By the time May rolls around, Austin knows what’s coming.

Summer is coming.

And once June, July and August arrive, the question isn’t going to be whether you want to go swimming. It’s going to be where you can get into the water fast enough before you melt.

May is the perfect month to start exploring Austin’s swimming holes, spring-fed pools, creek crossings and natural watering holes. The temperatures are warm enough that jumping into cold water feels amazing, but you’re not yet dealing with the full summer crowds and triple-digit heat.

And Austin has something most cities would love to have:

Actual places to swim in the middle of and around the city.

You can spend the afternoon at Barton Springs Pool without leaving Austin. You can hike down Barton Creek to Twin Falls or Sculpture Falls. You can head east to McKinney Falls State Park. You can make a Hill Country trip out of Hamilton Pool when conditions allow. Or you can find one of the lesser-known places where locals go to cool off when the creek has enough water.

The important thing is knowing the difference between a swimming pool and a swimming hole.

At Barton Springs, somebody is checking the water and managing the facility.

At a Greenbelt swimming hole, you’re on your own.

And that means checking conditions before you go is everything.

BARTON SPRINGS POOL: THE OBVIOUS CHOICE FOR A REASON

Let’s start with the heavyweight.

Barton Springs Pool is one of those Austin attractions that locals sometimes forget is actually pretty incredible.

It’s a three-acre swimming pool fed by underground springs, right in Zilker Park, and the water stays around 68–70 degrees year-round.

That means you can jump into Barton Springs in May and immediately understand why Austinites have been doing it for generations.

The water is cold.

Not “kind of refreshing.”

Cold.

And after spending an afternoon outside in 85-degree weather, that first jump feels incredible.

HOW MUCH DOES BARTON SPRINGS COST?

During the paid season, which generally runs from Austin ISD spring break through October 31, Barton Springs charges admission. Current city pricing lists adult admission at $5 for Austin residents and $9 for non-residents, with lower rates for children, juniors and seniors.

There is also a major way to save money:

Swim during the free hours.

Barton Springs traditionally allows free swimming during the early morning and late evening periods outside regular guarded-swim hours. The city’s current schedule lists swim-at-your-own-risk hours from 5–8 a.m. and 8–10 p.m., with Thursday having a special cleaning schedule.

For a Baller ATX reader, that’s one of the best hacks.

THE BARTON SPRINGS FREE-SWIM STRATEGY

If you’re trying to experience Barton Springs without paying admission, don’t wait until the middle of the afternoon.

Go early.

Really early.

An early-morning swim gives you cooler air, fewer people and a completely different atmosphere from the packed afternoon pool.

The other option is the evening.

As the sun starts going down, Barton Springs becomes a completely different experience.

The pool lights come on.

The downtown skyline is nearby.

People are finishing their day.

And you’re swimming in 68-degree spring water while Austin is still buzzing around you.

That’s one of the most Austin things you can do.

THE BIGGEST BARTON SPRINGS MISTAKE: SHOWING UP AT 2 P.M.

If you’re going on a beautiful Saturday in May, don’t assume you can just roll into Zilker at 2 p.m. and have an easy afternoon.

Barton Springs can get extremely busy.

Recent local reports from May 2024 described long waits and extremely crowded conditions on Memorial Day weekend.

The solution is simple:

Go early.

Or go later.

Midday on a perfect Saturday is when everybody else has the same idea.

THURSDAY IS THE WEIRD BARTON SPRINGS DAY

Another thing first-timers need to know is that Barton Springs closes for cleaning every Thursday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The pool is open for limited swim-at-your-own-risk hours before the cleaning period and reopens for guarded swimming in the evening.

So don’t make the mistake of planning your Thursday afternoon around Barton Springs without checking the schedule.

You’ll arrive and discover that everybody knew something you didn’t.

TWIN FALLS: WHEN YOU WANT THE REAL GREENBELT EXPERIENCE

If Barton Springs is Austin’s famous swimming pool, Twin Falls is one of the city’s famous natural alternatives.

Twin Falls is part of the Barton Creek Greenbelt and is commonly accessed from the Gaines Road/MoPac area.

And unlike Barton Springs, there is no admission fee.

You hike in.

You find the water.

You jump in.

That’s the attraction.

