Vega TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Vega, Texas.
1. Barton Springs Pool
NATURAL SPRING OASIS
Barton Springs Pool is a popular natural swimming hole located in the heart of Austin, featuring crystal-clear waters that maintain a refreshing 68-70 degrees year-round. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the three-acre pool fed by underground springs while surrounded by grassy areas perfect for sunbathing and picnicking. The historic pool offers a unique urban escape with lifeguards on duty, making it suitable for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
2. Blue Hole
CYPRESS-SHADED SWIMMING PARADISE
Blue Hole is a pristine natural swimming area located just outside of Wimberley, about 45 minutes south of Austin, featuring crystal-clear waters that stay an ideal 75 degrees year-round. The swimming hole is shaded by towering cypress trees and offers manicured waterside lawns perfect for spreading out blankets and having picnics. Rope swings hanging from the trees complete the quintessential water hole experience, though advance reservations are required for swimming.
3. Krause Springs
HISTORIC NATURAL SPRINGS
Krause Springs is a beloved swimming and camping site located in Spicewood, just 30 miles west of Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. The site features 32 springs as well as natural and manmade pools, all privately owned by the friendly Krause family for more than 50 years. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the refreshing waters and strolling through the colorful Butterfly Gardens that enhance the natural beauty of this Texas gem.
4. Sculpture Falls
HIDDEN GREENBELT TREASURE
Sculpture Falls is a secluded swimming hole located along the Barton Creek Greenbelt, requiring approximately a 1.5-mile hike from the nearest entrance. The area features shallow stream waters flowing over smoothly carved limestone, creating small cascades and pools perfect for cooling off during hot Texas summers. This hidden gem offers a more peaceful alternative to the city's busier swimming spots, though access depends on current water levels and visitors swim at their own risk.
5. Twin Falls
ACCESSIBLE NATURAL WATERFALL
Twin Falls is a popular swimming area located in the Barton Creek Greenbelt, accessible after a half-mile hike on a well-defined trail. The area features relaxing shallow stream waters alongside rocky areas perfect for adventurous climbing and exploring around the falls. This natural attraction offers a quick escape from urban life with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing on limestone outcroppings, and enjoying the serene beauty of the Texas Hill Country landscape.
6. Lake Colorado City State Park
DESERT OASIS GETAWAY
Lake Colorado City State Park offers a welcome aquatic retreat within driving distance of Midland/Odessa and relatively close to the Vega area. The park features a reservoir where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating activities, depending on current water levels. Its location in West Texas provides a stark contrast between arid landscapes and refreshing waters, making it a popular summer destination for those seeking relief from the heat.
7. Hamilton Pool Preserve
COLLAPSED CAVE GROTTO
Hamilton Pool Preserve features a unique natural swimming hole created thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed, revealing a stunning jade green pool partially sheltered by a 50-foot waterfall and limestone overhang. The preserve offers visitors not only swimming opportunities (when conditions permit) but also hiking trails through the canyon and along the creek. This natural wonder requires reservations in advance due to its popularity and environmental preservation efforts.
8. Balmorhea State Park
DESERT SPRING-FED POOL
Balmorhea State Park in West Texas houses the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool, spanning 1.3 acres and holding 3.5 million gallons of crystal clear water. The pool maintains a comfortable temperature between 72-76 degrees year-round and is home to numerous fish species that swim alongside visitors in this unique aquatic environment. Often considered the crown jewel of Texas swimming holes, this historic pool built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s offers a refreshing desert oasis experience with diving boards, a natural bottom, and crystal-clear visibility.
9. San Marcos River
PRISTINE RIVER ADVENTURE
The San Marcos River offers crystal-clear, spring-fed waters that maintain a constant 72 degrees year-round, making it perfect for swimming, tubing, and kayaking in any season. Flowing through the heart of San Marcos, the river features both public parks with easy access points and hidden swimming holes with small waterfalls, including a noteworthy spot near Sessom Drive. Visitors appreciate the river's consistent flow, clean waters, and the unique opportunity to spot native wildlife both in and around this ecologically important Texas waterway.
10. Deep Eddy Pool
HISTORIC SPRING-FED POOL
Deep Eddy Pool is Texas' oldest swimming pool, originally a swimming hole in the Colorado River before being converted into the concrete pool that exists today. The spring-fed waters keep the pool at a refreshing temperature, making it an ideal spot for lap swimming, recreational swimming, and family outings with a separate wading area for children. This historic site combines the charm of an old-fashioned swimming hole with the conveniences of a modern public pool, including clean facilities and lifeguard supervision.
Vega Things To Do
Visit our list of attractions and things to do near Vega, Texas.
Vega Restaurants
Visit our list of restaurants and places to eat near Vega, Texas.