Austin's Guide to Pools & Watering Holes
In a city that boasts blazing temps for most of the year, Austin is fittingly well-equipped when it comes cooling off. From Barton Springs’ frigid fresh water to Austin Motel’s laid-back dips… pools and watering holes abound. Whether your ideal swim scenario is sundeck sunbathing between pool dips and cocktail sips (don’t forget your sunscreen!) or cooling off sans chlorine in a natural spring, we’ve Scouted the best spots around town for water-related relaxation and recreation.
DOWNTOWN
AZUL ROOFTOP POOL at THE WESTIN AUSTIN
310 E 5th St | @westinatxdt | Austin’s tallest rooftop pool, Azul Rooftop offers food, beverage, and towel service with sweeping views of the city’s ever-changing skyline. Opt for a cabana to beat the heat – or at least most of the sunshine – with day passes for those aged 21+. Purchase day pass…
HOTEL VAN ZANDT
605 Davis St | @hotelvanzandt | Meander from Rainey up to Van Zandt’s fourth-story saltwater pool for a cool dip and a cold beer (or craft cocktail). An urban oasis with sweeping views of Town Lake and Austin’s skyline – plus the all-essential complimentary sunscreen – it makes for an ideal daytime retreat. Purchase a day pass…
JW MARRIOTT
110 E 2nd St | @jwmarriottatx | Lay out beside the urban resort pool atop the JW Marriott where you can tap a dip, perfect your tan, and enjoy refreshing craft sips and inspired snacks while enjoying the picturesque views of the Texas State Capitol and Lady Bird Lake. Up the luxury by beating the heat from your own private shaded cabana complete with plenty of upscale amenities. Purchase a cabana
W AUSTIN
200 Lavaca St | @waustin | The iconic W Austin WET is known for vibey late nights, but it’s also a great place to tan – it’s a rooftop afterall. Enjoy cabanas, kasbahs, and annual summer series, Sound Wave, Night Swim, and Summer Crush. Purchase a cabana…
WAX MYRTLE’S
506 San Jacinto Blvd, 4th Floor | @waxmyrtles | The Thompson and Tommie’s Wax Myrtle’s is an expansive indoor/outdoor space. But we’re mostly concerned with the outdoor part, which boasts a refreshing pool complete with well-rounded beverage + dining program by Aba and Perla’s Chef Nick Erven plus. Secure a spot at this popular hangout with a day pass or cabana reservation. Purchase a day pass…
CENTRAL
COMMODORE PERRY ESTATE
4100 Red River St | @commodoreperryauberge | Old-school yellow umbrellas, matching loungers, and the sunny estate scene of this pretty hotel pool where you can leisure in luxury with a refreshing dip, sip ice-cold champagne and craft cocktails, and dine on gourmet snacks from onsite eatery, Lutie’s. While sadly this oasis is for hotel guests only, it’s even more of an excuse to book a weekend getaway at the Commodore Perry Estate. Reserve your stay…
DEEP EDDY
401 Deep Eddy Ave | The oldest swimming pool in Texas, Deep Eddy is a quintessentially-Austin way to beat the heat. Flanked by green laws for lounging in the sun, the bright blue spring-fed waters of the pool always stay at a crisp 66-75 °F, so it’s ultra-refreshing, even in the summer. They also offer lap swimming, a family-friendly wading area, and movie nights in the summer. Purchase a day pass…
HOTEL ELLA
1900 Rio Grande St | @hotelella | Lounge by the poolside of this 21+ day-time escape where you can dine on tasty food and drinks while soaking up the Texas sun. Non-hotel guests can reserve up to one week in advance Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.! Resort Pass reservations come complete with complimentary valet parking and wifi, so get ready for your dip! Purchase a day pass…
WEST
CAMP LUCY
3509 Creek Rd, Dripping Springs | @camplucyoncreek | Swim, sunbathe, or sip your cares away just a short drive away in Texas Wine Country at the Camp Lucy resort pool. Enjoy poolside cocktails and eats from Tillie’s plus towel service at this ideal daytime getaway. Purchase a day pass…
HAMILTON POOL PRESERVE
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs | From the jade green pool and the enclosed limestone grotto to the 50-foot waterfall, Hamilton Pool Preserve offers a swimming experience that is well worth the 45-minute drive to Dripping Springs. Reservations to this natural wonder are limited and go fast, so don’t delay on booking a spot during open season! Book a swimming reservation…
HIPPIE HOLLOW
7000 Comanche Trail | @hippiehollowpark | A longtime lakeside haunt that feels like a slice of old Austin, Hippie Hollow isn’t too much unlike any other beach on Lake Travis – aside from the clothing optional and 18+ part. Come for tan line-free sunbathing, swimming, and spectacular Lake Travis views. Pro-tip: Come by boat and anchor offshore, outside of the swim area so you can swim on up for free! Entry and amenity fees are cash only and paid in person…
HOTEL VIATA
320 S Capital of Texas Hwy | @hotelviata | Hotel Viata (formerly Hotel Granduca) is a tranquil hill country retreat offering a beautiful courtyard and pool oasis with the hills of Austin as the picturesque background. Stretched out on a pool lounger with a glass of prossecco or book a luxurious private cabana complete with your own server to provide you with all the cocktails and snacks you please. Purchase a cabana…
LAKEWAY RESORT & SPA
