It gets hot in Texas. Really hot, and for most of the year. The good news is the state is full of crystal-clear rivers, spring-fed pools, and miles of coastline made for cooling off. These are the spots we keep coming back to.
One thing we have learned after years of chasing cool water across Texas: not all of it feels the same. Spring-fed pools like Barton Springs and Blue Hole stay cold all year because the water comes straight up from underground, usually somewhere around 68 to 72 degrees. Rivers like the Frio and the Comal are better for a slow tube float with friends. And the Gulf Coast is where you go when you want warm, salty water and sand between your toes. Knowing which kind of day you are after makes it a lot easier to pick.
A few of these are famous for a reason, and a few are quieter corners most people drive right past. Several require a reservation in summer, and we have flagged those so you can plan ahead and skip the heartbreak of a full parking lot. We have also added our best tips at the bottom, the stuff we wish someone had told us before our first summer of doing this.
Rivers and floats
Frio River, Concan
Crystal-clear water, shaded banks, and bald cypress trees leaning over the river. The Frio (which literally means "cold" in Spanish) is one of the most iconic rivers in Texas for a lazy summer float. Base yourself near Garner State Park, rent tubes from one of the local outfitters, and plan to spend the whole day. It is about two hours west of San Antonio, so it makes a great long weekend.
Comal River, New Braunfels
The shortest navigable river in Texas and one of the cleanest. Spring-fed and super chill for tubing.
Rio Vista Park, San Marcos
A local favorite with a chute that is perfect for tubing and swimming. Great for an easy afternoon.
Chalk Bluff Park, Uvalde
A private park on the Nueces River with great camping, shallow water for swimming, and beautiful scenery.
Spring-fed pools and swimming holes
Barton Springs, Austin
A constant 68 to 70 degrees year-round, this three-acre natural spring pool is the heart of Zilker Park and a true Austin institution. It is fed by underground springs, has lifeguards and lap lanes, and is even home to the endangered Barton Springs salamander. There is an entry fee for non-residents, and no food is allowed inside, but early morning swims before the crowds are pure magic.
Blue Hole Regional Park, Wimberley
A spring-fed swimming hole with rope swings under the cypress trees. Reservations are required in summer and spots fill fast, so book ahead.
Krause Springs, Spicewood
A spring-fed pool and waterfall grotto. It gets very busy in summer, so go early.
Inks Lake State Park, Burnet
Great for swimming, cliff jumping at Devil's Waterhole, and sunset paddles.
Lake Whitney, Whitney
Boating, camping, cliff jumping, and cliffside views. The state park has both RV and tent sites.
Coast and beaches
South Padre Island
One of the best beach spots in Texas for warm Gulf waters, soft sand dunes, and dolphin watching. The water is calm and shallow a long way out, which makes it great for families, and you can even book a lesson and learn to surf. Sunset on the bay side is the one not to miss.
Port Aransas
Our kind of beach town. Port A sits on Mustang Island near Corpus Christi, and you can actually drive right onto the sand and post up for the day. It has a laid-back, golf-cart-and-flip-flops feel, some of the best fishing on the coast, and great birding out at the nature preserve. Getting there is half the fun: hop the free ferry from Aransas Pass and watch for dolphins on the ride over.
Galveston
Beach meets historic charm. Go for sunrise walks, Moody Gardens, The Strand, and the Pleasure Pier. It is the easiest coast day from Houston, and there is no shortage of fun or great food. The water is browner here than down south, but the island character more than makes up for it.
Wherever you start, go early on summer weekends. The best spots fill up by mid-morning, and the light on the water at sunrise is worth the early alarm anyway.
A few tips before you go
Book ahead where you can
Blue Hole, Krause Springs, and most state parks require or strongly recommend a reservation in summer. Day passes sell out, sometimes days in advance. Check the Texas State Parks website or the park's site before you drive out.
Arrive early or go on a weekday
Lots fill by mid-morning on summer weekends. If you can swing a weekday, you will have far more room and better parking. Early light is also the prettiest, and the water is calmest before the crowds.
Bring water shoes and cash
River bottoms can be rocky and slick, so water shoes save your feet. Many smaller parks and swimming holes are cash only for entry, so carry some just in case.
Check the river flow for tubing
After a dry stretch, rivers like the Frio can run low and slow, which means more walking than floating. A quick search for current river levels before you commit can save the day.
Protect your skin and the water
The Texas sun is no joke. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of drinking water. Leave no trace, pack out everything you bring, and skip the glass to keep these spots beautiful for the next group.