Survive the Heat: The Ultimate Austin Summer Guide

Whether you’re an Austin resident wanting to check out all the hot spots in your city or visiting and need to know how to have a perfect summer trip, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate Austin Summer Guide!

This guide features all the favorite local spots and will fill out your day if you’re outdoorsy, a foodie, into the night scene, or a learner. Checking these off will definitely make you a certified Austinite, so get out and start exploring!

Survive the Heat: The Ultimate Austin Summer Guide

Spend your day at the park!

Zilker Park is home to Austin City Limits in October, and tons of gorgeous green space for year-round picnics, dog walking, sports, and much more! Zilker Park is considered “Austin’s most-loved park,” with 351 acres and a variety of recreation opportunities, facilities, and special events for individuals and families. This is just one of many parks we have in Austin that we love to spend the summer at! More parks include Auditorium Shores, Butler Park, Pease Park and so many more! Take a look at our Parks blog here.

Location

?Zilker Park 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746

Best Parks in Austin

2. Explore the Austin Central Library

? @lakeflato

Austin Central Library is a must-visit for its gorgeous interior, a stunning view and plenty of quiet space for working or reading. The library has 6 floors making up 200,000 total square feet, giving you plenty to explore. Plus, it offers shared learning rooms, public use of PC and Mac computers, self-check electronic devices and so much more!

Hours & Location

?MON & WED | 10AM – 4PM

?TUES & THUR | 12PM – 8PM

?FRI | 12PM – 6PM

?710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701

WEBSITE

Take a Stroll on South Congress

On any given day, you can find people having a blast strolling down South Congress. This street is home to tons of character with boutiques, eateries, galleries and music venues. Try to find some of Austin’s most iconic murals as you walk, including the “I Love You So Much” wall all your friends post pictures in front of. Don’t forget to grab a slice from Home Slice Pizza!

Location

?South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704

Stores with Seating for your Man

4. Climb Mount Bonnell

? @mountbonnell

Score a gorgeous sunrise or sunset view at Mount Bonnell, a summit offering panoramic views of the lake, downtown, and the western hills of Austin. The short climb of 106 stairs will take you to a perfect picnic or hangout spot, to enjoy on a date, with friends, or solo

Hours & Location

?Every Day | 5AM-10PM

?3800 Mount Bonnell Rd; Austin, Texas 78731

WEBSITE

5. Hit Up the bars on 6th Street

? @__3am3a__

6th Street is the most well-known spot in Austin for a great nightlife scene. With bars, restaurants and music venues lining both sides of the road, there’s no shortage of spots to try. Whether you end up loving it or hating it, 6th Street is a must-try for anyone new in town. If you’re looking for a more older crowd, head all the way down to West 6th.

Location

?6th St, Austin, TX 78701

WEBSITE

6. See the Austin Bats

? @erinnewmanmitchell

Stop on the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch bats fly through downtown. There are about 45,000 bats under the bridge that typically take flight before or during sunset from 7:45 to 8:18PM. Check the local time before heading out, and be sure to bring a camera, a picnic blanket and some snacks while you camp out and enjoy this free activity. If you’re looking for a more elevated spot, you can even try getting a patio reservation at P6. They have a gorgeous view of the area.

Hours & Location

? Sunset

?305 South Congress Ave, 78704

WEBSITE

7. Take a dip in Barton Springs

? @ashtinmahler

When you’re needing to cool off from the blazing Texas sun, Barton Springs is the place to go. The pool is right in the heart of Zilker Park, measures three acres in size and has an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, making it an ideal location for year-round swimming. And it’s all natural water!

Hours & Location

?5AM-10PM

?2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746

WEBSITE

8. BBQ at Terry Black’s Barbecue

? @terryblacks_bbq

Nothing says the capitol of Texas like some classic Texas BBQ. Terry Black’s Barbecue is a spacious, casual spot featuring tons of incredible, pit-smoked meats and house-made sides. We recommend it because it’s so close to Zilker, so you can grab a meal here that’ll fuel your adventures.

Hours & Location

?SUN-THRU | 11AM-9PM
?FRI & SAT | 11AM-9:30PM

?1003 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704

WEBSITE

9. Hike at McKinney Falls State Park

? @mckinneyfallsstatepark

To get out of the city, head over to McKinney Falls State Park just 13 miles from the state capitol! There is plenty to do, including camping, hiking, mountain or road biking, geocaching, bouldering, fishing and more!

Hours & Location

?Every Day | 8AM-10PM

?5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744

WEBSITE

10. Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake

? @zilkerofficial

This iconic hike and bike trail is in the heart of the city, giving visitors a beautiful view of the Austin skyline, while still providing a taste of nature. Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail is 10 miles long, wraps around Lady Bird Lake and passes by skyscrapers, neighborhoods, ball fields and cultural attractions. Whether you need a good workout or a casual, relaxing stroll, this is the spot to go.

Location

?2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746

WEBSITE

11. Visit the Texas State Capital Building

? @texascapitol

We couldn’t leave this one off the ultimate Austin bucket list! The Texas State Capital Building is a gorgeous, historic building right in the middle of downtown and the UT campus. Sign up for a tour so you can truly soak in all that the building has to offer, and see what makes Texas so special.

Location

?1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

WEBSITE

12. Hike up to the 360 Overlook

? @davemalave

Finish your day off by paying a visit to the 360 Overlook for gorgeous views of Texas sunsets, downtown Austin and scenic hills. It’s one of the best hiking spots in Austin. Be sure to bring sturdy shoes for the short hike up, and a camera to snag a few pictures for your next Instagram post!

Location

?5300 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78730

WEBSITE

Completed the Austin Bucket List?

After you’ve completed the Austin Bucket List, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more things to do around the city. Tag us in your photos @StuffToDoInAustin so we can see your journey!

For more stuff to do around Austin, visit the Stuff to Do in Austin page and let us know what you want to see next. Make sure to subscribe for more Austin content.

Survive the Heat: The Ultimate Austin Summer Guide

Spend your day at the park!

2. Explore the Austin Central Library

Take a Stroll on South Congress

4. Climb Mount Bonnell

5. Hit Up the bars on 6th Street

6. See the Austin Bats

7. Take a dip in Barton Springs

8. BBQ at Terry Black’s Barbecue

9. Hike at McKinney Falls State Park

10. Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake

11. Visit the Texas State Capital Building

12. Hike up to the 360 Overlook

Completed the Austin Bucket List?

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Curated by

Abby Hopkins

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Survive the Heat: The Ultimate Austin Summer Guide

Take a Stroll on South Congress

Completed the Austin Bucket List?

Follow us

Curated by

Abby Hopkins