Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Austin, TX
Summer is coming to an end, which can feel bittersweet if you and your family enjoy being outdoors. Even though pool parties and barbecues may be out of season, there are so many fun activities for everyone to enjoy in the fall, especially in Austin.
Fortunately, Austin, Texas is a thriving city with pleasant weather for most of the year. So while many outdoor activities may sound like a bad idea up North, there are many more opportunities in our sunny state.
If you're looking for great outdoor activities in Austin, you've found the right page! Keep reading our article for inspiration on the best outdoor activities Austin has to offer you and your family, no matter what time of the year it is.
1. Hiking and Walking Trails
One of the many great perks of being in Austin is that there’s no shortage of walking and hiking trails for you to explore. If you’re looking for something to do outside of the house, then lace up your sneakers and hit some of Austin's trails!
Many trails have picnic areas that you can rest and eat at, so bring some snacks and a friend to explore with you
2. Camping
Get a full nature experience by camping at one of Austin’s campgrounds or state parks. Some popular camping destinations in and just outside the city are Emma Long Metropolitan Park, McKinney Falls State Park, and Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area.
These parks offer lovely campgrounds that have picnic areas, hiking trails, and some even offer water and electricity hookups.
3. Visit a Farm and Pick Your Own Produce
Depending on the time of the year, many farms in the area will be open for visitors to come and pick their own produce. This is an especially popular outdoor activity during autumn because so many things are ready for harvest!
Between flowers, vegetables, and fruits of all varieties, there are plenty of crops for you to pick yourself. Depending on which farm you visit, they may sell other animal products like dairy products, eggs, and baked goods.
There may even be petting zoos and other outdoor festivities to enjoy. During the fall, many farms have hayrides, corn mazes, and even haunted houses.
4. Horseback Riding
Whether you’ve never ridden a horse before or you’re an experienced rider, Austin offers horseback riding opportunities for everyone. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as riding a horse and feeling the wind in your hair and the warm sun on your face.
While Texas has many horse riding experiences, none of them can compare to the memorable adventure that Southern Trail Rides has waiting for you. Instead of just riding horseback on a public road, we let you explore the scenic trails on our 10 million-dollar estate.
Riding with our horses is a perfect activity for you, no matter if you’re on a solo adventure or if you’re accompanied by a partner or group.
5. Biking and Cycling
Just as there are plenty of walking and hiking trails available for pedestrians, Austin has lots of biking trails too. Aside from the winding biking trails that let you explore nature, you can pretty much cycle anywhere thanks to the city’s commitment to more bike lanes.
If you're looking to buy or rent a bike, there are plenty of bike shops to accommodate all of your gear needs. Many bike shops will recommend guided bike tours and trails for you to explore, but you can always look up the city's biking routes online.
6. Drive-In Movies
Whether you’re looking for an idea for your next date night, or you’re trying to bring the whole family together, drive-in movies are a great option! While that may not sound very outdoorsy, you can get creative with your vehicle for more fresh air.
Pop open your hatchback or lay in the bed of your truck to enjoy the movie out in the open. Some theaters may even allow you to come on foot or bike so you can just watch from the lot, but it’s always best to call and ask about their policies beforehand.
7. Rock Climbing
Austin has the perfect terrain for rock climbing and bouldering. The weather here also makes it a great activity that you can enjoy any time of year.
Some of our most popular climbing locations you should check out are Barton Creek Greenbelt, Reimers Ranch Park, Pedernales Falls State Park, and McKinney Falls State Park. All of these cliffs are near water too, so you can take a relaxing dip after your climb!
8. Fishing
If you're looking for a relaxing outdoor activity in Austin, you should consider fishing at one of the bountiful lakes or rivers. Lake Travis, Pace Bend Park, and Brushy Creek Lake Park all offer perfect fishing spots, some of which even allow boating.
It's important to remember that in most public bodies of water, you need a fishing license to legally fish in Texas. However, if you're just visiting or you don't want to get your fishing license, you can fish without issues at the Colorado Bend State Park.
9. Kayak, Canoe, or Paddleboard
If you enjoy spending time on the water, then that gives you even more fun opportunities to explore in Austin. Enjoy a tranquil journey on the water in a kayak, canoe, or even on a paddleboard.
From Lake Travis to Lady Bird Lake, there are many bodies of water where you can rent the equipment you’ll need to have a fun-filled day on the water.
10. Visit the Shooting Range
For many people, hitting targets at the shooting range is a good way to blow off steam and relax. If you’re one of those people, consider spending some time visiting your local outdoor shooting range this season.
Visiting the shooting range is also a great way to teach other people about gun safety. If you’re bringing friends, family, or even your partner, be sure to bring enough protective equipment for everyone and go over gun safety rules before shooting.
Outdoor Activities Austin Has to Offer
Hopefully, our page gave you some inspiration on some Texas outdoor activities that everyone can enjoy. Now that you know all about the exciting outdoor activities that Austin has to offer, what are you waiting for? Start planning some adventurous weekends to look forward to!
For an unforgettable outdoor experience that will quell your sense of adventure, book horseback trail riding with us. Whether you’re looking to go by yourself, or you want to bring a date or your family, we offer the best experience for anyone in Austin.