There is no shortage of outdoor activities in Austin, that’s for sure. You’ll find an extensive network of bike paths, hiking trails and plenty of outdoor tours. When it comes to the healthiest places to live in the United States, Austin ranks pretty high. And Kevin and I both agreed that we could use some time in the great outdoors after driving 5 days cross country to see our family in Florida with the twin babies and our dog Doug in tow. That’s when Kevin suggested a great idea — a stop in Austin along our return to California to break things up and ring in the new year.
Our babies’ first new year. Ringing in 2021 from Austin, Texas.
We lucked out with weather while visiting Austin. Winters can often be cold and windy. But we experienced temperatures in the 70s during our stay in late December and early January. Pandemic or no pandemic, we think you’ll love our 5 top picks of the best outdoor activities in Austin.
5. Take a Self-Guided Food Adventure Along South Congress
Austin has so many great barbecue joints and Tex-Mex restaurants. And many of them offer al fresco dining to enjoy the great outdoors. One of the first places Kevin and I headed to in Austin was South Congress Avenue. This vibrant neighborhood south of Lady Bird Lake is a fun place to stroll for visitors and locals alike. Like much of Austin, this place has experienced a boom in the past few years with countless boutiques, eateries, art galleries and music venues lining the street. In fact, Kevin used to live in Texas and was surprised at just how much the area has developed. I couldn’t tell you how many times he wondered out loud, “Did this place exist when I lived here? Or do I just have a poor memory?” The world will never know.
Austin gifts inside the worldly shop, Tesoros Trading.
Austin’s famed ‘I love you so much’ mural, located at Jo’s Coffee on South Congress.
After all the shopping, we suggest grabbing lunch on the outdoor patio space of Joann’s Fine Foods. The menu features Tex-Mex favorites and California inspired healthy options. The main indoor dining spot is a hipster-looking diner with old vinyl booths lining the walls. We headed outside where we couldn’t hold back on ordering their Tex-Mex specialties like the chile relleno and house-made tortillas served with cheese dip, or queso. Okay, and maybe a margarita (or two) while we’re at it. The kids are at home! These dads are ready to party (clearly, one drink is all that it takes).
From here, you’re just steps away from one of Austin’s other iconic eateries — Amy’s Ice Cream. Owned locally by Amy Simmons, this ice cream chain is an Austin institution. With over 350 flavors in rotation, every visit will be a new flavor adventure. But one flavor consistently remains on their menu — their famous Mexican vanilla ice cream.
What gives the Mexican vanilla ice cream its unique, wedding cake-like flavor? It comes from crossing a traditional Madagascar vanilla bean with a Mexican orchid. Whatever they do, it’s delicious.
Amy’s Ice Cream, enjoying their famed Mexican vanilla.
4. Hike Or Bike Along Lady Bird Lake
In the heart of Austin is the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake, a lush, urban path that meanders along the water’s edge and passes by skyscrapers, neighborhoods, ball fields and other attractions.
In June 2014, a lakefront boardwalk, including a series of bridges directly over the water, was completed, closing a short gap on the trail’s south side and uniting its east and west halves. The 10-mile trail is Austin’s most recognized and popular recreational area. But the trail is more than a great pathway—it is a place where Austin comes out to play. It really represents the best Austin: outdoor recreation; a scenic, natural environment; and a mix of locals and visitors alike.
3. Join a Morning Walking Tour of Austin
Picture a mid-morning stroll through the streets of downtown Austin with a great cup of coffee in hand. Clearly, you know what gets us moving in the morning. Luckily, the tour start time wasn’t too early (10 AM) as we met in downtown Austin in front of a quaint coffee shop. After ordering 2 cups to go, we were ready to join Walking Tours of Austin for a 90 minute guided tour. One of the standout spots we visited was the Driskill Hotel, where we went inside to see its stunning lobby and Christmas decorations.
In front of the Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin.
The Driskill is not only one of Austin’s grandest hotels it’s also considered one of Austin’s most haunted spots. It was beautiful but Kevin was especially happy to know we wouldn’t be staying here on this trip. But who knows, maybe one day we’ll decide to live out our ghostbuster dreams? Okay, probably not. Kevin can barely tolerate a scary movie trailer let alone a haunted hotel. Morning tours start at $20 per person and can be booked directly here.
2. Zip Around Austin by Segway
Looking to see a lot of Austin in a short amount of time? Then you might want to consider a Segway tour through Airbnb Experiences. We love doing Airbnb Experiences, where you get to explore places with a local. Before coming to Austin, we joined along an e-bike tour to experience Amelia Island, one of Florida’s most unique places.
Wheee! Kevin is having too much fun.
After a mini-driving lesson, we were off. Most important thing to remember? Don’t hit anything and be careful while stepping on and off the Segway. Done and done. The 2-hour tour will give you a good taste of the city and we recommend doing it early on in your trip to get a better sense of how Austin is connected. Also, you can get local recommendations from your guide on the best places to see and where to eat.
We didn’t fall off the Segway. Go us!
Kevin really enjoyed seeing the changes in Austin. He lived in Texas nearly two decades ago and in that time, the city has exploded due to the tech boom and many residents moving to Austin from San Francisco. The skyline of Austin is a who’s who of the tech world from Google to Amazon and others. But the quirkiness of Austin still survives. We rode our Segways past the Austin City Limits Moody theater where a full-sized statue of Willie Nelson is proudly displayed. He’s basically a legend in these parts. The tour zips along the streets and sidewalks before reaching the massive Capitol Building, where we snapped a few shots.
We enjoyed just being outside and riding around on Segways. But perhaps best of all? We didn’t crash them! I say, it’s the small wins in life. Segway Tours are $70 per person and can be booked on Airbnb Experiences.
1. Top Pick: Best Outdoor Activities in Austin, Hiking Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls Via Barton Creek Greenbelt
A hiking trail that feels like you’re in the middle of the wilderness, yet just 10 minutes from the heart of Austin? We hit the jackpot when we found the Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls Trail, a mostly flat 3.3 mile out and back trail within the Barton Creek Greenbelt stretch. Dogs are even allowed on this trail if kept leashed. Though we decided to keep Doug at home since he has 2 speeds (molasses slow or stop). The trailhead is easily accessible, located right off of Loop 1, or the Mopac Expressway. There was also plenty of parking.
The trail follows along the Barton Creek and is popularly known for the two major waterfalls along the route: Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, which are very popular swimming destinations. In the dryer months, you likely won’t see falls. We didn’t on this hike. However, it still makes a lovely stroll.
The waterhole at the end of the trail. It wasn’t warm enough to swim but a beautiful spot.
This was the perfect trail to do with the babies since it was pretty easy, mostly shaded and virtually impossible to get lost. Though we did take a slight wrong turn and found ourselves in the middle of the forest. But it didn’t take long to figure out we were off path as we were climbing through bushes.
The trail is very well-maintained and packed with families. Our twins Ava and Aidan were having a blast and lulled to sleep within a few minutes. No wonder we loved this hike so much. No screaming babies! Clearly, it’s the small things in life.
Looking for more adventures in Texas? Be sure to check out all our Texas coverage here. Looking for a quirky artist community that feels more like Brooklyn, than rural Texas? You’ll want to read about our adventures in Marfa, Texas, a celebrity hot spot where Beyonce has been known to play.
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