Often, the best way to cool off can’t be found in a backyard pool or at the community center. Swimming holes across Texas are great spots to discover family traditions while taking a dip in nature. For adults looking for a great festival to “cool off,” may we suggest our favorite beer festivals?
With you in mind, Patten Title has compiled this list of the top 25 swimming holes and 10 can’t-miss beer bonanzas across Texas. Your family — and taste buds — will thank us!
Swimming Holes for Your Bucket List
Address: 9207 Texas 17, Toyahvale
About: It’s the largest spring-fed pool in the world.
Address: 2201 William Barton Dr., Austin
About: A year-round outdoor pool that is always 69 degrees.
Address: 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy. B, Austin
About: Swim at Sculpture Falls after hiking about a half-mile to Twin Falls for this great watering hole.
Address: 100 Bluehole Lane, Wimberly
About: Water stays at a balmy 75 degrees year-round. Great place to swim.
Address: 1337 Spyglass Drive, Austin
About: An out-of-the-way beach that is popular with locals who want to avoid the crowds.
Address: 401 Deep Eddy Drive, Austin
About: The oldest pool in Texas, you can feel the history oozing out of it while swimming.
Address: 3630 Road 4 West, Burnet
About: Scenic swimming spot dotted with waterfalls and filled with clear water.
Address: 2221 N. Raguet St., Lufkin
About: Located in the Sam Houston National Forest, it’s a great place to swim and camp.
Frio River at Garner State Park
Address: 234 RR 1050, Concan
About: Great spot to cool off in with lots of excellent views.
Address: 24300 Hamilton Rd,. Dripping Springs
About: The watering hole, with some spectacular views, is covered by a half dome.
Address: 565 Park Rd. 40 West, Huntsville
About: Swim, fish and paddle in Lake Raven while camping at Huntsville.
Address: 1699 Mt. Sharp Rd., Wimberly
About: One of the longest underwater caves in Texas (check website for availability).
Address: 404 Krause Springs Rd, Spicewood
About: A privately owned camping and swimming site, Krause Springs has 32 springs.
Address: 300 State Rd. 65, Livingston
About: One of the largest lakes in Texas, Lake Livingston has plenty of cool, deep water to splash around in.
Lake Longhorn Multisport Training Lake
Address: 2391 Gun Range Rd., League City
About: A lake for serious athletes who like to scuba dive or swim competitively or for anyone who wants to just take a dip.
Address: 14222 Park Rd. 57, Somerville
About: Great place for kids to swim in this shallow water lake.
Address: 634 Park Rd. 48, South Jasper
About: Swim in the B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir, or rent kayaks and canoes.
Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin
About: For sheer beauty, you can’t beat Onion Creek for swimming with its limestone ledges and clear water.
Address: 6439 Holly Grove Road, Livingston
About: An out-of-the-way creek that is good for a summer splash.
Address: 13274 Scotts Ridge Road, Montgomery
About: Located on Lake Conroe, Scott’s has picnic tables, a boat launch and a swimming hole.
Secret Beach at Roy G Guerrero Park
Address: 400 Grove Blvd., Austin
About: This shallow swim hole is a great place to walk your dog and wade in the water.
Address: 300 W 7th St. Camp, Wood
About: A gorgeous swimming hole fed by the Nueces River that is secluded from the crowds.
Address: Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley
About: Swimming hole that is lined with Cypress trees, it’s a beautiful place to frolic in the water.
Address: 21 Wolf Creek Park Rd., Coldspring
About: A great place for campers at Wolf Creek to swim at Lake Livingston, which is good for kids or experienced swimmers.
Address: 248 Woodsy Hollow Rd., Goodrich
About: Swim at Sleepy Hollow Lake, a beautiful private lake, while camping at Woodsy Hollow.
Ten Best Brew Bashes
Address: Event Center, 700 Crockett St., Beaumont
Date: Sep. 17
Cost: $45
Buzz: A mix of more than 30 craft beers locally and nationally.
Address: 151 W. Church St., Lewisville
Date: Oct. 15
Cost: $40
Buzz: More that 40 breweries appear yearly, and all profits are donated to charity.
Address: 1010 First Ave., Dallas
Date: April 15, 2023
Cost: TBA
Buzz: One of the largest selections of beers with over 100 breweries and more than 500 beers to try.
Address: Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston
Date: July 15, 2023
Cost: $50
Buzz: Check out the museum, and then sample some homegrown craft beers.
Address: Dallas Farmers Market, 920 S. Harwood St., Dallas
Date: Sep. 10
Cost: $43
Buzz: At least 52 local breweries on-site for one of the premier beer fests in the Dallas area.
Address: Southlake Town Square (Shuttle service from: White’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 185 S. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake)
Date: Oct.14-16
Cost: Free
Buzz: More than 100,000 people attend this weekend beer extravaganza annually.
Address: 1300 N. Main Ave., San Antonio
Date: Oct. 15
Cost: $50
Buzz: Check out the stouts, pilsners, ales and more at this party.
Address: 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., Austin
Date: Oct. 1
Cost:$40
Buzz: The biggest gathering of small and independent Texas breweries.
Texas Panhandle’s Craft Beerfest
Address: Amarillo Netplex, 4101 Hillside Rd., Amarillo
Date: Aug. 27
Cost: $45
Buzz: Check out the best local craft beer at this fest.
Address: Typhoon Texas Water Park, 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd., Katy
Date: Nov. 5
Cost: $50
Buzz: Featuring over 600 craft beers from 100 different breweries.