The popular Twin Falls access is roughly a half-mile hike from the trailhead, although conditions and exact routes can vary.

BUT THERE’S A CATCH

Twin Falls isn’t a swimming pool.

It’s a creek.

And creeks don’t care about your weekend plans.

If Austin hasn’t received enough rain, the swimming holes can become shallow, stagnant or completely dry.

That means you should never assume Twin Falls has water simply because it’s May.

In May 2024, locals were actively reporting changing conditions along the Greenbelt. Early May reports described good flow at Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, while later reports noted that some sections were drying out.

That’s exactly why checking conditions before you leave is part of the experience.

THE BEST TWIN FALLS ADVICE

Don’t just look at a picture someone posted six months ago.

Check recent reports.

Check rainfall.

Check water conditions.

And if your entire goal is swimming, make sure there is actually enough water before you make the hike.

Otherwise you may spend an hour hiking through the Greenbelt just to discover a bunch of rocks and a puddle.

SCULPTURE FALLS: GO A LITTLE FARTHER

If you’re already at Twin Falls and want to keep going, Sculpture Falls is one of the best options.

Trailhead to Sculpture Falls provides access toward the Barton Creek Greenbelt and Sculpture Falls area.

Sculpture Falls is farther along the Greenbelt, roughly another mile or so beyond Twin Falls depending on the route and conditions.

The extra hike is exactly why some people prefer it.

It’s a little more work.

It’s a little less convenient.

And when the water is flowing, that can make it feel more rewarding.

THE GOLDEN RULE OF SCULPTURE FALLS

Don’t go just because TikTok says it’s there.

Go because conditions are good.

The entire Greenbelt water system depends heavily on rainfall.

After a good rain, the creek can be fantastic.

During dry periods, it can be disappointing.

And after significant rain, you also need to think about water quality and safety.

Rainwater can wash pollutants and bacteria into waterways.

So “more water” doesn’t automatically mean “better swimming.”

THE GREENBELT IS NOT BARTON SPRINGS

This is worth emphasizing.

There are no lifeguards at these natural swimming holes.

The rocks can be slippery.

The creek bed can be uneven.

Water depth changes.

And conditions can change dramatically after storms.

You’re responsible for yourself.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go.

It means you should go prepared.

Wear shoes with good traction.

Bring water.

Bring sunscreen.

Don’t carry valuables you don’t need.

And don’t assume that because someone else jumped off a rock, you should jump too.

BARTON CREEK WATER LEVELS ARE EVERYTHING

If you’re specifically looking for swimming holes, May is when you should start watching the weather.

A few days of rain can completely change the Greenbelt.

A dry stretch can do the opposite.

Local Austin reports in May 2024 demonstrated exactly that: people were checking whether Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls had enough flow before making the trip.

So here’s the Baller ATX rule:

Rain first. Swim second.

If you get a good rain, that’s when you want to start thinking about the Greenbelt.

MCKINNEY FALLS: A DIFFERENT KIND OF SWIMMING HOLE

If you want something that feels more like a destination than a hike down the Greenbelt, head southeast to McKinney Falls State Park Campground.

McKinney Falls State Park sits within Austin and features the Upper and Lower Falls along Onion Creek.

The limestone formations create pools and ledges where people can cool off when conditions allow.

The big advantage here is that you’re visiting an actual state park.

You have trails.

Picnic areas.

Restrooms.

Camping.

And a little more infrastructure than you’ll find at Twin Falls.

THE DOWNside: YOU PAY TO GET IN

Unlike Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, McKinney Falls isn’t free.

You pay the Texas State Park entrance fee unless you have a qualifying pass.

But if you’re planning to spend most of the day there, the fee can be worth it.

You’re getting more than just a swimming hole.

You can hike.

Explore the falls.

Have a picnic.

And make an entire day out of it.

HAMILTON POOL: THE INSTAGRAM STAR

Then there’s the swimming hole that may have more photographs taken of it than almost anything else around Austin:

Hamilton Pool Preserve.

It’s west of Austin near Dripping Springs and features a dramatic limestone grotto surrounding a natural pool beneath a waterfall.

It looks incredible.

But there’s an important warning:

Don’t assume you’re going swimming.

