16 Incredible Swimming Holes in U.S. to Cool Down This Summer
America is littered with swimming holes that attract millions annually looking to escape the ordinary and enjoy nature’s coolest hideaways. The hot summer heat can be unforgiving, but these pools offer the perfect respite. Read below as we discuss a few swimming holes that promise refreshing dips in some of America’s most breathtaking locations.
Firehole River Swimming Area, Wyoming
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One of Wyoming’s best-kept secrets is the Firehole River Swimming Area in Yellowstone National Park. Despite its appeal, swimming is prohibited until mid-summer due to strong currents and high water. However, it’s a perfect stop for anyone looking for a relaxing dip in its cool water and gentle currents.
Diana’s Baths, New Hampshire
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This refreshing escape is accessible through the beaten paths in Bartlett’s White Mountain National Forest. Its cascades and playful rock formations make it a popular destination for picnickers. Still, those looking to swim at the base of the waterfalls would need to brave a short hike.
Blue Hole, New Mexico
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Visitors to Santa Rosa, New Mexico, can take a break from the desert heat and check out this deep blue oasis. The water is clear and pairs well with the picture-perfect landscape. Sure, at 62°F, it might feel chilly, but the 80-foot depth draws scuba divers and adventurers.
Blanchard Springs, Mountain View, Arkansas
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Blanchard Springs has clear water and a peaceful vibe for a relaxed swim. The water here forms the nearby “mirror lake” known for its clear waters and trout population. Blanchard Springs caverns are also a popular attraction for anyone fascinated with caves.
Havasu Falls, Arizona
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The brilliant blue-green water and red rock at Havasu are a thrill for adventurous swimmers. Tucked deep in a remote canyon, this spot in the Havasupai Indian Reservation offers visitors a refreshing dip and a breathtaking visual feast. The tall canyon walls and waterfall make for great astrophotography for campers here.
Slide Rock State Park, Arizona
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Few water parks have a natural 80-foot-long rock slide, but that’s one unique feature of this popular escape in Oak Creek Canyon. The park’s clear water and scenic backdrop also add to its appeal and explain why it is regarded as one of America’s most beautiful swimming holes. Interestingly, it was originally an apple farm and also has three hiking trails.
Cummins Falls, Tennessee
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A short and arduous hike through the forest leads to this gorgeous waterfall. While visitors must apply for a gorge access permit to access the swimming hole at the base of the 75-foot waterfall, the stunning view makes it worth every effort.
Juniper Springs, Florida
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Inside Florida’s Ocala National Forest, this swimming hole looks just like a postcard. The water is 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round—ideal for a dip in Florida’s heat. It’s also surrounded by palms and ancient cypress trees, which is a breath of fresh air away from the metropolitan stress.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
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Carved by time and the relentless waves of Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a beautiful stretch of shoreline. The surrounding sandstone cliffs, turquoise waters, and shipwrecks will leave a long-lasting memory for most visitors. The location is also home to Sand Point Beach and other swimming spots to chill out in Michigan’s upper peninsula.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, Missouri
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When the summer heat hits, Missourians know this gem is one of the best places to cool off. Johnson’s Shut-Ins is named for its unique rock formations that trap or ‘shut in’ water. The area contains natural water slides and mini-whirlpools, some large enough for several people to relax.
Chena Hot Springs, Alaska
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This hidden Alaskan retreat combines geothermal water with crisp wilderness. Although there’s an indoor pool with a constant 90°F temperature, the outdoor pool appeals to those who want to take in a breathtaking view of snow-capped peaks and clear skies. On clear nights, campers can even catch an aurora display.
Hamilton Pool Preserve, Texas
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Hidden just outside Austin, this spot feels like something out of a dream. A collapsed grotto holds this jade-green pool under a 50-foot waterfall. Surrounded by mossy cliffs and a half-moon cave, the pool almost makes you feel like you’ve stumbled on an otherworldly location.
Devil’s Den, Florida
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Never mind the name; this natural basin is perfect for scuba divers and those who want to cool off in clear water surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Sunlight filters through a gap in the cave ceiling—illuminating crystal-clear water that stays a cool 72°F year-round.
Little River Canyon National Preserve, Alabama
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Located in Alabama’s rugged highlands, this spot is a hidden gem along one of the deepest canyons in Southeast America. Visitors can choose between lounging in the Blue Hole or the Hippie Hole. There are three major waterfalls nearby, and the lapping sound of water around creates the perfect kind of bliss.
Barton Springs Pool, Texas
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Visitors to this natural oasis will experience spring-fed water that creates a three-acre pool with a perfect temperature. Its clear water and surrounding lush greenery make this spot a local favorite. The area is less than 20 minutes from Austin’s only international airport, so it’s an easy recommendation for tourists.
The Homestead Crater, Utah
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The Homestead Crater is a beehive-shaped limestone dome in Utah where sunlight streams through the crater’s opening and casts a glow on the water. The mineral-rich water fluctuates around 90-96 degrees—so it’s a year-round soak spot. Here, you can scuba dive, snorkel, or simply relax in the water.