Note: This map was first published in June 2016 and has been updated.
Important safety warning (August 28): Toxic algae that has killed at least five dogs continues to be found in Lady Bird Lake (specifically, Red Bud Isle—which is closed—Barton Creek, and downstream from Barton Springs Pool). Keep dogs away from these areas completely. People are advised to use caution when on the lake and to stay away from any algae they see and should stay out of water on the Barton Creek Greenbelt (except of course Barton Springs and Deep Eddy pools). Swimming holes in those areas have been removed from this map (and are probably dry at the moment anyway.
Looking for the coolest, most refreshing places to beat the Central Texas heat? We’ve rounded up some of the best and mapped them for you.
A couple of caveats: Some will be closed or not recommended after heavy rains, they're not all free, and one—Hamilton Pool—requires reservations (totally worth it).
Also, any of the greenbelt spots on this map will also dry up as the summer advances and should be avoided when water is low, stagnant, and warm. If you are headed to places on the Barton Creek Greenbelt, it’s a good idea to find out if it’s safe to swim in them before you do (both rainfall and a lack of same can affect that status).
Finally, don’t forget Austin’s several city pools and splash pads. Aside from Barton Springs and Deep Eddy, Austin’s parks and recreation department operates 50 public pool facilities, which include seven municipal pools, 28 neighborhood pools, three wading pools, 11 splash pads, and one rental facility (Commons Ford Ranch). Here’s a map of all of them.
Got all that? Now go forth and plunge!
Did we leave out one of your favorite spots? Let us know in the comments section below.
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