Outdoor Activities in Austin

There's a reason Austin is often ranked one of the fittest cities in the country. From cycling and hiking to leisurely stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking - Austin offers an abundance of outdoor activities. And with nearly 300 days of sunshine and an average temperature of 68 degrees, being active in Austin comes naturally. Whether it's a sunset bat cruise on Lady Bird Lake, a stroll along the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, or a dip in Austin's beloved Barton Springs Pool make sure "fun outdoors" makes it on your Austin itinerary. Explore our outdoor offerings and plan your Austin adventure today!

For more guides for exploring Austin's outdoors, check out Roots Rated Austin and for a list of RV parks and places to camp in the Austin area, explore our listings.

Bat Watching

Looking for something truly "Austin" to make your stay memorable? Watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue bridge at sundown from late spring through fall. Find the bats.

Hiking & Recreation

Austin is sprinkled with plenty of trails where you can run, walk, hike or bike–without even traveling outside the city limits. Take advantage and enjoy Mother Nature’s good vibes around the city or head to the Hill Country for spectacular views and state parks galore. Find hiking trails, parks and preserves.

Swimming Holes

From natural pools along our many local greenbelts to spring-fed icons like Barton Springs and Deep Eddy Pools - Austin offers an abundance of outdoor activities for everyone. So pack up the kids, or load up the pup and head to these swim spots for the most refreshing experiences you're sure to find around town. Find natural pools and swimming holes.

Water Parks

With the Texas Hill Country close by and a handful of water parks within a short drive, there’s an abundance of ways to spend your days outside in Austin with family and friends. Whether you're looking to practice your stunts at a cable park or take a day trip to a kid-friendly water park, there's something for everyone. Find water parks.

Boat Rentals & Tours

Famous for our rivers and lakes, Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country is bisected by countless waterways. There are tons of ways for visitors to enjoy a day on the water in the Texas capital city. From paddling and water biking to sunset bat cruises on Lady Bird Lake, Austin offers an abundance of outdoor activities. Find kayak, paddle board and boat rentals and cruises.

Biking & Cycling

In a community as tuned to its athletic mindset as it is to its music and food, Austin offers visitors a cycling experience rivaling any serious U.S. cycling destination. The hype is real when it's rated among the top bicycling cities in America by Forbes Traveler, top 10 fittest cities by Forbes Magazine and top 20 most bike-friendly cities in America by Bicycling Magazine. And with nationally recognized events Austin commits itself as the place to visit for anyone looking to get the most out of pedaling on two wheels. Find rentals, trails and bike shops.

Birding

Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country is teeming with stunning flora and fauna. With a diverse ecosystem in the area, Austin makes a great home for hundreds of avian species. Learn more about local birds and spot some that can only be found in this region. Find birding locations.

Gyms, Yoga & Fitness

There's a reason Austin is often ranked one of the fittest cities in the country. Austin’s fitness and yoga community is easily navigable and very visitor-friendly. In fact, most hotels in central Austin have a gym or fitness studio nearby – and if you’re downtown, just hop on a MetroBike and pedal your way to class as a warm-up! Find yoga and barre studios, climbing gyms, indoor cycling and more.