Barton Springs Pool is Austin's most sacred natural feature—a spring-fed swimming pool that maintains a constant 68-70 degrees year-round, fed by underground springs from the Edwards Aquifer. The three-acre pool, set within Zilker Park, has been a gathering place for thousands of years. On a 100-degree Austin summer day, plunging into the cool, clear water is a transcendent experience. Regulars swim year-round, including through winter when steam rises from the water. The pool is surrounded by a grassy hillside perfect for sunbathing, and the atmosphere is pure Austin—diverse, casual, and deeply connected to nature.
Highlights
- ✓68-70 degrees year-round
- ✓Three-acre natural pool
- ✓Spring-fed from Edwards Aquifer
- ✓Austin's most iconic spot
Insider Tips
- Free entry before 8 AM and after 9 PM
- Bring towel and sunscreen
- Water is cold—embrace it
- Busy weekends in summer
