Back to Blog
Things to Do · September 2026

Best Swimming Holes in Wimberley, Texas

Steve Giannone
Steve Giannone
Updated September 2026

If there's one thing that puts Wimberley, Texas on the map — and has for generations — it's the swimming holes. Spring-fed, crystal-clear, and surrounded by ancient cypress trees along Cypress Creek and the Blanco River, these waters are the reason many people first fall in love with the Hill Country. Here's everything you need to know.

I've updated this guide for late September 2026. The summer crowds have cleared and the season is winding down, but the water still pulls its share of locals on warm afternoons. Here's what's open, what's changed, and how to enjoy Wimberley's creeks and rivers this fall.

The water in Wimberley's swimming holes comes from the Trinity Aquifer, emerging at a constant 68°F year-round. That means even on the hottest Central Texas summer day, the water feels refreshing rather than cold. The clarity is remarkable — you can see straight to the bottom in most spots.

The crystal-clear Blanco River winding through cypress-lined banks under a bright blue Texas sky

Blue Hole Regional Park

Depth
25 feet
Temperature
68°F year-round
Season
May 1 to Labor Day, plus September weekends
Reservations
Yes; book swim slots online in advance

The crown jewel of Wimberley swimming. A crystal-clear spring-fed pool surrounded by 126 acres of bald cypress forest. Rope swings, diving platforms, and some of the best swimming in all of Texas. The park also has walking trails, a pavilion, and picnic areas, and those stay open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to sunset, even after the swim season closes.

Insider Tips
  • Book swim slots online in advance: weekend availability goes first
  • After Labor Day, slots continue on September weekends before the swim area closes for the season
  • Bring water shoes for the rocky bottom
Swimming area at Blue Hole Regional Park — clear water surrounded by Hill Country cypress trees and limestone

Jacob's Well Natural Area

Depth
140 feet (underwater cave)
Temperature
68°F at the spring source
Season
Hiking year-round; swimming currently suspended
Reservations
No reservation needed for general park entry; swimming, when open, requires an online reservation

The second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas. This artesian spring feeds Cypress Creek and creates one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Hill Country. As of late September 2026, swimming at Jacob's Well is cancelled until further notice due to low spring flow, and the natural area remains open daily for hiking and viewing. When swimming has been permitted in past seasons, it ran by strict online reservation within the May-through-September window and depended on aquifer conditions.

Insider Tips
  • Check Hays County's Jacob's Well page for the current swimming status before you go
  • The trails, overlooks, and spring views are a beautiful year-round visit, especially in fall light
  • Photography opportunities are incredible in morning light
Swimming area at Jacob's Well Natural Area — clear water surrounded by Hill Country cypress trees and limestone

Blanco River Access Points

Depth
Varies
Temperature
Seasonal
Season
Year-round (water levels vary)
Reservations
No — public access points available

The Blanco River winds through Wimberley with several public and semi-public access points. Water levels and clarity vary with rainfall, but when conditions are right, the Blanco offers beautiful swimming, tubing, and kayaking.

Insider Tips
  • Check water levels and current conditions before you go; the river can rise quickly after rain
  • Late-September and October afternoons can still be swim-worthy, but the first cool fronts drop water temps fast
  • Several parks and public access points along FM 2325
  • Great for kayaking and paddleboarding
Swimming area at Blanco River Access Points — clear water surrounded by Hill Country cypress trees and limestone

Cypress Creek (Seasonal)

Depth
3–10 feet
Temperature
68°F year-round
Season
Year-round
Reservations
No

The spring-fed creek that connects Jacob's Well to the Blanco River. Some stretches are accessible for wading and casual swimming, though the most famous sections are within the park areas.

Insider Tips
  • Creek levels depend on rainfall and aquifer conditions
  • Beautiful for creek-side walks and nature observation
  • Some private properties along the creek — respect boundaries
Swimming area at Cypress Creek (Seasonal) — clear water surrounded by Hill Country cypress trees and limestone

Swimming in the Fall: What's Open Right Now

As of late September 2026, here's where things stand at Wimberley's best-known swimming spots, based on the parks' own current guidance:

Blue Hole Regional Park runs its swim season on reservations from May 1 to Labor Day, with swim slots continuing on September weekends before the swim area closes for the season. After that, the park itself stays open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset, with free trails, a playground, and picnic areas and no reservation required.

Jacob's Well Natural Area has swimming cancelled until further notice in 2026 because of low spring flow. The grounds stay open daily, roughly 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., for hiking and viewing, with no reservation needed for general access. Always check Hays County's page for the current status.

Blanco River and Cypress Creek are where locals go for late-season dips. River water warms and cools with the air, so warm September and October afternoons can still deliver a good swim, while spring-fed heads hold cooler water near 68°F. Check flow and conditions first, and never swim after heavy rain.

On fall water temperatures: the bathwater-warm summer heat of August is gone by the end of September. Shallow, sun-warmed stretches of the Blanco stay pleasant on 80-degree afternoons, but the first strong cool front changes things quickly, and by November most locals trade the water for the trails.

A Note from Steve

"I've been swimming in these holes for almost 40 years, and they still take my breath away. My advice? Come early, stay late, and don't rush. These places reward patience. And please — leave no trace. These waters are precious, and keeping them clean is a community responsibility we all share."

Planning Your Visit

Summer is peak season, and Blue Hole in particular books up fast. Through the end of September, the remaining swim slots go online in advance, so reserve early and remember the September-weekend schedule. Once the swim season closes, the trails and picnic areas at Blue Hole and the trails at Jacob's Well remain open and free, and the Blanco River takes over as the place for a warm afternoon swim whenever conditions allow.

For those considering a move to Wimberley, the swimming holes are more than tourist attractions — they're a way of life. Families spend entire summers here. It's where friendships form, where kids learn to swim, and where the community comes together. If you fall in love with the water, you'll understand why people stay. Our Wimberley Living guide covers what daily life is really like, and our relocation guide walks you through everything you need to know about making the move.


Steve Giannone
Steve Giannone
Realtor · 40+ years in Central Texas real estate

Steve has been living and working in the Wimberley area for 40+ years. Learn more about Steve →

Ask Steve