Can you feel the heat, Austin?

Summer is in full swing in the Capital City, and it’s time for us to get prepared. Last week, we asked our readers what every local needs to survive the season. Here’s what they said.

What to bring

We bet you can guess the number one item Austinites said they like to have on hand during the summer months: water.

To keep that water cool, reader Claudia F. recommends storing it in a tumbler made by Austin-based YETI. We suggest repping your team pride with these burnt orange and verde green options.

Some other must-have summer items include:

An umbrella — @beauty.of.fashion_
A mini personal fan — @symi129, @juliana_marie28, @janessaholway
Waterproof bag for paddle boarding — @manderson0
A personal cooler — City Editor London

Reader Rebecca M. suggests cooling off with a treat from Jim-Jim's Water Ice. | Photo by @rx7ingsdrifter

Where to eat

In Austin, two things will undoubtedly improve your summer months: cold treats and patio meals. If you’re not sure where to start, our readers came in clutch with some recommendations.

“A treat from Jim Jim’s will cool you down when it’s hot. It’s on 6th Street and serves delicious ice creams and my favorite water ice!” – Rebecca M.
H-E-B ice cream — @eswei
Guero’s Taco Bar — @miniatureatx

Where to go

Now that you’re stocked with a bag of summer survival tools, there’s only one more thing to decide: where to go.

For that, our readers only had one resounding answer. Pack your swimsuit, we’re going to Barton Springs Pool.

The three-acre pool has been an Austin hotspot since 1918. It’s famous for being a cool 68º-70º year-round, making it an excellent refresher in the heat of Austin summers.

Daily entry into Barton Springs Pool costs $5 for residents, but reader Beth B. suggested purchasing a seasonal swim pass, which includes parking at Zilker Park.

If you're trying to beat the crowds, don't fret: check out our map to public pools in ATX.