Being an ~occasional~ camper means that I’m always looking for ways to be active and get outside in between camping trips.
Luckily, I live in Austin, Texas— a city that has no shortage of things to do in the great outdoors. Even in the blistering heat waves of summer, the cool waters of spring-fed pools beckon people to leave the safety and security of the air conditioner.
11 Best Things to Do Outside in Austin
Whether you’re a longtime Austinite or visiting for a weekend, these 11 outdoor activities are a must-try!
1. Rent a paddleboard or kayak on Ladybird Lake.
There’s something special about paddling down a tree-lined river while skyscrapers tower gracefully overhead. Rent a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe from one of the many rowing docks that line the shores of Ladybird Lake. The City of Austin has put together a good list of rental docks here, so take your pick!
Whether you’re on the water all day or just for an hour or two, you’re bound to have a fun time and see some of the most unique views of the city you can find.
2. Swim at Barton Springs or Deep Eddy.
It gets hot in Austin. And I mean hot. As I write this, we are under a heat advisory with temperatures expected to exceed 105°F.
There’s no better place to beat the heat than a crisp, cold spring-fed pool. Austin has two centrally-located gems: Barton Springs Pool and Deep Eddy Pool. No matter the outside temperature, these pools stay chilly and will take your breath away as you take the first plunge.
Barton Springs is a must-see if you haven’t been before, but it can get crowded on the weekends. While the pool and park are huge, the parking situation is less-than-desirable. Explore your transportation options before you go, or get there early to beat the crowd.
My personal favorite pool, however, is Deep Eddy! It’s a favorite among locals and those with small children thanks to its zero-depth entry and shady trees. It can still get crowded on the weekends but is typically a little easier to access than Barton Springs.
Plus, after you’ve had your fill of swimming, you can head next door to Pool Burger. Maybe it’s the exhaustion or maybe it’s the retro tiki atmosphere, but their burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and cocktails always hit just right.
3. Go for a stroll along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail.
There’s no better place to go on a cool day or pleasant evening than the Butler Hike and Bike Trail. This ten-mile path is a natural highway through the city that attracts everyone from seasoned marathoners to families taking a leisurely walk.
4. Have a picnic in your favorite park.
You don’t have to trek all the way to Zilker to have a lovely day in the park. (This may be a hot take, but I do not think Zilker is the best park in Austin.) Austin has tons of great greenspaces in all corners of the city.
Great parks for picnicking include:
- Emma Long Metropolitan Park
- Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
- Onion Creek Metropolitan Park
- Mills Pond Recreation Area
These parks all have picnic tables that are open to the public or you can find a nice shade tree to pitch a blanket underneath.
5. Go hammocking.
I can’t think of many things more relaxing than napping or reading in a hammock on a pleasant day. In fact, I keep a hammock in my car— just in case the perfect pair of shade trees calls my name.
Looking for the perfect place to hammock in Austin? My favorite is Pease Park! Follow the Shoal Creek Trail in the park until you find the spot that looks just right.
6. Play tourist and see the sunset at Mt. Bonnell.
Mt. Bonnell is a popular tourist spot— but for good reason! It has some incredible views of both Lake Austin and the downtown skyline. You’ll catch some of the best sunset views in town here. Just be sure to get a parking spot early, as the park can get crowded.
7. Lace up your boots and hike the River Place Nature Trail.
Looking for more of a challenge? Check out the River Place Nature Trail. Tucked away in the West Lake area, this trail is definitely one of the more strenuous hikes that Austin has to offer.
While it’s certainly no 14’er, you will find some challenging areas of elevation gain. Every time I’m on the trail, I cross a few people with packs and trekking poles who are training for more challenging hikes.
8. Visit McKinney Falls State Park for a day.
Did you know that Austin has a state park within its city limits? No matter where you are in the city, a short drive is all it takes to get to McKinney Falls State Park.
A day at this park is a day well spent. Cool off in the running waters of the upper falls, hike and bike the park’s trails, or find treasures geocaching. I’ve been to McKinney Falls on many occasions, and the adventure is different each time.
Psst… McKinney Falls is also a great place to try out car camping if you haven’t before!
9. Catch a free concert.
Austin is the “Live Music Capital of the World” so if there’s one thing you can bet on, it’s a free show somewhere. During the summer, you can catch free weekly shows at the Long Center or make it out to Zilker for the fan-favorite Blues on the Green.
10. Go on a mural walk or photo adventure downtown.
Who says you have to be in the wilderness to have a good day outside? Walking adventures downtown are among my favorite things to do outside in Austin!
Downtown Austin is filled with beautiful street art, murals, and local shops to pop in and out of. Going out on a photo adventure (or just a walk) is a great way to get the creative juices flowing and appreciate the manmade wonders that surround us.
11. Explore the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
Last, but certainly not least, on our list is the Barton Creek Greenbelt. This 12-mile trail system follows Barton Creek and offers great hiking, nature viewing, and swimming opportunities.
Learn where to access the Greenbelt, as well as water flow information, here. Keep in mind that the water isn’t always flowing or suitable for swimming. Always check before heading out in your swimsuit!