Barton Springs Pool Reviews

Barton Springs Pool is an amazing place to spend time with friends, swim and enjoy sunny days. Water is clean. Nice place to refresh yourself and prepare for a busy day. I usually visit in the morning (not so many people and water is colder than usual). Love it!

I visited this pool in April 2019 during a cloudy day. The water was warm enough to go for a swim. This area could use a cleanup.

What an amazing place! I was blown away by the cozy environment around the park, natural swimming pool, friends catching up, couples eating out. Love it!

If you are visiting Austin in the summer.. this place is quintessential to experiencing what is left of the true "Austin vibe"... You may see more skin than you bargained for or smell more cannabis than you are used to... but this place is ORIGINAL Austin..

If you are staying downtown and enjoy an active lifestyle, I highly recommend packing a backpack with your swim gear and accessories and walking along the river trails to Zilker Park (about 1.5 miles). Once you get to the park, I would recommend getting out on the water/river in a canoe, kayak or paddle board.

By mid-afternoon, you will be hot and ready to cool off. The Barton Springs located in Zilker Park is a perfect way to cool off. The water is 68 to 72 degrees F. For most people that means a slow 5 minute entry down a ramp into the cool water. However, once you are in, it feels wonderful on a sunny day.

A big plus is the fact that the Springs has large open changing areas with bathrooms. For 2 adult non-residents plus a child it was $22.00.

One other point is that the bottom of the "pool" is a natural river bottom. As such, it is very slippery. If that might present a problem for you, I would highly recommend water shoes.

Love swimming here (since the Eighties). Very clean, clear, and cold Spring Water. Diving boards. Nice for floating, or swimming laps. Beautiful surroundings. Classic changing areas. Lifeguards on Duty. There are a few Food Trucks nearby. Pizza and Central American Food. Nice grassy areas to spread your towel on. No food or glass containers allowed. Admission Fee most of the summer months.
A classic experience!

We enjoy Barton Springs alot. The unique river/pool and shady lawn was fun and refreshing! Even the little museum was an adorable little gem!

The water is very cold but feels good when it’s hot outside. This is a great activity. This is a great location for everyone.

We visited Barton spring pool. This is a very unique place in which they have take a River and placed concrete on both sides making a pool but in reality it's a River. It is amazing and huge. Currently it is free but I'm sure after Memorial Day it will cost. This is a great place and people are everywhere but because it is so large there aren't issues with social distancing. A must see.

We took scooters to see the pool. Unfortunately it was closed for cleaning when we got there. Not sure we would have swam anyway since it was cold that day. You also have to pay an entrance fee to go inside. Check this before you go. Cool concept though, still glad we were able to see it and check it off our list.

Enjoyed the walk around the waterway where families, dogs, and joggers shared the trail. The trail is well kept and we felt safe during our walk.

a great place to go swimming, or just sun bathing on the grassy knolls. An Austin treasure that should be visited to enjoy. Also, with small children parents can take them on a 20 minute train ride thru the park

Austin in August is no joke. By our 4th day of 40+ temperatures we were desperate! Our hotel suggested we hire bikes and take a ride out to Barton Springs pool: as a natural spring the water is a consistent 18 degrees! What a treat! The bike route along the bike/hike trail was a wonderful experience in itself - an easy gentle 20 minute cycle along the lake and through suburbs with well-maintained cycle lanes. And then, the pool itself! What a treat! This is a massive pool - large enough to never feel crowded, despite it being a Sunday in mid- Summer! We easily found a spot in the shade and spent a glorious couple of hours in the blissfully cool waters of the spring. You can hire floats of all types, and there’s even a diving board for the adventurous. Our teenagers thoroughly enjoyed watching the dogs swim in the creek on the other side of the fenced-off pool: endless entertainment. A Must Do for a hot day in Austin.

Swim in a natural pond with spring fed water that stays a comfortable 70 degrees with a view Austin's skyline. No food, coolers, or radios in one section. Peaceful and beautiful

A must go to in Austin! A nice place to relax and experience what all the locals do. Even if you don't want to swim, great for people watching.

Great place to get away, enjoy the day tanning on the lawns, swimming in the ice cold fresh spring water pool, and taking a few jumps of the diving board. There is lots of room to swim uninterrupted.

Great cold! Water. Beautiful scenery! Family friendly. Lots of locals and tourists. Dog friendly on the other side of the dam.

This is one of my favorite things I did while visiting Austin. It was very hot outside when we were there (in October), and this pool was SO refreshing. It's affordable, clean and super unique. I've never been to a natural pool like this. The water was cold but felt amazing. Cannot recommend this highly enough.

This is the perfect place to be on a hot day! We rode bikes around the lake to get to the springs so we were good and hot, perfect for enjoying the cold water! Wear water shoes if possible because it's very slippery. There are plenty of places to leave your things on the ground while you venture in. There's a diving board and life guards. Many families enjoying the cooling waters. Quite a view of downtown too! We thoroughly enjoyed this unique and cooling experience in Austin.

Beautiful natural pool. Perfect spot to cool during Texas summer. Water temp does not fluctuate year around so if you can stand a little chilly feeling, you can swim any time during the year.

A definite must experience for Austin if you’re looking to experience outdoor Austin activities. The pools water is very cold all year round and can be invigorating on a hot summer day.

It was a really gray and rainy day, but my friends and I really wanted to see the springs. No one was there and we swam. The water is really lovely and very clear. So glad that we went even though the weather wasn't great.

I have to admit the idea of not swimming in a chlorinated pool grossed me out at first but once I saw how fast the stream was running out of the pool I realized the spring was continuously pumping fresh water, I knew it was fine. The beautiful color of the water in the sunshine makes it nearly hard to resist.

Barton Springs has been a "cool flowing hydrating spring" since before recorded history. The water is cold, even in the Summer. Hang out in the shade of huge Pecan trees. People watching is usually epic. Enjoy the place, but watch out for the Nazi lifeguards in red bathing suits, because they are there mostly to tell you what to do and not to do.

Kids loved it. Water is super cold. Keep in mind Austin allows nude sunbathing.No showers but all in all a good place to add to your trip.

It's closed three days a week including Monday. The other option was go where everyone had there dogs but unless u want to lay next to dog crap I would look somewhere else

This was such a cool place to check out while in Austin. The water is so refreshing! It is quite amazing how the water stays at a cool temp with such hot weather. We had a great time cooling off and relaxing by the water for a few hours.

Visiting from Louisiana 1 st trip to Barton Springs Pool, won’t be the last. Loved it! Very nice staff, clean area to lay out. Good price per person. Life guards on duty.

It was a very hot day, and that cold spring water was refreshing! Be careful as the day goes on, if you have kids with you. Tops are optional, and people ARE out there topless!

No coolers allowed. No food and drinks.
Parking is massive and hard to get. There are parking machines to pay for it.

You pay 10$ if you are not a resident of Austin.

There is construction so you walk all the way to one side to buy tickets and all the way to the other to get in.

Out of all the money they are making we expected things to be smoother.

The spring itself is average. It’s full of moss/algae and full of people of course.

I loved that you could see Austin downtown from it.

Barton Springs Pool is a cement pool deck shaped around the natural springs that fill it. It’s a very large pool, about 300 yards long and 50 yards wide. The water is about 70 degrees, which is a bit chilly initially, but on a hot August day after a minute or two, it’s delightful, especially because the spring water smells/tastes pure, unlike a chlorinated pool or lake/ocean. The bottom of the pool is rocky and is apparently home to salamanders. It varies between a few inches and 20 feet deep at one point where there is a diving board.

This Pool gets crowded. I was glad I swam early in the morning, but there were dozens of people here even at 6 am on a weekday.

Looking for a refreshing spot to cool off and relax? Barton Springs Pool is a great choice! This beautiful pool is a nice place for a swim, surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere. The picnic grounds are well-maintained and perfect for family gatherings or a relaxing afternoon in the sun.

We came here based on all the travel sites saying you have to check it out. Wouldn't come back to it if I came back to Austin. Interesting place but not worth the $9 fee to get in.

It was a hot day but we were overwhelmed by the crowd -- decided not to swim but go elsewhere! I had thought access was free but the fee was a deterrent, especially since we only had an hour to spend here. Fascinating to see such a large pool but people should be aware it will cost them money and will be crowded!

A nice spot for a swim. Lots of green algae particularly in the shallow water which makes it very slippery. Rubberised pool shoes helps greatly here.

We didn’t swim or rent a boat, but simple walked the path, saw the mini train and enjoyed the view. Everyone was having a good time. Recommended. Lots of turtles swimming around :). And fish, large and small.

Wonderful natural feeling pool area w ample parking, city views, clear water , easy steps and changing areas .
So crowded in summer but you can scone year round . We like coming here when it’s quieter during week. Water is amazingly clean and warm

This is a fun venue for a short visit. The water is cold- even on a hot day- it is cold. The bottom is mossy rocks, so very slippery. Shade trees are nearby and it is a fun experience but you cannot bring in food and there is nothing to buy in the park- you can bring in water. Changing rooms and showers inside.

This is a great place to swim, so much better than a pool! Next time I would bring a chair. They have a diving board, there is a shallow area and there is so much space to swim.

Came here near noon, brought my ticket and went inside. It look amazing and seeing how large it is meaning it gonna be crowded. Going in the water was tricky it was very cold and not only that the bottom of the pool can be slippery, so you have to careful. Overall it was a nice experience.

We had a blast! The water was so refreshing on a hot summer day.

Be aware the water is so cold at first. Stay in the shall end area if you are not a strong swimmer.

Go early because it gets sooooo crowded.

If you're going to Austin for the first time, this HAS to be on your list. I have never seen a pool made in nature like this, ever. The water was well maintained, the bathrooms accessible.

DOWNSIDE: You are NOT allowed to bring in food or drinks, which is crazy!

Barton Springs is just spectacular. About the same 70-72 degrees year round you can enjoy this huge natural pool year round in Austin. Outside of the summer it is easy to access when the crowds stay away. It provides the amenities of a municipal pool with some of the charms of a natural swimming hole. It’s also simply huge and no matter how busy chances are you can find an empty corner.

Nice big pool with a great lawn for sitting and sunbathing too. A bit of a long line to get in so your best bet is to arrive early.

I can’t believe there is something like this in the city! Only in Austin for 48 hrs and trying to cram in all the sights. Barton Springs came highly recommended and it did not disappoint! My only regret was that we didn’t have time to spend the day there. We were able to walk around and wade out into the Springs but I sure would have loved to spend the day on a float relaxing at this beautiful gem!

When I'm unhappy I think about being at Barton Springs. When its hot I imagine myself floating on the fresh cool water. A more perfect day I cannot imagine then one spent at Barton Springs.

Stopped in to Barton Springs pool for a swim and a walk around.
Although cool it was not too cold for a swim even the week of Thanksgiving.
Also just a cool place to wander around for a while.

