Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool
4.5
About
Pull off a cannonball jump at this three-acre swimming pool in Zilker Park. Fed by natural underground springs with an average temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, this limestone pool is a lovely respite from the scorching Texan summers. Switch between tanning on the lawns and swimming in the chilly waters. Plan your visit though as admission is only free in the early morning and late at night. Nominal fees are collected in between. The pool is closed for cleaning on some days, so it’s best to check ahead. Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds. – Tripadvisor
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- Charlotte RosieAmsterdam, New York5 contributionsBarton Springs Pool in Austin offers a serene oasis in the heart of the city.Visiting Barton Springs Pool in Austin was a refreshing and rejuvenating experience in the heart of the city. The pool’s natural spring water and lush surroundings create a serene oasis perfect for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment. The crystal-clear waters and the expansive pool area offer plenty of space for swimming and sunbathing. The pool’s constant temperature of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit provides a cool respite during hot Texas summers. The shady areas and the beautiful landscape make it an ideal spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Barton Springs Pool is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to escape the city heat while enjoying the beauty of Austin’s natural springs.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 19 September 2023
- Castle88Holmdel, New Jersey233 contributionsRefreshing on a hot dayWe came here on a hot September afternoon around 5 pm, there were less crowd and the water still refreshing. We are from the north east and we did not bought our water shoes with us. Please be careful if you walking in the water with bare feets, they are very slippery.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 October 2023
- The HowardsCedarburg, Wisconsin115 contributionsHealthy & Refreshing Gem within walk/bike of downtown Urban AustinOUTSTANDING GEM directly within walk/bike of Urban Austin. Our whole family of kids and Mom/Dad appreciated going for a swim/walk in a clean/safe wonderfully refreshing outdoor healthy area. Staff was very professional and also helpful. Thanks Austin :-)Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 November 2023
- drmaderOrinda, California2,932 contributionsWarm and cleanWonderful natural feeling pool area w ample parking, city views, clear water , easy steps and changing areas . So crowded in summer but you can scone year round . We like coming here when it’s quieter during week. Water is amazingly clean and warmVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 February 2024
- karenSilver Spring, Maryland3 contributionsThe water is wonderfulIt was a really gray and rainy day, but my friends and I really wanted to see the springs. No one was there and we swam. The water is really lovely and very clear. So glad that we went even though the weather wasn't great.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 13 May 2024
- Kathy CRochester, New Hampshire95 contributionsGreat place to cool offThis was such a cool place to check out while in Austin. The water is so refreshing! It is quite amazing how the water stays at a cool temp with such hot weather. We had a great time cooling off and relaxing by the water for a few hours.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
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34
Sam Gmirek
Houston, TX7 contributions
June 2021
I visited Barton Springs with my wife this past weekend. We were advised to make a reservation in advanced, but a lot of other people didn't seem to know this and the line to get into the pool was long. Once inside, I wondered why we were asked to make a reservation because it was stuffed to the gills with people. We managed to find a good spot in the shade to sit, relaxed in the grass for a while, spent a bit of time in the pool, and relaxed some more. If you do not mind large, noisy crowds in the water, you won't mind Barton. If you're lucky enough to find a nice shady spot to relax, your stay will be more enjoyable. Also, fair warning, the water is very cold--it is a natural spring but not a hot spring. It will be chilly in the water but on a hot Texas day that's great stuff.
Written 24 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amir
Fairview, TX1 contribution
May 2021 • Family
Guys be aware this place requires a reservation. Do not walk up and expect to be let in. Make sure call a head in advance because even at the parking lot where they will charge you to park your car but will NOT tell you that it is reservation only!!!
Written 29 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francisco A
4 contributions
July 2021
Visited for the first time this past Saturday morning around 10 AM, parking lot right in front was already starting to fill up so I would suggest you plan to get here early if you want to park close by. With a little bit of good timing and luck, we were able to find a parking spot relatively quickly as someone was pulling out right as we were pulling in. We didn't buy our tickets online so we had to wait in line at one of the electronic ticketing machines, easy process and didn't take longer than maybe 10 minutes. Once we walked through the ticketing window, we made our way down to the pool and laid our towels down in a shaded area across from the diving board. We had packed pool noodles and other toys but their rules prohibit their use in the main areas, there are designated areas in the deeper ends for these types of things so something to definitely be aware of. Water was definitely as advertised, cold but very refreshing in the Texas heat. The water isn't treated so don't be surprised if you feel slimy stuff on your feet and hands as you swim around. Plenty of lifeguards to watch over the large crowds, they were very vigilant during the time we were there. Changing areas and showers are available at no cost. Overall, not a bad experience. Kids didn't enjoy it as much as the hotel pool, a worthwhile visit if you have never visited before.
