With 300+ days of sunshine and an average temperature of 68 degrees, spending time outdoors in Austin is easy to do. From cycling to stand-up paddling boarding, and walking in the park and relaxing over a pint at a beer garden – Austin offers an abundance of outdoor activities.
Barton Springs Pool
Within Zilker Park's 358 acres lies one of the crown jewels of Austin - Barton Springs Pool. The pool itself measures three acres in size, and is fed from underground springs with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, ideal for year-round swimming.
Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake is a mecca for outdoor activities in downtown Austin. Connecting the downtown area to Zilker Park, this is a space for paddling kayaks and stand up paddle boards on the water, as well as running, walking, and biking along the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail that borders the lake.
Brewery beer gardens – Jester King, Vista Brewing, Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co (ABGB)
Austin’s craft beer scene is worth raising a pint to, and there is no better place to enjoy a cold brew than an outdoor beer garden. You’ll find a few local favorites at Jester King, Vista Brewing and Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company (ABGB).
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Hike along the picturesque Barton Creek Greenbelt to reach Gus Fruh, a swimming hole known for its famed Urban Assault limestone rock wall that’s a favorite of climbers, as well as the hidden Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls areas.
Mount Bonnell
Ascend the 106 stone stairs to the summit of Mount Bonnell to take in sweeping panoramic views of the lake, downtown and the western hills of Austin. Mount Bonnell is a short 15-minute car ride from downtown.
Photos Courtesy of Jester King Brewery, Jean-Michel Durfaux and Pierce Ingram
Click HERE to view LGBTQ Travel Directory