The best part about Barton Springs pool is the cold water temperature! While its such a struggle to find cold cold water in the middle of summer, this pool is perfectly refreshing and cools you off! There is an entrance fee that varies if you live in Austin or outside of the area but the cost for both is pretty minimal for access the whole day. The water is also usually pretty clear! There is alot of shaded area to choose to sit under and there is also a lot of open area so each time we have been its been easy to find a spot and set up a blanket or two. The thing I really do not like about this pool is that there is no food, coolers or thermal bags allowed. I understand alcohol and glass of course, but I cant bring in some snacks? Also, all you pretty much hear all day is constant whistles being blown. There are whistles being blown it feels like every minute or less in one direction or another which can get annoying. The parking lot is a little tough if you don't get there early so keep that in mind! I definitely recommend for a hot summer day and plan to go back soon!
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Tiffany H.

Yelp
I'm so happy to say after finally coming to visit this pool after living in Austin for a year, I loved my visit. My younger sisters begged me to come here while they were in town, so my husband and I brought them to the pool. We had a blast. There is plenty of space in the grass surrounding the pool to find a place to set up camp. The earlier in the day you come, the less people there are. They don't allow food or coolers here, so I recommend making sure to come packed with a large bag that is able to hold your belongings. They do allow you to bring your floaties to the pool, and restrict use of those in the deep end of the pool. We brought our floaties along, and they made cooling off in the water much more fun! There is a food truck located directly outside the pool if you do happen to get hungry, but it has to be eaten outside before coming in. I recommend coming here for a fun family day at such a beautiful Austin favorite.
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Ariel B.

Yelp
We came here at 9:30am on a sunday and it was perfect! Super chill, easy to find parking, no line, and already decently hot out. We loved jumping in, swimming, hanging out on the grass and then doing it all over again. We stayed until 2pm and by then there was a lot more people but not crowded. When walking out, the line was wrapped around the building. Just a note for people to remember: no food, alcohol or coolers are allowed in the pool area. Parking is $5 in the lot and then it's $5 per adult to get in the pool.
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Jessica M.

Yelp
There is NOTHING better on a hot, summer Texas day than jumping into Barton Springs Pool. PRO TIP: 5AM-8AM& 9PM-10PM it's free to get into the pool! My favorite is early in the morning, no traffic, ample parking and watching the city come to life. Jumping in early offers a chance to start your day in the healing waters of Earth. I feel revitalized! Connected & embodied. It's $5 for the day which is a steal.