(From our Summer 2019 Issue)
Austin is warming up and you need to cool off. Don’t worry—we got you. Swim first, drink second. Follow our guide for the best swimming hole + brewery combos to escape the heat and quench your thirst.
Hamilton Pool or Reimers Ranch + Family Business
Are you a planner? Fabulous, then make those reservations months in advance to assure entry into Hamilton Pool. Oh, and keep your fingers crossed the bacteria levels are in check so your experience extends beyond the short hike in and out. High bacteria = no swimming, bummer. Regardless, Hamilton Pool is a beautiful grotto to behold, and hopefully swim in. Since reservations are required, it shouldn’t be overly packed and you (no dogs) can enjoy a morning or afternoon of swimming.
Not a planner? High bacteria levels? Forgot to leave Fido at home? Don’t lose your shit—just retrace your steps down Hamilton Pool Road about a mile and turn into Reimers Ranch Park. Known best for rock climbing and mountain biking, you’ll also find some good places to dip in the Pedernales river.
Okay, you swam, and maybe hiked a little, now head back down Hamilton Pool Road and quickly you’ll find Family Business and Nate Seale’s beers. Here it’s easy to keep that outdoor-nature-vibe going as you hang out on their spacious patio or shaded picnic tables. Throw the kids in the gated playground area (so smart) and enjoy some grub from Jep’s Southern Roots, their on-site Cajun food trailer. The natural go-to is the Hamilton Pale Ale, but hey, they’re about bringing family together, so everyone is sure to find a match... and even Fido is welcome.
Another well-known watering hole outside of Austin proper resides in Wimberley. You’ll need reservations to get in during peak season, and be prepared to haul your stuff a ways from parking into the preserved park/swimming area. The creek at Blue Hole is shaded by impressive cypress trees, so not only is it chilly, but there’s very little sun shining through to warm you up (our advice: go when it’s really hot so you can’t wait to take a dip). Feeling adventurous? Take a chance on the rope swing. Although your dog isn’t allowed, picnics and kids are, so come prepared to warm back up on the lawn and relax a while.
After your reservation is expired, or you feel like you’ve got your money’s worth, take Ranch Road 12 south to Middleton Brewing. Middleton offers outdoor, indoor, and rooftop options and is family and dog friendly. In fact, don’t go if you don’t like dogs—there are a lot. They typically have a Slingin’ Sliders on site for you dummies who didn’t take our advice of packing a picnic, and if you stay late enough, your extended drinking may be rewarded with some live music.
Wimberlinians are lucky to have not one, but two ‘grammable, natural swimming holes. Jacob’s Well, a consistent 68 degree artesian spring, is pretty small but fabulous for soaking your hot feet as you sit on the ledge, or for making a big splash as you launch off the rocks into the submerged cave. We only recommend this hole for brave big kids and adventurous adults who will take advantage of jumping into the cold water, otherwise you’ll get your picture, pretend you had an amazing time (when in reality you dipped your toe in, shrieked it was too cold and complained that it was too crowded) then leave to get your beer on.
So after you get that ‘gram, head to Vista for an equally photo-worthy taproom and views. Avoid getting derailed by the wineries along the route or the smells wafting out of the Salt Lick. You’ll be rewarded with the likes of the sessionable Adair Kolsch, delicate Le Saison Farmhouse Ale, or their ever-changing board that seems to always include something new or barrel-aged. At Vista, you’ll find bountiful outdoor space, picnic tables, swings and a playscape, delicious offerings from their grill, and if planned correctly, a perfect hill country sunset to cap your day.
Georgetown Blue Hole + Rentsch
Pinthouse Round Rock not far enough north for you? Head further up I-35 to Georgetown’s Blue Hole, a lagoon on the south fork of the San Gabriel river. There’s a bit of free parking close to the popular El Monumento restaurant, so plan to go early and bring your big ‘ol tube if you’re willing to risk injury on the natural limestone slide (when the water’s flowing). This swimming hole has something for everyone—deep enough to jump in on one side of the dam, and great for cooling off your feet on the other.
Once you’re ready to leave the other river rats behind and have worked up a good thirst, a short seven minute drive will get you to Rentsch Brewery. First, grab a refreshing Blonde or Hefe (or Radler if you’re feeling fancy), then cool off under their large shade tree and big mister fans—it’s hot y’all. But don’t feel guilty, they brew their beer using 100% renewable energy... so surely their A/C and fans are powered the same way?
Ahhhh, Barton Springs—the obvious choice for locals and tourists alike. Open year-round, this spring-fed, freakin’ cold pool has 900 feet of blue water, a diving board for you to make a fool of yourself, and sprawling lawns begging you to spread out and sunbathe (tops optional) or doze in the shade.
