During this time, the health and well-being of our local community and our visitors is vital. Travelers to Austin – and all destinations – should continue to observe the health recommendations of national, state and local public health officials, as they plan to travel, when they travel and when they are visiting any destination.

For the latest updates about the status of each featured location, please check each business's website. To learn more about local restrictions and closures, click here. 

Whether you're a local looking to opt outside during the long weekend or visiting during Memorial Day, here are some socially distant things to do in Austin.

Lou Neff Point at the Hike and Bike Trail
Lou Neff Point on the Hike & Bike Trail. Courtesy of The Trail Foundation.

Explore the Outdoors

Soak up plenty of Vitamin D during your long weekend! Bring your friends and a frisbee to Zilker Park. Pets are especially welcome. Or, lace up your hiking shoes to explore the Barton Creek Greenbelt, complete with hiking trails, a rope swing and plenty of scenic views. Run or stroll along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. The heart-of-the-city gem is green, gorgeous and flanked by Austin’s flourishing skyline.

Paddle board, canoe, kayak or cruise around our local lakes, catching some rays while getting a workout. Several rental shops are currently open on Lady Bird Lake, Lake Travis and Lake Austin, following capacity and sanitization guidelines including Live Love Paddle, the Rowing Dock, Congress Avenue Kayaks, Float On Boat Rentals and more.

Sit back and let the captain do the driving on a Lady Bird Lake boat cruise from Lone Star Riverboat or Capital Cruises (both with limited offerings), complete with cityscape views and Austin landmark sightseeing. Or, watch 1.5 million Congress Avenue Bridge bats fly out near dusk on a sunset cruise.

Drive out to the Hill Country for spectacular hikes, state parks and picnic spots. While swimming holes like Hamilton Pool Preserve and Jacob’s Well are currently closed, spend the day at picture perfect parks like Emma Long Metropolitan Park (reservations required), Reimers Ranch Park, Lockhart State Park (reservations required) and more.

man and dog tent camping at inks lake state park near austin texas
Inks Lake State Park. Credit Pierce Ingram.

Go Camping

Just outside the city lies thousands of acres of untamed wilderness perfect for setting up camp with your favorite folks. Even though Texas state parks are not currently accepting new camping reservations, you can still explore privately-owned RV parks and campgrounds on our website.

Rather stay home? Try pitching a tent in your own, private back yard! Pick up everything you need for roasting hotdogs and s'mores from local grocers like Wheatsville Co-op or Salt & Time. Plus, pick up a six-pack of local beer from the breweries themselves, or specialty shops with wide selections like Whip In, The Four Five, Whichcraft Beer Store and more.

child waves arms in innertube on waterfall in San Marcos Texas
Tubing. Credit Tour San Marcos.

Tube the Rivers

Texas rivers are beginning to re-open with restrictions on tubing. Most tube rental companies are operating at limited capacity and requiring reservations. Check each rental company's website for the latest information.

Head to the Hill Country and get on the river with a cooler and a tube. Float the day away on the super clean, spring-fed San Marcos River. Texas State Tubes are allowing a limited number of groups, so get your reservation in advance! Swish down the Comal River near New Braunfels and enjoy shuttle service to and from the river. Rockin' R's five locations are open and following current safety protocols. In Gruene, it’s all about the Guadalupe River. Rent a tube, raft or canoe or take a guided trip down the river.

Wings from take out window at Home Slice Pizza North Loop location in austin texasHome Slice Pizza. Credit Julia Keim.

Post up on a Patio or Order to Go

Loro's sprawling, pecan tree-shaded patio is the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back bite in the sun with a cocktail in hand. At Juliet Italian Kitchen, you'll find locals casually sipping DIY mojito and Aperol Spritz cocktail kits on the shaded and expansive, temporary parking lot patio.

Enjoy a craft beer and hand-made pizza on the spacious patio at the ABGB. Be sure to book your spot in advance, online or by phone. The high-end beachy patio vibe at Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar is a beautiful setting to indulge in oysters, champagne cocktails and fresh seafood (reserve in advance).

Rather order takeout and dine at home? Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden is offering Memorial Day Weekend specials like a Grill Pack (8 sausages, 10 buns, house mustard and sauerkraut) along with more menu items and Bake-at-Home gear like sourdough starter, artisan flour and more. Old Thousand's Memorial Day Grill & Chill BBQ Package serves two for $50. The package includes a choice of either beef ribs or a whole chicken plus four sides, with options like Kimchi Mac Salad, Lemon Ginger Pickles, 10-Spice Baked Beans and more.

Keep it casual with a hand-tossed pizza or an order of crispy buffalo wings from Home Slice Pizza. Both locations are open for takeout and are offering cocktail kits, local beers and tried and true or custom pies. Pick up from South Austin's Habana and sip on sangria or mojito from the comfort of your own patio! The Austin staple is still serving up their handmade empanadas, authentic seafood paella, and savory Cuban sandwiches.

Launderette is offering family-style picnics throughout Memorial Day weekend. Pre-order online or by phone for contact-less pickup this weekend. Choose from the Fried Chicken Family Style Picnic or the Bratwurst Family Style Picnic. 

Enjoy a physical distancing cook out in Mueller with Chef Fiore Tedesco of L'oca d'Oro. On Saturday from 12-3 p.m., Chef Fiore will be cooking wagyu burgers on L'Oca Brioche buns and muffulettas with housemade salumi live on Simond Avenue. Stop by and picnic in the park or on your porch.