BARTON SPRINGS SWIMMING POOL
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Barton Springs is a must-see for several reasons. First, it's not every day that you have access to such a large, clean, and beautiful natural watering hole in the middle of an urban city. The water is the most brilliant turquoise blue, with a pleasant coolness and rocky shores just as beautiful. The pool itself is fed by underground springs with an average temperature of 20-21 degrees, ideal for swimming all year round. Second, all the Austin locals go there every day, and it's a good opportunity to participate in the local daily life. Third, it's cheap (especially if you go in the off-season, when admission is free) and it's very calming. Please note that in the enclosed space (surrounded by a fence), you are not allowed to bring drinks or food (except water) because of the need to keep the place clean. That said, you can always have a picnic there, with a free entrance, by simply sitting in the unenclosed area in front of the site. Besides, you will often see young students barbecuing and drinking beers, accompanied by music and good mood. It's a little less sporty and serious, but for those who want to spend the afternoon bubbling in the sun with access to a watering hole for soaking, it's really ideal. Barton Springs continues to attract a diverse and varied crowd of people, with a record number of visitors approaching 800,000 in recent years. Small recommendation: avoid weekends!
And to add some historical context, Spanish explorers first discovered the springs in the 17th century, and around 1730 erected missions at the site (later moving to San Antonio). In 1837, shortly after the incorporation of the city of Austin, William ("Uncle Billy") Barton, the springs' namesake, settled in the area. Even more fascinating is the fact that the springs were considered sacred and used for purification rituals by the Tonkawa Native American tribe.
A little trivia: Barton Springs is home to the Barton Springs Salamander, a species that exists nowhere else. Unfortunately endangered, it requires Barton Springs to remain a protected environment in order to protect this species.