Topless sunbathing at Barton Springs pool in Austin, Texas

Topless sunbathing is alive and well in Austin, Texas at the Barton Springs pool in Zilker Park.

I have never been to Austin, Texas although we have had many guests from Austin stay with us. They all say it is the best city in Texas to live in. Maybe because they can go topless sunbathing at their city pool.

I know about Hippy Hollow at Lake Travis, but I just learned about Barton Springs pool which is run by the Austin Parks and recreation department which acknowledges that women do go topless sunbathing there. Click here to see the parks and recreation department description of the pool and mentioning the topless sunbathing.

Here is the story that made me aware of Barton Springs pool:

"Austin TX Sites: Barton Springs Pool

...Heated to a constant 68 degrees, Austin´s Barton Springs Pool is a popular swimming hole that can be enjoyed year round. Located in Zilker Park, the pool is fed by water from the Main Barton Spring. Swimming during any season is allowed at the Barton Springs Pool, but costs a small fee in the summer months. With grassy picnic areas nearby and plenty of places to play and relax, Barton Springs is a must-see for every Austin visitor.

... In its current management by the city of Austin, the Barton Springs Pool provides an invigorating and refreshing way to cool off, exercise, hang out and relax. It has quickly evolved into a hangout place for young adults, but bathers of all ages will enjoy themselves at the Barton Springs Pool.

... Although the pool is billed as a family-friendly area, topless sunbathing is allowed at the pool and many patrons take advantage of that..."

I went to yahoo travel to see what it said about Barton Springs pool. Here are 2 comments:

"Don't take the KIDS!!!
By A Yahoo! Contributer, 07/01/06
The place is beautiful but DO NOT TAKE YOUR KIDS!!! There are a lot of trashy, naked people running around. I would love to visit the place with everyone FULLY CLOTHED. I, personally, will NOT go back. I do NOT care to see NUDE people. If I want to see someone naked I will ask my husband to take off his clothes, lol...

An oasis in the city!
By A Yahoo! Contributer, 06/14/06
It's such a nice, clean place. It's wonderful to swim in the natural water. Nudity is not allowed, but the Pool IS thong-friendly and topfree (topless is allowed). So, drop your burden at the gate and take a refreshing dip."

It is interesting reading the comments. One person is closed minded and using the time worn "save the kids" as an excuse for their own insecurities and body phobia. The other person says "drop your burden at the gate" because the pool is thong friendly and topless is allowed.

What is most interesting is the Austin Parks department runs the pool and allows topless sunbathing. Wouldn't it be nice if most American parks departments were as forward thinking as Austins?

Now if you don't want to go all the way to Austin, Texas to go topless sunbathing give us The Terra Cotta Inn clothing optional resort and spa a call at 800-786-6938. Visit our site at http://sunnyfun.com Hope to see you in sunny Palm Springs!