Outdoor Activities in Austin

Cycle, swim or hike your way through Austin's great outdoors. Soak up the incredible scenery, bask under the hot Texan sun, breathe in the fresh air and get your heart pumping!

Austin has that rare, perfect combination of elements which make spending time outdoors not just ideal but an absolute must. Huge parks, hiking and cycling trails, blue skies and bright sunshine drive the locals' outdoorsy lifestyle and fitness mentality. Think you're fit? Check out the Austinites!

While a competitive spirit is all well and good, the outdoors aren't just about pushing yourself to the limit. Refreshing dips in natural springs, gentle rambles through picturesque scenery or a leisurely cycle with amazing views are all on the cards in Austin. So gear up and get going!

Hiking and Climbing

  • Join the hikers, anglers, bikers and rock climbers at Reimers Ranch, a pristine parkland stretching along the Pedernales River.
  • Stretch your legs on a family-friendly stroll around Lady Bird Lake. The boardwalk is 16km long, taking you over wetland areas and offering views of the city's skyscrapers.
  • Follow the stream through the canyon at River Place Nature Trail as you look out for pools and waterfalls. It's a six-mile hike, but not quite as easy as it sounds.

Water Sports

  • Take a dip in the emerald green wonderland that is the Hamilton Pool Preserve swimming hole. With a pretty waterfall cascading down too, it's a magical place to splash about.
  • Lady Bird Lake falls into the water activities category too, offering opportunities to kayak or stand-up paddleboard on the calm waters. You can also do an evening bat-spotting boat trip.
  • Few cities have a landmark three-acre natural spring swimming pool in their centre like Austin does. Take a dip in Barton Springs Pool and tick off one of the true jewels of this city.

Biking

  • The Barton Creek Greenbelt is one of Austin's most beloved outdoor spaces, offering plenty of exhilarating mountain biking trails through lush scenery.
  • If you're serious about cycling, don't miss the opportunity to cruise around the Veloway at Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park. It's perfect for cyclists who prefer to avoid sharing trails with pedestrians.
  • You'll find some challenging biking trails in Pace Bend Park along the shores of Lake Travis, as well as views worth putting your brakes on for.