Barton Springs, Austin

It seems to me that most of the folks who go to Barton Springs are quite easy on the eye which makes for excellent people watching. It's really stunning here; completely different to any "pool" I've ever been to. It's natural, cool and refreshing even when it's scorchio outside. It's dirt cheap to get in and the water is very clear, although it sometimes has moss from the overhanging trees floating in it. You can rent a canoe and paddle down the river and it's like being in "Deliverance." It's great.

Baton Springs is a huge natural springs right in the middle of town. The water is 65 degrees year round and is a great place to cool your heels in the hot summer months. Nudity is tolerated and the people watching is fantastic. There is plenty of shade on their extensive lawn. The pool is generally not crowded until 1 pm. admission is $3.

A must during the summer. One of the best places to spend a lazy afternoon swimming, sunning, and people watching. The entrance fee for the pool is $3.00. Be sure to get a hand stamp for re-entry if you leave and plan to come back later in the day. Note - The pool is closed on Thursdays for cleaning.

Waiting around until the nightlife kicks in can be a long wait...especially in the summer. So why not wait in nice, cool waters, surrounded by skantily clad people soaking up the sun? There's nothing like a long day of swimming, socializing, and sunbathing to make you really thirsty...

Austin has a tendency to be extremely hot so one of the best watering holes is Barton Springs Pool. It's a natural aquifer that stays 68 degrees all year around. It can get crowded but you can take your family and either picnic or there are concessions which can be a little pricey. If you have a dog, there is an area outside of the pool, seperated by the chain link fence, that is totally dog friendly.

I'm sure most Austin pages already have this place, but what sort of Austinite would I be without including it?
Here is a place for natural relaxation. The 'pool' is really a spring-fed stream which maintains temperature (68 degrees F) year-round. The stream was dammed up to make the 900 foot pool, so it has a natural bottom. Its kinda fun to slip around on it but some places have water plants growing underneath so you have to watch out. There's also a diving board, places on the grass to lay your towel, and bathrooms/showers. It's only $3 to enter for adults. Pool doors open early at 5 a.m.

If you come to Austin Barton Springs pool is a well known "must see". This is as close as Austin has to having a beach. In the hot summer months this place is packed with sunbathers, hippies, musicians and kids all chilling at the pool. Bring a book, a blanket and sunglasses and get ready to people watch. Barton Springs will give you a real look into the Austin culture; hippie paradise in Texas!

Awesome in size, a beautiful swimming "hole." Be prepared to swim in clear cold spring water. I like to go there when it is extremely hot. Once you put your toe into the water you will be grateful for the heat wave. It cost a few bucks to get in. There is a hamburger stand close to the entrance. A large children's playscape nearby. In cooler weather, take the kids to the playscape and walk over to the spring for a look.