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 heat and thick humidity from May through September.
We rounded up 16 different water activities in and around the Alamo City — even the free options — to beat the heat this summer.
City pools
The easiest way to cool off is by visiting one of the many city pools. Even sweeter is that access to the pools is free. The Aquatics Division of the San Antonio Park & Recreation manages 25 city pools. This department also offers swimming lessons for all ages. Currently, 11 pre-season pools are open while the remaining 14 pools open later this summer. The city pools are open Saturdays + Sundays from 1-7 p.m.
Luxurious getaways
Want an elevated experience this summer? 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 while sitting poolside surrounded by lush greenery + comfortable loungers, private cabanas, and delectable dishes + drinks from its restaurant. Day passes start at $25 for adults 18+.
Eilan Hotel and Spa, 18603 La Cantera Te.
Unwind at this luxurious boutique pool on San Antonio’s north side. Sit by the pool while enjoy bites + drinks to cool off from the summer time heat. Day passes start at $75.
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 a nine-acre water park called the River Bluff Water Experience featuring water slides, an 1,100-ft lazy river, activity pools, and an adults-only infinity pool with a jacuzzi overlooking the Texas Hill Country. Day passes start at $60.
La Cantera Resort & Spa, 16641 La Cantera Pkwy.
Bring the entire family out for an upscale day in the sun. Check out the resort’s five pools, — including an adults-only infinity pool and a children’s pool with water slides + splash areas — enjoy refreshing cocktails and dishes, take part in family-friendly games and activities, tennis courts, bocce ball and more. Day passes start at $60.
Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 555 S. Alamo St.
San Antonio’s newest downtown oasis is open just in time for the summer. Spend the day enjoying the Anaqua Garden Bar, pool, spa, and food from its restaurant, Corinne. Families are welcomed with day passes starting at $60.
Splash pads
This one is for the kiddos. Parents, sit back + relax with your favorite book in the shade while your little ones play around 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
A great spot for the entire family, have the kids play in the water as the adults sit back with their favorite ice-cold beverage. Need to feed the family? Check out the Food Hall just steps from the splash pad or pack your own lunch to enjoy a full day of fun.
Union Pacific Railroad Splash Pad, Hemisfair
Open for play every day from March to November it 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, restrooms, a skate park, and the largest city children’s playground.
Natural recreation
Looking for something a little more nature-based? Here are a few natural recreation areas to visit just outside the Alamo City.
Blanco State Park, 101 Park Rd. 23, Blanco, TX
Take an hour drive north of the Alamo City to this park for a picnic, afternoon swim, canoeing + 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 the City of Wimberley where you can find the crystal-clear waters of this natural lake. Day passes start at $12.
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
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.