Hamilton Pool’s swimming status depends on water quality, rainfall, bacteria levels and other conditions. Reservations are also required when the preserve is operating under its reservation system.

That means you need to check the official status before making the drive.

You could arrive expecting a swimming day and discover that swimming has been prohibited.

The preserve is still beautiful.

But if swimming is your only objective, check first.

THE BEST HAMILTON POOL ADVICE

Don’t treat Hamilton Pool like Barton Springs.

Barton Springs is the place you can decide to visit on a random Tuesday afternoon.

Hamilton Pool requires planning.

Check availability.

Check water conditions.

Check swimming restrictions.

Check the weather.

Then go.

And wear actual hiking shoes.

The walk down to the pool isn’t long, but it can be rocky and uneven.

DEEP EDDY: THE EASY OPTION

If you want cold water without hiking through the Greenbelt, don’t forget about Deep Eddy Pool.

It’s the oldest swimming pool in Texas and is fed by spring water.

That makes it one of the easiest choices when you want a real pool but don’t want the Barton Springs crowds.

It’s also close to downtown.

You can swim.

Sunbathe.

Grab food nearby.

And continue your day.

It’s much more straightforward than trying to figure out whether a creek has water.

BARKING SPRINGS: FOR YOU AND THE DOG

Right below Barton Springs is the area commonly known as Barking Springs.

It’s a natural stretch of Barton Creek where people and dogs can cool off.

There is no admission fee, but there are no lifeguards.

If you’re bringing a dog, this is one of the most obvious places to consider.

But remember:

It’s not a controlled swimming pool.

Pay attention to current conditions.

Watch your dog.

And be respectful of other people using the creek.

BIG STACY POOL: THE LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD OPTION

If you’re not interested in hiking or dealing with giant crowds, neighborhood pools are worth considering.

Big Stacy Pool in Travis Heights is spring-fed and has become a favorite neighborhood swimming option.

It’s less of a destination than Barton Springs.

That’s exactly the point.

Sometimes you don’t need the iconic Austin experience.

You just want somewhere to cool off.

SECRET BEACH AND THE COLORADO RIVER

Another option that has developed a reputation among locals is Secret Beach along the Colorado River.

The name is increasingly inaccurate because everybody knows about it now.

But it can still provide a very different experience from Barton Springs or the Greenbelt.

It’s more of a river outing than a traditional swimming pool.

And because it’s a natural environment, conditions can vary.

Don’t assume that a photo from last summer tells you what the river looks like today.

COMMONS FORD RANCH

If you want to get away from the crowds, Commons Ford Ranch is another option worth knowing.

The Lake Austin park offers trails, open space, water access and areas where people can cool off.

It’s not necessarily the first place somebody will mention when you ask about Austin swimming holes.

That’s partly why it can be appealing.

The experience is more relaxed than fighting the crowds at Barton Springs on a Saturday afternoon.

THE MAY SWIMMING-HOLE RANKINGS

If Baller ATX were ranking the options based on the type of day you’re looking for, we’d break it down like this:

BEST OVERALL: Barton Springs Pool

You get cold spring water, a controlled swimming environment and the classic Austin experience.

BEST FREE ADVENTURE: Twin Falls

When the water is flowing, it’s hard to beat the combination of hiking, rocks and swimming.

BEST HIKE + SWIM: Sculpture Falls

Go farther into the Greenbelt and make the journey part of the day.

BEST FOR A FULL DAY: McKinney Falls State Park

Swimming, hiking, picnic areas and more.

BEST PHOTO: Hamilton Pool

When swimming is open and conditions cooperate, the grotto is spectacular.

BEST EASY POOL: Deep Eddy

Cold spring water without having to hike through the Greenbelt.

BEST DOG OPTION: Barking Springs

Your four-legged friend can join you.

BEST LOW-KEY OPTION: Big Stacy

Good for a neighborhood-style pool day.

WHEN SHOULD YOU GO?

May is the beginning of the serious swimming season.

But don’t assume the hottest part of the day is the best time.

For Barton Springs, early morning or evening can be much more pleasant.

For the Greenbelt, morning can help you beat the heat on the hike.

For McKinney Falls and other parks, earlier is generally better on busy weekends.

And for any natural swimming hole, check the conditions before leaving.

