Regional & State Guides

Swimming Holes Near San Antonio: New Braunfels, San Marcos & Hill Country

Swimming holes near San Antonio are Hill Country river and spring day trips — New Braunfels, San Marcos, and Wimberley — with cold spring water, hot air, fees at popular sites, and heavy weekend crowds.

Metro base
San Antonio
Top day trips
New Braunfels, San Marcos, Wimberley
Water
Spring-fed / Hill Country rivers
Crowds
Heavy on summer weekends

Swimming holes near San Antonio are Hill Country day trips — New Braunfels river water and San Marcos–Wimberley springs — not downtown creek secrets. Pair this metro guide with swimming holes in Texas and /states/texas/.

New Braunfels corridor

New Braunfels area — The classic San Antonio escape: Guadalupe and Comal river culture, tubing days, and busy summer weekends. Read the listing for access patterns; many popular banks are managed or commercialized.

San Marcos and Wimberley

San Marcos and Wimberley swimming spots — Spring-fed clear water and Hill Country town bases. Ideal when you want colder, clearer pools and a different pace than New Braunfels tube traffic.

Dripping Springs searches usually resolve to this same Wimberley / San Marcos orbit — plan a Hill Country loop rather than expecting a single marked hole in Dripping Springs proper.

Heat, springs, and crowds

  • Air is hot; spring water can still shock — enter slowly.
  • Popular sites may charge fees or limit hours; bring cash/card and ID as needed.
  • Weekend parking fills early; midweek is kinder.
  • Respect private property and “no swimming” postings along ranch roads.

For packing and sun strategy, see what to bring to a swimming hole.

San Antonio weekend flow

  1. Choose New Braunfels or San Marcos/Wimberley as the primary stop — not both at peak heat without a buffer.
  2. Arrive early; have a backup listing if lots are full.
  3. If river current is high after storms, skip tubing/swim days (water levels).
  4. Cross-link hidden Texas swimming holes for less-touristed statewide ideas on longer trips.

San Antonio swimming is a short drive done well: one solid Hill Country listing beats three overcrowded pull-offs.

Top picks for this trip

Spots from our directory

New Braunfels Area — river swimming hole near San Antoinio, TX
River TX

New Braunfels Area

Plan your visit to the New Braunfels area for swimming and tubing on the Guadalupe River. Find directions, access notes, and essential safety tips.

Fee varies San Antoinio
View details

Frequently asked questions

Are there swimming holes near San Antonio?

Yes — most day trips head to New Braunfels river water and San Marcos / Wimberley spring-fed spots in the Hill Country. Confirm fees, tubing rules, and private vs public access on each listing.

What is the best swimming hole near San Antonio?

New Braunfels–area Guadalupe/Comal access and San Marcos–Wimberley spring pools are the most searched clusters. Pick based on crowd tolerance and whether you want river current or spring calm.

Can you swim near Dripping Springs?

Dripping Springs searches usually mean Hill Country day trips toward Wimberley/San Marcos spring corridors rather than a single in-town hole. Use those listings and check current access rules.

When is the best time to swim near San Antonio?

Late spring through early fall. Midsummer air is hot while spring-fed water stays cool. Weekends and holidays are crowded — arrive early or go midweek.

Safety notice: Natural swimming conditions change with weather, season, and water quality. Verify current conditions with local land managers before you go. Swim at your own risk — there are rarely lifeguards at these sites.

Last updated: 2026-07-18. Written by Secret Swimming Holes Editorial. See our editorial policy for how we research and update guides.