Austin Day Escapes

Looking to explore the vast Hill Country? Just outside of Austin’s city limits there is a plethora of places to visit for the afternoon or the day. Here is a small list of some "must do" activities and excursions:

Driftwood Winery – This is a great place to bring a picnic and open a bottle of wine from their tasting room. The view of the winery is amazing and a perfect place to watch the sunset. 

Krause Springs

Krause Springs – Located in Spicewood Springs, this is an amazing swimming destination to check out during the summer. There are 32 springs which feed the man-made pool and natural swimming holes.  Camping and picnicking is allowed.

Cypress Valley Canopy Tours – A great place to bring the family to explore your sense of adventure. They offer zip lining, swimming and hiking. 

Hamilton Pools – Another beautiful place to go swimming during the summer. It’s a bit of a hike to the pool so wear your good walking shoes!

Enchanted Rock – This state park is located out past Fredericksburg, TX but totally worth the drive. Take your backpacks and set up camp! There is plenty of hiking, rock climbing, exploring and bird watching to even make a weekend out of it.

Actively Austin

Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to get in better shape? There are plenty of places in Austin to keep you moving. Whether you’re into biking, running, kayaking and other sports, Austin has an option for you. 

 

Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail – Run, walk, stroll. The complete trail is a little over 7 miles but you can customize your routine to best fit your needs.

Lady Bird Lake – There is no swimming but you can rent or bring your own stand up paddleboard, kayak and/or canoe to get an invigorating workout.

Hill Country Outdoors - They specialize in adventure! This is a meet up group that arranges outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, biking, road trips and rafting.

City Running Tours – This Company offers both personal guided and group running tours of Austin. A knowledgeable guide takes you on a run to explore the sites of Austin such as SOCO, the capitol and the bat bridge.

Yoga in the Park – Free classes are typically held in the spring and fall at Republic Square and Brush Square parks by certified instructor from Yoga Yoga. 

Frisbee golf courses – There are several “disc golf” locations around town. This activity combines the elements of golf and Frisbee. Players throw Frisbees into designated baskets and the goal is to complete the course with the least amount of throws.

Unique Austin Sites

One of Austin’s slogans is to “Keep Austin Weird”. We are proud to promote and encourage anything that separates our town from other cities. Here are some fun and unusual places to check out that celebrate our weirdness in the best possible way:

Peter Pan Mini Golf – The two mini putt-putt courses is a funky Austin tradition since 1946.  Cheap fun that won't bankrupt you. Cash only and BYOB.

Cathedral of Junk -  Located in the backyard of a small house in a residential area is an interesting structure made out of items that would normally be thrown out. Vince Hannemann, owner and builder of the sculpture allows visitors to come by and check it out for free. Donations of “junk” are always appreciated.

Austin Haunted Hearse Tours – This touring company takes you to 15 different Austin landmarks that are reportedly haunted or have paranormal activity. You'll drive around in style in a classic 1979 Cadillac Hearse.

Lala’s Dive Bar – Not a classy joint by any means but they do have drinks, a juke box and Christmas lights up year round.

Blue Starlite Drive-In Movie Theater  - Austin's only drive-in that features a variety of pop culture films.

Looking for a place to rent while you are in Austin? Whether it is for you or for someone else, click for more information on my vacation rental at 3207 Brass Buttons Trail, Austin, TX 78734, USA.