Barton Springs Pool
A natural spring-fed pool in Zilker Park, offering a refreshing 68°F escape year-round. Iconic Austin hangout.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peaceful laps.
Barton Springs Pool
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peaceful laps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A natural spring-fed pool in Zilker Park, offering a refreshing 68°F escape year-round. Iconic Austin hangout.
"A natural oasis in the heart of Austin! Barton Springs Municipal Pool is hands down one of the best spots to cool off."
🥶 Brace for the Cold!
The 68°F water is a shock, but incredibly refreshing!
🚫 No Food Allowed
Keep the springs clean and ant-free by leaving snacks at home.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Pool
Zilker Park
Dive into the iconic 68°F spring-fed waters for an unforgettable Austin cool-down.
Night Swims
Barton Springs Pool
Enjoy free, magical swims under the stars from 9-9:50 PM nightly. Pure Austin bliss!
Greenbelt Trails
Adjacent to the pool
Explore the natural beauty and discover hidden spots along the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Chill: Water Temps & Timing
Navigating Entry & Rules
Cash is preferred at the ticket window. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥶 Brace for the Cold!
The 68°F water is a shock, but incredibly refreshing!
🚫 No Food Allowed
Keep the springs clean and ant-free by leaving snacks at home.
💰 Cash Preferred
Head to the ticket window for a smoother entry experience.
🌙 Magical Night Swims
Enjoy free entry and starry skies from 9-9:50 PM.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥶 Brace for the Cold!
The 68°F water is a shock, but incredibly refreshing!
🚫 No Food Allowed
Keep the springs clean and ant-free by leaving snacks at home.
💰 Cash Preferred
Head to the ticket window for a smoother entry experience.
🌙 Magical Night Swims
Enjoy free entry and starry skies from 9-9:50 PM.
🐶 Barking Springs Nearby
Dog lovers can head downstream to the free, off-leash Barking Springs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Barton Springs Pool is a beloved Austin natural oasis, praised for its consistently cool, refreshing spring water and beautiful park setting. Visitors appreciate the affordable admission and the unique experience of swimming in a natural environment. Some find the entrance chaotic due to construction and signage, and the cold water can be a shock, but the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive for this iconic Austin spot.
"🏊🏻♂️🧘♂️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A natural oasis in the heart of Austin!
Barton Springs Municipal Pool is hands down one of the best spots to cool off during those hot Texas summers. Fed by natural spring water, the pool stays a refreshing 68–70°F year-round, which feels amazing when escaping Austin’s heat. Whether you’re swimming laps or lounging under the trees, it’s always relaxing and peaceful.
Surrounded by lush greenery and located right next to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, this place is perfect for a full day outdoors. The natural setting gives it a serene, almost hidden gem vibe. It’s both family-friendly and ideal for solo swimmers looking for calm.
Do note that the entrance can be a bit confusing for first-timers due to construction and limited signage. But once inside, you’re rewarded with a unique experience that strikes a beautiful balance between nature and community recreation.
The spring is cold (brace yourself!), and since it’s a natural bottom, some areas get deep quickly—so keep an eye on kids or weaker swimmers.
Admission is affordable ($9), and it opens early at 5 AM. Located at 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746, it’s easily accessible and well worth the visit.
Highly recommended for anyone visiting Austin. Don’t forget to explore the upstream greenbelt trails for more hidden natural pools!"
Ramin Homyak
"Such a great place! The pool was clean, nice cold and refreshing, super deep and filled with rocks and plants and tiny fishes, loved the nature and the entire experience! Really felt like a mermaid today!! Loved it! Definitely will be coming here again before summer ends! 🧜🏻♀️🙌🏻✨🪸💦"
Laura
"Barton Springs Municipal Pool – A Classic Austin Experience
Barton Springs is an absolute gem. We had no trouble grabbing tickets at the window with good old-fashioned cash (just a heads-up: cash only!). While we didn’t use the ticket kiosks, we saw plenty of people struggling with them—lots of confused faces and short lines of frustrated folks. Do yourself a favor and just head to the window.
There’s a fair bit of construction going on right now, but it was super easy to navigate. Clear signs make the path to the pool straightforward.
Once you’re in? Pure bliss. The water is cool, crisp, and refreshing—the perfect way to escape the Texas heat. It’s a true spring, so don’t expect bathwater temps, but once you’re in, it feels incredible.
