Austin, Texas, is a city full of energy and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adrenaline junkie, or just someone who loves to soak up the sun, Austin has something for you to love. Let’s dive into some of the best outdoor activities this vibrant city has to offer!
Attend an outdoor concert
Live music is the first thing we’ll see in Austin. As the host city of SXSW, music is in Austin’s soul. Austin is home to an estimated 250 music venues, making it the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Since this is part of the outdoor activities you can do in Austin, we’ll focus on places like the Moody Theater and the Outdoor Theater 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.
Enjoy a strange atmosphere at the pool party at the Austin Hotel
There's a saying that goes, “Make Austin weird.” The Austin Motel does its part with its unique, inspiring signage and monthly pool parties. With daily pool passes available, you don't have to be a hotel guest to enjoy this rainy, wild, weird time.
Take a day trip to Hamilton Pool Reserve
Austin is the gateway to the Texas Hill Country and sits atop a massive karst formation known as the Edwards Aquifer. It spans more than 3,600 square miles and provides water to more than 1.5 million people. The interplay of land and water is a recurring theme in Austin, beginning with the Hamilton Pool Preserve, formed from a collapsed dome above an underground river.
Large slabs of limestone surround the pool, with giant stalactites growing from the ceiling, but the real attraction is the pool. A 50-foot waterfall cascades into a massive jade-green pool. The cool water makes this a popular swimming spot in the summer, so be sure to get a permit in advance.
go to the pipes
Just down the road from Austin in New Braunfels is Schlitterbahn Waterpark, world-famous for its innovative water slides. Schlitterbahn roughly translates to “slippery road,” and there’s more waterslide adventure waiting for you outside the park’s boundaries.
Tube riders can float on the Comal River and ride the city tube at Prince Solms Park. Many tube rentals come with day passes so you can float, rinse and repeat.
Explore McKinley Falls State Park
When you return from New Braunfels, forget about the Battle of the Alamo and 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 wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities in and around Austin.
Watching Bats on the Congress Street Bridge
What does a quaint city with many caves and a thriving outdoor community do after sunset? How about watching the largest urban bat colony fly under the Congress Avenue Bridge?
From March to November, at sunset, over a million bats take to the air. 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 sunset bat-watching cruise with Captial Cruises.
Paddling on Lady Bird Lake
The Congress Avenue Bridge spans Lady Bird Lake, a 416-acre reservoir on the Colorado River in Texas. Not to be confused with the other Colorado River that has a large canyon, this river is 862 miles long and lies entirely within the state of Texas.
Austin surrounds Lady Bird Lake, making it a hub for outdoor activities. Rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards and enjoy a peaceful paddle with stunning views of the city skyline. Early mornings or afternoons are the best times to avoid the heat and enjoy some beautiful reflections on the water. Another reason to start early is 1/2 discount on paddles before 11:00am from Rowing Dock!
Rent a bike and explore the city.
Austin is a bike-friendly city with many bike paths and lanes. Renting a bike is a great way to explore the neighborhoods, parks, and attractions. The B-cycle bike-sharing program offers convenient rental options throughout the city.
Biking on the Ann and Roy Butler Trail
If you’re looking for the best bike path downtown, the Ann and Roy Butler Trail forms a 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake and is a great way to explore the city on foot or by bike. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the lake, city skyline, and various parks. It’s perfect for a morning run, afternoon bike ride, or leisurely walk. If you need a bike, you can rent a cute hybrid bike from Barton Springs Bike Rental and enjoy a fun little ride.
Visit Zilker Park
The Anne and Roy Butler Trail runs through Zilker Metropolitan Park, a must-see outdoor experience. This expansive park offers a variety of activities, from hiking and golfing to exploring Zilker Botanical Garden.
Cool down at Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is a highlight of Zilker Park. It is a massive 3-acre pool fed by natural springs and maintained at a refreshing temperature of around 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. It is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to relax and enjoy the cool, clear waters, and is visited by over 800,000 visitors each year. According to local legend, five-year-old Robert Redford learned to swim at Barton Springs Pool during a family trip to Austin.
Explore the Barton Creek Greenbelt
Located upstream from the Barton Springs River, the Barton Creek Greenbelt is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 12 miles of trails, it’s perfect for hiking, biking, and even rock climbing. The greenbelt also features several swimming pools, like Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Don’t forget your water bottle and sunscreen!
Visit local farmers markets.
The Barton Creek Farmers Market is located between Twin Falls and Barton Springs Bowls. Austin farmers markets are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while sampling local produce and goods. The Texas Farmers Market in Mueller and the Barton Creek Farmers Market are popular places where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, artisan products, and often live music.
Explore the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Lady Bird Johnson is not only associated with the iconic Lake Austin and President Johnson's first lady. Texas highways are known for their extensive use of wildflowers, especially bluebonnets. Lady Bird's support for highway beautification efforts was commemorated by the renaming of the National Wildflower Research Center to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in 1998.
Specializing in 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 native plants and enjoy the natural beauty of Texas just 10 minutes from the Barton Creek Farmers Market on Texas Route 1.
Visit Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Heading down the Colorado River from downtown Austin, you’ll reach Mayfield Park, a hidden gem featuring beautiful gardens, ponds, and free-roaming peacocks. The adjacent nature preserve offers hiking trails that meander through wooded areas, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Take a walking tour of Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is located next to Mayfield Park and offers some of the best views in Austin. It is one of the highest points in the city and offers a relatively easy hike with great panoramic views of the city and the Colorado River. It is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset, so plan accordingly!
Take to Lake Travis with Zipline Adventures
The sun sets on our list of outdoor activities to do in Austin, but not before you head to Lake Travis. It’s home to some great hiking and boating opportunities, but if you really want to see it from an unparalleled perspective, book a trip with Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. It’s an hour-and-a-half adventure that features the longest and fastest zipline in Texas!
Hike in the Oasis on Lake Travis
We’ll put sunsets on our list at the sunset capital of Texas, Lake Travis Oasis. This cliffside spot offers stunning lake views and is perfect for a relaxing meal or picnic. The sunsets here are legendary and provide the perfect backdrop for an outdoor evening and the perfect escape from the great outdoors in Austin.
Conclusion
Austin’s landscape is diverse and alluring. Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool, hike 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!
Hi! We’re Jen and Ed Coleman, aka Coleman Concierge. In short, we’re a Gen X couple from Huntsville sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative, experiential, activity-based travel.
