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    Best Swimming Holes

    The essential guide to Central Texas' best swimming holes

    Nicole Raney
    Jul 26, 2016 | 1:38 pm

    There's no better way to beat the summer heat than with a refreshing swim. Dip into our guide to the best swimming holes in Austin and throughout Central Texas.

     

     Barton Springs
    No list of swimming holes would be complete without Barton Springs, a refreshing sanctuary in the heart of Austin. The ice-cold, spring-fed pool (68-70 degrees year-round) is the quintessential spot to take a dip. Night owls, visit between 9-10 pm when admission is free and the pool is less crowded (that means more opportunities to jump off the diving board).
     2201 Barton Springs Rd., Austin. Closed Thursdays, 9 am-7 pm. $3 adults, $2 ages 12-17, $1 seniors and 11 and under.

     

     Blanco State Park
    The spring-fed Blanco River, named by the Spanish for its white limestone banks, has been a cherished destination for generations. In addition to swimming, camping, hiking, and fishing are popular activities at this state park.
     101 Park Road 23, Blanco. $4 adults, free for 12 and under.

     

     Blue Hole, Georgetown
    The Blue Hole in Georgetown is a bend in the San Gabriel River just minutes away from the city center. A steep cliff overlooks the warm, deep water and long, rocky banks. This is an ideal spot to set up camp for the day or bring an inflatable raft to lounge along the river. Bring sunscreen and an umbrella, as shade is very limited.
     West Second and Rock streets, Georgetown. Free.

     

     Blue Hole, Wimberley
    The Blue Hole in Wimberley is a swimmer's delight. This shady oasis offers deep water for swimming or jumping off rope swings, as well as a current that's just right for a lazy float. There's also a large lawn area where kids (and adults) can run around and play.
     100 Blue Hole Rd., Wimberley. $9 adults, $5 ages 4-12 and 60-plus, free for 3 and under.

     

     Comal River
    This spring-fed body of water has a consistent temperature of 70-72 degrees, even in the thick of summer. The New Braunfels favorite boasts activities for the whole family, including kayaking and tubing (rental prices vary). For swimming, we suggest Landa Park.
     Landa Park Dr., New Braunfels. Free.

     

     Deep Eddy
    Just around the corner from Barton Springs is Deep Eddy, another spring-fed escape that's breathtakingly cold in the dog days of summer. This popular pool is our top pick for kids and boasts a pool for lap swimming, another for wading, lots of grass for lounging, and a hill for a picnic.
     401 Deep Eddy Dr., Austin. $3 adults, $2 ages 12-17, $1 seniors and 11 and under.

     

     Guadalupe River State Park
    This park is a favorite place to toss in a tube and float. There's also swimming and fishing at this destination, just 30 miles north of downtown San Antonio.
     3350 Park Rd. 31, Spring Branch. $7 adults, free for 12 and under.

     

     Hamilton Pool Preserve
    Fifty-foot falls of water cascade over a limestone shelf and into the big, blue-green lagoon. This picturesque spot is so desirable that visitors are now required to reserve a time slot from May 15 through September 30. There's a 10-15 minute hike down to the pool, so pack light.
     24300 Hamilton Pool Rd., Dripping Springs. $15-$26 per vehicle.

     

     Hippie Hollow
    This beach on Lake Travis will force you to leave your inhibitions behind. The only clothing-optional public park in Texas, Hippie Hollow offers 109 acres of beautiful parkland for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring.
     7000 Comanche Tr., Austin. $15 per vehicle. 18 and up only.

     

     Jacob's Well
    Jacob's Well has some of the clearest and most pristine water around. Like Hamilton Pool, there are admission fees and restricted swimming hours to preserve this popular place. Reserve a two-hour time slot through the Hays County website; only 300 people are allowed per day.
     1699 Mount Sharp Rd., Wimberley. $9 adults, $5 ages 5-12, free for 4 and under.