Hiked from our hotel here and really loved the trail. Once here we were amazed as it is a natural outdoor pool. Water is crystal clear with the natural rock formations. They have added walkways, a diving board and life guard stands. Non Austin residents are $9 to get in and you can’t bring any alcohol. Life guards take their job very seriously and it is a very safe place for kids. Different locations in the water are very slippery as it is the natural rock with moss and other natural vegetation covering it. It has an on-site bathroom, changing area and concessions. Be prepared for the shock though as water temp is a constant 68 degrees.

I recommend this place. Very nice discovery quite close to the city. Very exotic natural setting. Shower and changing rooms available, parking and restaurant

Probably the coolest pool I have seen. Even if you don’t have the time for a swim, just go for a walk. Unbelievable

man! if we had more time, we would have returned a second time. A natural fed spring with visitors dating dating back to 1600 AD. This is a great spot for a day of water. cool & clear with a slippery bottom in places. Huge grassy area to sit out and basque in the sun. Bear in mind: texas is a little wierd... we did see some topless women out there. We managed to park with ease, but the area is limited especially if it gets busy. We will definitely return again. Sept weather was glorious.

We came from Florida and this Texas heat was crazy! We started the day at McKinney Falls park and wrapped up at Barton Springs Pool. We have springs in Florida, but holy cow this water was sooooo cold!!! It was so refreshing tho because the day was so hot!! I am glad they had lots of life guards! That was amazing! Lots of shaded grass seating on the side of the spring. We had an amazing time and I would def go back. The admission is a little high but I enjoyed our visit!

My girlfriend and i were visiting from Denmark, and we had the best day. We layed on the grass and soked the warm Texas Sun. When it got a little too hot for us we took a swim as the water was Nice and cold.

Absolutely disappointed and pissed off. A group of friends and I were so excited to visit Barton Springs, as we’ve never been to Texas, and to say it was HOT is an understatement. We ubered to the springs, bought our tickets online, and entered through a less crowded side gate. We were in for 3 minutes when one friend opened a beer, which we didn’t know was not allowed! A lifeguard swiftly kicked us out (followed us to the gate to make sure we left.) No warning, and not willing to let us dump out the full beer. When we left through the main entrance we saw a sign that said no alcohol or outside food. The sign was by the ticket booth, which we didn’t see since we bought tickets online. If there is no warning on the online ticketing app OR once you’re in, maybe make the physical sign a little bigger for the non-locals who were just looking to enjoy the water.

SO WARNING TO EVERYONE AFTER US- no alcohol or outside food!

This is absolutely not a toddler friendly activity. There’s no shore at all. Just straight drop off like a regular swimming pool. This is also the nastiest thing I’ve ever swam in. We love swimming in rivers and lakes, but this was bad. Slippery algae all over the concrete pool and it was so stinky. It’s like the worst of both worlds between a pool and a lake. Want to swim in a public swimming pool minus any sanitation? This is it! Want to hang out by the lake/river and enjoy nature? This is not it…

Such a lovely place to visit on a very hot day in Austin! Very chilled vibe and the water is really pleasant to swim in. It can get quite busy on a weekend, but there’s plenty of space on either side of the pool to relax and lie in the sun. The water is really quite cold, we enjoyed it but some might struggle… It also does have some living creatures in it, we had a shock when a turtle suddenly popped up next to us! Disappointing that locals and tourists are charged at a different rate, especially when nobody is checking at all on the gate. A lovely afternoon, would recommend to anyone with some down time in Austin.

The water is so cold and the group is super slippery. But the kids had a blast! Would for sure want to wear shoes or stay in the deep end where you can touch the ground. It was very relaxing and had great places to set up camp in the grass. It is more expensive if you live outside of Austin city limits...was not prepared for that.

I was blown away by the Barton Springs Pool! I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s beautiful and such a unique experience within an urban environment. It was cold, but the temps were welcome during our hot trip in mid-July. It’s clean, it’s safe, and it’s inexpensive. This was the highlight of my trip to Austin!

I visited Barton Springs with my wife this past weekend. We were advised to make a reservation in advanced, but a lot of other people didn't seem to know this and the line to get into the pool was long. Once inside, I wondered why we were asked to make a reservation because it was stuffed to the gills with people. We managed to find a good spot in the shade to sit, relaxed in the grass for a while, spent a bit of time in the pool, and relaxed some more. If you do not mind large, noisy crowds in the water, you won't mind Barton. If you're lucky enough to find a nice shady spot to relax, your stay will be more enjoyable. Also, fair warning, the water is very cold--it is a natural spring but not a hot spring. It will be chilly in the water but on a hot Texas day that's great stuff.

Could not believe people were swimming in 68° temp water! Someone had on flippers and the remainder of the swimmers appear to be truly enjoying their swim.

My parents lived in Austin, so I have been to Barton Springs many times. It is alwasy a treat. Cold water, cool vibes. If I could change one thing, I wish that you could bring in a cooler.

Definitely worth going. They have locker rooms to change. Despite cold temp outside in January, the water was not super cold. Free the day I went not sure if that is normal. A little slippy on the bottom for those with bad balance. I mostly swam rather than walked across bottom.

Barton Springs Pool is a very cold (brrrr) large swimming pool that is one of Austin's hallmarks. It's cheap to swim there and there is quite a bit of parking near the pool. It is so close to downtown that a Lyft or Uber ride there (recommended to avoid parking) is inexpensive. Be prepared it is very cold water as it is spring fed.

It's not crowded at all early mornings and that is when I like to visit (later in the evening is good too. Don't miss it ... smack in the middle of Zilker park which is worth seeing too.

This is the most amazing natural springs ever! We all had the best time ever! Also has jump board that you can enjoy! Water is really cold though!

Where to start? Wow, wow, wow...and WOW! It’s a Natural Pool full of local Natural Spring water that is cleaned weekly. There is a fee and absolutely NO FOOD allowed. This place is absolutely stunning and a must to do in Austin. It is just a special little piece of Heaven on earth. All of Austin seems to be!

This place is so cool! Although we didn’t have our swimsuits with us, we decided to stop by and check the pool out. It was like nothing I had ever seen! The park around it was beautiful and the pool looked like so much fun! There were lifeguards on duty and even a diving board. Next time I’m in Austin, I am definitely going to make plans to swim there! It looked like the perfect way to cool off after a hot summer day!

It is not a traditional hot springs but it is worth driving from Dallas to visit. They have changing rooms and showers, which are great. a LOT of space to get sun, warmish water to swim and not to crowded in the afternoon (Weekday) which we could do as we were on vacation from Dallas. A bit of bliss in the city center

Very long with fresh natural spring water outdoor pool in a very green park. water at constant temperature all year round. even if you do not want to take a dip .. it is a very beautiful site to be at and watch.

Fun to hang out, get cool on a hot day, meet up with folks, feel the moss between your toes, let the cares of life go for a while.

Best thing we did in Austin-it may have been chilly but totally worth it. So glad we made it there - trust me you will be too.

A hidden gem where you can let it all hang out. C'mon in, the swimming is fine! The water temperature is 68 degrees year 'round. It may feel a little cold at first, but this is one of the greatest swimming holes around for the casual traveler. Austin has many natural swimming holes along the streams that feed down into the Colorado river, but this one always has water in it unlike some of the other swimming holes. If it has been raining, you can hike to spots further upstream, but this spot is open sunrise to sunset and even boasts free hours twice a day for local residents who want to take the plunge!

Really busy when we went on a holiday weekend, had to leave and come back after 6pm. Really cold water! But everything else is really great, it's a beautiful spot to relax.

When it's 105 degrees or feels like it go cool off at the Pool. You'll feel refreshed for sure. Walk the park, grab a snow cone, people watch, make an afternoon of it!

No complaints here, it was a nice way to spend the afternoon with family. Definitely a unique swimming hole if you're used to big city living and your typical community pools.
One thing we didn't realize was that it gets DEEP (18 ft deep) FAST-- so watch your little ones or stay farrr to the edges where it is shallow.

Barton Springs is definitely a special feature in the heart of Austin. If you're new to this experience, the water is a constant cool temp (68-70F) year round - refreshing in the hot summers and therapeutic at all other times (if you have the tolerance!)

Visit their website to learn about the early morning and late night FREE swims, and expect to pay a few dollars entry at other times. It's also closed daytime each Thursday for cleaning. To my knowledge they still do not take credit cards.

Weekends in the summer season can get really crowded, so consider going early to beat the crowds.

As a former swimmer, this place really spoke my language. Although it was very cold water, it was beautiful and such a unique "pool" unlike anything I have ever seen. A must visit for the water lover!

Great time at a clean pool/ spring. Lifeguards were attentive and plenty of them. Different depths for different skill sets. Our favorite would be the diving board.
Shade is at a premium so be prepared. On a hot day spending some time in the 68 degree F water will keep you cool throughout the day.

I can’t speak from actual experience and claim that this is a great place to swim - I’ve never been in the water at Barton Springs in the swimming area. I have been in the creek upstream while mountain biking. It’s definitely a beautiful area to visit. Adjacent to Zilker Park in Austin, Barton Springs is most likely the biggest tourist attraction in the city. Enjoy!

We went on a very hot Sunday so it was busy not crazy but busy. The water was nice and cool and found a place to set up our chairs and enjoy the afternoon

It was packed, the day we went but overall it was a good experience. The water was cold but we still got in and enjoyed it. Afterwards we laid under a tree and relaxed, this park is a nice area.

This place used to be paradise 20 years ago. I used to hang out here when I was going to school at UT Austin. I brought my family here in a recent trip to Austin and I found that Barton spring pool is ruined. The water that used to be crystalline is now full of algae. It is not longer pleasant. Surely the Texas salamander enjoys the pool now, but I don't.

Great time good service top class man couldn't enough made our time a pleasurable e xperince ....top class worker thank you

The park for the kids looks good, but I wouldn't want to swim in the "pool". It is also hard to figure out were and how you get down to the "pool"

What a treasure! We had such a blast swimming in this spring pool. It was well loved and cared for. The water was beautiful. This is a must for all Austin visitors!

Due to fire ants, snakes and rats the rule is NO FOOD. NO DRINK. ONLY WATER. The flavored water or fruit or goldfish you bring inevitably ends up on the ground and then the fire ants come or the rats which in turns brings the snakes. The locals are militant about protecting this gem. They will call you out and turn you in so don't bring it in. Alcohol will get you thrown out. There is usually a food trailer on the West side of the pool and the snack bar will hopefully be open again soon. This is a wonderful place. Respect the women who are topless. Don't gawk. It's only skin. Pretend like you are in Europe and you see bosoms all the time. Have a little class. NO SMOKING. CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF. Every little hair tie or torn paper from your float left on the ground ends up in the pool. The guards are there to save your life so don't expect them to be you mother and clean up your mess. Respect this place. If you go be aware that it is a natural bottom. It is deep. People have drowned here. If you cannot swim or have small children a better option is Deep Eddy Pool not far away as the crow flies. Do come and enjoy but be aware, be polite and respectful of this natural place.

