Kress TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Kress, Texas.
1. Krause Springs
NATURAL HILL COUNTRY PARADISE
Krause Springs offers a picturesque escape with 32 springs that feed into a natural pool and a man-made pool before flowing into Lake Travis. Visitors can relax in the clear, cool water under the shade of cypress trees or enjoy the soothing sounds of the waterfall cascading into the swimming area. The 115-acre property also features a butterfly garden with wind chimes, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for a refreshing summer retreat.
2. Blue Hole Regional Park
CRYSTAL CLEAR SPRING WATERS
Blue Hole Regional Park features a stunning crystal-clear, spring-fed swimming hole framed by towering cypress trees that provide ample shade. Beyond swimming, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and bird watching on several miles of well-maintained trails through scenic landscapes. The park offers numerous amenities including picnic areas with tables and grills, playgrounds for children, and sports facilities such as soccer fields, basketball courts, and a sand volleyball court.
3. Hamilton Pool Preserve
ICONIC NATURAL GROTTO
Hamilton Pool Preserve is one of Texas' most famous swimming holes, featuring a stunning natural pool beneath a collapsed grotto and 50-foot waterfall. Visitors should note that online reservations are required ($12 for 3.5 hours) plus an $8 per person entrance fee in cash upon arrival. Swimming availability varies throughout the year due to potential high bacteria levels, so checking conditions before visiting is recommended.
4. Barton Springs Pool
URBAN NATURAL OASIS
Barton Springs Pool is a natural spring-fed swimming pool in the heart of Austin that maintains a refreshing 68-70 degree temperature year-round. The three-acre pool offers a unique urban swimming experience with grassy banks for sunbathing and relaxing under pecan trees. Locals and tourists alike flock to this iconic Austin landmark for its clean, clear waters and the opportunity to cool off during hot Texas summers.
5. Lake Tejas
FAMILY FUN WATERPARK
Lake Tejas distinguishes itself from other Texas swimming holes with its massive 100-foot-long waterslide, making it a favorite for thrill-seekers. This spring-fed lake features a sandy beach for wading, rental options for inner tubes and paddleboats, and permission to bring non-motorized personal watercraft for exploring. Families appreciate the diverse amenities including regular and water volleyball areas, diving boards, and a separate roped children's area with two slides suitable for swimmers of all ages.
6. Pedernales Falls State Park
SCENIC WATERFALL SWIMMING
Pedernales Falls State Park offers a beautiful waterfall area and swimming hole accessible via a short but scenic hike. The water is typically calm, creating perfect conditions for relaxing swims in a natural setting surrounded by Texas Hill Country landscapes. Visitors should be aware that the area is prone to flash floods during bad weather, requiring immediate evacuation when conditions deteriorate.
7. Jacob's Well Natural Area
MYSTERIOUS ARTESIAN SPRING
Jacob's Well Natural Area features an artesian spring with crystal-clear water that forms a natural swimming hole atop a vast underwater cave system. The main attraction is the namesake well—a perfectly circular natural spring that descends vertically about 30 feet before continuing into one of the longest underwater cave systems in Texas. Swimmers enjoy jumping from the surrounding limestone ledges into the refreshing 68-degree water, though advanced reservations are required during peak summer months.
8. Devil's Waterhole
ROCKY CANYON SWIMMING
Devil's Waterhole in Inks Lake State Park offers a unique swimming experience in a small cove surrounded by dramatic pink granite outcroppings. Adventurous visitors can climb the rocks for cliff jumping opportunities into the deep, cool waters below. Beyond swimming, the area provides excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in a scenic Hill Country setting.
9. Balmorhea State Park
DESERT OASIS POOL
Balmorhea State Park features the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool, covering 1.3 acres and holding 3.5 million gallons of crystal-clear water. The historic pool, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, maintains a comfortable temperature between 72 and 76 degrees year-round, making it a refreshing desert oasis. Swimmers can enjoy spotting small fish and other aquatic life while swimming in waters that flow from the San Solomon Springs at a rate of 15 million gallons per day.
10. Rio Vista Park
URBAN RIVER RECREATION
Rio Vista Park offers a popular swimming and tubing spot on the San Marcos River with naturally clear, spring-fed waters that maintain a consistent 72-degree temperature year-round. The park features a series of small rapids and drops created by an old dam, making it popular with kayakers, tubers, and swimmers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Visitors appreciate the accessibility of this urban park with its convenient amenities including restrooms, picnic areas, and nearby rental facilities for tubes and water equipment.
Kress Things To Do
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