Planning a trip to Austin? You’ve come to the right place. If you’re visiting our favorite city and looking for things to do outside, know this: you’ll have no shortage of options. This was easily one of our favorite city guides to curate because it made us fall in love with this ever-changing city all over again. It’s a clear reminder of how much music, the arts, and our outdoor spaces are something to celebrate. What’s more, these spaces are heavily invested in thanks to organizations who are pushing to keep each of these alive and well (and funded!).
Featured image by Nihel Ayari.
1 of 10Image by Michelle Nash
This list of things to do outside in Austin has a little of something for everyone. We hope you end up developing a deeper appreciation for the city like we have. P.S. Head to the comments if there’s something we left out! We’d love to hear what you’re enjoying in Austin, too.
2 of 10Image from the view of Mount Bonnell by Nihel Ayari
We get pretty excited when someone asks where they should run, walk, or hike in Austin because they’re typically surprised to hear how many great spots we have. While we might not have as many as the sprawling Texas Hill Country, there’s no shortage of watering holes and great hikes surrounding them.
We love this 10-mile trail loop for its quick access to downtown. And though it’s nearby the hustle and bustle, it still feels quiet and like you’ve escaped into nature. The hike follows right along the water (Lady Bird Lake) so you get both a scenic view of paddle boarders and the downtown skyline. Perfect for bikes or simply going by foot.
“The Greenbelt,” as locals call it has several different access points, making it a fairly easy place to get to from downtown to South Austin. Perfect for anyone who wants to hike, swim, rock climb, bird watch, mountain bike, or picnic.
Nestled 13 miles from downtown Austin, McKinney Falls State Park is a close destination for those who want to camp, hike, mountain or road bike, geocache, go bouldering, picnic, or fish and swim in Onion Creek. We’ve gone first thing in the morning with coffee and a good book and sat by the waterfalls to get a little R&R in before the work day starts!
Arguably one of the best views in Austin, Mount Bonnell is one of the highest points in town at 781 feet. Plus, it provides gorgeous views of Austin overlooking downtown and the 360 bridge. We’re big fans of running a few rounds of stairs (102 to be exact), then taking in the view at the top. If you’ve got visitors in town, this is a must-see stop, especially at sunrise or sunset.
If you like a LOT of stairs, you’ll love River Place Nature Trail. It’s hands-down one of our favorite things to do outside in Austin if you’re after a great workout. It’s a six-mile hike from beginning to end. With 2,763 steps one way on the three-mile section of the trail, it’s also a real burner.
3 of 10Image by Michelle Nash
We’re sure you’ve heard that Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, so of course, we’re going to share a few of our favorite music venues. But along with a great culinary scene, Austin is home to some pretty fantastic venues, bars (fancy and dive), and beverage programs. Here are just a few of our favorites.
If you follow Leon Bridges, you know that he performed here back when he was just getting started. C Boy’s is a “neighborhood juke-joint” featuring classic soul and R&B music. Their cozy upstairs Jade Room lounge is styled after 50s-era Japanese GI bars. We love stopping at C Boy’s after a night at June’s All Day on South Congress.
If you’re looking for a fun time, good dancing, and the best Saturday drag brunch in town, you’re headed to Coconut Club in the Warehouse District.
“The grandaddy of all local music venues,” the Continental Club has been the premiere club for live music in Austin since 1955. It’s hosted big names like Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Replacements, Wanda Jackson, and Robert Plant. Pro tip: Take cash with you for the door fee.
We weren’t going to play favorites here, but you simply cannot come to Austin without stopping at Donn’s. Opened in 1978 in an old train depot, the owner hired a Goodyear tire salesman named Donn to play the baby grand. 50+ years later, you can still find Donn behind the piano while patrons dance on the beloved dance floor. We love taking visitors here or stopping at Donn’s after dinner to properly cap the night. Pro tip: Ladies, check out the bathrooms, they’re legendary.
4 of 10Image of Watertrade bar by Michelle Nash
Tucked inside OTOKO on South Congress, Watertrade is an intimate spot featuring an extensive list of specialty Japanese whiskies, sake, and craft cocktails.
It’s won many Best Bars awards for a reason, Nickel City is a fun hang! We love going for a Negroni on tap (when they have them), and a side of tots from their food truck, Delray. If you’re with a big group and looking for an easy-going vibe, this is the spot. Note: Outside seating can be limited.
Easily some of the best craft cocktails in town using the most creative ingredients presented in the most unique ways. Their smoky “cigar box” is served on an ashtray with a flamed cinnamon stick (!!). Weekends can get busy so we recommend a reservation.
5 of 10Image of Deep Eddy Pool by Nihel Ayari
Austin is one of the most kid-friendly cities thanks to the many parks, pools, outdoor activities, and well, great weather! There’s a little something for everyone from the adventurous sports enthusiasts to the creative types and everything in between.
We’re so thrilled this exhibition came to town. Illuminating 16 acres in the Arboretum at the Wildflower Center, Field of Light is a stunning display of 28,000 stemmed spheres that are subtly lit by solar-powered fiber optics. Definitely book tickets in advance as they go quickly! Note: This has a limited run time in Austin.
Fun fact: Deep Eddy Pool is the state’s oldest swimming pool. It offers lap swimming, a wading pool, and in the summer, pool-side movies. We love spending an afternoon here and ending at Pool Burger just up the street for burgers, fries, and margs (for the adults). Make sure to check the hours in advance before going.
The Zach Scott Theater brings in an array of productions throughout the calendar year. Between 2022 and 2023, you can catch The Sound of Music, Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat, and Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Pro Tip: Book in advance as tickets can sell out.
This is a great spot for the entire family that’s been around since 1948. And if you live in Austin, you can’t miss the giant T-Rex overlooking Lamar & Barton Springs! We love how chill it is, the fact that it’s an Austin landmark, and that we can bring our own coolers (no glass allowed).
The Thinkery offers 40,000 square feet of indoor & outdoor activities for children & families to engage in and play with a variety of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & math) exhibits and programs. It’s so great even the adults love going. We recommend looking at the calendar in advance as they offer different events for children, families (even babies). This spot is perfect for birthday parties, too.
One of the perks of living in Texas is…