For $9.00, non-resident, you can get in one of the coolest pools! I’ve been twice and the novelty hasn’t worn off. Had to change there this time, I don’t recommend that. Yucky, old bathrooms with no real changing space. Avoid having to do this if possible.

Never experienced the water due to thundershowers in the area. We did buy tickets and were issued a rain check. Was very disappointed in the changing areas. The mens was closed, and the ladies was flooding. After talking with local lady, these have been problems for a long time and have been totally neglected. We hope to make to the water soon.

Great way to cool off in the Austin heat. The doing fead water is down right cold. Bring a blanket to camp out on.

I'd like to give it 6 stars! When we saw the line to get in (Memorial Day), we almost turned back, but I'm so glad we didn't. I felt like this was such a miraculous spot, 10 min. from town, and they keep it clean and beautiful. Great to hike around, jump off the diving board, or just chill in the water. You have to see it-- hard to describe.

A gem in the city! At a constant 68 degrees, there are people that swim here every day it’s open. I prefer the summertime, when it gets ridiculously hot and the pool is great to cool off in.

Go during the week of you have the option. Weekends get very crowded and it is difficult to find a spot to spread your blanket.

Made this stop on a beautiful, warm fall day at the end of October. The water was cool but felt refreshing. I love natural sites like this, especially when they are kept clean and largely undamaged by human use. We were not prepared when we visited but would find this an enjoyable place to relax and picnic in the summer. (Family Warning) While we were there, a young lady took advantage of the beautiful day to do yoga and stretches in and out of the water in nothing but what God gave her.

Plenty of park, but it does get very busy during the weekdays. There is a bathroom outside the springs. To get in you can download the app or pay at the ticket machine. 5 bucks for residents and 9 bucks for non resident. I don't think they really check if you are a resident or not. No food or alcohol, but water is ok. The water is really cool when baking out on the sun. Some are of the springs are pretty deep and the rocks can be slippery because of the algae. There is a spring board to jump into the water. You can't run and jump. Plenty of lifeguards on duty. If you don't want to pay to use the pool there is an area you can use. I think the pool is good for little kids and adults. Worth the trip.

The water is freezing cold even in the summer though. The place is fantastic to spend a few hours with your family (specially if you're traveling with small children), the parking is chaotic so be sure to go during "school hours" for the locals.

Great place to visit when the weather is unbearable. Parking seemed a bit difficult so I would recommend Uber/Lyft or public transportation!

There are two ways to buy tickets: either at the pay stations where you can use the credit card, or the line to go into the pool where it is cash only. You are not allowed to bring in reusable water bottles, so make sure to get a plastic one before you head over. I didn't see anyone checking bags though!

Admission is $9 for non-resident adults during hours that are supervised by the lifeguard. I believe the pool is only free during the crack of dawn 5 am - 8 am and at night, 9 pm to 10 pm. I really wanted to go during nighttime, but I was glad we made the trip down during 3pm: the water is surprisingly chilly and it takes a while to get used to, but it is incredibly relaxing and a great workout!

Don't be surprised to see some tiny fish or moss floating around. It was crazy busy, but you still have your own space to swim. It is also really nice to relax under the sun, so make sure to bring a towel or even a book to read under the sun (and sunscreen!).

Same thing with the hike and bike trail. This is magic. I go there very New Years Day. The energy from all the happy people will renew your faith in humanity. On a hot summer day, it's wonderful. Hot day, cold clear pure water.

A must!!! Beautiful large swimming hole, crystal clear water (a bit cold). Adequate amenities.
Have cash and skip the line for ticket.

The water really is freezing! But it’s amazing. Best on a hot day. It’s a naturally fed “pool” so it feels more like a section of a river that’s been turned into a pool. It’s so awesome!

Visited twice during our trip to Austin from UK. The water is clean and cool and lifeguards clearly well trained, enforcing the important rules such as no radios and picnics (encourages rats).
Excellent value for money for a day by the pool and despite getting busy there's still plenty of room to swim and dive, plus shaded areas to get out of the sun.

Get there early or wait with crowds. Certainly unique experience, but my family was done after an hour. The water is very cold for small kids and the moss is so slippery at the section where kids can wear life vests. We much preferred our time floating the river over this.

Awesome place. Free parking on weekdays, chill atmosphere and lovely refreshment when the Texan sun is giving it's best warmth.

This is such the perfect hot day family excursion. Super clean natural spring water pool with views of Downtown Austin. A little taste of the outdoors in your backyard. The water is fresh and refreshing. I do wish some snacks were allowed, but keeping the nature reserved is far more important!

Honestly.. Barton Springs is great .. no question .. Unless us like many others pitched up here on in Thursday to see it was closed ! No mention on the website.. We had travelled a fair distance too to get here .. It’s not on ! Looks like it’s closed most Thursdays .. Please update your website guys .. a lot of angry people around Thursday. Once we did get in it was awesome.. liked the fact locals got concessions.. good for you guys ! All in all a must see really .. Comes recommended.. Just !

Best place in Austin for a cool dip .. it’s like an all over ice pack leaving you refreshed and invigorated, plus it’s been used as a Spiritual Meeting place by American Indians for hundreds of years .. Barton Springs is what makes Austin the great city it is .. you’ve gotta go. Free after 9pm, closed for cleaning on Thursdays

This pool was huge. Tw water so very cold only stayed I a few minutes. If I lived closer would have loved to go again.

Barton Springs is magical. The slope that people sunbath and mingle on above the long pool is such a sight. The feeling of that cold spring fed water is such a rush. And then when you get out, lay down on your towel on the hillside... heaven on earth.

67 degrees in the Texas heat says it all. This is a throwback to what a community park should be. Locker rooms are dated and could use a modern touch. Diving boards are great. They do a great job preserving this landmark.

We were unprepared for the beauty of this completely stunning, natural pool. It is something we had never seen before and probably never will again. A definite "don't miss" in Austin - even if you're not into swimming, I'd still recommend going to visit it.

Beautiful place but we were there during spring break I guess. It smelled like a snoop dogg concert and there was a lot of cheeky girls. 😂 Honestly wouldn’t have been too big of a deal without the young boys but it was insane how packed it was with college party crowds. Beautiful water. Bathrooms were gross. 😂

The springs pool is a large pool, filled with water from natural springs. It seems there is never any available parking at the entrance. We went at 7 AM and all the spots were taken. We parked at a further lot and walked. The pool was not crowded, from 7-9 AM, although I suspect it does get more so later in the day. It is closed for cleaning most of the day on Thursdays. It is free if you go early in the morning or late at night. $9/ out of state adult, discounts for seniors, kids, in-state residents, etc.

Either the Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 1st or in the 110 degree Texas sunshine, Barton Spring always draws an interesting group of Austinites.

Spring fed pool, rumored to be constant 68 degrees, but rumor recently debunked by actual measurements to be 72. Large hillside for sunbathing or just hanging out. There is an entry fee $2 for seniors like me and kids, $5 for adults. Side note: lots of folks choose to hangout below the dam for free!!! Fun story: I grew up in Massachusetts and summers were at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Some "friends" took me along to the pool, not telling me the temperature! They were very disappointed when I surfaced smiling as this was a "normal" temperature for me. Another side note: if you prefer a pool, try Deep Eddy *just across the river". It was built in 1917, The "shallow" end has a "beach" entrance, the "deep" end is for lap swimmers and has two lanes that are 4 to 5 feet deep for swimming or "water walking" exercises.

This may be one of our favorite spots for a 100+ degree day. Parking looks overwhelming on a warm day, but tolerable. Kiosk outside to buy tickets, then we had a line to join to go in. THE SPRINGS WERE REFRESHING! All ages were enjoying the area. There is a sloped green area for setting up "camp". Then the springs include several walk down areas. Suggest water shoes to wade the areas. We didn't use the bath areas, but were given a stamp if we wanted to return. 9-10 on Tuesdays are free I believe. Lifeguards are there, there is a diving board and deeper swim area.

This place was very cool. Beautiful spring water and greenery close by, no water falls or anything too scary. Tons of cool animals close by and you might run into a deer or Texas Squirrel.

Guys be aware this place requires a reservation. Do not walk up and expect to be let in. Make sure call a head in advance because even at the parking lot where they will charge you to park your car but will NOT tell you that it is reservation only!!!

We visited Barton Springs Pool for the first time. The photos don’t do it justice. We had so much fun and definitely recommend. We went in August and the water was very cold (but refreshing).

Entrance fees are $9 for non-Austin residents, $5 for Austin residents and $2 for seniors. They only accept cash at the ticket stand but there is a kiosk outside that accepts debit and credit cards.

We saw lots of swimmers to the left and families to the right.

I visited Barton Springs with very close friends who live in Austin. I was surprised to see such a cool place in the middle of a hot sandy place as Texas. For sure I' ll try to go again.

This was a nice little place to visit and get out of the city without having to travel too far. I went during the day on a Tuesday and it was mostly teenagers or older people, but it was still a nice place to relax.

Beautiful place to swim and hang out. It's an even temperature water, diving board. Very well maintained spring fed pool. Water was crystal clear! Must see to enjoy! I only wished it was warmer so I could of swam. Make this a definite stop!

We had so much fun. The water was cold when we first got in but afterwards we got used to it. We got in the shallow area and I wished we would have dive in. The bottom is slippery when you walk. We swam and played in the water like kids. We wished we had a flotation device to lay back and just float around. Just be careful it goes from 1ft to 18ft. Their is a diving board. Afterwards we laid on our blanket and relaxed. Perfect afternoon date. The only downside is no food or coolers allowed. We only left because we were hungry. There were 2 food trucks out front. You can get you hand stamp so you can re-enter.

The water is definitely cold but it was refreshing on a hot August day. You cannot bring in food or drinks (other than water) so make sure you eat first. Water was super clean and the diving board provided great entertainment :)

Wonderful views of nature and a real oasis in the downtown of Austin. You can kayak or canoe the stream as well as swim or just hangout. There is a playground area for kids and a train ride (fee for this) . Great for walking. Some remodeling is going on at present. They will have lights at Christmas. Also check to be sure the area is not being used for one of the large festivals that Austin hosts. Well worth the visit.

Conveniently located just south of downtown, Barton Springs Pool serves Austin with its constant temperature

Water was cold and clear. You could see rhe bottom of the lake. Took about a 4 mile hike to see 2 of rhe waterfalls. Highlight of the trip. Bring a bathing suiy and hammock and stay for the day. Such a relaxing scenic view. Wayer is so clean and clear, had beautiful white pebbles, and plent of trees. Iy wasnt as cruded as I would imagined. Only negative is its not a park you can pay and go into. Had to park off the side of the road and looked a little shady to me.

