You might think of swimming holes when you think of warmer weather in Texas, but you probably don’t think of taking a dip in a blue-water pool at the bottom of a cavern that formed thousands of years ago. That’s because you haven’t seen Hamilton Pool Preserve, 23 miles outside of Austin. This shallow swimming hole is fed by a 50-foot waterfall. Stand under the crater’s ledge and look out over the blue expanse, like you’re looking out of the mouth of a great blue whale. Hiking trails and picnic tables make for a scenic day outdoors you won’t regret.