And what goes best with a classic Austin swimming hole? Classic, no, institutional ATX brewers: Amos and Swifty, now complemented by Kim, who produce award-winning lagers to enjoy in the ABGB biergarten, a quick drive south down Lamar to Oltorf and across the tracks. Bring your dog, order a pie, enjoy live music... this is Austin y’all. What’s more is ABGB’s Hell Yes Project lends a hand (lots of hands) in keeping Barton Springs clean, so order another Hell Yes or Rocket 100—it’s like patting them on the back for all their hard work while quenching your thirst. Win-win.
McKinney Falls + Live Oak & Hi Sign
McKinney Falls State Park, located just west of the airport, has two swimming areas: the Upper and Lower Falls. The Upper Falls is definitely more exciting. Planning to take a jump in? We recommend doing some exploration of what’s below beforehand to keep safe from submerged rocks—don’t be a dumbass. You won’t be able to enjoy that beer later if you crack open your skull or break your leg. Choosing to play it safe? Head to the Lower Falls.
Afterward, a quick drive will get you to one of Austin’s oldest running breweries, Live Oak. The expansive biergarten can yield a long, long..long afternoon of drinking, and possibly a game of disc golf (if you’re into that). Not to mention, who doesn’t want a Hefe on a hot summer day? Still not ready to go home? Just down the road is Hi Sign, where you can kick off your shoes and relax in a hammock while drinking another cool one. From swimming to beer, all are family and dog friendly, so do it right and make a day of it. You can thank us later.
Leave the city behind and head west my friend... west about an hour to Blanco River State Park, right along Highway 281. Come prepared to float, kayak, or swim... but bring something to wear on your feet if you’re the “eww, what was that?” kind of person or just don’t want to bust your ass walking across the dam. The park offers kayaks for rent, otherwise you’re on your own to enjoy the river, which includes bountiful picnic tables, grassy areas, and shade for relaxing.
Afterward, grab a fresh draft at Real Ale, just a few short miles back up 281. Of what? Rio Blanco pale ale, obvs, or stick to one of our refreshing favorites: Hans’ Pils. While you’re there, pick up a big green Hans’ tube for your next river outing, and be sure to enjoy some free classic arcade games on the brewery overlook.
Bull Creek + Austin Beerworks
If you slept in too late to make it out-of-town, Bull Creek can help you escape the heat and satisfy your need for a dip. As long as there’s water flowing, bacteria levels should be in check. Near the southern entrance there are some good jumping rocks if the water levels are high enough. There’s also a well-worn natural rock slide for the kid in all of us.
Some sections can get crowded by the afternoon, but don’t worry... in no time you can be at Austin Beerworks sipping one of their summertime must-have beers, Einhorn, or another of their taproom only seasonals. ABW is a family-friendly place that knows how to party and offers endless fresh buttery popcorn in their taproom. Grab a bite from their food truck, CAN-tina, to round out your afternoon. Maybe even pick up a new tank, hat, or sunnies to rep this quintessential Austin brewery.
Here’s the cold hard truth: I grew up hearing about Hippie Hollow, but haven’t actually been there. But go, clothing is optional, I’m sure it’s a lovely swim... and especially refreshing if you do it sans suit. Rock that dad bod.
Afterward, hit up Oasis Texas Brewing (not to be confused with The Oasis—unless you want overpriced queso). Here you can enjoy the view while enjoying the brew (ooh, that’s catchy). Grab a Meta Modern Session IPA or Luchesa Lager, along with some food from their Craft Kitchen, then post up—seriously, like you’re Dennis Rodman, desperate for the rebound—so you can score a clear line of site for that money sunset. (For you kids, Dennis Rodman was a basketball player before he became our unofficial ambassador to North Korea.)
Barton Creek Greenbelt/Sculpture & Twin Falls + St. Elmo
The Barton Creek Greenbelt hikes to Sculpture and Twin Falls are two (overly) popular routes to some nice waterfalls... if Austin’s had any recent rain. If not, you will sadly hike out and be greeted by a couple of fat, hungry mosquito pits. When it’s flowing, these are some nice swimming areas with waterfalls, rocks for jumping, or areas to just sit and soak in the sun. Remember, this is a hike, so leave the flops at home and opt for something more substantial.
Once you’ve had your fun in the sun, head over to St. Elmo for a refreshing and super crushable Carl Kolsch. Ready for more? With a solid and constantly changing board, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Their permanent food truck, Soursop, has rich, flavor-packed pan-Asian dishes... and when they say spicy—believe it. While you’re drinking and mowing down some wings, pick up a board game to pass the time, relax outside with your pup, or plan to hit up their Grassy Thursday, a sure hit.