Lots of people so it can get crowded. very deep water in some areas and its cold water even in june. I prefer quieter areas to swim.

Went there two days in a row and they were closed. The first we were there the employee informed us that it will be open from 5 to 10 we went there the second day and they said they were closed again. It will be better if they update their website to let people know that the pool is closed so we don't waste out time and gas. Its very inconvenience.

My wife's friend recommended stopping here, and it was one of our favorite places in Austin! Yes, the water is 67-70 degrees, but it feels great in the Austin sun. Holy cow is it big, there could be 1,000 people here (it was more like 100 the day we went) and it would not feel crowded. We swam near ducks and turtles, neither of which bothered anybody. The water comes from underground, which is why it's nice and refreshing. Nice views, nice facility, no food allowed near the springs but a snack bar available nearby. $9 for each of us to get in for the day, I'm sure there are better rates for locals.

Great place to beat the heat, and chill on the grass in between dips. Free Wifi! Its truly a natural oasis in an urban park. You can even take in part of the Austin skyline while you wading in its refreshing waters.

We stopped by on a whim. It was $8 but so worth it. We took an uber so parking wasn’t a problem. You buy a ticket at a machine then go in. Bring a towel to put in the grass. The water is very cold and the natural floor of the spring is slippery. They have several access points and a diving board. Overall, a very unique place to take a dip.

What a crazy unique place to visit. An amazing place to chill and bring a cooler and watch the kids play! An amazing place in a big city to feel byyouself. Enjoy and relax a bit!!

Barton Springs is definitely a must do in Austin as it is a great family spot for paddling and, if you dare, swimming. The pool is more like an enormous lake that can be freezing in boiling temperatures so be prepared for freezing water! Also, the bottom is quite slippery but that is because they have natural flooring so in that respect, it is very much like a lake. The pool is roughly 3 acres with a diving board if you are keen!

This was a great thing to do on a hot day. The water is refreshingly cold and there are lots of places to hang out on the grassy hillsides overlooking the pool. They told us not to have food, because it attracts ants, which are a problem there.

This place is beautiful. I went in mid august on monday and was very crowdy. In any case, a nice place to visit in Austin and spend a while, not to spend a whole day

This was my favorite part of Austin. Everything in the city calmed down at this wonderful treasure of a swimming hole. Yes, the water was a bit chilly but it was a nice warm day to bask in the sun after. The bottom of the pool is covered in moss, so be careful if you aren’t swimming amongst the moss. I loved this activity so much we stayed lounging for hours. A fact that we saw on one of the boards coming in- Robert Redford learned how to swim there when he was 5 years old.

A definite must if you are in the area and want to kick it at a cool spot. You can’t bring food into the park, just water.

Swimming at Barton Springs is a must do activity if you are visiting Austin in the summer! We went to Austin in July, and it was hot. Even in the extreme heat, the water was pretty chilly. I would 100% recommend wearing some sort of water shoe. The rocky bottom does not feel great on bare feet. Go early, and if there is a line of cars, park in the upper lots and walk. There was a really long line to enter on the Saturday we went in the early afternoon, but the park is large and there is plenty of room for everyone. Make sure you try the diving board!

Dive into refreshment at Barton Springs Pool, Austin's natural wonder. Fed by underground springs, the water averages 68-70 degrees - even on a 103-degree day! Embrace the chill and jump right in; it's the best way to do it. Rafts and tubes are welcome, so relax and let the springs do the work. Check their website for hours and buy tickets online to skip the line. Don't forget the food truck just outside the gate, serving amazing paninis. With rich history and stunning views, this must-visit destination promises a cool and unforgettable adventure. Austin's paradise awaits! 🌊😎🏊‍♀️

A little confusing when you get there on how to enter, but absolutely worth the walking in wrong directions hahahah it was so lively and a wonderful people watching spot. The water was cold, but it was only April. The city view from the spring is amazing. I’ve never felt so with nature in the middle of the city before.

A HUGE spring-fed, beautiful blue-green natural pool just steps (well, a short ride by either car or bike) from downtown Austin? Yes!!
Be aware that 'spring-fed' means 'cold.' Not numbingly cold but you do get that initial gasp when you go in, which quickly turns to sweet relief on a hot day. Like a previous reviewer said, why the whingers? If it was any warmer it wouldn't be so refreshing.
Worth every cent, if only to sit and marvel at the natural wonder of it. Plus you can stamp your own hand and then leave and return as often in a day as you want.
I was a visitor to Austin and this was a must-see (and do) for me, and it should be for you as well, along with the bat watching!

Took my younger (9&13) kids and they loved it! The cold water didn't stop them! It did for my husband though. Lord that water is super cold! we took lawn chairs to sit. There is no shade there. You can't bring alcohol or glass or coolers. Take cash for entrance. For a family of 4 it was around $27 for non residents. My kids took their googles and floats.

June 2022
Absolutely disgusting! Been wanting to go here all my life so took my daughter and two grandsons. Could smell it from the parking lot and it was disgusting.
Not a lot of people going underwater locally. Very slimy. Could not walk on the sidewalk it was so hot. Wasted $23

This was a great experience for us with our two kids. We started at the playground in front of it to get the kids nice and hot and ready for a cold plunge. We happened across the stream area below the pool where people go with their dogs and to sit on the rocks for free. My kids loved it here - there's a little bit of a current, a slide-rock, and lots of friendly people. You must love dogs to be in this part! Then we went up to the proper pool area. Plenty of room on the grass even though there were lots of people. The shallow/beach end (to the right of the entrance) is the warmest. The other end is full of algae plants an where all the pool floats go. The diving board is over the deepest (and coldest) part and where you can feel the string water emerging from under the rocks. Once you take the plunge it's really fabulous. I recommend you keep moving to stay warm, and or/occasionally get out to warm up. No food or beverage here, for lockers you need your own lock, and dressing rooms are barely private, so come minimalist and leave valuables at home or in the car. We stayed 2 hours - which was about right - maybe could have done another half hour. There's an empanada truck out front and some water and lemonade sellers, but not many food options inside. Park at the springs, at the playground, or at the polo grounds just on top of the hill. Plenty of parking - and all are reasonably close.

Fresh outdoor water, clean showers and changing areas. I just love this place. I suggest it for everyone, and talk to people, very friendly folks come here.

Loved the cool clear water, people who whinge about the cold....are you serious!
This is a beautiful, clean and natural swim location......loved it

This was a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. The water was freezing and a bit murky to spend too much time in for my tastes, but the grass under the trees was lovely. The traffic getting there and the 30 minutes looking for parking made it almost not worth it though.

We visited for the first time and had the best time. This pool is amazing and unexpected. It’s really more of a swimmin’ hole. The water feels really cold and it took me a while to get in but once I did I really enjoyed it as did everyone in our party. Aside from swimming there was a lot of fun people-watching, too. People from all walks of life and everyone enjoying equally. When we were done we used the changing area to put regular clothes on and that area was basic but clean, too (unlike lots of other municipal pools).

This place is fun and a great place to go and chill on a hot day but just be warned that the lockers require your own lock. It is also very busy during peak times so expect a wait. It is also closed on random days and so after a 40minute Uber I arrived to find that because of staff shortages it was now closed on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday !!! No sign up to tell you this and nothing on the website

There were people smoking other things other than cigarettes. Some women topless and we brought young children. I don’t think I will be back or bring my kids. We went for Memorial Day and it was free entrance, but we still paid for parking.

It’s cold!!! Barton Springs is an unbelievable spring-fed natural pool right in the middle of Austin. There’s great people watching and refreshing water that literally takes your breath away due to the 68 degree temperatures. The water is dark and there are a lot of people so I’d be careful with young toddler aged children (under 5) but for those teens, it’s perfect. There is a bath house for changing which makes popping out on your lunch hour tempting.

We visited the Barton Springs with our young children in Dec’22. It was sunny and in the low 70s and there was a good crowd there. Because it was off season there wasn’t an entrance fee and ample free parking outside. The nice thing the spring is stroller friendly and has plenty of ramps for accessibility. They have an outdoor men’s and women’s changing area with lockers you can use so bring your own personal lock. The spring is pretty long and varies in depths. From what I could see it was around 3-5 feet mostly with a deeper section closer to the center where they have a diving board. We saw water vegetation, tadpoles, fish, salamanders, and birds enjoying the spring as well. The water was cold and took some getting used to but we really enjoyed this unique experience. There were folks sunbathing, swimming laps, snorkeling, and generally parking in the spring all around. Highly recommend this experience of your in town and you could easily make a picnic out of it.

Interesting spring fed pool. Worth a visit even when closed to see this unique urban city pool. It was closed the Thursday we went but interesting to see how it is fed and the outtake to the creek where you can swim even when the pool is closed.

So we visited on a Saturday because that’s when my friends could come to Austin and I knew it would be crowded as we left the house at 1pm.

YIKES.

Parking was insane. It was a free for all and incredibly stressful getting a spot. I would definitely take an Uber or Lyft.

So getting a ticket to get into the springs was equally hectic and two of the three machines were broken which made it worse. A poor lifeguard was trying to help, but there wasn’t much she could do.

Once we actually got in, the water was amazing on a day that reached 100 degrees. There’s a diving board, floats are allowed at each end, and there was plenty of room (even on a busy day)!

All in all, I would recommend a smaller springs with less foot traffic and less regulations or visit on a weekday.

Note: they did not let people bring in coolers or any alcoholic beverages/food

It was pretty nice, the bathrooms and changing area is very dated and not very clean. You would think with the line of paying customers coming in they would allocate funds to get some up keep done. In Europe they keep the places like this way nicer. It was fun to visit and it is a nice place to visit when in the area.

This is must visit if in Austin. We visited first thing on a Saturday morning we didn’t have a car so got an uber, you can’t take food or coolers in but we packed water bottles.
Springs were very refreshing on a hot summer day. Lifeguards were attentive and as we got there when it opened it wasn’t as busy as when we left

Went more that once, and it is nice to know, the water keep the temperature average of 68 - 70 F degrees Year round, love the great nature ambiance

Ever wondered what it's like to swim in a pool that's basically Mother Nature's personal ice bath? Welcome to Barton Springs Pool, where the water's so consistently cool (68°F year-round) that even your goosebumps get goosebumps.

I arrived expecting a typical swim, but instead, I was transported into a realm where salamanders are the VIPs and humans are just visiting guests. Yes, the endangered Barton Springs Salamander calls this place home, and I swear I saw one wink at me.

The pool is a natural marvel—fed by underground springs and surrounded by lush greenery. It's like nature's own infinity pool, minus the overpriced cocktails. Just be prepared for the initial shock of the cold water; it's part of the initiation ritual.

