BARTON SPRINGS SWIMMING POOL

Barton Springs is an absolute must for several reasons. Firstly, it's not every day that you have access to such a large, clean and beautiful natural watering hole in the middle of the city. The water is a brilliant turquoise blue, with a pleasant coolness and equally beautiful rocky shores. The pool itself is fed by underground springs with an average temperature of 20-21 degrees, ideal for year-round swimming. Secondly, all Austin locals go there every day, and it's a great opportunity to take part in local daily life. Please note that in the enclosed area (surrounded by a fence), you are not allowed to bring drinks (apart from water) or food, to keep the place clean. That said, you can always have a picnic there, with free admission, simply by sitting down in the open space opposite. What's more, you'll often see young students barbecuing and drinking beers, accompanied by music and good cheer. It's a little less sporty and serious, but for those who want to spend the afternoon bubbling in the sun with access to a watering hole for a dip, it really is ideal. Barton Springs continues to attract a diverse and varied crowd, with record visitor numbers approaching 800,000 in recent years. A word of warning: avoid weekends!

And to add a little historical context: the springs were considered sacred and used for purification rituals by the Tonkawa Native American tribe. Subsequently, Spanish explorers "discovered" the springs in the ^17th century, and around 1730 erected missions on the site (before later moving to San Antonio). In 1837, shortly after the incorporation of the city of Austin, William ("Uncle Billy") Barton, the springs' namesake, settled in the area.

On a more ecological level, Barton Springs is home to the Barton Springs Salamander, a species found nowhere else. Unfortunately, it is endangered, and Barton Springs must remain a protected environment in order to safeguard this species.