     

     Krause Springs
    Head to Spicewood to experience this Hill Country paradise. There are 32 springs and two pools for swimming, as well as one magical butterfly garden for exploring. If a single day in this enchanting place isn't enough, we suggest camping for a night or two.
     404 Krause Spring Rd., Spicewood. $7 adults, $5 ages 4-11, free for 3 and under.

     

     McKinney Falls State Park
    In Southeast Austin, you'll find this amazing spot, named one of America's top swimming holes. Relax in the shallow areas, or scope out places deep enough for a full dip. There are plenty of trails to wander along and a handful of historical sites to visit too.
     5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy., Austin. $6 adults, free for 13 and under.

     

     Pace Bend Park
    An exceptional 9 miles of shoreline surrounded by Lake Travis. On the west side of the park you can climb limestone cliffs and explore rocky coves. The north and east sides of the park have the most accessible beaches and swimming areas — we suggest Mudd Cove and Gracy Cove, which are designated swimming-only spots.
     2201 N. Pace Bend Rd., Spicewood. $10 per vehicle.

     

     San Marcos River
    The San Marcos River, with its crystal-clear water, is a top spot for tubing, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. The best part? The water temperature is a consistently cool 72 degrees. Popular places to take a dip include Rio Vista Park, San Marcos City Park, and the San Marcos Springs.
     City Park St., San Marcos. Free.

     

     San Pedro Springs Park
    Nestled in San Antonio is San Pedro Springs Park, the second oldest park in the United States. There’s a crisp spring-fed pool for splashing around and swimming, plus a tennis court and scenic trails.
     2200 N. Flores St., San Antonio. Open through August 14. Free.

    Krause Springs has two pools for swimming.

    Krause Springs_waterfall and main pool_2013
      
    Photo by Brian P. Barnes
    Krause Springs has two pools for swimming.
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    Awards News

    Dallas hotels win big in 2025 World's Best Awards by Travel + Leisure

    Amber Heckler
    Jul 9, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa​
    Photo courtesy of Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa
    Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa is the No. 2 best resort in Texas.

    Several renowned Dallas-Fort Worth hotels and resorts were just declared the best in the world by Travel + Leisure readers, according to the publication's annual World's Best Awards.

    Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa and Grapevine's Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center were honored among the top five best resorts in Texas, and six more distinguished Dallas-Fort Worth properties made the cut among T+L's list of the 15 best hotels in Texas and in the U.S.

    Every year, Travel + Leisure surveys its readers to determine the ultimate travel experiences around the world, which include the top hotels, resorts, travel destinations, and more. The 2025 survey had more than 180,000 responses from T+L readers with over 657,000 votes across 8,700 accommodations, cruise lines, and other properties.

    Omni PGA Frisco ranked as the No. 2 best resort in Texas, just one spot lower than its 2024 ranking. The resort is a relative newcomer in Dallas' rapidly expanding list of travel lodgings, as it's only been open for a little more than two years. The report said this golf-focused retreat is an impressive place to stay for visitors that have a "packed itinerary," regardless if that includes spending time on the green or not.

    "This resort has it all — golf, spa, dining options of all types and an amazing activity schedule," a T+L reader said.

    The Gaylord Texan Resort is a popular favorite among Dallas-area travelers, and it ranked as the 5th best Texas resort for 2025. In 2018, the resort debuted its $120 million Vineyard Tower, which added 303 deluxe guest rooms and 86,000 square feet of meeting space.

     Pool at Gaylord Texan resort The family-friendly pool at the Gaylord Texan has a lazy river and more than enough chaise lounges.  Photo courtesy of Gaylord Texan  

    The publication celebrated the five winners – the remaining three located in Texas' other major metros – for their lavish atmospheres that makes guests feel like they've escaped the hustle and bustle of their respective cities.

    "Our top five resorts in Texas are all scenic sanctuaries in or nearby the state’s biggest cities, offering an abundance of activities for visitors looking for relaxation and recreation," the report said.