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sundong
2 contributions
Mar 2021
Went there two days in a row and they were closed. The first we were there the employee informed us that it will be open from 5 to 10 we went there the second day and they said they were closed again. It will be better if they update their website to let people know that the pool is closed so we don't waste out time and gas. Its very inconvenience.
Written 4 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matta15
Austin, TX45 contributions
Sept 2019 • Friends
Barton Springs is magical. The slope that people sunbath and mingle on above the long pool is such a sight. The feeling of that cold spring fed water is such a rush. And then when you get out, lay down on your towel on the hillside... heaven on earth.
Written 12 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian B
Exeter, UK457 contributions
Apr 2022
This place is fun and a great place to go and chill on a hot day but just be warned that the lockers require your own lock. It is also very busy during peak times so expect a wait. It is also closed on random days and so after a 40minute Uber I arrived to find that because of staff shortages it was now closed on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday !!! No sign up to tell you this and nothing on the website
Written 5 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nate080411
Nashua, NH1,025 contributions
Nov 2020
I have to admit we came here because of a scavenger hunt, but wish we could have swam in it. It was the day before Thanksgiving and there were plenty of people in the spring. This is such a cool spot and looks like so much fun. The city has turned their natural spring and river into a swimming hole. I can't wait to come back and jump in. The whole area seems very chill and looks like the type of place you could spend the day at.
Written 5 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,509 contributions
Mar 2023
It isn't the Gulf of Mexico, whose salt waters can reach 94 degrees in temperature in the summer, or Lake Michigan, which rarely rises above a chilly 50 degrees. The temperature of the Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Texas, hovers between 68 degrees and 74 degrees year round. Which feels awfully good in January and February. Located at 2201 Barton Springs Road in Austin's Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a recreational outdoor swimming pool that is filled entirely with fresh water from nearby natural springs. It exists within the channel of Barton Creek and utilizes water from Main Barton Spring, the fourth largest spring in Texas. At one time, the springs were considered sacred and were used for purification rituals by the Tonkawa Native American tribe which inhabited the area. Spanish explorers first discovered the springs in the 17th century and erected temporary missions at the site around 1730 before moving on to San Antonio. The pool is usually open to the public from 5 a.m. top 10 p.m. daily. It is surrounded by grassy slopes and beautiful trees with plenty of shade. An environmental issue involving the springs and the pool emerged with the discovery of the Barton Springs salamander, a federally listed endangered or threatened species which only exists in the pool and a few surrounding environs. After some debate, which included studies by the city of Austin, agencies of the state of Texas and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it was determined that swimmers and salamanders could co-exist.
Written 20 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vishtron
Houston, TX23 contributions
Aug 2021
Refreshing swim in a natural spring. Wife and I visited Austin for our anniversary trip . Barton springs was on the top of the list and it didn't disappoint. Perfect to cool off on a hot summer day and the parking was free to boot since it was a weekday. Plenty of space to dry out in the sun or shade along the banks. We stayed on the lower side of the pool towards the outlet to Barton creek and it was 5ft deep at one end and 9ft at the other. Water was surprisingly cool on a very hot day and the vibe in general was very chill. Would totally recommend to anyone visiting Austin.
Written 7 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EKS
New Orleans, LA19 contributions
July 2022
Swimming at Barton Springs is a must do activity if you are visiting Austin in the summer! We went to Austin in July, and it was hot. Even in the extreme heat, the water was pretty chilly. I would 100% recommend wearing some sort of water shoe. The rocky bottom does not feel great on bare feet. Go early, and if there is a line of cars, park in the upper lots and walk. There was a really long line to enter on the Saturday we went in the early afternoon, but the park is large and there is plenty of room for everyone. Make sure you try the diving board!
Written 4 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What's the best strategy to ensure I can get in for swimming on a holiday weekend? Arrive early?
Written 21 May 2022
Mandi Rankin
Nederland, Texas
Can you bring outside drinks? Floats? Alcoholic beverages?
Written 7 May 2022
Armin S
Flower Mound, Texas
Probably obvious question....Thinking about coming 4th of July weekend. Will it be crazy busy, long lines to get in, people almost lying on top of one another ?
Written 8 June 2020
Currently reservations are required to access Barton Springs and hours are limited. Other than that, all is good.
Written 10 June 2020
Is this good place to bring your dog that likes to swim with you? Or is it not allowed? Or is there a certain section for only your pooch?
Written 19 May 2020
Not quite! This is pretty much like a public city pool - dogs can’t swim in it. There are a lot of park areas surrounding it, though, that would be great for dogs.
Written 20 May 2020
Visited years ago and remember there being a riverwalk where you could bring dogs and drink. Is this the same place? It was upstream of the public pool if I recall
Written 27 January 2020
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