• Home
  • popular
  • Events
  • Submit New Event
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • News
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Home + Design
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • Innovation
  • Sports
  • Charity Guide
  • children
  • education
  • health
  • veterans
  • SOCIAL SERVICES
  • ARTS + CULTURE
  • animals
  • lgbtq
  • New Charity
  • Series
  • Delivery Limited
  • DTX Giveaway 2012
  • DTX Ski Magic
  • dtx woodford reserve manhattans
  • Your Home in the Sky
  • DTX Best of 2013
  • DTX Trailblazers
  • Tastemakers Dallas 2017
  • Healthy Perspectives
  • Neighborhood Eats 2015
  • The Art of Making Whiskey
  • DTX International Film Festival
  • DTX Tatum Brown
  • Tastemaker Awards 2016 Dallas
  • DTX McCurley 2014
  • DTX Cars in Lifestyle
  • DTX Beyond presents Party Perfect
  • DTX Texas Health Resources
  • DART 2018
  • Alexan Central
  • State Fair 2018
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Zatar
  • CityLine
  • Vision Veritas
  • Okay to Say
  • Hearts on the Trinity
  • DFW Auto Show 2015
  • Northpark 50
  • Anteks Curated
  • Red Bull Cliff Diving
  • Maggie Louise Confections Dallas
  • Gaia
  • Red Bull Global Rally Cross
  • NorthPark Holiday 2015
  • Ethan's View Dallas
  • DTX City Centre 2013
  • Galleria Dallas
  • Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty Luxury Homes in Dallas Texas
  • DTX Island Time
  • Simpson Property Group SkyHouse
  • DIFFA
  • Lotus Shop
  • Holiday Pop Up Shop Dallas
  • Clothes Circuit
  • DTX Tastemakers 2014
  • Elite Dental
  • Elan City Lights
  • Dallas Charity Guide
  • DTX Music Scene 2013
  • One Arts Party at the Plaza
  • J.R. Ewing
  • AMLI Design District Vibrant Living
  • Crest at Oak Park
  • Braun Enterprises Dallas
  • NorthPark
  • Victory Park
  • DTX Common Desk
  • DTX Osborne Advisors
  • DTX Comforts of Home 2012
  • DFW Showcase Tour of Homes
  • DTX Neighborhood Eats
  • DTX Comforts of Home 2013
  • DTX Auto Awards
  • Cottonwood Art Festival 2017
  • Nasher Store
  • Guardian of The Glenlivet
  • Zyn22
  • Dallas Rx
  • Yellow Rose Gala
  • Opendoor
  • DTX Sun and Ski
  • Crow Collection
  • DTX Tastes of the Season
  • Skye of Turtle Creek Dallas
  • Cottonwood Art Festival
  • DTX Charity Challenge
  • DTX Culture Motive
  • DTX Good Eats 2012
  • DTX_15Winks
  • St. Bernard Sports
  • Jose
  • DTX SMU 2014
  • DTX Up to Speed
  • st bernard
  • Ardan West Village
  • DTX New York Fashion Week spring 2016
  • Taste the Difference
  • Parktoberfest 2016
  • Bob's Steak and Chop House
  • DTX Smart Luxury
  • DTX Earth Day
  • DTX_Gaylord_Promoted_Series
  • IIDA Lavish
  • Huffhines Art Trails 2017
  • Red Bull Flying Bach Dallas
  • Y+A Real Estate
  • Beauty Basics
  • DTX Pet of the Week
  • Long Cove
  • Charity Challenge 2014
  • Legacy West
  • Wildflower
  • Stillwater Capital
  • Tulum
  • DTX Texas Traveler
  • Dallas DART
  • Soldiers' Angels
  • Alexan Riveredge
  • Ebby Halliday Realtors
  • Zephyr Gin
  • Sixty Five Hundred Scene
  • Christy Berry
  • Entertainment Destination
  • Dallas Art Fair 2015
  • St. Bernard Sports Duck Head
  • Jameson DTX
  • Alara Uptown Dallas
  • Cottonwood Art Festival fall 2017
  • DTX Tastemakers 2015
  • Cottonwood Arts Festival
  • The Taylor
  • Decks in the Park
  • Alexan Henderson
  • Gallery at Turtle Creek
  • Omni Hotel DTX
  • Red on the Runway
  • Whole Foods Dallas 2018
  • Artizone Essential Eats
  • Galleria Dallas Runway Revue
  • State Fair 2016 Promoted
  • Trigger's Toys Ultimate Cocktail Experience
  • Dean's Texas Cuisine
  • Real Weddings Dallas
  • Real Housewives of Dallas
  • Jan Barboglio
  • Wildflower Arts and Music Festival
  • Hearts for Hounds
  • Okay to Say Dallas
  • Indochino Dallas
  • Old Forester Dallas
  • Dallas Apartment Locators
  • Dallas Summer Musicals
  • PSW Real Estate Dallas
  • Paintzen
  • DTX Dave Perry-Miller
  • DTX Reliant
  • Get in the Spirit
  • Bachendorf's
  • Holiday Wonder
  • Village on the Parkway
  • City Lifestyle
  • opportunity knox villa-o restaurant
  • Nasher Summer Sale
  • Simpson Property Group
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2017 Dallas
  • Carlisle & Vine
  • DTX New Beginnings
  • Get in the Game
  • Red Bull Air Race
  • Dallas DanceFest
  • 2015 Dallas Stylemaker
  • Youth With Faces
  • Energy Ogre
  • DTX Renewable You
  • Galleria Dallas Decadence
  • Bella MD
  • Tractorbeam
  • Young Texans Against Cancer
  • Fresh Start Dallas
  • Dallas Farmers Market
  • Soldier's Angels Dallas
  • Shipt
  • Elite Dental
  • Texas Restaurant Association 2017
  • State Fair 2017
  • Scottish Rite
  • Brooklyn Brewery
  • DTX_Stylemakers
  • Alexan Crossings
  • Ascent Victory Park
  • Top Texans Under 30 Dallas
  • Discover Downtown Dallas
  • San Luis Resort Dallas
  • Greystar The Collection
  • FIG Finale
  • Greystar M Line Tower
  • Lincoln Motor Company
  • The Shelby
  • Jonathan Goldwater Events
  • Windrose Tower
  • Gift Guide 2016
  • State Fair of Texas 2016
  • Choctaw Dallas
  • TodayTix Dallas promoted
  • Whole Foods
  • Unbranded 2014
  • Frisco Square
  • Unbranded 2016
  • Circuit of the Americas 2018
  • The Katy
  • Snap Kitchen
  • Partners Card
  • Omni Hotels Dallas
  • Landmark on Lovers
  • Harwood Herd
  • Galveston.com Dallas
  • Holiday Happenings Dallas 2018
  • TenantBase
  • Cottonwood Art Festival 2018
  • Hawkins-Welwood Homes
  • The Inner Circle Dallas
  • Eating in Season Dallas
  • ATTPAC Behind the Curtain
  • TodayTix Dallas
  • The Alexan
  • Toyota Music Factory
  • Nosh Box Eatery
  • Wildflower 2018
  • Society Style Dallas 2018
  • Texas Scottish Rite Hospital 2018
  • 5 Mockingbird
  • 4110 Fairmount
  • Visit Taos
  • Allegro Addison
  • Dallas Tastemakers 2018
  • The Village apartments
  • City of Burleson Dallas

