3 Day Trips From Austin For Keeping Cool in the Texas Heat

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Krause Springs:
Krause Springs is located about 45 minutes west of Austin in Spicewood, Texas.  The property features a man-made pool as well as a natural swimming hole created by the springs.  The entire property is filled with towering trees creating shade and adding to the scenic ambiance of the recreational site.   The natural springs constantly flow at approximately 68 degrees feeding the swimming holes at Krause, so there is always water! Day passes costs $8 for adults and $5 for children.  You can also camp at Krause! They have tent sites as well as RV sites.  Krause Springs does not allow pets.  However, you are welcome to bring picnics, floats and grilling supplies.  For more information on Krause Springs, visit their website.  

Krause During a Busy Summer Day

The San Marcos River:
If you’ve never been floating in Texas, you’re missing out!  Floating the river is a popular pastime for Austinites, and one of the closest places to do so is in San Marcos.  San Marcos is approximately 40 minutes south of Austin, and is home to Texas State University.  Most people start their float trip at the Lion’s Club Tube Rental.  Here you can rent tubes for $12 which also includes shuttle service.  You can also bring your own tubes and pay a small fee to have them blown up. Similarly, you can opt to just pay for the shuttle service.  It’s important to remember to get a cooler tube too!    I also highly recommend bringing string or bungee cords so you can tie off to all of your friends and float the river together.  Floating in San Marcos is fairly calm. The river runs constantly, but add a mild pace.  The entire float takes about an hour, and at the end dumps you at a large tube chute- a natural water slide of sorts.  The shuttle picks you up here and brings you back to the Lion’s Club.  

Hamilton Pool:
Hamilton Pool is also located west of town in the same direction as Krause Springs but a bit closer to town.  It is located in Dripping Springs, and has become quite popular in recent years. In fact, reservations are now required for summer trips to Hamilton Pool.  The entrance cost for Hamilton Pool is $15 per vehicle.  Once you enter the Hamilton Pool Preserve, you can park your car and hike approximately 8 minutes down to the pool.  The actual pool is picturesque.  A large, fifty-foot waterfall cascades over a cliff edge delivering water to the popular swimming hole. There is almost always water at Hamilton Pool; however, during severe droughts, it may not be swimmable.  You are welcome to bring food and drinks, but no glass or public display of alcohol is permitted. To learn more about Hamilton Pool, visit the Travis County Parks and Wildlife Site.

Hamilton Pool

If you enjoyed reading about these day trips from Austin, you may also enjoy reading about The Barton Creek Greenbelt.