101 Lakeway Dr, Lakeway | @lakewayresort | Just 25 minutes away from downtown, you’ll feel a world away when you are poolside at Lakeway Resort & Spa. Little ones will love splashing around in the dedicated kids pool while adults can relax in the adults-only pool with sweeping Lake Travis views and enjoy a cocktail (or two) at the swim-up bar. With three pools, a hot tub, private cabanas, and poolside food and beverage service, this is the ideal day-time hangout. Purchase a day pass…
MIRAVAL AUSTIN RESORT & SPA
13500 FM2769 | @miravalaustin | Known for their luxury spa services and upscale approach to wellness, Miraval’s pool overlooking Lake Travis is just about as relaxing as it gets. Get away to this experiential resort where a peaceful peaceful pool day – in addition to the numerous other amazing things (think indulgent treatments, spa amenities, yoga classes, horseback riding, and more) included in your day package – await. Purchase a day package…
THE WAYBACK COTTAGES & CAFÉ
9601 Bee Caves Rd | @thewaybackaustin | Situated 15 minutes west of Austin, the Wayback Cafe and Cottages is a unique Hill Country retreat inviting you to enjoy a delightful day lounging aside their serene saltwater pool. Non-guests can purchase a day pass where they can relax among nature, cool off from the Texas heat, and enjoy fabulous dining options from the cafe. Purchase a day pass…
SOUTH
AUSTIN MOTEL
1220 S Congress Ave | @austinmotel | Online reservations are required and Endless Summer pool passes are $20 per person Monday through Thursday and $40 per person Friday through Sunday! Adult night swim passes are also available from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. if you’re up for a moonlit dive under the Texas stars! Purchase a day pass…
BARTON SPRINGS
2131 William Barton Dr | Barton Springs embodies “Keep Austin Weird,” drawing all walks of life for sunbathing, swimming, and free-spirited fun. Pack a picnic and spend the day sipping hard seltzers between refreshing dips in the spring-fed waters of this iconic Austin swimming spot. Purchase a day pass…
BIG STACY POOL
700 East Live Oak St | Community pools are a dime a dozen but what makes Big Stacy stand-out is that it’s naturally heated by an underground spring for year-round outdoor dips. So whether it’s 95°F or 40°F, the water will always be just the right temp for swimming laps, going for a float, or splashing around with littles. It’s free and no reservations needed! View hours…
CARPENTER HOTEL
400 Josephine St | @carpenterhotel | If lounging poolside with midday margaritas in a shimmering urban oasis sounds like your ideal lazy afternoon, the pool at the Carpenter Hotel is the swim spot for you. From the serene blue water and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere to the poolside food and beverage service provided by Carpenters Hall, what’s not to love? Secure a spot for just a day or snag a monthly pass for unlimited dips and extra perks. Purchase a day or monthly pass…
COLTON HOUSE HOTEL
2510 S Congress Ave | @coltonhousehotel | Beat the heat by the pool of this delightful South Congress boutique hotel by laying out on a lounge chair with cocktail sips between pool dips or unwind in the shade from a plush daybed. And for those wanting a luxury daycation or a family-friendly outing, opt for a day room pass to enjoy the pool plus all the amenities of a private guest room. Purchase a day pool pass or a day room pass…
HOTEL MAGDALENA
1101 Music Ln | @hotelmagdalena | Four hour pool passes on Resy get you exclusive access to a “Picnic at The Pool” from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Each reservation includes a round of drinks to start you off: your choice of a bottle of wine, a four pack of a local beer, or four frozen cocktails! This package is available Monday through Thursday $60 per person with a two person minimum. Purchase a day pass…
HYATT REGENCY AUSTIN
208 Barton Springs Rd | @hyattaustin | For a swim with a view, opt for a day pass for the spacious sundeck of the Hyatt Regency Austin. Here you can dip, dive, and relax in either the main pool or hot tub while taking in the sweeping Austin Skyline and the beauty of Lady Bird Lake. Work up an appetite? No need to leave your lounge chair because they even offer poolside food and drink. Purchase a day pass…
SOUTH CONGRESS HOTEL
1603 S Congress Ave | @southcongresshotel | This rooftop pool and bar sets itself apart from the rest with lush surrounding gardens, SoCo views, and snacks and drinks provided by foodie favorite, Café No Sé. What more could you ask for? Purchase a day pass or reserve a cabana…
TWIN FALLS & SCULPTURE FALLS at BARTON CREEK GREENBELT
3918 S Mopac Expy | These beloved Barton Creek Greenbelt gems are a sight (and swim) to experience. Just a short downhill hike through lush forest along Barton Creek, you’ll stumble upon Twin Falls with plenty of rocky platforms for sun lounging and crisp water cooling off. And for those looking for a slightly longer jaunt, just continue on for about 1.25 miles to reward yourself with a refreshing dip in the equally picturesque Sculpture Falls. View trail information…
EAST
EAST AUSTIN HOTEL
1108 E 6th St | @eastaustinhotel | Get whisked away to a Palm Springs-inspired paradise at the East Austin Hotel courtyard pool where you can pass the time sunning on your lounge chair or go for a float while sipping something frozen (and spiked of course) served up by the Second Bar + Kitchen pool bar. Purchase a day pass…
Don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!