    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.

    McKinney Falls is one of America's top swimming holes.

    McKinney Falls State Park water swimming
      
    Photo courtesy of Friends of McKinney Falls State Park
    McKinney Falls is one of America's top swimming holes.
    naturelistsbests
    news/travel

    most read posts

    Dallas cuts slack on senior homeowners with new property tax exemption

    Chef and caterer opens Southern to-go cafe south of Dallas

    Peach cobbler concept to open 2 locations at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport

    eyes on the road

    3 Dallas highways rank among deadliest roads in America, per report

    Amber Heckler
    Jun 13, 2025 | 3:26 pm
    I-30 Freeway Dallas
    Photo courtesy of DFW Freeways
    undefined

    Heads up to Dallasites commuting on the city's freeways: Three busy Dallas County highways were just deemed among the deadliest roads in the country, with I-30 in Dallas ranking as the fourth deadliest road in Texas. That's according to a new study based on the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data.

    The study, commissioned by Santa Ana, California-based company Future Bail Bonds, compared fatal crash data across 96,000 U.S. roads from 2019-2023. The top 150 "deadliest" roads were ranked by the total number of fatal crashes that occurred during the five-year period.

    The No. 1 deadliest road in America is I-15 in San Bernardino County, California, the study found. The interstate, which runs from Southern California to Las Vegas, experienced the highest rate of deadly car crashes from 2019-2023 with 196 crashes.

    East-west thoroughfare I-30 — the most deadly in Dallas with 76 fatal wrecks during the same time period — ranked as the 23rd deadliest road in the nation.

    Elsewhere in Dallas County, Loop 12 and I-653 were among the top 150 deadliest U.S. roads, although much further down on the report: Loop 12 ranked No. 115 on the list with 45 fatal wrecks, while I-635 ranked 132nd with 43 crashes.

    Considering that tens of thousands of people drive the road every day, a fatal crash is unlikely, but the data underscores the need for drivers to remain aware of their surroundings at all times.

    The deadliest road in Texas is I-45 in Houston, which had 88 fatal vehicle wrecks in the five-year period. I-45 stretches from Dallas to Galveston, and it ranked as the 16th deadliest U.S. road. A specific part of the highway, the I-45 North Freeway, earned its own spot on the list as the 124th deadliest U.S. road.

    "From 2019 to 2023, motor vehicle crashes claimed 186,284 lives across 96,257 roads in the United States, underscoring the persistent danger on American roadways," the report said.

    In neighboring Tarrant County, two busy roadways appeared on the list: I-20 ranked 63rd on the list with 56 fatal crashes, and I-820 ranked three spots behind as No. 66 with 55 fatal crashes.

    Eight other Texas roads that were deemed the deadliest in America with the highest rates of fatal vehicle crashes from 2019-2023 include:

    • No. 17 – I-35 in Travis County (87 crashes)
    • No. 22 – I-10 in Harris County (76 crashes)
    • No. 27 – I-410 in Bexar County (73 crashes)
    • No. 32 – I-10 in El Paso County (69 crashes)
    • No. 114 – FM 1960 in Harris County (45 crashes)
    • No. 130 – I-35 in Bexar County (43 crashes)
    • No. 131 – I-610 in Harris County (43 crashes)
    • No. 141 – I-10 in Jefferson County (42 crashes)
    highwaysfreewaysreportstrafficdallasdallas countytransportation
    news/travel
    Loading...