Things to Do in Austin Outdoors
Soak up the sunshine (we have plenty in Austin) and enjoy outdoor attractions and activities from a walk in the woods or among the wildflowers to a walk downtown past historic landmarks or architecturally interesting buildings. Go sightseeing pretty much year-round in the great outdoors with these things to do in Austin. Visitors can mingle with the locals while locals mingle with the visitors at these Austin hot spots that are popular with everyone.
6th Street
Sixth Street in downtown Austin is perhaps the city's best known street outside of Texas. You don't have to go inside the bars and other businesses if you don't want. Stay out on the sidewalk and take a stroll to see some of the historic buildings and do people-watching.
Sixth Street in downtown Austin is perhaps the city's best known street outside of Texas. You don't have to go inside the bars and other businesses if you don't want. Stay out on the sidewalk and take a stroll to see some of the historic buildings and do people-watching.
Austin Zoo
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Yes, Austin has a zoo. It's not huge but it's lots of fun for the whole family.
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Yes, Austin has a zoo. It's not huge but it's lots of fun for the whole family.
Barsana Dham
Take a photo tour of this beautiful Hindu Temple just south of Austin. You can go inside the Temple but there's even more to see strolling the beautiful grounds.
Take a photo tour of this beautiful Hindu Temple just south of Austin. You can go inside the Temple but there's even more to see strolling the beautiful grounds.
Barton Creek Greenbelt (Texas Outside)
Barton Creek Greenbelt is a popular area for hiking with 7.9 miles of trails following the path of Barton Creek. Depending on rainfall the creek offers many swimming holes. There are also popular rock climbing walls along the trails.
Barton Creek Greenbelt is a popular area for hiking with 7.9 miles of trails following the path of Barton Creek. Depending on rainfall the creek offers many swimming holes. There are also popular rock climbing walls along the trails.
Barton Springs Swimming Pool
Considered by many to be the premiere swimming hole in town, this 900 plus foot pool in Zilker Park was formed when Barton Springs was dammed.
Considered by many to be the premiere swimming hole in town, this 900 plus foot pool in Zilker Park was formed when Barton Springs was dammed.
Bats at Congress Avenue
They start arriving in March but the best bat-watching is in late summer. Find out when and where to see the spectacular showing of bats leaving the Congress Avenue bridge in the evenings.
They start arriving in March but the best bat-watching is in late summer. Find out when and where to see the spectacular showing of bats leaving the Congress Avenue bridge in the evenings.
Bluebonnets
March through May is when our State Flower is blanketing the countryside. Discover where to see the best blooms and other bluebonnet facts and trivia.
March through May is when our State Flower is blanketing the countryside. Discover where to see the best blooms and other bluebonnet facts and trivia.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Occupying 1643.5 acres north of Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and its centerpiece, a 640 acre pink granite dome that rises 425 feet into the air, are a popular destination for both day trips from Austin and overnight camping.
Occupying 1643.5 acres north of Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and its centerpiece, a 640 acre pink granite dome that rises 425 feet into the air, are a popular destination for both day trips from Austin and overnight camping.
Geocaching; High-tech Treasuring Hunt/Hiking
If beautiful hill country views, fresh air, and exercise aren't enough to entice you to take a walk in the park, how about if we throw in a treasure hunt?
If beautiful hill country views, fresh air, and exercise aren't enough to entice you to take a walk in the park, how about if we throw in a treasure hunt?
Hamilton Pool (Texas Outside)
The lure of Hamilton Pool is its 45 foot waterfall, but there's also picnicking, hiking, and swimming.
The lure of Hamilton Pool is its 45 foot waterfall, but there's also picnicking, hiking, and swimming.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Wander through acres of gardens as well as professional and volunteer gardeners demonstrating the many uses of native plants. Located south of town, the Wildflower Center is at its most beautiful in the spring but there are special events and things to see year-round.
Wander through acres of gardens as well as professional and volunteer gardeners demonstrating the many uses of native plants. Located south of town, the Wildflower Center is at its most beautiful in the spring but there are special events and things to see year-round.
