Swimmers bask in the Texas sun at Barton Springs pool

This three-acre chlorine-free pool in Zilker Park southwest of downtown (www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks) has been a popular Austin swimming hole for more than a century, and it's still a great place to immerse yourself in the city's idiosyncratic local culture.

The pool, fed by three natural springs that maintain a constant temperature of about 68 degrees, is open year-round, but it's particularly popular in summer when locals seek relief from the heat and humidity of central Texas. Between dips in the chilly water, stake out a patch of lawn and watch the tops of majestic old pecan trees sway in the breeze, and enjoy some of the best daytime people-watching in all of Austin.

Admission is $1 for children and seniors, $2 for ages 12 to 17, and $3 for adults, with changing rooms and a concession stand on-site. During periods of heavy rainfall the pool is sometimes closed due to heightened levels of bacteria in the water, so call ahead for current conditions (512-974-6700).