A few tips from this seasoned traveler:

Footwear: The bottom can be slippery due to algae, so water shoes are a good idea.

Timing: Weekdays are your best bet to avoid the crowds.

Rules: They're strict here—no food, no alcohol, and definitely no mermaid tails (I asked).

In summary, Barton Springs Pool is a refreshing escape from the Texas heat and a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the whimsical side of Austin. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure—and maybe a towel or two.

This huge public swimming pool (the side I swam in was 350 m long) has fresh underground spring water in circulation, with a constant 68F temperature year round. The swim was very refreshing, as there's no chemicals in the water. I would love to come regularly if I were a resident of the city.

Wonderful natural feeling pool area w ample parking, city views, clear water , easy steps and changing areas .
Food truck of
Course..will be back in better weather

Of course the temperature should be expected. It's cheaper if you're a resident of Austin, but they take your word for it if you say you are haha. Really nice to relax and tan, or to have some fun in the water.

This is a natural fed spring watering hole dating back to the 1950-60s. It’s great fun, but DO bring water shoes as the bottom and sides are slippery. There’s also a separate dog friendly area, that delighted our friend’s ‘best’ friend!

I was there on a burning hot day, on a weekend, in Summer, and it was still great!!! There is lots of space and it is easy to find a pretty and shady spot under a tree. And, perhaps because of the cold water the pool was really not crowded at all and it was easy to swim leisurely without worrying about bumping into someone. This is a great place to go, even on a busy weekend. Impressive!!!

This is such an amazing space! The water is so clear and clean!!!! It does it crowded and you should bring your own towels and food too. A lot of the seating is on a hill too they have bathrooms, changing rooms and showers available as well. It is a great place to spend a hot day. I would definitely come back on my next trip.

Barton Springs Pool is such a fun place to go! It’s always full of people of all ages and backgrounds. I recommend tourists make this a spot on their list to visit when in Austin. Just beware the water is freezing cold!!!

The water is a cool 68 degrees, perfect for escaping the sweltering Texas summers. It’s a fun spot for groups of friends, families and solo sunbathers. Expect large crowds during peak days/hours. Set your towel near the diving board for some great action shots!

This natural spring is a spectacular place to refresh and enjoy a beautiful swim. With depth from 2 - 18 feet, and the length of many football fields, it is easy to enjoy nature and a great view of the city skyline. The bottom of the pool is natural, with water shooting out of the ground, leaving small waves on the surface. The edges are concrete and there are steps for easy entry. There are lifeguards but no place but the grass to sit and dry off after the swim. The sensation of floating in the cool water, the leaves of trees blowing in the breeze, make for a great afternoon. Locals play, swim, exercise ( because "doing laps" doesn't exactly apply!) and even swim with snorkels and fins. It opens very early, and closes after dark. There are minimal yet adequate places to change clothes, and even less so to shower (in an outdoor courtyard) if you really had to!

The springs are a special place. But in the summer and a hot day, it can be loved to death. Be prepared for big crowds and long lines to get in. It really is not a pool for people who do not know how to swim. Water wings and Floaties are not allowed in the majority of the pool. People have drowned in this pool. If you are your children or not good swimmers, try deep eddies instead it’s a much better pool for young children but one thing and it is so much easier pool to see if someone has gone under. At both pools, Bring NOFOOD, No drinks. Alcohol will get you thrown out immediately. The guards have a hard enough time as it is just keeping track of all the sober people that can’t swim let alone someone who’s drunk and in the water. Fire ants are a big reason for no food or drinks. Because this is a natural spring fed pool, no chlorine in the pool, the grounds cannot be treated for pests like the fire ants. So only bring water. You can get a stamp and enter and exit. Walk over to nearby restaurants if you cannot live without a snack for a few hours. Parents should really take note of this fact because the fruit roll ups and those goldfish crackers create havoc on the blanket. The guards and those locals try to educate people because it’s terrible for a small child or someone to sit down and get bit by a bunch of fire ants. But people still sneak stuff in not caring about the others around them. So the fire ants have a camera problem sadly. There are also rats and snakes - it is a natural area so if you’re not comfortable with wildlife right next to you or swimming under your feet, i.e. a water snake. It would be best to stay in more controlled environments like a hotel pool, Barton Springs is best reached by bike or walking to it. Parking is a nightmare. You’ve been warned.

It’s no joke that the spring fed swimming hole is 68-70 degrees. The swimming hole is beautiful & there’s lots of space to lay out on the shore area...and swim- IF you don’t mind goosebumps. The water is clear & lovely to look at. Many folks don’t mind the water temperature & say it’s fine once you get used to it...not me, but it was certainly worth the visit.

Great place to visit and hike.The place was pretty quite early on but more people attended as day went on. Would have loved to have tried the swimming as it looked enjoyable.

There is a weird guy in a Female swimsuit who attacks people for not calling him a lady that hangs out here. DOnt go with family as gender benders are causing fights here at the moment.

This is a great place to take a break from the Austin heat (as other reviewers note the water is chilly). The facilities and upkeep are simple, but solid for a public facility.

First time at Barton Springs and really liked it. We lucked out with sun and warm weather which helped! I was pleasantly surprised that it was free admission too. The only downside was the lack of a changing room...if there was one there, we couldn’t find it.

Nice for a fun family outing or just hanging out close to boarding ramp too if you so hoose and nice kids train and a bigtpark

It was nice when we got in, but the line was very long and we were overheated by the time we got into the pool.

Highly recommend coming here in the hot dog days of summer. Inner tubes are easy to rent and a great way to spend a Saturday floating around.

As a resident of Austin with my own pool, I had not had a reason to visit Barton Springs Pool. A friend visiting wanted to go while she was in town, so we went for a couple of hours.

We were in town and first day we went for a hike and when we saw the swimming hole we decided to come the next day too

Well kept, clean and easy to access. A cool way to spend a hot Texas afternoon. Was really beautiful and impressive that it is natural spring fed. Visited in 2018 but submitting a late review. When we returned in March 2020 was closed for cleaning/renovation

A classic place in Austin to cool down. The water is cold, which is what you need on a 110 degree day. The only thing is, it is significantly more crowded than it used to be, which should be expected with a city growing like Austin is. Expect a fairly long line on hot days/weekends.

It's a beautiful place to go to. We went around 5:30 pm, when the sun had started setting so my friend and our two kids wouldn't burn in the 96 degree weather, and to avoid the crowds, which was great cause hardly anyone was left by the time we got started. Lifeguards were everywhere, and plenty of spots to enter the water. We went to the back to shallows so our kids could play better (ages 5 and 3.)

Let me warn you. The water is very cold. Very. Very. Cold.

It was $5 per adult, and $2 per child. There is a little kiosk out front that you can use your card to pay for tickets.

There are plenty of grassy areas to set up your stuff and sunbathe, as well. No one even went close to our bags.

All around enjoyable experience. The rocks weren't even very slippery.

Barton Springs is an interesting combination of nature and a man made pool. It’s spring water fed, and rimed by natural rock on one side. Therefore the water has some algae in it, but is quite cool and refreshing. Bring water shoes, the pebble walkways and bottom of the pool are a little rough. The crowd was diverse; we were surprised to see so many 20-30 year olds there. Everyone was enjoying themselves, so literally chill out in the cold water and join the the local culture!

I have to admit we came here because of a scavenger hunt, but wish we could have swam in it. It was the day before Thanksgiving and there were plenty of people in the spring. This is such a cool spot and looks like so much fun. The city has turned their natural spring and river into a swimming hole. I can't wait to come back and jump in. The whole area seems very chill and looks like the type of place you could spend the day at.

A wonderful place to experiment rocks, water, sun, people, history. People have been loving this place for a long time. Seems to be cared for, preserving the spirit, keeping it accessible. Thank you, Austin, for caring about the environment.

The best swimming spot in Austin. Right next to Zilker Park! A must do with family if you are visiting Austin! Inexpensive, bring a picnic and spend the day, also connected to Hike and Bike trail you can walk from down town in traiL! Rent a canoe , ride a miniature train, a day full of fun!

Cool but they don’t allow dogs. Ours is well behaved. I’m sad that irresponsible dog owners have ruined this experience for others.

Here’s what you need to know about Barton Springs: only water is allowed. Only water is allowed. NO FOOD, NO SMOKING/VAPING, NO ALCOHOL, NO MUSIC. (Unless IT’s an instrument you can actually play like an
acoustic guitar). Small speakers and your phone don’t count - you need to be an actual musician or at least attempting to be one if you want to play music here. Austinites are picky about this because, well we are used to good musicians and someone that can play in tune and knows the difference between a C chord and an F chord. Or as Willie once said “we tune because we care”.

Barton Springs is very special to locals. They will say something to you or turn you in if you are breaking the rules. Btw-You will be immediately asked to leave if busted with booze. Why? Because of the pandemic the pool is shortstaffed. People drown in this pool. The guards don’t have time to deal with someone who’s even possibly intoxicated. It is easier to tell you to leave. Alcohol is illegal on city parkland. The guards are there to save lives. Again, people have drowned in this pool. Not many but it is not an easy pool to guard. This is not a clear bottomed, chlorinated pool. There are turtles crawfish and regular fish living in a natural environment. Don’t be a foo l and drink here. It’s too dangerous. Guards aren’t paid enough to patrol the people who try to get away with breaking the rules. They are there to save your life.

Why no food? Fire ants and rats which lead to the snakes. Byw-If you like snakes keep an eye peeled you may see a coral or water snake. They are beautiful. but just let them be. Again, this is a natural area. Do not interfere. As well, clean up your area when leave of trash, hair ties, change. People leave little bits of trash then the ducks, turtles and other wildlife eat them and it can make them very sick or worse.

This is a natural spring fed pool. The bottom is mossy there’s algae floating around. If you’re not comfortable with nudity or need a cleaner environment it might be best to stay at the hotel pool. You will smell cannabis even though it is also not allowed. If you don’t know how to swim, or you have a child who needs life preservers then know they are only allowed in the shallow end or at the very deepest end where it is not so crowded that a guard can’t see the bottom for a body. Life preservers, water wings are never allowed in areas near the diving board. It’s slippery and a person can fall and slide right on into the deep end of the pool without even realizing it. It gets crowded in that area the guards can’t see everything.

Again, no food, no alcohol, no smoking vaping, only water. Respect this beautiful place. Respect the Austinite who works hard at the pool and the volunteers that try to help keep it clean.

Love this pool was too cold to go in but beautiful nonetheless. I would definitely recommend this pool. The surrounding area is beautiful as well. Great park for a picnic.

Love this beautiful, spring-fed pool. It's a refreshing 68 degrees year round and when Austin hits the 100's you're going to LOVE a dip in this pool.