Moonlight Towers
Scattered throughout downtown, these 165 foot towers are the remaining remnants (still in use) of a once popular tower lighting system of the late 1890s. Once you recognize one, you'll be able to spot them all easily as you travel around downtown.
Scattered throughout downtown, these 165 foot towers are the remaining remnants (still in use) of a once popular tower lighting system of the late 1890s. Once you recognize one, you'll be able to spot them all easily as you travel around downtown.
Mount Bonnell
Rising over 700 feet above sea level (775-785 depending on the source), Mount Bonnell is a natural limestone formation that stands about 200 feet above the surrounding area. Take along a water bottle or two for when you reach the summit.
Rising over 700 feet above sea level (775-785 depending on the source), Mount Bonnell is a natural limestone formation that stands about 200 feet above the surrounding area. Take along a water bottle or two for when you reach the summit.
Texas State Capitol Complex
Taller than the US Capitol, the Texas State Capitol and Capitol Grounds are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and a favorite spot for the locals as well. The park-like Capitol Grounds with manicured lawns, old trees, fountains, monuments, and historical markers is open 24 hours
Taller than the US Capitol, the Texas State Capitol and Capitol Grounds are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and a favorite spot for the locals as well. The park-like Capitol Grounds with manicured lawns, old trees, fountains, monuments, and historical markers is open 24 hours
Town Lake
The top spot for Austinites, Town Lake offers many things to do: hike & bike trails, scenic views, canoeing, and more in the shadow of downtown. Other nearby outdoor attractions include the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, Barton Springs Pool, and Zilker Park.
The top spot for Austinites, Town Lake offers many things to do: hike & bike trails, scenic views, canoeing, and more in the shadow of downtown. Other nearby outdoor attractions include the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, Barton Springs Pool, and Zilker Park.
Treaty Oak
More than just another old tree, the once majestic Treaty Oak is the last survivor of the Council Oaks, a grove of fourteen trees serving as a temple and meeting place for area Commanches and Tonkowas.
More than just another old tree, the once majestic Treaty Oak is the last survivor of the Council Oaks, a grove of fourteen trees serving as a temple and meeting place for area Commanches and Tonkowas.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden
Moving to Austin in 1941 to teach at UT, Charles Umlauf became famous in the 70s for sculptures of Farrah Fawcett. But his work spans many decades and many styles in diverse materials. Over 130 of his pieces are on display in a lovely garden setting near the Barton Springs Pool.
Moving to Austin in 1941 to teach at UT, Charles Umlauf became famous in the 70s for sculptures of Farrah Fawcett. But his work spans many decades and many styles in diverse materials. Over 130 of his pieces are on display in a lovely garden setting near the Barton Springs Pool.
Volente Beach
Volente Beach is only 30 minutes from downtown Austin on Lake Travis.
Volente Beach is only 30 minutes from downtown Austin on Lake Travis.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
2 1/2 miles of hiking trails that pass through woodland, grassland, and streamside habitats. These habitats are home to threatened and endangered species, and hundreds of native plants, animals and birds. There are a variety of guided walks, or you can walk on your own.
2 1/2 miles of hiking trails that pass through woodland, grassland, and streamside habitats. These habitats are home to threatened and endangered species, and hundreds of native plants, animals and birds. There are a variety of guided walks, or you can walk on your own.
Zilker Botanical Gardens
At Zilker Botanical Gardens you'll find xeriscape, cactus, organic, rose, oriental, and fragrance gardens, as well as a butterfly trail, dinosaur tracks, and historic buildings.
At Zilker Botanical Gardens you'll find xeriscape, cactus, organic, rose, oriental, and fragrance gardens, as well as a butterfly trail, dinosaur tracks, and historic buildings.
Zilker Park
In addition to Barton Springs Pool, a hillside theater, the Botanical Gardens, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Zilker Metropolitan Park offers acres of playing fields, picnic tables, and playgrounds adjacent to the Town Lake Hike & Bike Trail.
In addition to Barton Springs Pool, a hillside theater, the Botanical Gardens, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Zilker Metropolitan Park offers acres of playing fields, picnic tables, and playgrounds adjacent to the Town Lake Hike & Bike Trail.