WHAT TO BRING

Here’s the basic Baller ATX swimming-hole bag:

Water

Sunscreen

Towel

Water shoes

Dry clothes

Phone protection

Snacks

Trash bag

Hat

And if you’re hiking:

More water than you think you need.

The walk back out of the Greenbelt is much less fun when you’re dehydrated.

LEAVE THE GLASS AT HOME

Natural swimming holes aren’t the place for glass bottles.

They’re dangerous when they break and can create a hazard for everybody else.

Use reusable plastic or metal bottles.

And whatever you bring in, bring back out.

The Greenbelt isn’t your trash can.

DON’T LEAVE YOUR VALUABLES IN THE CAR

This is particularly important at trailheads.

Don’t leave wallets, laptops, cameras or other valuables sitting in plain sight.

The whole point of going swimming is to disconnect for a while.

Don’t make it a trip where you come back to the parking lot and discover your window has been broken.

THE BEST SWIMMING-HOLE HACK: GO AFTER RAIN

For the Barton Creek Greenbelt, this is one of the biggest pieces of advice.

Watch the weather.

If Austin gets a decent amount of rain, start checking the creek conditions.

Local reports in May 2024 showed how quickly conditions could change, with people reporting good water at Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls after rain and later noting drier sections.

The goal isn’t simply to find water.

You’re looking for clean, flowing water in a safe condition.

BUT DON’T GO IMMEDIATELY AFTER A HUGE STORM

This is where common sense matters.

More water isn’t always safer water.

Heavy rain can create strong currents, muddy water and runoff.

It can also affect bacteria levels.

If there’s been significant rainfall, check current conditions before swimming.

THE BALLER ATX MAY SWIMMING PLAN

If we had a free Saturday in May, we’d do it like this.

Start early.

Grab breakfast tacos.

Head to Barton Springs.

If it’s crowded, don’t fight it.

Go somewhere else.

If the Greenbelt has good water, grab your hiking shoes and head toward Twin Falls or Sculpture Falls.

If you want an easier day, go to Deep Eddy.

If you want a full day outside, head to McKinney Falls.

And if you want the big Hill Country photo opportunity, check Hamilton Pool’s reservation and swimming status first.

The key is having options.

AUSTIN’S BEST SUMMER IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

May is the warning shot.

The weather is warming up.

The pools are getting busy.

The Greenbelt is filling with hikers.

The dogs are swimming.

Patios are packed.

And everybody is trying to squeeze in as much outdoor time as possible before Austin becomes brutally hot.

So don’t wait until July to start figuring out where you’re going to swim.

Start now.

Find your favorite spot.

Figure out which one has the best water.

Find out which one is free.

Find out which one is worth paying for.

And figure out which one you’re going to take your friends to when they visit.

Because once summer really arrives, you’re going to want to know exactly where to go.

THE MAY 2024 WATERING-HOLE CHEAT SHEET

Barton Springs Pool — iconic, spring-fed, cold water, paid during the main season, with designated free swim-at-your-own-risk hours.

Twin Falls — free, natural, hiking required, water level depends heavily on recent rain.

Sculpture Falls — free, natural, farther into the Greenbelt, best when Barton Creek is flowing.

McKinney Falls — state park, entrance fee, waterfalls, swimming areas, hiking and picnic opportunities.

Hamilton Pool — reservation-based preserve, spectacular grotto, swimming subject to current conditions.

Deep Eddy — spring-fed public pool and one of the city’s easiest alternatives to Barton Springs.

Barking Springs — free natural swimming area, popular with dogs, no lifeguards.

Big Stacy — neighborhood spring-fed pool and a good lower-key alternative.

Commons Ford Ranch — Lake Austin access, trails and a more relaxed outdoor experience.

MAY IS FOR SWIMMING

Austin has plenty of bars.

Plenty of restaurants.

Plenty of concerts.

Plenty of festivals.

But once May arrives, sometimes the best thing you can do is leave all of that behind for a few hours.

Put your phone away.

Grab a towel.

Get in the water.

Float.

Swim.

Jump off the rocks where it’s safe and permitted.

Sit in the sun.

Then go get tacos and a cold drink afterward.

That’s the perfect Austin May day.

And the best part is that you don’t have to wait for summer.

The water is already calling.