Spring is in full swing, which means taking a dip in your favorite Central Texas swimming hole is just around the corner. It’s time start daydreaming about basking in the warm Texas sun, enjoying an ice cold brew and marveling at the splendor of nature’s beauty. Whether you have a favorite spot or you just can’t bring yourself to pick one, we can all agree that Central Texas is home to a collection of unrivaled swimming holes.
At Access ATX, our ambassador Wanda – the armadillo – loves nothing more than to spend her days indulging in the best that water pockets that Austin and Central Texas has to offer. She has become an expert in the matter. Wanda shares her secrets to visiting her favorite spots:
Krause Springs – 404 Krause Spring Rd, Open daily, 9 am-9 pm.
Located in the heart of the Hill Country in Spicewood this natural jewel features a camping & swimming site that has been operated by the Krause family since 1955. The 115 acre breathtaking property is home to over 32 springs, a manmade pool and the natural pool which flows into Lake Travis.
You can enter the property for a small free or even camp on the grounds if you want the complete experience. While you are on the property stroll through the Butterfly Gardens and admire the unique fountains and wind chimes set amongst a sprawling hill country landscape.
Wanda makes sure to wear her water shoes at Krause – without them walking to the swimming hole along the large water rocks would be quite treacherous! Her favorite days to visit are during the week so that she can enjoy the magnificent springs without many crowds.
Floating the Comal River – New Braunfels, Texas
It just doesn’t get much better than spending a day ‘a float’ along a Texas River. You, your tube and great scenery is a recipe for a splendid day out.
While you have choices on which river to spend your day in the sun – Wanda’s choice is the famed Comal River. Proclaimed as the “longest shortest river in the world” by locals, it is the shortest navigable river in the state of Texas.
Not only does the Comal River feature great views, the ride is entertaining with natural chutes and rapids that make for an exciting experience.
Wanda recommends you park your vehicle and set afloat on the water through a public entrance – namely, the Hinman Island Public River Entrance/ Exit in Landa Park. This entrance is open 7 days a week.
Pace Bend Park – 2201 N. Pace Bend Rd, Open daily, dawn to dusk
An island in the middle of Central Texas? Why, yes. A Texas-style island is what awaits you at Pace Bend Park. With more than nine miles of shoreline along scenic Lake Travis, Pace Bend features enjoyable small beaches, limestone cliffs and rocky coves with some of the most specular views of Lake Travis.
You can access most of this island-like, hill country oasis by vehicle from the six-mile, paved roadway that loops the park. If you want to explore the wildlife preserve in the park’s interior you can do so on foot, bicycle, or horseback – this is Texas, after all!
Wanda makes sure to pick up a map at the park entrance so that she can easily navigate to her favorite swimming areas – Mudd Cove and Gracy Cove.
Who is Wanda? Wanda is the Access ATX ambassador. She keeps her armadillo ears to the ground and is in the ‘know’ of all things local and uniquely Austin. She keeps us up to speed on the latest in music venues, restaurants, and local events and much more! Follow us on Twitter for more of Wanda’s ATXpert Tips & Tricks for Discovering the Real Austin!