Spending a full day outside in Austin gives you an easy way to understand why locals love this city so much. With lakes, trails, greenbelts, and lively patios, you can plan a day that feels full without feeling rushed. Here’s how you might structure a perfect day of outdoor activities in Austin, start to finish.
Start with Sunrise at Lady Bird Lake
Begin the day around Lady Bird Lake, where the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail loops for about ten miles along the shoreline. You can walk a short portion, jog a longer stretch, or just grab a bench near the boardwalk and watch rowers and paddleboarders glide past as the sun comes up. The skyline views in the early morning light are clear and calm, especially near the stretch between the Congress Avenue and Lamar Boulevard bridges.
If you enjoy being on the water, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard near Zilker/Barton Hills and head under the bridges toward the eastern section of the lake. The water is generally smooth in the morning, and the mix of trees, birds, and city views gives you a good sense of Austin’s outdoor character.
If you enjoy being on the water, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard near Zilker/Barton Hills and head under the bridges toward the eastern section of the lake. The water is generally smooth in the morning, and the mix of trees, birds, and city views gives you a good sense of Austin’s outdoor character.
Explore Zilker Park and Barton Springs
Once the day warms up, make your way into Zilker Metropolitan Park. This 350+ acre green space has open fields, shaded groves, and pathways that connect to the Zilker Botanical Garden and the Austin Nature & Science Center. You can spread out a blanket, toss a frisbee, or just watch dogs and picnickers spread out across the great lawn with downtown in the background.
Barton Springs Pool sits at the edge of the park and stays around 68–70 degrees year-round thanks to natural springs. You can swim laps, float near the diving board, or sit on the grassy hillside and take in the scene. If you prefer something more low-key, the nearby Barton Creek Greenbelt has multiple trailheads where you can hike along the creek bed, scramble over rocks, and explore shaded sections of the canyon.
Barton Springs Pool sits at the edge of the park and stays around 68–70 degrees year-round thanks to natural springs. You can swim laps, float near the diving board, or sit on the grassy hillside and take in the scene. If you prefer something more low-key, the nearby Barton Creek Greenbelt has multiple trailheads where you can hike along the creek bed, scramble over rocks, and explore shaded sections of the canyon.
Stroll Through Clarksville’s Historic Streets
Late morning or early afternoon is a good time to head over to Clarksville, just west of downtown. This historic neighborhood features narrow, tree-lined streets and older cottages, offering a distinct side of Austin that contrasts with the glass towers by the lake. You can walk the sidewalks, take note of architectural differences, and see how the area blends long-time residents with newer homes and small businesses.
There are pocket parks and small murals tucked between side streets, so you can easily combine a walk with a coffee or light snack on an outdoor patio. Clarksville’s location on a slight rise also gives you occasional glimpses of the skyline between streets, adding some visual interest to a simple neighborhood stroll.
There are pocket parks and small murals tucked between side streets, so you can easily combine a walk with a coffee or light snack on an outdoor patio. Clarksville’s location on a slight rise also gives you occasional glimpses of the skyline between streets, adding some visual interest to a simple neighborhood stroll.
Take a Scenic Break in Tarrytown
Head north along MoPac and cut into Tarrytown, a residential area known for its mature trees, winding streets, and proximity to the water. You can stop at Walsh Boat Landing along Lake Austin Boulevard to watch boats come and go on the Colorado River as it flows toward downtown. The shoreline here feels quieter than Lady Bird Lake, but it still keeps you close to the central city.
If you prefer a bit of shade and green space, consider exploring smaller neighborhood parks, such as Reed Park, which features a seasonal creek, trails, and a pool. Tarrytown offers a slower, more residential feel without leaving the urban core, making it a great midday retreat before heading toward more dramatic overlooks.
If you prefer a bit of shade and green space, consider exploring smaller neighborhood parks, such as Reed Park, which features a seasonal creek, trails, and a pool. Tarrytown offers a slower, more residential feel without leaving the urban core, making it a great midday retreat before heading toward more dramatic overlooks.
Enjoy Westlake Views and Hill Country Terrain
For an afternoon outing, drive across the Pennybacker Bridge (the 360 Bridge) toward the Westlake area. This stretch of Capital of Texas Highway offers one of the most recognizable views in the city, with steel arches spanning Lake Austin and limestone cliffs rising on both sides. A short, steep trail on the north side of the bridge leads to an overlook where you can see the river, the golf course, and the skyline in the distance.
Westlake also provides quick access to Hill Country-style terrain without a lengthy drive. Nearby side roads wind up and down hills, and neighborhoods are nestled among live oaks and cedar. If you enjoy photography, this section of town offers some of the most striking vantage points for late-afternoon light and expansive, layered views.
Westlake also provides quick access to Hill Country-style terrain without a lengthy drive. Nearby side roads wind up and down hills, and neighborhoods are nestled among live oaks and cedar. If you enjoy photography, this section of town offers some of the most striking vantage points for late-afternoon light and expansive, layered views.
Spend the Late Afternoon at Lake Travis
As the day moves toward evening, continue west to Lake Travis, a large reservoir with an irregular shoreline full of coves and peninsulas. Several public parks and marinas offer access for boating, paddleboarding, or just sitting on a rocky shoreline while you watch sailboats and powerboats cross the water. Popular areas include Mansfield Dam Park and Windy Point Park, both of which offer broad views across the lake.
If you prefer to stay on land, you can pick a lakeside restaurant with outdoor seating and watch the colors change over the water. This is another area where outdoor activities in Austin blend seamlessly with dining and social time; you might arrive in hiking clothes and stay long enough to enjoy a relaxed dinner by the lake.
If you prefer to stay on land, you can pick a lakeside restaurant with outdoor seating and watch the colors change over the water. This is another area where outdoor activities in Austin blend seamlessly with dining and social time; you might arrive in hiking clothes and stay long enough to enjoy a relaxed dinner by the lake.
Walk Through Downtown at Dusk
On your way back into the city, plan to spend some time walking around downtown Austin in the evening. You can park near Congress Avenue or 2nd Street and explore several blocks on foot, taking in public art, street performers, and the energy of restaurants shifting into dinner service. As office lights come on, the glass high-rises reflect the last of the daylight, giving downtown a sharp, clean look.
You might also loop back to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail for a short dusk walk. The section around the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge and the Lamar Boulevard Bridge offers excellent views of the skyline at night, with building lights reflected in the water.
You might also loop back to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail for a short dusk walk. The section around the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge and the Lamar Boulevard Bridge offers excellent views of the skyline at night, with building lights reflected in the water.
Partner with Local Experts for Your Next Move
If you are considering a move to Austin or planning to sell and want your next home to align with the outdoor lifestyle described here, working with a local real estate team can make that transition smoother. The Weiss Group understands the impact of access to parks, trails, lakes, and neighborhood green spaces on day-to-day living and long-term home satisfaction. When you are ready to buy or sell, they can help you identify properties that match how you truly like to spend your time outdoors so that you can love both your house and your city.
