Best Swimming Holes in the Hill Country | Texas Summer Fun

Texas summers are hot. When temperatures reach the 90s, you need water. The Hill Country has excellent swimming options, from natural springs to river swimming to state park pools. Most are 30-45 minutes from INFINITI of Boerne.

Let’s explore the best places to cool off and have water fun with family. Call us at (210) 477-1775 for swimming spot recommendations and directions.

Closest to Boerne

Boerne City Lake Park

Distance from Boerne: 5 minutes

Water Type: Spring-fed lake

Activities: Swimming, fishing, kayaking, picnicking

Why It’s Great: Right in town, convenient, shallow family areas, no motorized boats (peaceful)

Best For: Quick family outings, young kids, locals who know the place

Spring-Fed Parks: Perfect Water Temperature

Landa Park, New Braunfels

Distance from Boerne: 30 minutes

Water Type: Underground spring, 70 degrees year-round

Activities: Swimming, tubing, kayaking, picnicking, playground

Why It’s Great: Multiple swimming areas, water stays cool and comfortable, family-friendly, established park with amenities

Best For: Families, kids who prefer cool water, full-day outings

Pro Tip: Arrive early on weekends. Parking fills by noon.

River Swimming: Natural and Beautiful

Guadalupe River State Park

Distance from Boerne: 25 minutes

Water Type: River with cypress-lined banks

Activities: Swimming, wading, picnicking, fishing, camping

Why It’s Great: Beautiful natural setting, good water for swimming, uncrowded compared to commercial parks

Best For: Families seeking natural experience, swimmers comfortable with rivers

Note: Water is colder in spring (55-60F), warmer in summer (70F+)

Blanco State Park

Distance from Boerne: 35 minutes (scenic drive through Blanco)

Water Type: Blanco River with pools and waterfalls

Activities: Swimming, wading, fishing, hiking, picnicking

Why It’s Great: Less crowded than Landa Park, beautiful river scenery, small-town location (charming stop)

Best For: Families avoiding crowds, river enthusiasts, scenic drives

Lesser-Known Swimming Holes

Bird Haus Farms, Spring Branch

Distance from Boerne: 20 minutes

Water Type: Natural swimming hole with waterfall and liner

Activities: Swimming in natural hole, picnicking, private property relaxation

Why It’s Great: Unique natural feature (manmade waterfall in wet weather creek), uncrowded, special experience

Best For: Adventurous families, those seeking unique experiences, small groups

Swimming Hole Safety

  • Always supervise children closely
  • Wear life jackets if non-swimmers
  • Check water conditions before entering
  • Be aware of current strength (especially in rivers)
  • Avoid swimming after heavy rain (water can be turbid and fast)
  • Never swim alone
  • Watch for underwater rocks and hazards

What to Bring to Swimming Holes

  • Sunscreen (reapply often)
  • Water to drink (dehydration is serious)
  • Swimwear
  • Towels
  • Shoes for rocky areas (water shoes)
  • Shade (umbrella or tent)
  • Snacks or picnic food
  • First aid kit
  • Trash bag (leave no trace)

Best Times to Visit

Summer Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends. Water is warmest. Perfect swimming weather.

Early Morning: Fewer people, better light for swimming and photography, cooler air.

Spring/Fall: Comfortable air temperature, water is warm enough, fewer crowds than summer.

Avoid: Summer weekends (too crowded), immediately after heavy rain (water turbid and dangerous), during afternoon heat (10 AM-3 PM, too hot to wait)

Water Temperature Guide

Spring-fed (Landa Park, Boerne City Lake): 68-72F year-round. Always cool.

Rivers (Guadalupe, Blanco): Spring 55-60F, summer 70-75F. Varies by season.

Comfort Range: Most people comfortable swimming at 72F+. Below 65F requires acclimation or wetsuit.

A Perfect Swimming Hole Day

  • 8:00 AM: Leave Boerne
  • 8:30 AM: Arrive at Landa Park, get parking, set up camp
  • 9:00 AM-12:00 PM: Swimming, playing in water, snacking
  • 12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch break, rest in shade
  • 1:00-3:00 PM: More water time, exploration, relaxation
  • 3:00 PM: Pack up, head home
  • 4:00 PM: Back in Boerne

Your QX80 makes the drive comfortable. Climate control keeps you cool. Rear-seat entertainment occupies kids during the drive. Spacious trunk holds all your gear.

Ready for a Hill Country swimming adventure?

Call INFINITI of Boerne at (210) 477-1775

We can recommend swimming spots based on your family’s needs and help you plan the perfect water day. Open Monday-Friday 9AM-7PM, Saturday 9AM-6PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the closest swimming hole to Boerne?

Boerne City Lake Park (5 minutes). Shallow areas for kids, deeper swimming areas, no motorized boats. Guadalupe River State Park (25 minutes).

Why is Landa Park special?

Underground spring keeps water around 70 degrees year-round. Multiple swimming areas, tubing, kayaking, picnic areas. One of Texas’s best natural water parks.

Are Hill Country swimming holes safe for kids?

Yes, most have designated family areas. Landa Park has shallow family swimming. Multiple access points available for different ages.

What’s the water temperature in Hill Country swimming holes?

Spring-fed water stays around 70 degrees. River water varies seasonally: cold in spring (60F), warmer in summer (75F+). Bring a wetsuit if cold-sensitive.

Can I tube or kayak at these swimming holes?

Landa Park and Guadalupe River State Park allow tubing and kayaking. Some areas restrict to swimming only. Check before arriving.

What should I bring to a swimming hole?

Sunscreen, water bottle, towel, swimwear, shoes for rocky areas, snacks. Bring a picnic if allowed. Check rules.

Why INFINITI of Boerne?

We’re the first INFINITI dealer in Texas to earn the JD Power 2026 Dealer of Excellence award. We were voted Best of the Best Car Dealer in Boerne by local readers. We hold the INFINITI Award of Excellence.

We’re part of the Hill Country community. We know where to swim, what to bring, and how to make the most of summer fun in Texas.

JD Power 2026 Dealer of Excellence (First INFINITI in Texas)

Best of the Best Car Dealer in Boerne, TX (Boerne Star)

INFINITI Award of Excellence Dealer