Jacob’s Well Beach

Jacob’s Well Natural Area is located just north of Wimberley and offers various recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts as well as swimming in cool and clear water flowing from the perennial karstic spring named Jacob’s Well. It’s fed by the Trinity Aquifer, located at the depth of 140 feet and belongs to one of the longest underwater cave systems in Texas. The place is beautiful and often gets crowded in summer, so swimming is allowed by reservations only.

Location and Access

Jacob’s Well Natural Area is located at 1699 Mount Sharp Road. It’s a short drive from Wimberley and about 45 minutes from Austin. The area and the well are open from 8 a. m. to 6 p. m. and feature an entry fee, which varies depending on the age and place of residence of the visitor. Recently, the natural area has operated on a reservation-only basis. The working hours are divided into two-hour periods for swimming. You need to reserve time online and then pay with a credit card at the gate. Cash is not accepted.

There is a spacious parking lot with porta-potties nearby. Getting to the swimming hole from the visitor’s centre and parking lot takes about 10 minutes and is a bit of a hike. Nevertheless, the walk through the picturesque park is going to be easy and enjoyable.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming is allowed from May through September and is limited to 60 visitors at a time. Be aware that getting to the swimming area can be quite challenging for children and impaired visitors due to the sharp and slippery rocks. Overall, the swimming area is rocky and extremely slippery in many areas, so caution and good water shoes are highly recommended. Otherwise, the water is clean, crystal clear, and cool, offering a truly enjoyable swimming experience at a unique place. It’s really amazing to see the beginning of a creek!

Cliff Jumping

The well is surrounded by limestone cliffs, and many visitors have a blast jumping off them into the water. There are signs warning against doing so; nevertheless, you can join in if you crave for some adrenaline. Otherwise, watching people jump off the cliffs is already a kind of an attraction if you hang out at the well.

Other Activities

Lounging on the stones or on an air mattress in this beautiful natural area is also a pleasant pastime. Another option is having a picnic. There are some shaded tables on-site, but be aware that glass and alcohol are prohibited. Since the park offers spectacular scenery with lots of green, waterways, and caves, hiking along the paths and enjoying the views is great. Moreover, you’ll be able to learn information about the well, creek, and underground caves from the signs scattered throughout the area, which is interesting and educational.

Driving Time

• 10 minutes from Wimberley, TX

• 50 minutes from Austin, TX

• 1 hour 15 minutes from San Antonio, 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:

• Nearby rentals from VRBO.
• Nearby rooms and properties from Booking.com.

Beaches nearby

Additionally, there's a number of beaches near Jacob’s Well Beach which you can visit:

• Wimberley Blue Hole Park Beach (3 miles)
• Canyon Park Beach (11 miles)
• Jacobs Creek Park Beach (12 miles)
• North Park Beach (Canyon Lake) (12 miles)
• Canyon Lake Beach (13 miles)