Was pleasantly surprised by this free swimming hole. It is only open a few days a week, so make sure it’s open before you go. Lifeguards on duty. It’s quite large and runs consistently at 68* because it is fed by 3 springs always running. On hot days there can be a line to get in.

An invigorating walk with a total immersion in natural beauty. Plus, interesting people watching. Refreshing!

Barton Springs is magical. Even in the winter with the water being on the cold side it is still lots of fun and a great place to visit. Even if you don’t have the time for a swim, just go for a walk. Definitely recommend it if you are in the Austin area.

We went several mornings to this lovely spring-fed part natural, part man-made pool. The water temperature was bracingly cold and takes a little bit to get used to, but left us with a lovely cool body temperature for several hours afterward when the daytime temperatures were 103-106F.

Unlike a regular pool, the bottom is partly the natural spring which has been slightly leveled with some concrete. The water is very clear, but the natural bottom can be kind of slippery and slimy so you might want to bring water shoes. There are several entrance ramps so you can enter slowly at your own pace or dive right in to the deeper portions. There is a diving board and lifeguards on duty.

If you enter the pool grounds before 8 am or from 8-10pm you can get in for free. At other times the prices are $3-$9 depending on age and resident-status. There is sometimes a fee to park, so check the website.

Toilet/shower features are typical of a public pool. Solar quasi-outdoor showers are basic, but the water is plenty hot. Dressing areas are semi-private with shower curtains only. There are lockers available for use during the day.

A neat feature here is the museum-quality displays telling about the geology, hydrology and history of the Barton Springs Pool.

Definitely worth a visit on a hot day in Austin, which there are many of.

There is a nice museum

We tried to go on a Tuesday afternoon and every parking lot was full, people parking on streets, etc. The place was so packed we just left. Went back Wednesday morning around 7:30 and it was almost empty. Plus, you don't have to pay to park before 8am. Water was cool and refreshing.

Place is really pretty.

You have to pay $7 por parking, $9 for adults entrance and $4 for kids entrance. The ticket are sold in machines that work extremely bad, recommendation is to either bring cash or download the app ATXswims and buy tickets in there in advanced.

Outside the place was full of people selling icecream but no food is allowed inside.

Entrance security is very light to call it somehow and stairs to go down to the springs are like broken stones so not good if you plan to go with elderly. Not sure if there were any other option to get inside. People will strollers seemed to make it despite it all.

Spring water is freezing! We went on August with + 90 degrees outside. Be prepared :)
Water was very nice, there was a lot of slippery moss in the floor, recommendation is to bring water shoes.

You have to go! Wonderful to swim and relax while in the middle of Austin. At first water was cold but you warm up quickly. Go during the week much less crowded. Yes topless is acceptable here- but honestly mainly not done. We shall one person. Great to have lifeguard there. You buy your tickets at machines in front.

We attempted to visit Barton Springs on a nice day, but parking was very frustrating. We finally found a paid parking spot only to discover you couldn't get a close look at the springs without paying an entrance fee. We didn't have our swimsuits, so watched the divers and swimmers from a distance. Seating and viewing wasnt very accessible or criendly for cisitors.

The water is Chilly but it felt great after standing in the hot sun all morning. totally worth the trip.

We came here on a hot September afternoon around 5 pm, there were less crowd and the water still refreshing. We are from the north east and we did not bought our water shoes with us. Please be careful if you walking in the water with bare feets, they are very slippery.

Avoid the weekends at all costs. Way too crowded. We went on a Wednesday and then again on a Sunday. The experiences were very different. I will never go on a weekend again. It was great on Wednesday - not too crowded. Sunday was overcrowded, tons of competing music playing. It was gross and obnoxious.

This place is fun. Visited on a Sunday during my business trip to Austin. The place is a weekend destination for most locals and tourists alike. A huge park and a huge lake. Swimming, boating, kayaks and what not. Amazing place perfect for a day out.

I loved it but gave it 4 stars because the water was too cold for most of my family and friends to get in the water. Also, you can't eat alongside the pool, which helps keep it clean but is not great for families with pre-teens. Another issue was that rules were enforced sporadically. My kids were off to the side throwing a football for like 15 minutes all of a sudden there is a no throwing objects rule. So if you don't want to jump off the diving board and tread water in the deep end there is not a lot to do in the pool itself. I still think it's worth going at least once. Then head over to the area next to the pool to jump off old school rope swings!

A refreshing afternoon and a walk that city residents love! Swimming in Barton Springs is a must to feel like a resident of the city

Nice relaxing place! Lawn for picnic. Natural Spring-fed, Clear-water, Deep Pool --Not Chlorinated! Kids need supervision, DEEP! Water can be Freezing COLD!! There was a place to jump in, which is the Best Way to get used to the COLD water! If you've got any body part swollen or inflamed, go swim/tread water here for some natural pain relief!

A great place to stop and swim in Austin, Texas. The bathrooms were a little rough. Change in the car.

What an awesome place to visit. For a family of 4, we spend about $35.00 including the $5.00 parking. We went about 10:30am- the water is freezing- but once you get used to it- its super fun. Kids loved going off the diving board. There was plenty of parking- we parking a little further out and walked to the entrance. Very cool place- highly recommend. We left about 1:30pm- it was starting to get very crowded at that time and the line was well around the building. I would go early.

Barton Springs was an absolute delight. Just south of the main city with views back over the skyline, the springs were a wonderful way to cool off and refresh. An absolute gem.

It was N. Years Day, and parking was scarce, but we enjoyed our walk from the kayak rental to the Upper Springs. I went online and learned that there is a plan to update the facility and make it more friendly to the endangered species. At present, fencing is everywhere along the pool, which is not very attractive. We found our way to the Upper Springs, which was very peaceful and pleasant.

Refreshing swim in a natural spring. Wife and I visited Austin for our anniversary trip . Barton springs was on the top of the list and it didn't disappoint. Perfect to cool off on a hot summer day and the parking was free to boot since it was a weekday. Plenty of space to dry out in the sun or shade along the banks. We stayed on the lower side of the pool towards the outlet to Barton creek and it was 5ft deep at one end and 9ft at the other. Water was surprisingly cool on a very hot day and the vibe in general was very chill. Would totally recommend to anyone visiting Austin.

Such an oasis on a hot summer's day in Austin. The water is fresh and very very cold even on a hot day, but it's a nice place for a swim. There are changing facilities, toilets, lockers (take your own padlock). No food or drinks available inside but you get your hand stamped so you can go out to get something at one of the food trucks in the parking lot, then go back in.

It was right after Christmas but the weather was pretty nice compared to Chicago.
Barton Spring Pool is beautiful and we took advantage of the swimming. A little chilly but refreshing!

Worth the hour long paddle to see this unique pool. Lots of families, young people and dogs sharing the water, oh and lots of turtles too.

Visited for the first time this past Saturday morning around 10 AM, parking lot right in front was already starting to fill up so I would suggest you plan to get here early if you want to park close by. With a little bit of good timing and luck, we were able to find a parking spot relatively quickly as someone was pulling out right as we were pulling in. We didn't buy our tickets online so we had to wait in line at one of the electronic ticketing machines, easy process and didn't take longer than maybe 10 minutes. Once we walked through the ticketing window, we made our way down to the pool and laid our towels down in a shaded area across from the diving board. We had packed pool noodles and other toys but their rules prohibit their use in the main areas, there are designated areas in the deeper ends for these types of things so something to definitely be aware of. Water was definitely as advertised, cold but very refreshing in the Texas heat. The water isn't treated so don't be surprised if you feel slimy stuff on your feet and hands as you swim around. Plenty of lifeguards to watch over the large crowds, they were very vigilant during the time we were there. Changing areas and showers are available at no cost. Overall, not a bad experience. Kids didn't enjoy it as much as the hotel pool, a worthwhile visit if you have never visited before.

One of the prominent water fun places in Austin. Must visit during summer time. Bring family and friends.
Hint: if the place is too full for you, cross MOPAC and visit "Deep Eddy" pool.

I love visiting the pool! A great place to bask in the sun for a while and take a quick dip! The water was a bit chilly, but refreshing!

It isn't the Gulf of Mexico, whose salt waters can reach 94 degrees in temperature in the summer, or Lake Michigan, which rarely rises above a chilly 50 degrees. The temperature of the Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Texas, hovers between 68 degrees and 74 degrees year round. Which feels awfully good in January and February. Located at 2201 Barton Springs Road in Austin's Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a recreational outdoor swimming pool that is filled entirely with fresh water from nearby natural springs. It exists within the channel of Barton Creek and utilizes water from Main Barton Spring, the fourth largest spring in Texas. At one time, the springs were considered sacred and were used for purification rituals by the Tonkawa Native American tribe which inhabited the area. Spanish explorers first discovered the springs in the 17th century and erected temporary missions at the site around 1730 before moving on to San Antonio. The pool is usually open to the public from 5 a.m. top 10 p.m. daily. It is surrounded by grassy slopes and beautiful trees with plenty of shade. An environmental issue involving the springs and the pool emerged with the discovery of the Barton Springs salamander, a federally listed endangered or threatened species which only exists in the pool and a few surrounding environs. After some debate, which included studies by the city of Austin, agencies of the state of Texas and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it was determined that swimmers and salamanders could co-exist.

Water is ice cold so be prepared. Gets very busy so buy tickets at the kiosk to save time. No food allowed inside park.

So beautiful to look at. We rented a bike and it was so much fun you can also see downtown Austin fom it, great view for a hike

Loved Barton Springs! I’m pregnant and the cold water felt so good—exactly what I needed. It’s beautiful, super clean, and everyone around was really friendly and laid-back. Such a great spot to relax.

Barton Springs is amazing. The water is so clean and clear. Plus it’s so awesome to be so immersed in nature while still staring at Austin’s skyline. I would recommend to anyone visiting Austin. Plus the water isn’t THAT cold.

For anyone who enjoys swimming and nature this became one of the favourite spots in Austin.

You can take a hike, swim, or use the local park to workout.

Gorgeous area.

This is always on my list of things to do when I visit Austin! Located near downtown and is a refreshing and relaxing way to enjoy your day.

Unique pool experience as the pool is open on the ends. The pool does grow moss/algae since it is a natural pool. It did not bother us but made the bottom of the pool slippery. There is a low diving board that got a lot of use while we were there. There was construction going on while we were there on some of the pool buildings so bathrooms and showers were in temporary structures (which were clean and fine). We took an Uber there but could not get the Uber app to recognize the pick-up location. Others were having the same problem and ended up using Lyft.

When I told friends we were visiting the pool they all sung whoas about traffic and parking. I thought this was way over stated. If you have been to state fairs and festivals then this won't bother you a bit. Most of the parking is in dirt lots. Paying for parking is slow because of limited kiosks. Paying for tickets is similarly slow because of limited kiosks. We opted to stand in line at the ticket office because it was shady. The kiosks were out in the hot sun. The pool was amazing...full of people but amazing. Water is spring feed, cold and clear. Families beware! There will be topless sunbathers at the deep end. My 17 year old son rather enjoyed this unexpected treat. LOL! Remeber its Austin keeping it wierd. I highly recommend this be a part of your visit to the city.

