Select City

It’s better in the app

Download. Join. Explore.

Download. Sign in. Explore.

Get the app
Get the app

Things to Do Outside in Austin

  • January 14, 2022
  • | 04:00 AM

VIPs Only 💁‍♀️

Just kidding! (sorta)

Curate your favorite guides, events, deals, and more with our new Collections feature, available exclusively on the UNATION mobile app.

One of the best parts of Austin is the endless options for outdoor activities! Nature, scenic views, and outdoor urban elements make up some of the best the city has to offer.

We will be spending a lot of our time outdoors over the next several months so we’re sharing our favorite things to do outside in Austin for you to experience for yourself!

Things to Do Outside in Austin

Zilker Park

Let’s be honest, you don’t know Austin without Zilker Park. Bring your kids, your dogs, your friends, your food, or even your guitar and you’ll fit right!

Quite literally one of the best things to do outside in Austin is to enjoy people watching with the beautiful view of downtown as the backdrop. It really doesn’t get much better!

🗓 Every Day | 5AM–10PM
📍 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Dog-Friendly Spots in Austin

outside in austin

Sometimes you just want to bring your fur baby along for some fun activities. Here are some dog-friendly spots in Austin. Hope you enjoy them just as much as we do!

Things to Do Outside in Austin

Lake Travis Zip Line

The fastest and longest ziplines in all of Texas!

Lake Travis Zip Line has five different routes to try, reaching up to 2,800 feet in the air.

🗓 WED–MON | 8AM–6PM
📍  14529 Pocohontas Trail, Volente, TX 78641

outside in austin

Keep Your Wallet Happy With These Free Outdoor Activities

Blog
outside in austin

Our Favorite Springtime Activities in Austin

Blog
Things to Do Outside in Austin

Texas Rowing Center

One of the best ways to view the city and get outside is to spend the day on Lady Bird Lake paddle boarding or kayaking. 

🗓 Every Day | 6AM–8PM
📍 1541 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78703

Kid-Friendly Outdoor Activities

outside in austin

The TOP Kid-Friendly Spots In South Austin

Blog
outside in austin

Top 8 Kid-Friendly Spots in Downtown Austin

Blog
Things to Do Outside in Austin

Barton Springs

Just as it sounds, Barton Springs Pool is filled with water from a natural spring! The cool feeling of diving into the chilly water is unbeatable. Not to mention, there’s a diving board to show off your best tricks!

🗓 MON & WED–THU | 5AM–8AM
🗓 TUE & FRI–SUN | 5AM–10PM

📍  2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746

Things to Do Outside in Austin

South Congress Bridge Bats

As the sun is setting between March and November you can expect to see more than a million Mexico Free-Tailed Bats come soaring out from under the South Congress Bridge. They put on a spectacular show for just under an hour!

Fun fact: the bats can consume up to 250 tons of insects in one night!

🗓 Every Day | Open 24 hours
📍 100 S Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78701

Places to Hike in Austin

outside in austin

The Best Hiking Spots in Austin

Get your steps in at these awesome locations! Soak in the sun and enjoy the fresh air. (Don’t forget to apply that sunblock!)

Blog
Things to Do Outside in Austin

McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park is home to Onion Creek and offers swimming, trails, campsites, picnic spots, and more.

The park offers more than 80 campsite hookups if you are looking to make a weekend out of your visit. They also have six newly remodeled cabins that are available for rent!

🗓 Everyday | 8AM–10PM (Reservations Encouraged)
📍 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744

Things to Do Outside in Austin

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool is one of Austin’s most beautiful and popular nature preserves. The hike to the pool is a brief quarter-mile from where you park your vehicle.

On your way home from visiting Hamilton Pool be sure to stop by Family Business Beer Company for an ice-cold beer!

Limited activities at Hamilton Pool including no swimming until further notice. 

🗓 EVERY DAY | 9AM–5:30PM
📍 24300 Hamilton Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

 

Things to Do Outside in Austin

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Barton Creek Greenbelt allows for swimming, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and trail biking around the creek. Dogs are welcome, too!

There are multiple entrances to the creek so the address varies depending on which point you choose to access it from.

🗓 EVERY DAY | 5AM-10PM
📍 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin, TX 78704

Camping Near Austin

outside in austin

📷 Pedernales Falls State Park

Looking to get away for a little while? Do you enjoy visiting state parks and their breathtaking views? Glamping more your style? We’ve got you covered!

Things to Do Outside in Austin

Your Biker Gang

One of the most unique ways to experience Austin is on the back of these electric motorbikes! The tour guides make your trip an experience with inside knowledge about Austin.

They offer multiple different rides such as the sunset ride, craft brewery ride, and you can even rent one for the day to have a DIY tour around the city!

🗓 MON & SAT | 9AM–6PM
🗓 TUE–FRI | 9AM–3PM
🗓 SUN | 9AM–4PM
📍 506 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703

Patios in Austin

outside in austin

Get together with pals at some of these amazing patios in Austin. Enjoy some delicious grub, yummy drinks, and fresh air. Don’t forget about dessert too!

Things to Do Outside in Austin

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

Downtown starts at Lady Bird Lake and the Hike-and-Bike Trail is the perfect place to walk, run, or bike with a view of the city.

The entire trail is over 10 miles long and for the most part, just on the waters edge.

🗓 EVERY DAY | 5AM-12AM
📍 Sandra Muraida Way and W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78701

Before You Go...

Don’t forget to save or bookmark this guide. That way you’ll be able to reference back when you’re looking to do some fun activities Outside in Austin!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook for more things to do around the city! Also, tag us in your photos @StuffToDoInAustin so we can see where you went!

Get Featured on UNATION

Looking for ways to promote an event or feature your business? Fill out the form to learn how to get featured on City Guides and other UNATION platforms.

Choose a package that works for you, and our team will get to work to maximize exposure to your event or business.
Connect with Our Team

Curated by

Christina Pennell

Christina Pennell

Christina is a UNATION team member and author of the Stuff to Do City Guide. For more insight on the best events and things to do near you,...

Share

Share

Share