Barton Springs, Austin
Escape the Texas heat and immerse yourself in the soul of Austin. Dive into the crystal-clear, perpetually 68°F waters of this legendary three-acre spring-fed pool. Find the best entry options and secure your spot in paradise.
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Nestled within the sprawling 358 acres of Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a beloved Austin institution and a true natural wonder. This massive, three-acre pool is fed directly from underground springs, maintaining a refreshing temperature of 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. It's a place where locals and visitors converge to cool off, exercise, and connect with nature right in the heart of the city. The pool's bottom is entirely natural, composed of rock and gravel, and it's home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander, making every visit a unique ecological experience. Whether you're lounging on the grassy hillsides, taking a courageous leap from the diving board, or simply floating in the pristine waters, a day at Barton Springs is an essential part of any Austin itinerary.
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The absolute best time to visit is during the peak of a hot Texas summer (May through September), when the cold water provides the ultimate relief. For fewer crowds and pleasant sunbathing weather, Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) are ideal. Winter visits are popular among hardy locals for 'polar plunges' and peaceful, uncrowded swims.
Proper swimwear is required to enter the water|Water shoes or sandals are highly recommended as the natural rock bottom can be slippery and sharp in places|A cover-up, hat, and sunglasses are essential for sun protection on the grassy hills|Bring a warm towel or sweatshirt, as you can feel quite cold after exiting the water, even on a hot day.
The springs are named after William 'Billy' Barton, who settled the area in the 1830s and recognized the springs' beauty and power. The land was later acquired by Andrew Jackson Zilker, who gifted it to the city of Austin for public use. The current pool was constructed in the 1920s by damming the springs, creating the urban oasis cherished by millions today.
As a municipal facility, general admission tickets for Barton Springs Pool purchased directly are typically non-refundable and non-transferable. For any bundled tours or experience packages booked through our platform that may include a visit to Barton Springs, the cancellation policy is determined by the individual tour operator. Please carefully review the specific cancellation terms on the booking page provided by our partners before finalizing your reservation.
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Real experiences from real travelers
Absolutely breathtaking. The water is cold, yes, but on a 100-degree Austin day, it is pure heaven. The energy is fantastic, a true mix of people just enjoying life. We spent the whole afternoon here. It is much larger than it appears in photos. A must-do in Austin!
What a unique place! The sheer size of it is impressive. The water is chilly but you get used to it quickly. It's brilliant for people-watching. My only gripe is the parking, which was a nightmare on a Saturday. I'd recommend taking a taxi or bus. Still, well worth the visit to experience a local institution.
This is not just a pool, it is an experience. The water is so clean and you can feel the natural spring. It feels very connected to the earth. I loved sunbathing on the grass hill after my swim. So different from the pools in Europe. A perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon in a beautiful park.
I was amazed to find such a large, natural swimming area so close to a major city's downtown. The water clarity is excellent. It was very peaceful swimming in the early morning. It is a wonderful example of a city preserving its natural treasures. I highly recommend it for any visitor to Austin.
The locals weren't kidding when they said it was cold! It takes your breath away at first but feels fantastic once you're in. A really special spot, felt very authentic and not like a typical tourist trap. The natural bottom can be slippery so I'd suggest bringing water shoes. Great facilities and a beautiful setting in Zilker Park.
We visited during a massive heatwave and Barton Springs was our savior. The cold water felt incredible. The vibe is super relaxed and family-friendly. It gets crowded, but because it's so big, you can still find your own space. Don't miss this if you're in Austin during the summer!
¡Qué lugar tan maravilloso! El agua es fría pero perfecta para el calor de Texas. El ambiente es muy familiar y relajado. Me encantó que es un lugar natural, no una piscina de cloro. Pasamos todo el día allí. Recomiendo llegar temprano para encontrar estacionamiento. ¡No te lo puedes perder!
A very unique swimming experience. It is impressive to see such a natural pool in the middle of a city. The water was very cold for November, but it was invigorating. The park setting is beautiful for a walk afterwards. Be aware that you cannot bring your own food or drinks inside.
Everything you need to know for your journey
The water at Barton Springs is fed by natural springs and maintains a consistent temperature of 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit (about 20-21 degrees Celsius) all year long. It feels very cold at first, especially on a hot day, but most people find it incredibly refreshing.
While tickets can often be purchased on-site at electronic kiosks, it is highly recommended to check the official City of Austin website, especially for visits on summer weekends or holidays. At times, a reservation system may be implemented to manage crowds.
Pool hours vary by season and day of the week. The pool is typically closed for cleaning for a portion of each week. Generally, it's open from early morning (around 5 AM) to late evening (around 10 PM), but it's crucial to check the official Barton Springs Pool schedule online before your visit for the most current information.
Yes, there is a large paid parking lot in Zilker Park that serves Barton Springs and other park attractions. However, this lot fills up very quickly, especially on weekends. It is strongly advised to arrive early, carpool, use a ride-sharing service, or utilize public transportation.
No. To protect the pool's delicate ecosystem and maintain cleanliness, no food, coolers, alcohol, or glass containers are permitted within the gated area of the pool. You can bring a refillable water bottle.
Lifeguards are typically on duty during peak hours and seasons. However, there are times, such as the early morning 'free swim' period, when you swim at your own risk. Always check for the presence of a lifeguard in the chair before entering the water if you are not a confident swimmer.
Yes, Barton Springs is very popular with families. However, parents should be aware that the water is very cold, which may be a shock for young children. Also, the pool has a natural, uneven bottom and gets very deep in areas. Constant and vigilant supervision of children is essential.
We recommend bringing a swimsuit, a towel, water shoes (for the slippery bottom), reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a credit card for entry and parking. A good book and a refillable water bottle are also great additions.
The facility offers some accessibility features. There is a zero-depth entry ramp on the north side of the pool, providing wheelchair access into the water. Accessible parking spots are available. However, be aware that the terrain around the pool and the pool bottom itself is natural and can be uneven.
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