The heat in South Texas is straight up disrespectful, especially during the summer. If you live in San Antonio, you get a lovely mix of scorching temps and thick humidity from May through September.
That’s why we rounded up 17 water activities in and around the Alamo City — including some free options — to help you stay cool in the pool.
City pools
The Aquatics Division of the San Antonio Parks and Recreation manages 25 city pools — even sweeter, access is free. This department also offers swimming lessons for all ages. Six pre-season pools open Saturday, May 24, with the others to follow. The city pools are open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 7 p.m.
Luxurious getaways
If you’re in search of an elevated experience, San Antonio is home to a number of resorts with the most luxurious pools. Grab a day pass or plan a staycation at one of these locations.
The Bevy Hotel Boerne, 101 Herff Rd., Boerne, TX
Retreat into the Texas Hill Country for the day, where you’ll be sitting poolside surrounded by lush greenery, comfortable loungers, and private cabanas. Day passes start at $35 for adults 18+.
Eilan Hotel and Spa, 18603 La Cantera Terr.
Unwind at this boutique pool on San Antonio’s north side after you order food and drinks. Day passes start at $40.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, 23808 Resort Pkwy.
Treat yourself and the family to a Texas-sized experience at the resort’s nine-acre water park, the River Bluff Water Experience. It features water slides, a 1,100-ft lazy river, activity pools, and an adults-only infinity pool. Day passes start at $75.
La Cantera Resort & Spa, 16641 La Cantera Pkwy.
Treat everyone to an upscale day in the sun at the resort’s five pools, including an adults-only infinity pool and a children’s pool with water slides + splash areas. You also get access to arcade games and the tennis court. Day passes start at $125.
Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 555 S. Alamo St.
You can spend hours at the historic downtown property. Hit up the garden oasis bar, pool, and spa before ordering food from its restaurant, Corinne. Day passes start at $50.
Splash pads
This one is for the kiddos. Parents, sit back + relax in the shade with your favorite book while your little ones play in one of these free splash pads.
Benavides Park, 500 Saltillo St.
Pack a lunch and spend the entire day at this city park, which features a shaded splash pad, playground, softball field, pavilion, and basketball court.
Gustav’s Geysers, The Historic Pearl
Grab a scoop (or two) of ice cream after you’ve cooled off in the splash pad, then explore the Pearl’s air-conditioned shops.
Union Pacific Railroad Splash Pad, Hemisfair
Open for play every day from March to October, this splash pad has private changing booths, shade umbrellas, and Adirondack chairs nearby.
Pearsall Park, 5102 Old Pearsall Rd.
Visit the family fun zone that includes splash pads, basketball courts, picnic tables, two shade canopies, and the largest skate park in the city.
The Rock at La Cantera, 1 Spurs Way
Take a dip in the splash pad, but stick around for upcoming events like live music.
Natural recreation
Just outside the Alamo City, you can connect with nature at a natural recreation area.
Blanco State Park, 101 Park Road 23, Blanco, TX
Take an hour drive north of San Antonio for a picnic, afternoon swim, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, or a weekend camp-out on the banks of the spring-fed Blanco River.
Blue Hole Regional Park, 333 Blue Hole Ln., Wimberley, TX
Escape the sounds of San Antonio and head north to Wimberley, where you can find the crystal-clear waters of this natural lake. Half-day passes start at $8.
Canyon Lake, 752 Canyon Park Rd.
Just 45 minutes from the River City, visitors can explore 80 miles of shoreline while swimming, boating, and fishing. Stop by the visitor center for free maps of the Texas Hill Country, along with information + material on events in the area.
Comal River, 100 Liebscher, New Braunfels, TX
Spend a hot South Texas afternoon dipping your toes into this freshwater river in New Braunfels. If you are floating the river, start at Landa Falls to spend the maximum amount of time on the river.
Guadalupe River State Park, 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, TX
For $7, you can spend the day at this Texas state park swimming, tubing, fishing, and enjoying nature along the Guadalupe River.
Pedernales Falls State Park, 2585 Park Road 6026, Cypress Mill, TX
For the adventurous types, access to the swimming area is about a quarter-mile hike and includes steep rock stairs with no handrail. Check out the swimming safety tips before you visit. Pro tip: The park does not allow swimming and wading in the Pedernales Falls area.
