If you like doing stuff outdoors then you will love living in Austin!! Known as one of the healthiest cities in the country, you will never run out of cool stuff to do outdoors in Austin. Here are just a few things there are to do…
Outside Activities
Mount Bonnell
With documentation as far back as 1850, Mount Bonnell is one of Austin’s oldest tourist attractions. It’s the highest point within Austin City Limits at 785 feet, but is actually smaller than Mt. Larson directly across Lake Austin from Mt. Bonnell but located in West Lake Hills. It’s a great place to picnic, and has some of the best views of Lake Austin and the Pennybacker or 360 Bridge as well as downtown. There is a legend that Mt. Bonnell was once called Antoinette’s Leap, named after a damsel who leaped to her death to avoid capture from Indians that killed her lover, who fought to his death to defend her.
Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trails
Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trails stretch along the lake and contains more than 10 miles. The main trail, which winds around the entire lake, is the most popular in town. It was first built in the 1970s and is the city’s largest trail designed for runners and peddelers. The main trail is quite wide and extremely popular, especially on the weekdays after work and on the weekends. Many locals bring their dogs out for a jog or walk. There are other trails that branch off the main one. The trails are smooth, primarily flat, and mostly made of crushed granite (with a few areas of concrete).
Explore Lady Bird Lake with a Kayak or Canoe
Because the lake is very calm and placid, it is a popular place for kayaking, rowing and canoeing. You can rent paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and other gear from companies on the lake. Motorized boats and jet skis are not allowed on Lady Bird Lake, and neither is swimming.
Standup Paddle Board
Austin’s top paddle spot is Lady Bird Lake (aka Town Lake). Since no motorized boats are allowed on this lake, it’s a dedicated playground for human-powered crafts. The lake flows for about seven miles through the heart of Austin allowing paddlers to be in the downtown action while having their toes in the water. Few sights can match the serene beauty of a sunset paddle on Lady Bird Lake in late summer. The buildings downtown glow with the reflection of the setting sun in the west, all mirrored in the glass smooth waters under foot.
Play Disc Golf
This city is jam-packed with courses, one of the most popular is probably Zilker Park – they do seem to encompass all of Austin’s favorite outdoor activities. You do not have to be a God Given Athlete to have fun. Check with the city’s park web page for a full listing of all the disc golf courses in town. While Zilker may be the most popular, it’s also a fairly easy course. Other courses like Circle C and Mary Moore Searight are much more technical.
Full Moon Swim At Barton Springs Pool
To experience Barton Springs Pool like a true Austinite, you must take part in at least one “Full Moon Swim.” During every full moon at 9:00 p.m., when pool admission becomes free, the grounds are suddenly taken over by swimmers, dancers and people that like to howl at the moon. For this hour before closing on full moon nights the pool becomes an all-out pool party that is so Austin you have to see to believe.
Moon & Stargazing at Wild Basin Preserve
Several months of the year, Austin Astronomical Society members and Wild Basin volunteers conduct special astronomy tours at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, weather permitting. On an evening when the Moon is a crescent, there may be a “Star Gazing” tour. On an evening at or near the full Moon, there may be a “Moonlighting” tour. Members of the Austin Astronomical Society volunteer telescopes for viewing at many of the Wild Basin Astronomy Tours.
Tour admission is $5.00 per adult. The proceeds benefit Wild Basin.
Volente Beach
Volente Beach has gotten a facelift and a new name. Shore Club Volente Beach or SCVB for short is located on the shores of Lake Travis and is the perfect getaway for children and adults alike on a hot summer day. They have pools for children and an adult only pool with a swim up tiki bar. Also, their own sandy beachfront and 3 volleyball courts (2 lighted, 1 not).
