This summer in Houston could quite possibly go down as the hottest summer in recorded history. Luckily, Houston is home to a number of swimming spots where locals can stay cool. While there are a variety of swimming pools in the city limits, the Blue Lagoon, a beautiful natural swimming lagoon is located just 30 minutes outside of Houston.
Tucked inside the East Texas Pineywoods an hour north of Downtown, Hunstville State Park is a beautiful natural woodlands with 21 miles of trails where visitors can hike, bike, and bird. The area is also home to the 21–acre Lake Raven. Here, you can swim in the designated area from 10 am to 8 pm. Fishing, kayaking, and camping is also available.
The area is also home to the Blue Lagoon. Located at 649 Pinedale Road, the Blue Lagoon is a sterling swimming hole in a picturesque natural setting.
For non-divers, the Blue Lagoon is open from Thursday to Monday; from 10 – 6 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays, and from noon – 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The lagoon is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Officials of the lagoon make it a point that the area is a SCUBA training facility. Due to limited space, visitors are encouraged to arrive at least an hour early, as lines are customary, to ensure entry though it is not guaranteed.
As a full-service, PADI 5-star Instructor Development Center, Blue Lagoon also offers scuba lessons for beginners all the way to instructor level.
Rates are priced at $25 for divers, $30 for non-divers, and $10 for children. Pets aren’t allowed. Visitors are also not allowed to jump off cliffs or any rocks into the water. Glass containers nor generators are prohibited. Anyone under age of 18 must be with a parent or scuba instructor.