Barton Springs Pool

This natural pool is free during the winter months. The temperature was around 70°, but don’t be fooled that is not as warm as you think it will be. There is a diving board and there are fish in the water. It has a good view of the Austin city skyline and is very centrally located to Austin. I would recommend but really only if you are a good swimmer.

Fantastic place to spend the day in Austin! Water was cold but it was fun to take a dip and bounce off the diving board. We really loved it! Also took the short train ride with the kids. 5 Stars all day!

I am in Texas about 3 or 4 times per year, and this was my first trip down to see the pool. I hadn’t read up on it, but assumed (being from Iowa) that it would be completely empty this time of year. I was very wrong! There were folks of all ages (not a bunch) swimming, wading and enjoying the water. Even a turtle was sunbathing on a rock near the diving board. I also chuckled at one of the lifeguards wearing a jacket and long pants. We walked around the perimeter of the 1000-foot long pool and was absolutely amazed at its sheer size! I saw a sign with the admission fees which were very reasonable. What a great place to visit. I can’t imagine how many people enjoy it during peak season. Definitely an asset to Austin and Texas in general.

OMG this was our favorite stop in Austin. One side is a pay-to-enter swimming hole and there is another hidden free-to-enter entrance that serves as a much smaller swimming hole for the doggies. We had such a great time interacting with the locals and playing with the cute, energetic dogs we didn’t want to leave. Note that the doggie entrance is hidden amongst the trees and down a very steep hill (which is a bit tricky to get up and down). If you are a lover of animals the doggie side is a MUST. We didn’t pay to enter the other side but it is huge and looks soooo cool. If we had our swimming suits we def would’ve gone! What amazed me about the doggie side (and really Austin in general) is how welcome the locals made us. What was also cool is how everyone looked after everyone else’s dogs, taking turns throwing balls for them in the water. You don’t even need to take your own dog here to take part in the action and appreciate this place! ❤️

It was great , at first I thought the water was a bit too cold but then after 10 minutes standing there I got used to it! Everything was fine until 2 ladies took all their cloths and they were butt naked! I had no idea that was permitted but I had little ones and they freaked out so we left ! Smh

Pure magic. Even in late February it was swimmable and a pleasure to enjoy. Has a diving board, seems to be never crowded even when I visited previously on Memorial Day weekend. Water is super clean, lifeguards zealously maintain law and order Texas style, just an overall pleasureful experience. Top highlight on my 4 day Austin visit. The view of Austin while you are in the water is breathtaking to use a cliched word which in this case lives up to the cliche. Don’t miss this spot

I will always take a plunge in Barton Springs pool when in the area. Cold but refreshing. South-side parking was challenging (-1 one star). Entrance fee is reasonable and easy peasy online ticket purchasing available. Nice crowd size in the pool.