    The full list of best Texas resorts, in order, are:

    • The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, Houston
    • Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, Frisco
    • JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio
    • Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin
    • Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine

    Best hotels in Dallas-Fort Worth
    The region's most opulent hotel, Hotel Drover in Fort Worth, was crowned the best hotel in the Metroplex for the second year in a row. It also earned the No. 1 title in 2022. The hotel has only been open for four years, but it has remained a clear reader favorite, as it previously booked a top-five spot in Travel + Leisure's best Dallas-Fort Worth hotel list in 2023.

    Hotel Drover succeeds at providing guests with a flawless level of service and accommodations, while its dining attractions add to the overall opulence of the property's amenities. The report goes on further to say that "no hotel attracted Dallas fans more" than this Western-themed getaway.

     Hotel Drover lobby library The lobby of the Hotel Drover contains a library and a Lucchese boot boutique.Photo courtesy of Hotel Drover

    "Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection, located in Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards, pulls in plenty of charm in its design, including across its rooms that resemble luxury ranch lodging with exposed beams, dark wood headboards, and colorful textile touches," the report said. "There's also a Lucchese boot boutique in the lobby, so every guest can snag a pair to bring home as the ultimate Texas souvenir."

    A reader said they would recommend this Fort Worth hotel over any other place in Texas, and declared it "the definition of Texas" thanks to its attentive staff, thoughtful Western decor, and its classic Southern food.

    In a press release, general manager Aaron Ide said the entire Hotel Drover team was honored to receive the worldwide recognition.

    "This recognition is a reflection of our passionate team and the authentic Western experiences we strive to create," Ide said. "It’s especially meaningful to receive this honor during the 30th anniversary of the World’s Best Awards, and we are proud to represent the vibrant spirit of Fort Worth."

    Dallas' iconic Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek ranked as DFW's second-best hotel for the second consecutive year, and it was the No. 1-winner in 2023. This legendary hotel has continued prospering and growing its reputation since it was acquired by a Dallas investor firm in 2022, and has since earned a prestigious One Key status in Michelin's inaugural Texas guide in 2024.

    Though Rosewood Mansion didn't nab the top spot on T+L's list, it did claim the No. 1 spot in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 rankings of the best resorts in Texas.

     Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek terrace Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek terrace  Photo courtesy of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek  

    The full list of Dallas-Fort Worth winning hotels, in order, are:

    • Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection, Fort Worth
    • Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas
    • The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
    • The Adolphus, Dallas
    • Omni Dallas Hotel

    Best hotels in the U.S.
    Fort Worth's esteemed Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection was one of three Texas properties to earn acclaim on T+L's separate list of the "15 Best City Hotels in the U.S." Bowie House ranked as the 14th best hotel nationwide, and a T+L reader said it "set the standard for luxury hotels in Fort Worth."

    "Another Southern favorite, Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection (No. 14) was applauded for its culinary offerings, expertly curated art and decor, and 'professional' and 'friendly staff,'" the report said.

     Bowie House bar Bowie House boasts all of the Southern charm one would expect to find in a Texas hotel.Photo courtesy of Bowie House

    The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston and Hotel Emma in San Antonio were the only other two Texas hotels to earn spots on the list of the best hotels in the country.

    Other Texas awards
    San Antonio was deemed one of the best U.S. travel destinations in 2025, ranking 12th out of 15 total cities.

    In a release, Travel + Leisure editor in chief Jacqui Gifford said the 2025 World's Best Awards "reflect a travel landscape in motion."

    "From a high-desert city in the American Southwest to a quiet Greek island, our readers are seeking depth, character, and a strong sense of place," Gifford said. "We're thrilled to honor the hotels, destinations, and travel companies that are delivering those transformative experiences."

    The best hotels in Houston, in order are:

    • The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
    • Hotel ZaZa
    • Four Seasons Hotel Houston
    • JW Marriott Houston Downtown
    • Hilton Americas-Houston
    The best hotels in Austin, in order, are:
    • Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection
    • Austin Proper Hotel & Residences
    • Four Seasons Hotel Austin
    • Fairmont Austin
    • Archer Hotel Austin
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