Barton Springs – Austin, TX

Barton Springs – Austin, TX

10.30.18
Trips

When I mentioned to people in passing that I was planning to travel to Austin with the kids, nearly everyone recommended taking them to Barton Springs. It is a three-acre pool fed from underground natural springs located in sprawling Zilker Park. It ranges in depth from zero to 18 feet, and is around 68-70 degrees. There are grassy flats and hills around the perimeter where visitors can sit and relax. If you are looking for a chilly swim or some great people watching, Barton Springs is the place to be!

Barton Springs

2201 Barton Springs Rd.
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 974-6300
website
CLOSED THURSDAYS

Barton Springs
Barton Springs
Barton Springs
Barton Springs
Barton Springs
Barton Springs
01/06
Barton Springs

Barton Springs as a public pool has been around for nearly 100 years. I love that some of the flavor of the bygone era it hails from still shows through in the signage.

Barton Springs

Up until we visited Barton Springs, I didn’t realize quite how cold a pool fed from a natural spring might be. Friends, it’s COLD. I personally only got in about to waist level and even then, it was due to heavy pressure from my kids and a hope that it might get better once I got used to it. It didn’t. They didn’t mind the cold so much but then again, they never do. I preferred sitting on the side watching them play.

Barton Springs

People watching was without a doubt my favorite thing about Barton Springs. Specifically, watching other people get into the extremely chilly water and seeing their reactions. It was absolutely hilarious every single time.

Barton Springs

Andrew especially loved Barton Springs. We visited on the very first day we were in Austin and he asked to go back every day after that. (We did go one more time after all that badgering.)

Barton Springs

In a place as hot as Austin, it’s no surprise Barton Springs gets crowded – especially on weekends. As the evening wore on, the crowd began to dwindle and I had a better view of the full expanse of the springs. It really is amazing!

Barton Springs

As a bonus, you can pretend you are the Hulk and hold up the city skyline on your way out. You know, if you’re into that sort of thing.

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  • Barton Springs
    Barton Springs

    Barton Springs as a public pool has been around for nearly 100 years. I love that some of the flavor of the bygone era it hails from still shows through in the signage.

  • Barton Springs
    Barton Springs

    Up until we visited Barton Springs, I didn’t realize quite how cold a pool fed from a natural spring might be. Friends, it’s COLD. I personally only got in about to waist level and even then, it was due to heavy pressure from my kids and a hope that it might get better once I got used to it. It didn’t. They didn’t mind the cold so much but then again, they never do. I preferred sitting on the side watching them play.

  • Barton Springs
    Barton Springs

    People watching was without a doubt my favorite thing about Barton Springs. Specifically, watching other people get into the extremely chilly water and seeing their reactions. It was absolutely hilarious every single time.

  • Barton Springs
    Barton Springs

    Andrew especially loved Barton Springs. We visited on the very first day we were in Austin and he asked to go back every day after that. (We did go one more time after all that badgering.)

  • Barton Springs
    Barton Springs

    In a place as hot as Austin, it’s no surprise Barton Springs gets crowded – especially on weekends. As the evening wore on, the crowd began to dwindle and I had a better view of the full expanse of the springs. It really is amazing!

  • Barton Springs
    Barton Springs

    As a bonus, you can pretend you are the Hulk and hold up the city skyline on your way out. You know, if you’re into that sort of thing.

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