Austin, Texas, is a city that invites exploration, offering residents and visitors alike countless ways to enjoy the outdoors. Known for its lush greenbelts, shimmering lakes, and vibrant parks, Austin’s landscape is as diverse as its culture. Whether you’re looking to hike scenic trails, paddle across calm waters, or soak in live music under the open sky, this city has something for every outdoor enthusiast. Here’s a look at some of the top outdoor activities that highlight the best of what Austin has to offer.
Lady Bird Lake: Paddling and Pathways
Lady Bird Lake is a central hub for outdoor recreation in Austin. Located just steps from downtown, this reservoir on the Colorado River offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are popular activities on the water, with several local outfitters offering rentals and guided tours.
Along the shoreline, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail spans over 10 miles and winds through parks and wooded areas, providing scenic views of the city skyline. It’s ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling, and it’s a favorite among locals for both fitness and relaxation.
For those seeking things to do in Austin, TX, that combine natural beauty with accessibility, Lady Bird Lake consistently tops the list.
Along the shoreline, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail spans over 10 miles and winds through parks and wooded areas, providing scenic views of the city skyline. It’s ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling, and it’s a favorite among locals for both fitness and relaxation.
For those seeking things to do in Austin, TX, that combine natural beauty with accessibility, Lady Bird Lake consistently tops the list.
Barton Springs Pool and Zilker Park
Barton Springs Pool, nestled within Zilker Metropolitan Park, is a true Austin icon. Fed by underground springs, this three-acre pool maintains a refreshing temperature of around 68–70 degrees year-round, making it a perfect spot to cool off on hot Texas days.
Zilker Park itself is a sprawling green space offering ample room for picnics, frisbee games, kite flying, and even paddleboarding on Barton Creek. It also hosts major events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Kite Festival, bringing together nature lovers and music fans in one vibrant space.
The combination of recreational variety and scenic charm makes Zilker Park and Barton Springs essential destinations for anyone interested in the best outdoor things to do in Austin, TX.
Zilker Park itself is a sprawling green space offering ample room for picnics, frisbee games, kite flying, and even paddleboarding on Barton Creek. It also hosts major events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Kite Festival, bringing together nature lovers and music fans in one vibrant space.
The combination of recreational variety and scenic charm makes Zilker Park and Barton Springs essential destinations for anyone interested in the best outdoor things to do in Austin, TX.
Mount Bonnell: A Panoramic Escape
For breathtaking views of the city and the Colorado River, Mount Bonnell is a must-visit. This natural overlook is located in Covert Park and is one of the highest points in Austin, reaching 775 feet above sea level.
Visitors can ascend a short but steep staircase to the summit, where a stone pavilion and scenic outlook await. It's a favorite spot for sunrise or sunset watching, photography, and quiet moments of reflection. The area is also surrounded by beautiful homes and native landscaping, offering inspiration for those who appreciate architecture and natural beauty combined.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer searching for things to do in Austin, TX, Mount Bonnell provides a unique perspective — both literally and figuratively — on the city’s character.
Visitors can ascend a short but steep staircase to the summit, where a stone pavilion and scenic outlook await. It's a favorite spot for sunrise or sunset watching, photography, and quiet moments of reflection. The area is also surrounded by beautiful homes and native landscaping, offering inspiration for those who appreciate architecture and natural beauty combined.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer searching for things to do in Austin, TX, Mount Bonnell provides a unique perspective — both literally and figuratively — on the city’s character.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers some of the most rugged and rewarding trails in Austin. Stretching nearly 13 miles, this beloved green space features hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing opportunities across various terrains, from limestone cliffs to shaded woodlands.
When the creek is flowing, natural swimming holes like Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls become popular gathering spots. The Greenbelt's accessibility from multiple entry points throughout the city makes it a go-to destination for spontaneous outdoor adventures or planned day trips.
Nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts alike find the Greenbelt to be one of the most invigorating and picturesque ways to experience Austin’s outdoor lifestyle.
When the creek is flowing, natural swimming holes like Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls become popular gathering spots. The Greenbelt's accessibility from multiple entry points throughout the city makes it a go-to destination for spontaneous outdoor adventures or planned day trips.
Nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts alike find the Greenbelt to be one of the most invigorating and picturesque ways to experience Austin’s outdoor lifestyle.
Lake Travis: Recreation and Relaxation
Just a short drive northwest of the city, Lake Travis is a premier destination for boating, fishing, jet skiing, and lakeside lounging. The reservoir spans over 60 miles and is surrounded by parks, marinas, and waterfront restaurants, making it ideal for a full day of outdoor fun.
Popular access points include Mansfield Dam Park, Windy Point Park, and Pace Bend Park, each offering a unique mix of amenities like picnic areas, swimming coves, and scenic overlooks. The lake is also home to various boat rental companies and party barges, perfect for group outings or special occasions.
For those who enjoy water sports or simply relaxing by the shore, Lake Travis stands out as one of the top outdoor things to do in Austin, TX.
Popular access points include Mansfield Dam Park, Windy Point Park, and Pace Bend Park, each offering a unique mix of amenities like picnic areas, swimming coves, and scenic overlooks. The lake is also home to various boat rental companies and party barges, perfect for group outings or special occasions.
For those who enjoy water sports or simply relaxing by the shore, Lake Travis stands out as one of the top outdoor things to do in Austin, TX.
Outdoor Music and Entertainment
Austin’s outdoor culture wouldn’t be complete without its legendary music scene. From live concerts at Moody Amphitheater in Waterloo Park to free performances at the Long Center’s lawn, there are countless ways to enjoy music al fresco.
In addition to scheduled performances, local artists often play in public spaces like South Congress Avenue or neighborhood parks, adding a soundtrack to everyday life in the city. Food truck parks and open-air markets frequently feature live acts, giving residents a casual and community-driven way to enjoy entertainment outdoors.
Combining the city’s creative energy with its love of open spaces, outdoor music events reflect what makes Austin such a dynamic and enjoyable place to live.
In addition to scheduled performances, local artists often play in public spaces like South Congress Avenue or neighborhood parks, adding a soundtrack to everyday life in the city. Food truck parks and open-air markets frequently feature live acts, giving residents a casual and community-driven way to enjoy entertainment outdoors.
Combining the city’s creative energy with its love of open spaces, outdoor music events reflect what makes Austin such a dynamic and enjoyable place to live.
Farmers Markets and Outdoor Markets
Austin’s year-round farmers markets are more than just places to buy fresh produce — they’re vibrant community events that celebrate local agriculture, artisans, and cuisine. The Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller and the SFC Farmers’ Market at Republic Square are among the most popular, offering everything from organic fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts and gourmet food trucks.
Outdoor markets also feature live music, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities, making them ideal for weekend outings. Supporting local vendors while enjoying open-air shopping is a favorite pastime for many Austin residents.
For newcomers exploring community-based things to do in Austin, TX, these markets provide a welcoming and lively introduction to the local scene.
Outdoor markets also feature live music, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities, making them ideal for weekend outings. Supporting local vendors while enjoying open-air shopping is a favorite pastime for many Austin residents.
For newcomers exploring community-based things to do in Austin, TX, these markets provide a welcoming and lively introduction to the local scene.
Discover the Best of Austin’s Outdoors
Austin offers an abundance of outdoor activities that cater to every interest and energy level. Whether it’s paddling across Lady Bird Lake, hiking the Greenbelt, catching live music under the stars, or enjoying lakeside views at Lake Travis, the options are endless.
The city’s natural beauty, combined with its creative and welcoming atmosphere, makes it a standout destination for those who love spending time outside.
If you’re considering a move to the Austin area or looking for expert guidance on settling into a lifestyle that embraces both adventure and comfort, the team at Bolanos Realty is ready to help. Reach out today to learn how they can assist you in finding a home that fits perfectly with your vision of Austin living.
The city’s natural beauty, combined with its creative and welcoming atmosphere, makes it a standout destination for those who love spending time outside.
If you’re considering a move to the Austin area or looking for expert guidance on settling into a lifestyle that embraces both adventure and comfort, the team at Bolanos Realty is ready to help. Reach out today to learn how they can assist you in finding a home that fits perfectly with your vision of Austin living.
