5 Places to Stay Cool in Austin this Summer…other than Barton Springs

Summer is upon us Austin! If you’re anything like us – a plunge into cold water is ideal after a day of touring Austin in over 100-degree heat. We love Barton Springs, but it’s not the only cool place to hang out this summer. Check out five of Austin’s favorite watering holes and pools to escape the heat this summer.

Deep Eddy Pool

Photo via Shaggy Texas.

Deep Eddy

401 Deep Eddy Ave. Austin, 78703

Austin’s other favorite spring-fed pool, located across the river from Barton Springs. Originally built in 1915, Deep Eddy is a cool non-chlorinated 35-foot lap and recreational pool. Layout your towel in the grass, people watch and jump in when the heat just gets to be too much. More on prices and operation hours here.

 

Sculpture Falls

Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746

Our first swimming spot on the Greenbelt, you’ll need to work a little to find this paradise (1.5-mile hike both ways), but it’s worth it once you get there – as you’ll find others lounging among the limestone rocks above waterfalls, looking down on clear waters. The great thing about this spot is you can bring your dog swimming or play with others. Trust me, you’re never more than 20 feet away from a great dog in Austin! Read more on how to reach this free watering hole and what to expect when you arrive.

 

McKinney Falls State Park

5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744

Take a short cruise out of the city center to visit this Texas State Park, complete with waterfalls, miles of trails, picnic areas and more. This hidden city gem in Southeast Austin is a great place to spend a hot summer’s day. Follow signs for Upper and/or Lower Falls to swim. Both are wild and serene all at once. Check out their website for more information of visiting the park.

 

Campbell’s Hole

1601 Spyglass Dr. Austin, TX 78746

Another Greenbelt favorite in the summer, Campbell’s Hole is rocking in the summer. The best way to reach Campbell’s Hole is by entering via the Spyglass Access to the Greenbelt. From here, you can sunbathe on top of limestone rocks slightly submerged in water, hike, climb and also bring your pup here.

 

Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park

614 Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733

Nestled among mansions and private estates is piece of Lake Austin open to everyone. Commons Ford is your very own spot of sprawling land on the lake. We know it’s hard to come by these days. It’s usually pretty sleepy, and you’ll have to jump right in as there’s no beach or ladder into the river. It’s also a fun spot to watch wakeboarders and people cruising along in their boat.

Know of a great watering hole in Austin that we missed? Let us know in comments below. We’re always on the lookout for more Austin fun!

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Austin’s Hidden Gems Part 1: Mayfield Park

Austin Mayfield Park Hidden Gem

As far as hidden gems go, Mayfield Park is a whopping 10-carat diamond, tucked away at 3505 W 35th Street just a short drive from downtown. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat where you can escape the city bustle and surround yourself with nature, this is the place to head. The park was bequeathed to the city by Mary Mayfield Gutsch in 1971 and is now managed by those great folks at the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, see: http://mayfieldpark.org

The park covers over 20 acres and includes a delightful cottage garden, several ornamental ponds stocked with fish, turtles and water lilies, abundant flowers, plants and huge palm trees. It also has a network of walking trails that lead around the grounds and down to nearby Lake Austin. The stars of the show, however, are the park’s resident peacocks. These amazing birds confidently strut their stuff and regularly display their elegant plumage to visitors. Photo opportunities are just about guaranteed if you can stick around for 10 minutes or so.

The park runs volunteer workdays on the second Saturday morning of each month, and has an annual “Trowel and Error” fundraiser to help pay for restoration work, see: http://mayfieldpark.org/workdays-and-events/ . The cottage and grounds are also available for rent for parties and special events. You can explore the park and grounds, including a leisurely hike to Lake Austin, in around an hour, and there are shaded picnic tables if you want to bring a meal or refreshments. The park is great for kids, although you’ll need to watch toddlers around the peacocks and pools. Entry is free, and we think the best time to visit is early morning.

Mayfield Park is one of Austin’s true hidden gems and should definitely be on your Austin bucket list if you love tranquil escapes. Take a book, find a shady spot and take yourself far away!

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