Great place for a walk along the water. Nice to see folks enjoy the water with dogs, kids and their toys! Lots of activity and fun was being had by all!

Nice spring water pool right in a city... Nice, clean water... You can swim most of time during the year or have sunbath around the pool... Had lockers, nice clean change/restroom with few steps up. Pool had Life Guard(s) on site. Good place to take pics. nearby, relax... Little farther, there is a park for your jogging, picnic areas. Safe parking lots...

On our drive into Austin, we were deciding what to do. We happened on Barton Springs, and we are glad we did! Ample parking (for a fee) and a nominal entrance fee. We enjoyed a couple of hours in the fresh springs. Overall, a friendly crowd of people all just having a lovely day in the spring!

Unfortunately during our afternoon at Barton Springs, it thundered a few times so we were not able to spend a lot of time in the water. It’s very cold but once you get used to it, it feels so good in the hot Texas summer! I can’t wait to go back to spend more time in the water!

We walked past the pay side and went down to the feee part on the other side of the spillway. Nice cool water for a quick dip after a hit day. Wouldn't go out of our way to go again but can see how it would be great with small kids.

We had a great time, the park is beautiful. The springs are amazing, water goes from shallow to deep for access and fun for all ages. Thete is also a built in diving board. The only negatives are ridiculous parking and you cannot take in any coolers at all, not even small soft packs.

Very beautiful natural pool that is ice cold and is definitely needed in those harsh Texas summers. Super clean and can be a great place to read if you bring your own blanket. My only critique is that it can be a bit crazy at the weekend in the sense that you may as well of bought a ticket to a rocket concert.

Naturally springfed pool in the heart of Austin. Admission is $9 for adults. I suggest going to the south entrance of the pool located above the entrance, using the kiosk located there for entrance. Most people do not realize their is another entrance. You are easily able to access the pool from the southside, which is the shallow entrance. Floats are allowed. No dogs.
Pool ranges in depth from ankle deep to 9 feet. Make sure to grab your spot on the lawn with your own towel. The reviews are correct. The pool is cold. It took several minutes to get used to it. We worked our way down from the shallow to the deeper end. It was quite crowded on a Saturday but worth it.
The only negative thing I would say was the bathroom was disgusting. I felt as if I were at a state park or very bad roadside rest stop. If at all possible, refrain from using the (woman’s) bathroom.

Really unique experience. Water always about 68-70 degrees. $10 per person. Looked like another nice place downstream outside of pool to enjoy swimming , dogs , and beer for free

I was here this past weekend, and it was not what I was expecting, but I totally loved it. It was something different for sure. The water is so refreshing and shockingly chilly. The best way to escape the summer Texas heat and humidity, honestly. We sat towards the end where the water is so deep. The sides of the walls are a little slimy, but nothing too gross. There are ladders to use to get out. We found a shaded spot on the hill to put our stuff.

This is why Austin is amazing. An huge public pool in the middle of a public park. It’s just fantastic, it is a must go in the summer.

The water was cool but once you got in for acfew minutes your body adjusted. Fresh water and good time to cool off in the summer.

This was for sure the highlight of my visit to Austin. It was so nice to spend the whole day by the pool. It's a beautiful spring. I would definitely go back!

Although we didn’t have the appropriate clothing to swim, I’m so glad we stopped by the Barton springs pool. It is such a cool natural pool with lots of surrounding land and hikes. The pictures don’t do it justice.

Swimming at Barton Springs Pool is a very fun, local activity to do in Austin. We loved the idea of swimming in a river in the middle of the city. The water was cold, but refreshing. You get used to it quickly. Lots of people were enjoying the sun by lying on the grass. It is located in Zilker Park, which is great to explore on bike, kayak, or foot. It is a totally unique experience that you can only have in Austin.

The location was lovely with shade on a very hot day. The water was about 18C!! Non US residents paid $5 and there were no towels to rent.

A little pricey if you don't plan on staying long, but a great place to come and cool off on a hot Austin day.

Barton Springs is a wonderful place. I have been going there for 50 years. People should understand the dangers and rules of this pool because it is not for everyone.

NO food, NO smoking, NO Alcohol (this one gets you thrown out) NO vaping, NO music (unless you can play it on an actual instrument.e guitar) allowed at Barton Springs. You can get a stamp and picnic outside the pool. Don't argue with the guards. They have a tough enough job without some Karen or Ken complaining about a rule. The guards and locals will call you out if you break these rules. But you do not want to break the NO Food rule because the fire ants find any little crumb and then the day is ruined especially for little kids. Those stupid ants hurt! There is a fire ant problem thus the no food rule. Bring only plastic bottled water. The pool is a natural bottom with algae. There can be harmless water snakes, almost always a turtle and other various wildlife. Keep your bag zipped due to small rats that can slip in looking for the Goldfish crackers, fruit rollups you forgot about. If you are the type that is not comfortable with nature, the hotel pool is best. Parking is always challenging. There is not enough. The city has started towing and ticketing recently. It is best to ride the shuttle if it is running on the weekend. I don't mean to discourage anyone because Barton's is a wonderful place. But it isn't for everyone.

KNOW how to swim. People have drowned in this pool. There are multiple rescues every day. The guards are very good but with 3,000 to 5,000 people on any given day the guards cannot see everything. But they do a pretty darn good job of it. No water wings or life preserves allowed in the area behind the diving board. If you or your child cannot swim stay in the very shallow area. Again, people have drowned in Barton Springs. Try Deep Eddy pool.It is also a natural spring fed pool but with a cement bottom. It is perfect for kids. Tho parking is tough there too.

A friend and I went to Barton Springs Pool and discovered the pool is closed on Thursdays 9 am to 7 pm. The water looked so clear and the surrounding landscape was well maintained. I am looking forward to going on a different day.

Great clean clear cold water for cooling off or just laps. Best part of Austin I think. I would only come back for this pool !

Hot day of about 100+ degrees, where do you take family who’s visiting Austin for the first time? Barton Springs. It was a great experience except parking was very hard to find. It was packed, however, in the pool there was plenty of space. Warning the water is definitely cold - 68-70 degrees year round. The bottom is natural rock formations and sometimes slippery so you might want to take water shoes.

What’s not to love about this swimhole! Excellent choice! Suntan, swim picnic with friends and walking trails! Low cost but worth it! Enjoy the beautiful surroundings

Cool splash perfect for the summer heat of Austin. Beautiful Park, lots of families, worth every penny. Don’t leave Austin without visiting, free parking on weekdays!

Swimming in 72 degree water can be very refreshing, especially without chlorine. The clear water and unique natural bottom made for an most unusual experience. The shower/locker rooms could use a little updating.

Went to this place on 4-10-19 after a flight from Los Angeles. Was extremely beautiful, but water was not 68 degrees. It was colder than the Pacific Ocean. I'm talking maybe 50 degrees! Yikes. Topped with that were girls going around topless. Where is that in reviews? I'm no prude but there were kids there. My son and I have never seen a group of young women so tatooed up.The whole vibe was weird. I will also review other Austin things. Never want to go there again. No western vibe- just weird.
The wildflowers were in bloom, and Austin does have beautiful trees. That's about the only good thing I can say about the place. There are bound to be lovely Austin people, but we sure did not run into any. Sorry to be negative. If you can stand the freak show, very cold water, it may be ok for your tastes. Just wasn't ours.

Such an awesome pool!!! Right now, it's free to get in, but I'm sure that changes in the summer months. The water is chilly, but feels so refreshing. The pool is huge! They require a face mask everywhere except in the water or if you are laying in the grassy area.

The water is always cold, but refreshing! There is a bath house with a place to change if you want to ride the Zilker Train or walk/bike the hike & bike trail before of after...I recommend before...that way you're ready to cool off in the water!

We spent a hot afternoon at the springs and enjoyed our time. People were friendly and everyone in the place including the staff was having a great time. I was particularly impressed with the life guards on duty. They maintained the safety of the pool without being fun suckers.

On one occasion when they had to act it was done excellently- fast, professional and all the guards were involved maintaining not only the accident but did not compromise the safety of the other guests. I will remember the guard jumping into the water and the immediate reaction of another guard coming out of no where to get into her chair ensuring the safety of the guests in that part of the pool

Giant pool fed by natural springs-the water was darn cold in April. There are many grassy spots to lay down a towel to relax on either side of the pool on the hill. Entrance fee for nonresidents was $9 per adult, which seemed a bit pricey but was fine since we only were there for one day. Overall a must do in Austin on a warm day!

We had big plans, the boys & I. All 3 of us are on the spectrum, but we love water. We researched BSP and pored over the pictures online. We discussed the fact that because it was a spring fed pool it would be colder than we are used to but that would be SO refreshing in the heat of a Texas July. And look at the grassy hills! We could put a soft blanket down and lay on the grass and it would comfortable!
We got up the next morning, decked ourselves out in our finest swimming attire and packed our towels and goggles and snorkel. “Blake”, our male Australian version of Siri, kindly guided us through the confusing Austin traffic to the park. The parking lot was crowded for a Sunday morning. Don’t these people know they should be in church?!?! Our second lap brought us rock star parking right in front. We parked and stared. Beyond the line of people paying for parking we could see a bit of the pool. It looked blue and inviting in the sunlight. It was full of people. Splashing. Screaming. Laughing.
My older son: That’s a lot of people.
Me: Yeah.
Older son: You say it’s pretty cold water?
Me: My research says about 68 degrees at all times.
Younger son: perhaps we should just go on to the hotel pool. Less people.
Older son: yes. And it won’t be cold.
Me: I bought tickets though.
We stared at the crowd a little longer.
Older son: Half price books has new manga.
Younger son: I could look at some Nathan Hale.
Me: books it is!
I am giving the pool five stars; it’s great. We are weenies.

My kids love going to Barton Springs pool. The water is cold, so very cold, even if it's 105 degrees, you will be cold. It's worth it. Stick it out and have fun!!!

I was skeptical about swimming in a natural spring (especially with cold water!!!) but it was a delight. Beautiful, clean, and fun.

Had a great time at Barton Springs Pool, which happens to be open all year around. The water was a little too cold for me in Feb, even during a heatwave of 80 degrees for me to get in, but there were many folks swimming about. The floors are slippery as it is a natural spring and the floor is lined with plant life. It is also recommended not to dive into the pool as the live algae floats in the water.

The pool was closed for maintenance. However, we did get to walk around the area and enjoy the walking experience and beginnings of Spring.