There’s a little something for everyone here—swimmers, floaters, jumpers, sunbathers, families, solo chillers. It’s also top-tier people watching. An authentic Austin spot that never disappoints."
Stephen Barrios
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Barton Springs Pool is located in Zilker Park at 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746. You can reach it by car, ride-sharing services, or public transport. Parking can be challenging, especially during peak times, so consider the Zilker Loop and Stratford Lot if the main lots are full.
Yes, there are parking lots available, but they can fill up quickly. During renovations, some lots may be closed. Taking the Zilker Loop and parking at the Stratford Lot is a recommended alternative.
Yes, several Austin CapMetro bus routes stop near Zilker Park, making it accessible via public transit. Check the CapMetro website for the most current routes and schedules.
The pool area is generally accessible, with paved pathways and accessible restrooms. Specific accessibility details can be confirmed with the pool staff.
Visiting on weekdays or during the free nightly swims can help you avoid the worst traffic. Early mornings are also a good bet for less congestion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are affordable, typically ranging from $2-$5 for residents and slightly more for non-residents.
Reservations are generally not required anymore for daytime swims. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Barton Springs Pool website for any updates, especially during peak seasons.
Yes! Enjoy free nightly swims from 9:00 PM to 9:50 PM. This is a popular way to experience the pool under the stars.
The pool typically opens early, around 5 AM for lap swimming, and stays open until 10 PM. The free nightly swim is from 9-9:50 PM. Hours can vary, so check the official schedule.
While some visitors have reported success with card kiosks, it's often recommended to bring cash for a smoother transaction at the ticket window, as cash is preferred.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The water temperature is consistently around 68-70°F (20-21°C) year-round, thanks to the natural spring source. It's a refreshing, albeit chilly, experience!
No, food and alcohol are strictly prohibited to maintain the natural environment and prevent issues with ants.
Dogs are not allowed in the main pool area. However, you can take your furry friends to the nearby 'Barking Springs' area downstream, which is free and shared with other dog owners.
The pool has a natural, rocky bottom, and depths can vary quickly in certain areas. It's a unique natural spring experience rather than a typical tiled pool.
While the pool is family-friendly, the natural bottom and varying depths mean close supervision is essential for children and weaker swimmers.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic shots from the grassy hillsides overlooking the pool, the unique rock formations, and the vibrant atmosphere during the free night swims. The surrounding Zilker Park also offers beautiful natural backdrops.
Generally, personal cameras are allowed for capturing memories. However, commercial or professional photography may require permits. It's best to check with the park management if you plan extensive shoots.
While general photography is permitted, be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Avoid intrusive photography and respect personal space. Drone usage is typically prohibited in city parks without special permits.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for serene shots. The free night swims provide a unique, atmospheric opportunity for photography with the city lights in the background.
Use hashtags like #BartonSpringsPool, #AustinTX, #ZilkerPark, #AustinSummer, #SpringFedPool, #ATXLife, and #TexasSummer to increase visibility.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Even better, the nightly swims from 9-9:50 PM are completely FREE! This makes it one of the best value attractions in Austin. Pack your own water bottle (no other drinks allowed) and enjoy a refreshing experience without breaking the bank. 🐶 Dog Owners
This section of the spring-fed water is free and offers a great spot for your canine companions to cool off and play. It's a perfect compromise for dog-loving visitors who want to enjoy the natural springs. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Ecosystem of Barton Springs
The spring itself is part of the larger Barton Creek watershed, a crucial natural resource for Austin. The water feeding the pool originates from underground aquifers and emerges at a consistent 68-70°F year-round. This natural temperature regulation is what makes Barton Springs a beloved spot for escaping the intense Texas heat, offering a refreshing respite no matter the season.
Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of the natural environment. The rocky, natural bottom of the pool is part of its charm, but it also means depths can change quickly. Respecting the rules, like no food or alcohol, helps protect both the water quality and the native wildlife that calls Barton Springs home.
Experiencing Barton Springs: From Day Swims to Night Magic
However, the real magic for many happens during the free nightly swims. From 9:00 PM to 9:50 PM, the pool transforms into a serene, starlit oasis. Swimmers enjoy the cool water under the vast Texas sky, often accompanied by the sounds of the city quieting down. It's a truly unique and memorable way to experience Barton Springs, offering a different vibe than the daytime hustle.
+1For those seeking an even more communal experience, keep an eye out for the monthly full moon swims, which sometimes include a community howl.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit