Twin Falls is another little gem of a swimming hole in the vicinity of Austin. It’s located on Barton Creek and is easy to get to. A great place to swim, picnic, and hike in the beautiful natural area surrounding the creek.
Location and Access
You can get to Twin Falls from the Barton Creek Greenbelt access point that lies just south of the intersection of 360 and Mopac at 3900 West Frontage Road (Mopac), Austin. It’s a short and relaxing hike from there to the park, which is open from dawn until dusk and features free entrance. It’s an extremely popular destination, so arrive early to occupy a good parking space and then choose a convenient spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and relaxation near the water.
Picnicking
There are no cafes and restaurants in the area, so you should bring your own snacks and a lot of drinking water. Having lunch with your family in the fresh air in a beautiful natural setting is just a marvellous way to take the edge off your appetite!
Swimming
If there is substantial rainfall, the water becomes deep enough for comfortable swimming and even jumping from the upper ledge to the lower ledge. You can swim in the stream above the falls or in the deeper area below. There is a rope swing, which is big fun for kids as well as many adults. Be careful, there are slippery rocky areas, so water shoes are highly recommended.
Nature
In dry periods, the greenery around the Barton Creek is less vibrant, but after a good amount of rainfall, you’ll be able to see the true value of the gorgeous Texas scenery. If you don’t bear the heat of the summer months, we recommend you to hike in winter – it’s also very enjoyable.
Dog Policies
Pets are welcome, so you can bring your dog to Twin Falls and have a blast together. If you don’t like dogs or your kids are afraid of them, be aware that many people allow their dogs to run off-leash (though it’s not an official off-leash area) or enjoy the water together with their furry companions.
Driving Time
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15 minutes from Austin, TX
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35 minutes from Georgetown, TX
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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 Twin Falls Beach which you can visit:
- Campbell’s Hole Beach (2 miles)
- Barton Springs Pool Beach (3 miles)
- Deep Eddy Pool Beach (3 miles)
- West Lake Beach (4 miles)
- Festival Beach at Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake) (5 miles)