Barton Springs Pool Beach

Sandy beach
2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USA
148 miles from Houston, TX
Cleanliness
Water quality
Crowded
Impressions
Overall
Grades suggested by our reviewer
Water Quality
Unknown (read more)
Clothing optional

Beach amenities

  • WCPublic restrooms nearby
  • LifeguardsLifeguard on duty
  • Changing roomsDressing rooms on the beach
  • Gear rentalsEquipment for rent
  • RestaurantsF&B places nearby
  • WiFiWireless internet available
  • ShowerPublic showers available
  • ParkingCar parking nearby
👉 Download a FREE PDF map

About this beach

Warnings and hazards

Pets, glass, smoking, and drinking alcohol are prohibited.

The bottom is slippery so it is recommended to wear water shoes.

It’s a CLOTHING OPTIONAL beach.

Barton Springs Pool is a natural limestone pool, fed by a few underground springs, which lies within Zilker Park just south of downtown Austin. Due to the constant temperature of the springs, the pool is ideal for year-round swimming. It’s an extremely popular place with a history, which has always attracted a big and diverse crowd of visitors. The pool is beautiful and very well maintained, offering basic amenities and comfortable conditions for sunbathing, swimming, fishing, etc. It’s a must-visit in Austin! Nevertheless, you may want to find some other area to swim if you’re looking for tranquility and seclusion.

Access and Fees

Barton Springs Pool is open every day from 5 a. m. to 10 p. m. Each Thursday, the pool is closed from 9 a. m. to 7 p. m. for necessary cleaning procedures. After heavy rains, the pool may be also closed for some time – please call the hotline at 512-867-3080 to plan your visit accordingly. The price you have to pay for the entry ticket depends on your age and place of residence. You can buy tickets for cash or with credit/debit cards in kiosks in front of the Barton Springs Bathhouse and south entrance. However, you can also swim for free before 8 a. m. and after 9 p. m.

Amenities and Facilities

Barton Springs Pool features all necessary amenities to make your stay comfortable. There are public restrooms, warm showers, and open changing areas. No food is allowed in the park, but if you get hungry, there are food vendors just outside the pool area and some good restaurants within walking distance.

Swimming Conditions

It’s a beautiful place to sunbathe and swim with crystal clear and refreshingly cool (from 68 to 72 °F) water, which keeps the same temperature in all seasons. The water quality is good and continuously maintained through thorough cleanups, which are conducted every week. With distance marks on the wall, the pool is a great place for swim training. You can swim safely from 8 a. m. to 9 p. m. when entrance is charged and there are professional lifeguards on duty. During other hours, you’re also allowed to swim but at your own risk. Be careful – the bottom is slippery so it is recommended to wear water shoes.

Other Activities

Apart from swimming, you can sunbathe, relax on an air mattress (in the designated areas), or snorkel. The bottom of the pool is natural and interesting to explore. Since the water is very clear, you can see various fish species and neon green plants. For watersport enthusiasts, there are also kayak rentals on site.

Driving Time

  • 10 minutes from the center of Austin, TX
  • 1 hour 20 minutes from San Antonio, TX
  • 2 hours 35 minutes from Houston, TX

Hotels and rentals

If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:

Beaches nearby

Additionally, there's a number of beaches near Barton Springs Pool Beach which you can visit:

Beach reviewed by:
Daniel and Laura
Photos from Google Maps
The rocky part of the beachRocksCity panoramaBarton springs poolThe stairs at Barton Springs PoolThe spring
Show rooms near this beach×

Barton Springs Pool Beach videos

HOLA - Barton Springs Pool
A relaxing video of the pool
Barton Springs Pool
A remarkable drone made video of the pool and its surroundings

Weather conditions

Current weather at the beach and 3 day forecast

Best times to visit

Average temperature (°F)
Beach map and directions
The beach is located in Austin, Texas 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USA (Open on Google Maps)
Drag and zoom the map to view lodging options near the beach.
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Barton Springs Pool Beach reviews and photos
Reviewed on: July 11, 2019