Beat the Heat: 5 Summer Micro-Adventures in Austin

I grew up on the beach in southern California, where temperatures rarely rise above 90 degrees. Despite this being my fifth summer in Texas, I still don’t feel acclimated. I’m a big hiker and backpacker but can’t bring myself to go more than a couple of miles in the stifling, humid summers. Luckily, Texas is home to many beautiful rivers, creeks, and swimming holes, where I can get my nature and adventure fix without the heat stroke. Be sure to check out these great spots in and around Austin.

Kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake

One of the best ways to see the city (without the traffic), enjoy the greenery, and stay cool in the summer is to paddle your way along Lady Bird Lake. Don’t be confused by the local lingo - Lady Bird “Lake” is technically an arm of the Colorado River, and while it’s not quite lake-sized, it’s perfect for cruising along in whatever your preferred human-powered vessel is. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards from a multitude of companies around town, depending on where you want to put in. My personal favorite is Zilker Park Boat Rentals. Located just south of downtown, right on Barton Creek, you can rent boats by the hour or the day and go as far as you like. Leave your phones behind, lest you drop them in the water, but be sure to arrive prepared for epic sun - that means lots of sunscreen and a big hat - and with ample bottles of cold water. There are plenty of places along the river to pull over, stash the boats, and jump in the water to cool off before continuing on.

Barton Springs

Barton Springs is considered the gem of Austin by many locals and out-of-towners alike, and for good reason. The cold, clear water wells up from an underground spring, which stabilizes the temperature at a glorious 68 degrees year-round. It’s impossible to describe how good this feels on a summer day when temperatures are in the triple digits. The pool is mostly natural with a rock bottom, but with some man-made additions for ease of access. There is a diving board, bathrooms and showers, and a sprawling grassy hillside where you can easily while away an entire afternoon under the enormous Live Oak trees there. Entry prices vary based on local/out-of-towner ($3/$6 respectively), but your entry fee is good for the entire day. There is no food, drink, or smoking allowed within the pool boundaries to cut down on litter, but you can get your hand stamped for re-entry and go explore the nearby area. Take the walking trail from the pool out to Barton Springs Road and you’ll find snacks and drinks galore, from barbecue to Mexican food and a variety of food trailers, all within 10 minutes of the springs. Need to cool off after a long day of exploring the city? Barton Springs has got you covered with their free swim, every night from 9-10 pm.

Hamilton Pool

Set aside a day to take a mini road trip to Hamilton Pool, about an hour west of Austin, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly spectacular swimming spot. The pool is housed in a collapsed grotto that you can also walk into, full of ferns and interesting rock formations. This is a unique historic area, with cultural remains dating back over 8,000 years. A short hike from the parking lot takes you ¼ mile through a small canyon until you arrive at the grotto. Bring water and snacks, but remember to practice Leave No Trace principles as this is an ecologically sensitive area - pack it in, pack it out - and please do not bring glass or styrofoam. Due to the fragility and ongoing restoration of Hamilton Pool, visitor numbers are limited and require a reservation, which can easily be obtained on their website. Jumping through a few hoops is more than worth it to visit this breathtaking oasis just outside of a big city.

Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole

The small hill country towns outside of Austin are full of charm, and Wimberley is no exception. It has a quaint downtown with a few stores, restaurants, and bars, and the beautiful Blanco River winds its way through town.

There are two fantastic swimming holes in the Wimberley Area, Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole. Jacob’s Well is the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas and is the headwaters of Cypress Creek, which flows into the Blanco River. As it is fed by a perennial spring, the water is a cool 68 degrees year round. Leaping into Jacob’s Well requires no small measure of courage, as the mouth of the spring is roughly 12 feet in diameter, and descends for 30 feet. The water is clear enough to nearly see to the bottom, but it is most certainly an excellent place to conquer one’s fears. I can personally attest to how scary it was to jump off a rock (the lowest possible rock I could find, mind you) into the well, but it was fun and exhilarating once I made the leap. Jacob’s Well is a protected and ecologically sensitive natural area, so you will need reservations and to pay a small fee to swim. Their website shows all their hours and information on reservations.

Blue Hole Regional Park is an absolutely gorgeous swimming spot on Cypress Creek. Named for the towering Cypress trees that line the banks, the creek is cool, clear, and utterly relaxing. Enjoy 3.5 miles of walking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and basketball and volleyball courts at the park, then cool off by jumping in the creek. Swimming reservations are easily obtained through the city’s website. Leave the booze and glass containers behind, but bring an ice chest with water, other beverages, and snacks to spend a lazy afternoon enjoying the water.

Tubing

One of the most popular Texas summer activities, tubing is a great way to cool off and relax while enjoying the scenery of one of the many beautiful local rivers. The San Marcos, Comal, and Guadalupe rivers are all excellent places to spend the day, depending on how far you want to drive. Tubing is a great choose-your-own-adventure activity: you can buy your own tubes and head for a put-in spot, you can sign up with a tour company that will transport you to and from the river and provide tubes, or you can do a combination of both. Check out Texas State Tubes and Don’s Fish Camp for information on tubing the San Marcos, Comal Tubes for the Comal River, and Riverbank Outfitters for the Guadalupe River. Be aware that each river has significantly different restrictions on what you can bring on your tubing trip. Alcohol and coolers are allowed on the San Marcos river, but glass and styrofoam are not, and you will be held responsible for any litter you create. Trash bags are provided and strongly encouraged. The Comal River has recently re-enacted a “can ban” in which disposable containers are not allowed. You can still bring booze, but you will have to be creative in bringing it in some kind of reusable container. The can ban helps cut down on litter within the sensitive Comal River. Alcohol is allowed on the Guadalupe River, but you will need to follow the same rules as on the San Marcos. Remember to have a designated driver if you are drinking, and to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.