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Texas is a big state, and they do everything big. But when you need a break from the “big,” you can find a tropical oasis waiting for you. Are you ready to relax and rejuvenate on your road trip?
The Blue Lagoon, Texas’ premiere tropical oasis, might not be big in size or attractions, but it’s big on beauty.
Let’s dive in to learn about this Texas getaway.
Where Is the Blue Lagoon?
Head north on Interstate 45 from Houston to find the pristine crystal clear waters of Blue Lagoon, Texas. The popular swimming hole lies less than 10 miles north of Huntsville.
You can get to Blue Lagoon from the west by taking the Pinedale Road exit off Interstate 45 in Huntsville or by following Highway 247 in the east to Pinedale Road.
What Is the Blue Lagoon Known For?
Blue Lagoon is best known for its picturesque waters. The two pools formed in two former limestone quarries.
The water has high visibility, making it perfect for swimming and scuba diving. You’ll feel like you’re in a tropical paradise at Blue Lagoon, Texas, with the sapphire waters and tree-lined banks.
What Animals Live in the Blue Lagoon, Texas?
Even though it might feel like a tropical oasis, one huge difference is the lack of marine life. The Blue Lagoon isn’t teeming with animals like a tropical swimming hole.
In fact, it almost completely lacks vegetation and aquatic life.
Only one species lives in the waters, the dragonfly nymph or larvae. Limestone increases water pH, making it difficult for most animals to survive here.
Does It Cost Anything to Swim in the Blue Lagoon?
There’s a fee of $21 to $27 to visit the Blue Lagoon. Fees for scuba divers cost $21, while non-divers must pay $27 to enjoy this oasis.
Children 9 years old and younger pay $10 per visit. Despite these higher prices, most people would say it’s worth it.
The Blue Lagoon is a hidden gem. So to enjoy a summer day away from life’s chaos may be worth every penny.
Additionally, due to the very small parking lot, they cap the number of visitors, making your experience free from crowds. You will get your own assigned picnic area, so you’ll always have a space to relax in when you’re done swimming.
Can I Scuba Dive in the Blue Lagoon?
Scuba diving is quite popular here because of its high visibility. The on-site facility rents gear from tanks and wet suits to weights and everything you need for a dive.
Of course, you can also bring your own gear. The facility also offers scuba diving lessons.
The Blue Lagoon Texas is open for scuba divers from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, you can dive from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Non-scuba divers can visit from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on the weekends from noon to 6 p.m.
Finally, No one can enter the parking lot or facility after 4 p.m. It’s best to arrive as early as possible since visitors are capped once the parking lot is full.
Keep in Mind: If you’re looking for a place to park your RV while visiting, consider one of The Highest Rated RV Resorts in Texas!
Can I Bring My Pet to the Blue Lagoon?
You can’t bring any pets to the Blue Lagoon. It also strictly enforces other rules to maintain a safe swimming and diving environment. No cliff jumping, glass containers, or large floats allowed.
Children must have a parent or diving instructor. Anyone under the age of 18 can’t come alone.
Other Swimming Holes in Texas
The Blue Lagoon is a hidden gem about an hour and 20 minutes north of Houston. But you can find other beautiful swimming holes in Texas as well.
They can become crowded with the intense summer heat, so always arrive as early as possible.
McKinney Falls State Park, Austin
The falls at McKinney Falls State Park aren’t the most impressive, coming in at 10 feet high. However, this state park provides a great family-friendly environment.
Listening to Onion Creek flow over limestone ledges and splash into pools below is quite peaceful, even when the park fills up during the summer.
Camping, biking, hiking, and fishing are popular activities at the state park.
Barton Springs Pool, Austin
Barton Springs Pool, a 3-acre lake fed by springs, lies outside Austin. The water averages 68 degrees Fahrenheit year around. It’s set in an urban location and doesn’t have the beautiful scenery of Blue Lagoon, Texas.
But it has spacious and accommodating banks for the large crowds that gather in the summer. Lifeguards remain on-site year-round. It’s said that Robert Redford learned to swim here at Barton Springs Pool.
Pro Tip: Stay at one of The Best Campgrounds in and Around Austin, Texas when planning your trip to this watering hole.
Devil’s Waterhole, Burnet
Devil’s Waterhole has pools, a waterfall, and plenty of rocks and makes up part of the lake and waterways in Inks Lake State Park. Visitors enjoy launching themselves into the water below.
The state park welcomes paddlers, anglers, and water skiers. The no-wake zone also makes this location perfect for swimming.
Pro Tip: Get ready for your trip to Texas by brushing up on the 11 Mistakes People Make While Camping in Texas!
Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale
Home of the largest spring-fed pool in the world, Balmorhea State Park is situated about 60 miles west of Fort Stockton.
The water temperature here remains around 72 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The San Solomon Springs dump more than 15 million gallons of water into the pool daily.
Blue Hole, Wimberley
The springs of the San Gabriel River feed Blue Hole. If you want a more natural swimming hole, this is the one for you.
Cypress trees provide shade and rope swings, and the grassy banks are perfect for picnics. Visitors are limited here, so arrive early.
Learn More: When planning your trip to Texas, don’t forget to add These National Parks in Texas to your itinerary!
The Blue Lagoon: Texas’ Tropical Oasis
The Blue Lagoon may be Texas’ best-kept secret. And the fact that it caps daily visitors makes it even more appealing.
You don’t have to deal with the crowds of other popular swimming holes and enjoy the beautiful scenery all around. It truly feels like a tropical oasis.
So the next time you travel near Houston, Texas, get up early one morning and make the drive to the Blue Lagoon.
Spend a day relaxing and enjoying nature, soaking up the sun and rejuvenating your soul.
