Surviving Austin Summer: Best Spots to Beat the Heat

June in Austin means 100-degree days are coming, and they're coming fast. The good news: this city has figured out how to deal with it, and you can too. Here's where to go when it gets unbearable.

Barton Springs Pool — Still the Best Call

Barton Springs sits at 68 degrees year-round regardless of what's happening outside. That's the draw. It's a three-acre spring-fed pool inside Zilker Park, and on a 98-degree Tuesday it will feel like the single greatest place on earth. Day passes run $1–$9 depending on age. Get there before 10 AM on weekends if you want a good spot on the grass. Address: 2201 Barton Springs Rd.

Deep Eddy Pool — Quieter, Still Cold

Deep Eddy is Austin's oldest pool, built in the 1930s, and it gets less foot traffic than Barton Springs. Same price range, same idea. The lap pool keeps it a little more chill vibe-wise. Pool Burger is right across the street — solid post-swim burger situation. Address: 401 Deep Eddy Ave.

Hamilton Pool Preserve — Worth the Drive

About 45 minutes west of Austin, Hamilton Pool is a collapsed grotto with a 50-foot waterfall feeding a jade-green swimming hole. It requires a reservation through the Travis County Parks system (book way ahead — these go fast). $10 per vehicle. When the water quality is good and you actually get in, it's one of the cooler things you can do in Texas.

Hotel Pool Day Passes — If You Want to Treat Yourself

A few Austin hotels sell day passes through ResortPass. The LINE Hotel has a saltwater infinity pool on Lady Bird Lake — passes start around $40. The Austin Marriott Downtown has a rooftop pool with food and drink service. Neither is cheap, but both are genuinely nice on a hot day when you want someone to bring you things.

Indoor Spots That Are Actually Worth It

The Blanton Museum of Art on UT campus is free on Sundays and heavily air-conditioned. Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown (30 min north) stays around 72 degrees underground year-round — guided tours, interesting formations, good escape hatch on a brutal afternoon. The Thinkery in Mueller is solid if you have kids. Most coffee shops on South Congress or East 6th are fine for a long work session in the AC if you need something lower-key.

Outdoor Stuff — Go Early

The Barton Creek Greenbelt has shaded trails and natural swimming holes. Hit it before 9 AM in summer and it's actually pleasant. The Lady Bird Lake trail is exposed and not great midday in June, but at sunrise or after 7 PM it's fine. Mueller Lake Park has a splash pad if you've got small kids and want something free and easy.

💡 ATX Weekly Tip: The ATX Weekly app tracks pool hours, splash pads, and weekend events updated weekly. Worth checking Friday evening before you make summer plans — hours change and some city pools close for maintenance without much notice.