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Austin makes it easy to spend time outdoors, with lakes for paddling, greenbelt trails, spring-fed swimming, parks, biking and plenty of places to enjoy the Texas sunshine. From scenic trails and waterfront recreation to relaxing green spaces and outdoor experiences for the whole family, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the area beyond Austin's famous live music and BBQ scene.
Whether you're looking for an active day of hiking and biking, a refreshing swim, time on the water, or a more relaxed outdoor experience, explore outdoor activities throughout Austin and the surrounding area, then find a Red Roof hotel for your stay.
Austin is home to several calm lakes ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, including Lake Austin, Lake Travis, Lady Bird Lake, and Lake Walter E. Long. Lady Bird Lake is one of the most popular paddleboarding destinations as motorized boats are not permitted on the water, making it a safer and more peaceful experience for paddlers. Board rentals are widely available near the lake.
Palmetto State Park is home to the only tropical vegetation in the entire state of Texas, making it a truly unique outdoor activity in Austin for nature lovers. The park features a variety of trails, including the Palmetto Interpretive Trail, which takes around 30 minutes to complete and introduces visitors to the park's distinctive flora and fauna. Pack a picnic, plenty of water, and appropriate clothing for a full day of hiking and exploration.
After a morning of hiking or paddling, Austin's vibrant patio scene is the perfect place to relax with a cold drink and a meal in the sunshine. Notable patios include the wine-focused Birdie's, dog-friendly Better Half Coffee and Cocktails, and the beer and sandwich spot Kinda Tropical.
Stretching 14.2 miles through South Austin, the Barton Creek Greenbelt is a moderately challenging trail popular among hikers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. The trail features multiple access points, a creek where both humans and dogs can swim, and two waterfalls. Bikes are available to rent for those who prefer to tackle the greenbelt on two wheels.
A historic Austin site and non-certified organic regenerative farm, Boggy Creek Farm is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday. Visitors can browse the farmers' market and pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, meat, dairy, and other locally produced items.
Texas Trail Rides offers guided ranch trail rides on horseback across 600-plus acres of outdoor wilderness. Traveling through fields, trails, and creek crossings on horseback is a wonderful way to embrace the spirit of Texas and one of the most memorable outdoor activities in Austin for families and first-time riders alike.
Mount Bonnell, also known as Covert Park, sits 775 feet above sea level and offers panoramic views of the Austin skyline, Lake Austin, and the surrounding hills. The trail to the top covers approximately half a mile and takes around 11 minutes to complete. Pack a picnic, a blanket, and plenty of water. Dogs are welcome on the trail.
Butler Pitch and Putt is a 9-hole course in downtown Austin that requires no tee time, making it an easy and accessible activity for golfers of all experience levels. The course features a beer garden, a clubhouse serving sandwiches and beverages, and an on-site food truck. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Spanning over 350 acres right off Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park is Austin's most beloved public park, offering botanical gardens, wide open grassy areas, picnic spots, and swimming areas to cool off on a warm day. It is a free and enjoyable outdoor activity in Austin that suits families, solo visitors, and groups alike. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
This 21-acre natural area features a historic garden, scenic walking trails, and a wildlife habitat where several resident peacocks roam freely. With no admission cost and open seven days a week, a visit to Mayfield Park Preserve is one of the most unique and low-key outdoor activities in Austin, TX.
Renting a bike for a day is one of the most rewarding ways to explore downtown Austin, covering more ground and taking in more sights than is possible on foot. Bike rental shops are plentiful across the city, and once you have worked up an appetite, pulling up to a restaurant patio for a snack and cold drink is the natural next step.
Fed by four natural water springs flowing through the Edwards Aquifer, Barton Springs Pool is a beloved outdoor swimming spot located within Zilker Park. Entry passes are required to manage capacity, and the pool is a popular choice for families, groups, and solo visitors looking for a refreshing way to cool down on a hot Austin day.
The Tejano Walking Trail is a 4.9-mile historical trail covering 24 sites of interest through the East Cesar Chavez and Holly neighborhoods, an area with deep Hispanic heritage. The trail can be completed in around two and a half hours and is suitable for all fitness levels. Comfortable footwear and a water bottle are recommended.
During the summer months, Zilker Theater within Zilker Park hosts free family-friendly performances, including films, jazz concerts, Shakespeare plays, and musicals. It is a completely free activity in Austin, TX that offers a relaxed way to recharge after a full day of sightseeing, particularly suited to families with young children.
Located in central Austin, the 84-acre Pease Park features lush green space, a jungle gym, a walking trail, sports courts, a treehouse, water features, and ample room for disc golf. It is a relaxed and family-friendly outdoor activity ideal for a sunny afternoon picnic. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash on walking and biking trails.
Austin is home to a diverse range of migratory bird species, and the Colorado River trail offers a 3.5-mile path with prime viewing of bald eagles, osprey, and other birds passing through Central Texas. The Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant is another standout birdwatching spot, with surrounding ponds frequented by more than 370 species, including shorebirds, waterfowl, woodpeckers, raptors, and songbirds.
Open daily with ticketed entry to manage capacity, McKinney Falls State Park spans 641 acres and offers meandering trails, bouldering areas, swimming creeks, and fishing spots for catfish and bass. Pack a bathing suit, picnic blanket, running shoes, and refreshments for a full day at one of the most scenic outdoor activity destinations in Austin.
The Veloway is a 3-mile paved path winding through Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park, reserved exclusively for bicycles, skateboards, and inline skates. Traffic flows clockwise throughout, making it a straightforward and stress-free ride. Portable washrooms, covered benches, and bicycle racks are available along the path.
From late spring through early fall, thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge each evening at sunset. The spectacle draws crowds, so arriving early to secure a good viewing spot is recommended. For a more memorable vantage point, kayaking, boating, or paddleboarding on the water beneath the bridge offers a unique perspective on one of Austin's most celebrated outdoor activities.
Red Roof® offers affordable, comfortable hotels conveniently located near the city's top attractions. Book your stay at redroof.com or call 800.RED.ROOF (800.733.7663). RediRewards® members earn 10 points per dollar on every stay - join for free at redroof.com.
