Outdoors Zilker Park & Barton Springs
Barton Springs Pool
An outdoor spot in Zilker Park & Barton Springs, free to visit and worth about 1.5 hours. Best time to go: Jan 1, 9:30 am.
Why go
A three-acre pool fed by springs at about 68 F all year; on Jan 1 it hosts the Polar Bear Splash, a free group jump.
It is one of 6 curated places we feature in Zilker Park & Barton Springs, alongside 3 outdoor spots, 1 place to eat and 1 sight. 4 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with Barton Springs Pool and Umlauf Sculpture Garden.
- Type
- Outdoors · Nature
- Neighborhood
- Zilker
- Price
- Free
- Time needed
- 1.5 hr
- Best time
- Jan 1, 9:30 am
Nearby
Our closest curated picks, including 3 beyond Zilker Park & Barton Springs. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.
- 1Barton Springs Pool
Spring-fed pool that stays near 68°F year-round in Zilker Park.
Outdoors · Austin · 0.1 mi straight-line - 2Umlauf Sculpture Garden
Bronze and stone sculptures by Charles Umlauf set among ponds and trees across the road from Zilker Park.
Sight · 0.3 mi straight-line - 3Zilker Botanical Garden
Themed gardens on a hillside above Barton Creek, including a Japanese garden with koi ponds and a rose garden.
Outdoors · 0.4 mi straight-line - 4Zilker Park
Austin's 350-acre central park on the lake, with a great lawn, skyline views, a miniature train and the springs at its edge.
Outdoors · 0.4 mi straight-line - 5Uchi
Tyson Cole's Japanese restaurant in a South Lamar bungalow, open since 2003 and known for creative sushi and tasting menus.
Food · Downtown Austin & Lady Bird Lake · 0.8 mi straight-line - 6Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge
A curving walk-and-bike bridge over Lady Bird Lake beside the Lamar Boulevard bridge, with open views of the skyline.
Sight · Downtown Austin & Lady Bird Lake · 0.8 mi straight-line
On these curated routes
Barton Springs Pool is a stop on our Austin New Year's Eve route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.
More outdoor spots in Zilker Park & Barton Springs
Another curated outdoor spot in Zilker Park & Barton Springs. See the full Zilker Park & Barton Springs guide.
When to go: weather by month, based on Austin
Our climate figures for Zilker Park & Barton Springs come from nearby Austin. Average daily highs in Austin run from 60°F in January to 98°F in August; May is usually the wettest month. For Barton Springs Pool itself, we suggest: Jan 1, 9:30 am.
Modelled monthly averages for Austin from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Austin weather by month (covers Zilker Park & Barton Springs).
Getting there
Map links open a live search for Barton Springs Pool, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.
- Coordinates
- 30.26390, -97.77000
- Destination
- Zilker Park & Barton Springs, Texas
Barton Springs Pool: quick answers
How much time do you need at Barton Springs Pool?
Plan on about 1.5 hours at Barton Springs Pool. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.
When is the best time to visit Barton Springs Pool?
Our pick: Jan 1, 9:30 am. Insider tip: The 2026 group jump was at 9:30 am; come early, as the lot fills and the line at the gate grows.
Is Barton Springs Pool free?
Yes, we list Barton Springs Pool as free to visit. Check locally before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.
Which TripsCircle routes include Barton Springs Pool?
Barton Springs Pool appears on Austin New Year's Eve, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.
Add Barton Springs Pool to your crew's plan
Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Zilker Park & Barton Springs.
Plan Zilker Park & Barton Springs
- Zilker Park & Barton Springs travel guide 6 places
- Austin weather (covers Zilker Park & Barton Springs) weather by month
Lists & regions
Also in Zilker Park & Barton Springs
- Kerbey Lane Cafe Food
Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.