What a great place! It's hidden in a mini canyon formed by a creek and as you step down, it start feeling like some great outdoors getaway ... The pool is filled up by natural springs, so the water is fresh (probably just under 70F) and clean. No chlorine! The greens around are perfect to lay down and relax. There are clean changing rooms. Plenty of parking if you're driving. We went on a sunny day in November and enjoyed a swim and some sun and it was all free.

We spent a couple hours, just laying in the sun and enjoying the beautiful area! There was no concessions, so pack food & drinks.

Great for year round swimming. 70 degree water year round. 200 meter swim length with out flipturns. Hardly any noticeable current, some wind waves and waves caused by people in the water. Good place to have fun, relax, tan, read a book, and snorkel. Deep water and beach areas, kid and family friendly and also wheel chair accessible with battery operated lift to help people into and out of water. Lifeguards during peak times. Plenty of grass to lounge around. Restrooms and showers on site. Have fun!

What an amazing amenity the Barton Springs Pool is! Ten minutes from downtown, a great place to cool off after a hike on the nearby trails. Was nearly empty in November and no admission charge off-season. Really a unique experience!

Visitors from out of town. Clean and refreshing water on a very hot day. Very popular place and seeing how many people waiting in line to buy tickets from ticket machine.
A must visit.

Either the Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 1st or in the 110 degree Texas sunshine, Barton Spring always draws an interesting group of Austinites.

This is a 3 acre man made pool fed by an underground spring. It is a steady 68 degrees year round. It was a little chilly, while visiting Austin in April, but we couldn't pass up the opportunity. There are changing areas, restrooms, and warm showers. There is some food available outside the pool area. I would highly recommend water shoes, as there is a lot of natural rock and aggregate, which can be a little hard of the feet. Floaties are welcome in the 4 feet and under area and diving is allowed in a designated area. Overall, very fun and unique!

It was a great experience for me and my family. We enjoyed a lot with beautiful environment. Clean and spectacular view.

Difficult to figure out how to get there. Parking lot not well marked. When we found it, it was very neat. Unique and busy but not crowded.

We visited Barton on a December winter day and had no intention of a dip... until we got there! This beautiful one-of-a-kind stays at a solid 68F degrees year-round, though locals explain that in the summer heat and sun it’s of course much warmer.

We loved the look of Barton Springs Pool so much that we went back to the hotel for suits and towels and came back for a late afternoon dip!

What a phenomenal resource for Austin!

Remember to bring towels, sunglasses and hats; perhaps it’s different in season, but there wasn’t much shade to be had. We visited in the winter, and though this wasn’t a problem for us with weather in the beautiful 70’s, it could be in the hotter months. There’s a very basic locker room area. Not new or modern but just what you need for a quick change to get in with your walk through Zimmerman park with the beautiful smell of the natural springs in your hair in the sun. There’s limited parking available but if you do need transportation, we’d recommend Uber so you can begin and end your walk in different places.

It is a very wonderful spot. $ 9. For a adulti s pretty high when the changeing visitor site is under construction 🏗. There is a free area for folks and their dogs. The water is cold and algae on the bottom makes it very slippery.

Cold af but super fun on a hot day with little kiddos. Water shoes recommended. The water was clear and there were a variety of depths - deep enough for a diving board but also shallow enough for a 2 year old to walk by herself in some places.

A fabulous refuge within a city! The "pool" is really a spring that flows to the Colorado River in Austin. They put cement sides on it and a dam at the end to regulate the depth (it's about 25' deep at the deepest point). At the shallow end of the pool it's like a wading pool. The water is cold. I swam in a wet suit but many people were in the water in their regular swim suits. There's lots of grassy areas to sun bathe. They also have a full locker room facility there.

Love it! It wasn't as hot as during the summer months but my son and I loved it! My wife and daughter not so much because it was too cold for them. We paid the small entrance fee and walked right in. My son loved the diving board and I loved just being in fresh water. I'll take fresh water any day over pool or beach water. Totally relaxing and you're surrounded by trees and nature while being minutes away from downtown Austin. Totally love it and will be back.

Went paddle boarding down the river to barton Springs and wow what an amazing experience. When we got to barton Springs it was busy with everyone relaxing and hanging out. The water was so clear. It was a really nice atmosphere! Could easy spend the day here!

Just In the border of downtown Austin this natural pool where you can enjoy a swim or a stroll in the park or just have a picnic.

This is a great selection for the hot day . Water is refreshing and cold. The trees,atmostphere all good for you to make the most of great feeling

I visited Barton Springs on a busy Saturday afternoon when the temperature 35c/95f and it was the perfect way to cool down in Austin. When we arrived, the line to buy a pass using credit card on the ticket machines was a mile long, but we soon realised if you paid cash for your ticket you could get in quicker. The entry free was $9 for non locals. The water was quite cool. I’d recommend bringing swim shoes as the bottom of the springs are quite uneven and very slippery. Also, there is no facilities to buy snacks or cool drinks inside, so make sure you bring your own. It’s definitely worth the visit.

Middle of August in Austin 110 degrees or so in the afternoon…..Imbthinking mid-70’s at Barton Springs in the water. Walked about 2 miles from downtown sweating my tuchus off. Got in the water and it was glorious; refreshing, clean and uncrowned at 9AM on a Saturday morning. Got in the middle of the pool and swam uninterrupted from one end to the other. Bring googles if you want to see the water is murky. Also brought my center snorkle and it was just so peaceful remaining under water for most of my time there. Locker room was more than adequate; bring your own lock they are not provided. Left around 11 and was getting very crowded and the parking lot was almost full and cara were staring to line up. If your downtown recommend hopping on the 30 bus it will take you right to the entrance of the park. Loved it and will get back here as much as possible when visiting.

This was a really neat stop in Austin - a cool pool that has a “natural” side and a man made side more like a traditional swimming pool. It is huge - plenty of space to swim or lay out, even on a crowded day. I would warn you, though, this water is COLD! Since it’s a natural spring, the water is the same temperature even when it’s hot outside (this can be nice for a hot Texas day, but just a heads up)!

Visiting Austin from overseas so wanted to do something the locals would visit.
Very busy and automated ticket booths Very temperamental.
Lovely park.
Pool very cold surprised there are no warning signs
Be organised bring towels and a cool box. I hate lying on grass
Worth a visit for a relaxing break from doing the tourist path

It isw filled with natural spring water very deep , also there is lots of marine life.There is also a exhibit called Splash Exhibit.As well as further on a dog swim park.

Public parking is tight, be prepared to bring patience. Changing rooms and rest rooms are currently under construction, but there are portable trailers available. The walk from the entrance to the changing areas was surprisingly long, so maybe change before going. We are visiting for our first time so we had a busy day planned and needed to use the changing area there. Grateful for reading reviews ahead of time which recommended water shoes due to the thick moss and slippery surfaces in the water. Although we could see a concessions stand from the water, we could not figure out how to get to it due to all the construction and fencing. We left earlier than planned due to being hungry and not being allowed to bring own food into property. You are allowed to bring in drinks (no alcohol). Lifeguards were very alert and active which is great to see.

The perfect summer time activity when it’s too hot in ATX. You can go in big groups, picnic and swim. Full of people all different types of ages and lots of fun. Bring your floaties and relax or hit the diving board.

Great place to swim looks lovely even though partly man made but in the main it's a natural spring enhanced a bit to make a great pool, it's also huge

Visiting Barton Springs Pool in Austin was a refreshing and rejuvenating experience in the heart of the city. The pool’s natural spring water and lush surroundings create a serene oasis perfect for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment. The crystal-clear waters and the expansive pool area offer plenty of space for swimming and sunbathing. The pool’s constant temperature of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit provides a cool respite during hot Texas summers. The shady areas and the beautiful landscape make it an ideal spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Barton Springs Pool is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to escape the city heat while enjoying the beauty of Austin’s natural springs.

Barton Springs is a huge natural springs swimming area. You need to pay a nominal entrance fee to swim and there is a lifeguard on duty. I didn’t swim but my husband did and he loved it. He said the water was cool and refreshing and he saw a lot of fish.

We had a blast swimming in this natural spring versus a concrete pool. The water is very refreshing on a hot day. It's a natural gem that had the kids asking to go back to every day we were in Austin.

If you're in the area this is a "do not miss". Take your bathing suit and plan a day here. Don't be discouraged by all the cars in the parking lot, this place is huge and clean as a whistle. There are a couple food trucks on site. It's about $5 per person for the day. If you can go on a hot day, the water is a constant 70° year round.

Barton Springs pool is a major attraction in Austin. It is open all year except for when they clean it. The pool is spring feed and is 68°. This is a wonderful place to visit but crowded on the weekends.

As an Austin native it was great to return for a visit. Sad to say Barton Springs was closed dude to COVID but was great to see again .... lots of repairs to make it great again !!!!

The temperature of the water is a consistent 68-70 all year round. There is a warm spring feeding the pool and there are also little fish and salamanders.

How nice this park was designed an maintained just outside of the downtown. It was eye-opening to me to see people actually swimming there in January!

Water is colder than the advertised 68 degrees. Plenty of parking space, many areas are very slippery when entering the pool. Overall it's a good visit.

What a cool place. We are from Missouri so to see people swimming in Dec was so neat. What a cool place

What a great oasis in the heart of the city. Well organized, accessible and welcome to all people. No frills. The water is COLD!! Be warned. But who wants to wade in tepid, stagnant water. Trails, pathways and hiking all around Barton Springs.

I was not going to visit this as it didn't really sound all that cool. Glad I did, as I was wrong with that assumption. May be the coolest natural area of water-turned-into-a-pool ever! Wish I had brought trunks, as I would have braved the chilly water temp just to have gone in--must be so cool to swim in in the summer!

We went a couple hours before a flight on an extremely hot day and it was awesome! There’s the paid part and free area, check both out!

Parking can be an issue as I got a parking ticket. They're doing some remodeling so navigating the entrance was difficult. The facility was great. Natural water, if you want warm water this is not the place for you. If it's blistering hot like it was the day I was there, the water was AWESOME. Lot's of 20-30 somethings

I wasn’t sure what to expect besides cold water, there were a lot of people but the area is so big you were not crowded.

Very refreshing and beautiful.Definitely worth a trip! Water is cold, so take a deep breath and just jump in!

A great place to stop and swim in Austin, Texas. The bathrooms were a little rough. Change in the car.

Grab a picnic, sunscreen and some friends and head out here for the day, amazing place to just chill and suntan. Only downside is no alcohol so you cant have a beer but there are plenty other places for that in ATX. Also good for going for a refreshing swim by yourself on a hot day. Water is freezing! Price to enter is reasonable i think $3

Great place to hang out on a hot afternoon. The water is sparkling clean, the bottom is soft with plant life. Grab a spot on the hill to lounge. Amazing pool of water

It was so packed that we didn't even waste our time parking! The line just to park was crazy and then the line around the building to get in wrapped around the building. Hard pass.