Austin, Texas, is a city bursting with energy and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adrenaline junkie, or just someone who loves soaking up the sun, Austin has something you will love. Let’s dive into some of the best outdoor activities this vibrant city has to offer!
Attend an Outdoor Concert
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We’ll let live music be our first introduction to Austin. As the host city of SXSW, music is infused into Austin’s soul. Austin has an estimated 250 music venues, making it the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Since this is an outdoor things to do in Austin piece, we’ll focus venues like the Moody Amphitheater and the outdoor stage at Zilker Park. They host a variety of concerts and festivals throughout the year, so pick your show, grab a blanket, and enjoy live music under the Texas sky.
Keep It Weird at Austin Motel Pool Party
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
There’s a saying – “Keep Austin Weird.” The Austin Motel is doing its part with its iconic and possibly suggestive sign and monthly drag show pool parties. With daily pool passes available, you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy this wet, wild, and weird time.
Take a Day Trip to Hamilton Pool Preserve
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Austin is the gateway to the Texas Hill Country and sits on top of a massive karst formation known as the Edwards Aquifer. It stretches for more than 3,600 square miles and supplies water to more than 1.5 million people. The interplay between land and water is a repeated theme in Austin, starting with Hamilton Pool Preserve, which was formed by a collapsed dome over an underground river.
Large slabs of limestone surround the pool, with gigantic stalactites growing from the ceiling, but the real draw is the pool. A 50′ waterfall flows into a massive jade green pool. The cool water makes this a popular swimming hole in the summer, so be sure to get a permit beforehand.
Go Tubing
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Up the road from Austin in New Braunfels is Schlitterbahn, a world-famous waterpark known for its creative tube runs. Schillterbahn roughly translates to “slippery road,” and even more tubing adventures wait just beyond the park boundaries.
Tubers can float the Comal River and ride the city’s tube chute at Prince Solms Park. Many tube rentals come with day-long shuttle passes so that you can float, rinse, and repeat.
Explore McKinney Falls State Park
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Coming back from New Braunfels, you can forget the Alamo and remember to Explore McKinney Falls State Park. The park features stunning waterfalls, tranquil pools, and beautiful trails. It’s a testament to Austin’s love of the outdoors and the vast array of outdoor recreation opportunities in and around Austin.
Go Bat Viewing at the Congress Avenue Bridge
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
What does a weird city with many caves and a thriving outdoor community do after sunset? How about watching the largest urban bat colony take flight from under the Congress Avenue Bridge?
From March to November, around sunset, over a million bats take flight. It’s a truly spectacular sight and a must-see when visiting Austin, with several viewing platforms along the downtown riverfront. You can even book a bat-watching sunset river cruise from Captial Cruises.
Paddle on Lady Bird Lake
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The Congress Avenue Bridge stretches across Lady Bird Lake, a 416-acre reservoir on the Colorado River of Texas. Not to be confused with the other Colorado River with a big canyon, this Colorado River is 862-mile-long and contained entirely within the state of Texas.
Austin surrounds Lady Bird Lake, making it the centerpiece of outdoor activity. You can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards and enjoy a serene paddle with stunning city skyline views. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to avoid the heat and catch some beautiful reflections on the water. Another reason for an early start is the Rowing Dock’s 1/2 off discount on paddles before 11:00!
Rent a B-Cycle and Explore the City
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Austin is a bike-friendly city with numerous trails and bike lanes. Renting a bike is a great way to explore different neighborhoods, parks, and attractions. The B-cycle bike-sharing program offers convenient rental options throughout the city.
Bike the Ann and Roy Butler Trail
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If you’re looking for the premier downtown bike trail, the Ann and Roy Butler Trail forms a 10-mile trail loop around Lady Bird Lake and offers a fantastic way to explore the city by foot or bike. The trail is well-maintained and provides picturesque views of the lake, skyline, and various parks. It’s perfect for a morning jog, an afternoon bike ride, or a leisurely walk. If you need a bike, you can rent a nice hybrid from Barton Springs Bike Rental and enjoy a fun little ride.
Visit Zilker Park
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
The Ann and Roy Butler Trail runs through Zilker Metropolitan Park, a must-visit outdoor experience. This expansive park offers a variety of activities, from picnicking and playing disc golf to exploring the Zilker Botanical Garden.
Cool Off in Barton Springs Pool
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Barton Springs Pool is a true highlight of Zilker Park. It’s a massive 3-acre natural spring-fed pool that maintains a refreshing temperature of around 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors to cool off and enjoy the clear, chilly water, with over 800,000 annual visitors. According to local legends, five-year-old Robert Redford learned to swim at Barton Springs Pool during a family trip to Austin.
Explore the Barton Creek Greenbelt
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Upstream from Barton Springs Pool, the Barton Creek Greenbelt is a haven for outdoor lovers. With over 12 miles of trails, it’s perfect for hiking, biking, and even rock climbing. The Greenbelt also features several swimming holes, such as Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip. Don’t forget your water bottle and sunscreen!
Check Out Local Farmers’ Markets
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The Barton Creek Farmers Market is located between Twin Falls and Barton Springs Pools. Austin’s farmers’ markets are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while sampling local produce and goods. The Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller and the Barton Creek Farmers Market are two popular spots where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, artisanal products, and often live music.
Explore the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
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Lady Bird Johnson is more than the namesake for Austin’s signature lake and LBJ’s First Lady. Texas highways are known for their extensive use of wildflowers, particularly bluebonnets. Lady Bird’s support for the highway beautification efforts was commemorated by renaming the National Wildflower Research Center to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in 1998.
Dedicated to native plants and wildflowers, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center offers 284 acres of gardens, trails, and educational exhibits. It’s a peaceful place to learn about the local flora and enjoy the natural beauty of Texas just 10 minutes down Texas 1 from the Barton Creek Farmers Market.
Visit Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
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Heading up the Colorado River from downtown Austin, you reach Mayfield Park, a hidden gem featuring beautiful gardens, ponds, and free-roaming peacocks. The adjacent nature preserve offers hiking trails that wind through wooded areas, providing a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle.
Take a Hike at Mount Bonnell
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Mount Bonnell is next door to Mayfield Park and has some of the best views in Austin. It’s one of the highest points in the city and offers a relatively easy hike with rewarding panoramic views of the city and the Colorado River. It’s a popular spot for both sunrise and sunset, so plan accordingly!
Zip out to Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
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The sun is setting on our list of outdoor things to do in Austin, but not before heading to Lake Travis. It’s home to some fabulous picnicking and boating opportunities, but if you really want to see it from an unbeatable perspective, book an outing with Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. It’s an 1 1/2 hour adventure that features the longest and fastest ziplines in Texas!
Picnic at the Oasis on Lake Travis
We’ll let the sunset on this list at the Sunset Capital of Texas, The Oasis on Lake Travis. This cliffside spot offers stunning lake views and is perfect for a relaxing meal or picnic. The sunsets here are legendary and provide a perfect backdrop for an evening outdoors and the perfect segue away from the Austin outdoors.
Conclusion
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Austin’s outdoor scene is as diverse as it is inviting. Whether you’re looking to relax by a pool, hike through scenic trails, or experience unique local attractions, this city has it all. So, grab your gear and get ready to explore the best outdoor activities Austin has to offer!