If you’re looking to spend a day exploring the great outdoors in and around Austin, know this: you will have no shortage of options. Even as an ever-changing city, Austin celebrates the outdoors by investing in several community spaces for all to enjoy. There is something for everyone, whether you’re interested in music, the arts, exercising or anything in between.
Taking advantage of these outdoor spaces allows us to get out, experience Austin and develop a deeper appreciation for the city and its natural offerings. Read on to discover some of the best places in Austin to enjoy a beautiful day outside.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt, a series of trails known to locals simply as “the Greenbelt,” is perfect for anyone looking for light hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, bird watching — and swimming, if the water levels permit. The Greenbelt runs along waterways throughout South Austin, and there are several access points to explore.
You can learn more about the various trails and access points on the Austin Parks Foundation website.
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell offers one of the best scenic views in Austin. Ascend the 102 stairsteps that lead to one of the highest points in the city (781 feet at the summit), where you will encounter a view of downtown Austin to the south and the Pennybacker Bridge to the west. Plan your visit around sunrise or sunset for an especially breathtaking image of the city.
Check out the Mount Bonnell website for more history on the site and information for planning your visit.
Barton Springs Pool
If you haven’t been to Barton Springs Pool, have you really been to Austin? Most Austinites would say no!
This iconic hangout spot — considered by many to be the heart of Austin — boasts a three-acre pool fed by underground springs, which keeps the water temperature around 68-70 degrees all year long. Definitely the best way to offset the city’s summer heat!
Visit the Barton Springs webpage for more information regarding pool hours, admission and parking.
Deep Eddy Pool
Take a dip in the oldest man-made swimming pool in Texas: Deep Eddy Pool! Originally built in 1915 as a bathing beach and resort, Deep Eddy’s 600,000-gallon pool offers lap swimming, a wading pool and even poolside movies throughout the summer. Similar to Barton Springs, Deep Eddy is a spring-fed, freshwater swimming pool and maintains temperatures of 65-75 degrees year-round.
Learn more about their hours and events on the Deep Eddy Pool webpage.
Lady Bird Lake: Kayak or Stand-up Paddleboard Rental
The section of the Colorado River that runs through Austin is locally named Lady Bird Lake (and was formerly known as Town Lake).
Driving along the MoPac Expressway over the river, you can look down and see Lady Bird Lake full of brightly colored kayaks and stand-up paddle boards (commonly known as SUP boards). It’s nearly impossible to resist the call of the water on a hot, beautiful day in Austin, so find your nearest outfitter and get paddling!
Various places around Austin rent kayaks and paddleboards. If you’re coming from the UT Austin campus, the best options are Zilker Park Boat Rentals or the Rowing Dock.
Zilker Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park is a 361-acre park located just off Lady Bird Lake. Just south of downtown Austin, Zilker is a popular local spot offering plenty of outdoor fun. The park is home to a disc golf course, bike and canoe rentals, a large playground, Barton Springs Pool and the Zilker Eagle, Austin’s new replacement for the decommissioned Zilker Zephyr mini train.
For details about park amenities and features, visit the Zilker Park webpage.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982, The University of Texas Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (originally named the National Wildflower Research Center) hosts many programs for adults and children alike. Its mission is to “inspire the conservation of native plants through [its] gardens, research, education and outreach programs.” Spanning 284 acres, the Wildflower Center is composed of a mix of cultivated gardens, an arboretum, managed natural areas and wildlands.
You can find more information about the Wildflower Center and upcoming events and programs on the Wildflower Center website.
Transportation: Buses and Bikes
For those without cars who want to visit these locations, please note: All students, staff, and faculty attending The University of Texas at Austin can ride Capitol Metro buses for free. Use the “Trip Planner” tool on the Capitol Metro website to determine the proper bus routes and schedules for your intended destination. Be sure to bring your UT ID card to swipe when you get on the bus.
UT Austin students interested in renting a bicycle can do so through The Orange Bike Project. Check out our ISSS blog post, The Orange Bike Project: An Affordable Way to Explore Austin for more information about how to rent a bike.
We hope you get out and explore the city today!
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