When it can get up to well over 100 degrees in the summer, you’ll find any reason to jump in some brisk water. Texas has some of the most picturesque watering holes around, natural or man-made. You can take an early morning dip in the variety of natural springs that Central Texas boasts or perhaps take in some retro vibes at a public pool in Dallas. There’s also family-friendly waterparks and beaches, too. Whatever you choose, one thing is for sure – Texas knows how to cool off, y’all!
You can’t go wrong with any choice, refreshing water is just a cannonball away thanks to the help of our Yelp Texas Community Managers Luci H, Helina M, Kendall S, Farrah A, and Tomas R.
North Texas
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
If you’re feeling nostalgic, check out FOE. This neighborhood pool is a vintage East Dallas staple. Affordable entry, two bars, inexpensive food, volleyball courts make for a jammin’ good time. Talk about a blast from the past!
Added in 2013, the Heights Family Aquatic Center is the newest addition to Richardson’s public pools. With a pool, water slides and a lap pool, this is a solid pick for the whole family.
Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex
Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex is known not only for its beautiful zero-entry pool, but also its huge water cannons, spray bars, sweeping slides, 600-gallon dump bucket and relaxing lazy river. And if you’re in search of a workout, they’ve got an Olympic-size pool and diving well too.
Feel like a kid again at this spring-fed lake, surrounded by sandy beaches and a zillion picnic tables and charcoal grills. Bring your own snacks or buy concessions, swing on the trapeze into the water, jump off the high-dive, or slip down the 20 foot slide. Why not do it all?
Boat and kayak rentals, fishing, camping, a floating water park – Grapevine Lake makes you feel like you’re lost in nature, but really you’re in the center of the DFW metroplex!
Sometimes it’s just too hot in Texas and you need a year-round indoor waterpark with a retractable roof. Luckily, there’s Epic Waters! With eleven waterslides (including the nation’s tallest indoor Aqualoop), a wave-pool, rides, a lazy river, restaurants, and adult drinks – there’s something cool and splashy for everyone.
Central Texas
Jacobs Well Natural Area
A short drive outside of San Antonio is where you can take your friends and family to Canyon Lake and enjoy the beautiful marina whilst in the middle of the Texas Hill Country. Not only can you enjoy the views, you can even rent a boat for the day here as well.
This family-friendly spot is the perfect getaway from the Texas heat, where you can take the whole gang to cool off. There’s plenty of seating, patio furniture, and grass to lay down and have a pool day while still being in the city of San Antonio.
Want your own cabana island and the chance to sleep under the stars? Then make sure to reserve your cabana in advance as this gem is tucked away in Seguin, Texas. It’s grill friendly and you can relax like a rockstar on these private grounds.
If you want to chill out, look no further than Austin’s crown jewel, Barton Springs. Since the water stays around 68 degrees all year, you can swim throughout the seasons. You might even catch a peak at the endangered Barton Springs Salamander who hides out in the deep!
This natural grotto right outside Austin’s city limits provides a breathtaking view, relaxing swimming, and energizing hikes around the land. Get there early, or make a reservations, because they only let in a few people a day and it’s one of the most popular destinations around Austin.
Locally-owned Krause Springs is a short drive outside the beautiful state capital in Spicewood, TX. The family-friendly watering hole has areas to swim, hike, camp, and walk around the family gardens! Worth the drive, especially since you can stay the night.
Hidden along the Greenbelt Trail, Sculpture Falls is a popular local spot to cool off in the Edwards Aquifer. Bring some snacks, your pup, and your friends, because this place is an all-day party!
This reservations-required well is located on over 81 acres of preserved land. The Trinity Aquifer is the source of the cool water that locals and tourist flock to each year. The scenery continues from the land to the well with underwater caverns.
Southeast Texas
Galveston Seawall Beaches
Houston’s newest swim club in the burgeoning East End District, El Segundo Swim Club is a watering hole complete with a swimming pool, bar, lounge chairs, a rotation of food trucks, DJs – and shipping containers to keep with the neighborhood’s industrial vibe.
This spring-fed lake sits on a 20 acre facility where guests can scuba dive, swim, kayak and SUP (stand up paddle board). Well-behaved and leashed furry friends allowed, but children under 17 (unless training) are not allowed on the property – no exceptions.
Located north of Houston in Huntsville, Texas, Blue Lagoon is a scuba diving oasis! Not into diving? You can still enjoy the beautiful scenery, swim and bask in the sun. Arrive early, as hours of operation do not guarantee admission. They can hit capacity and turn folks away if needed.
Chadillac’s Backyard Waterpark
North of Houston in Conroe, Texas, Chadillac’s Backyard Waterpark is just that – a waterpark with a backyard feel. There’s swimming, slides, volleyaball, washers, beer pong, barbecue pits… need we say more?
You can’t beat the easy access to the beaches along the Galveston Seawall. Cheap seawall parking, umbrella and chair rentals, and views of the pier make it a top destination. Sunday evenings offer a beautiful firework show. It’s a hop, skip and a jump from area restaurants, bars and shopping.
Planning a trip for a dip or traveling to Texas and need to cool off? Use this collection as your guide! Or better yet – make your own curated collection of your top choices for a swim in the Lone Star State!
