Waterfalls, rivers, lakes and swimming holes where Texans can chill out this summer

Mary Claire Patton, Digital Journalist

SAN ANTONIO – It's Texas, which means the dog days of summer are almost upon us and it's only going to get hotter outside.

There are many places you can cool off beyond just your average pool. Texas is filled with waterfalls, rivers, lakes and various swimming holes where you can beat the heat.

San Antonio and the surrounding areas, including parts of the Texas Hill Country, are full of places to take a dip when the weather is hot.

The places on this list are definitely not all-encompassing for the state of Texas, but they’re within driving distance of San Antonio.

Despite the much-needed rains San Antonio and the surrounding areas have seen recently, water levels at some of the listed swimming spots above might be lower than anticipated. It's best to check individual websites before heading out to ensure you’re happy when you arrive.

Wondering why you don't see spring-fed Jacob's Well Natural Area on the list? It's one of the most popular swimming holes in Texas but it will remain closed "for the foreseeable future" due to low water levels and spring flow, according to Hays County Parks officials. Although swimming activities aren't permitted, parkgoers can still visit the area for hiking and viewing the spring.

Under normal conditions, Jacob's Well releases thousands of gallons of water every day from the Trinity Aquifer, which comes from an extensive underground cave system, according to Hays County Parks officials.

Before you head out the door — keep in mind that Texas is a naturally diverse state and preserving the beauty of the land is important. Keep your footprint to a minimum and don't leave trash or destroy the landscape while visiting these Hill Country hideaways.

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