WHY I LIKE IT: A 1.3 acre, 3.5 million gallon freshwater pool in the middle of the high desert in West Texas? Balmorhea State Park’s pool is an oasis filled with cool clear waters – take the plunge and swim with turtles and snorkel with fish to escape from the hot Texas heat.

DON’T MISS THE: retreat from the heat. More than 15 million gallons of water flow through the pool each day, gushing from the San Solomon Springs. The pool is up to 25 feet deep, covers 1.3 acres, and holds 3.5 million gallons of water. The water temperature stays at 72 to 76 degrees year-round.

DON’T KILL MY VIBE: CANNONBALL!!!

WHEN YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW: Reservations can be made online. Double-check in advance to make sure the pool isn’t closed for repairs.