Our tried-and-true ways of keeping cool and busy during Austin’s hottest months (we miss you, Alamo Drafthouse!) aren’t all on the menu right now. Things will just be different this summer. But while we may not be hitting all of our favorite spots, we also have no plans to just sit on the couch. There is still so much to do in ATX, even when you are avoiding crowds and confined spaces. Here’s a list of the things we’re excited to do this season! Whether you’re catching some rays on a downtown rooftop, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, trying new local food, or floating the Comal, we’ve got you covered for summertime fun.
Lake Travis Zip Line
Soar through the air this summer with Lake Travis Zip Line! Their three-hour guided tour will take you in, out, around, and above all of the stunning Austin Hill Country scenery, including incredible canyons and beautiful Lake Travis! Whether you’re a solo adventurer or want to take your whole crew, you’ll have all-day access to a private lakefront property where you can picnic, play games, or just relax in one of their hammocks. Find pricing and additional details here.
Float On Boat Rentals
Grab your summer squad and some sunscreen, and launch your next adventure with Float On Boat Rentals! Float On operates on both Lake Travis and Lake Austin and offers some of the greatest rental rates in ATX! Every boat comes equipped with a Bluetooth radio, a YETI cooler, a shaded area, and a lily float pad so you’ll be set to relax (or party) all day long! Float On offers experienced Captains for all their excursions to make sure your time on the water is stress-free. Check out their rates and boat options here.
Pick Peaches in Fredericksburg
Nothing quite hits the spot like a nice, juicy peach on a hot summer day! Fredericksburg is known for their peaches and we’re lucky enough to only live a short drive away. We’ve put together a list of some of Fredericksburg’s favorite orchards and road-side stands and stores where you can pick your own straight off the tree, or choose from the cream of the crop that has already been harvested for you! Find the best places to pick peaches here!
Lone Star Kayak Tours
Explore Austin from a new perspective with Lone Star Kayak Tours! They offer five different tours ranging from their most popular Congress Avenue Bat Bridge tour to a Full Moon Paddle tour, a nature-inspired Serenity tour, and more. This is a great way to get up and active while allowing the beauty of Lady Bird Lake and our city to help you totally zen out. They also offer stand up paddleboard lessons because trust us— it’s harder than it looks! Book your excursion here.
Waterloo Adventure Park
Soak up the sun and get a little workout on with Waterloo Adventures! With Waterloo you’ll start your day off on a scenic boat ride to Adventure Island where you’ll get unlimited lakefront park access to four stand-alone water obstacles, beach amenities, recreations, and your 45-minute session time on the 600-foot Pulse Pounding Obstacle Course Track! You’ll also get complimentary beach amenities such as hammocks, floating picnic tables, coolers, loungers, and more!
Electric Mini Bike Tours
Ride around and explore Austin with YourBikerGang! You’ll depart from the heart of the city, close to Zilker Park, Auditorium Shores, and bike trails and have three hours to zip around town. Electric minibikes are fun and super easy to ride, and come with a helmet included. Go solo or join a guided tour to see some hidden gems around the city. Ride on the open road and experience the best of Austin on the top-rated tour in town!
Captain Experiences
Discover unique fishing experiences on the lakes, rivers, flats, and seas across Texas. Captain Experiences will take out the hassle of planning a fishing trip and turn it into an easy-breezy adventure! Scope out your ideal fishing trip based on location, price, target species, and more. Book with a simple deposit and pay the remaining balance without needing cash. Enjoy your trip with their vetted captains and 100% weather protection.
eFoil Austin
Experience one of the newest, most exhilarating ways to travel through the water with eFoil Austin! Foil Boarding has recently been growing in popularity and for a good reason! Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced thrill-seeker, into serene lakes or riding big surf, the Lift eFoil allows you to craft the adventure that’s best for you. Foil boarding can be compared to a mix of surfing, flying, and deep-powder snowboarding. Use code 365AUSTIN to get a FREE media package which includes a video and stills of your time on the water.
Rock-About Climbing Adventures
Rock-About Climbing is the longest-running rock climbing outfit based out of the Central Texas area offering courses for beginners, experienced climbers, and groups. Their Barton Creek Greenbelt climb takes place on the banks of Barton Creek. Some of the best climbing spots are the Seismic Wall and Gus Fruh wall but there are several beautiful locations to choose from. You’ll learn safety skills, basic climbing techniques, teamwork, trust, communication, and having a great time in a beautiful setting!
Float The River
Whether it be the Comal or the San Marcos River, tubing is one of our favorite ways to catch some rays! In San Marcos, our top way to float is with Lions Club. For $14 you’ll get a tube (with or without a bottom) and unlimited shuttle rides so you can enjoy the one-hour float as many times as you’d like! For the Comal, we like Texas Tubes. For $20 you’ll get a tube, and one trip around their 2.5-3.5 hour float that’ll take you through the Comal’s famous “Tube Chute”!
Try New Food Trucks
It’s no secret that the food truck scene in Austin is poppin’! It’s also a great way to support local businesses and try new things. No matter what craving, diet restriction, or allergy you might have, we’re sure there’s a food truck option somewhere in Austin for you! Vegan? Try Arlo’s, Plow Burger, or ATX Food Co.! Got a hankering for something sweet? Check out Churro Co. or Little Lucy’s. See our favorite ATX food truck master list here.
Travel Locally
Looking to get out of Austin for a bit, but not too far? You’re in luck because Austin is surrounded by beautiful and fun destinations that are only a short drive away! When we need to escape for the day or the weekend, some of our favorite places are Fredericksburg, Wimberley, and Waco! Pick peaches, sip wine, and experience the German-influenced culture in Fredericksburg. Slow things down a beat and enjoy the quaint charm of small-town shopping while taking in the natural beauty of large Cyprus trees and freshwater swimming holes in Wimberley. Live your best HGTV life in Waco at Magnolia Market at the Silos where you’ll be able to sip, shop, snack, and relax.
Blue Starlite Drive-In Movie Theater
Kick back, relax, and enjoy the show at Blue Starlight Mini Urban Drive-In! The Blue Starlite focuses on indie films, art house, cult, Gen X/Y, childhood favorites, and drive-in classics. They are different from the large drive-in theaters you may be thinking of. They are right in the middle of the city and have created a very Austin, very intimate drive-in movie watching experience. They only have about 15-25 car slots available per showing in at their ATX location and about 40 at their Round Rock location. Check out their movie listings here.
Camping
Grab your bestie, significant other, or just go solo and get off the grid for a day or two! Camping is a great way to drop whatever stressors you’re dealing with and unplug, unwind, and reflect. There are so many awesome camping sites in the vicinity, but one of our favorites is McKinney Falls State Park. Aside from camping, there are great hike and bike trails, swimming and fishing holes, rock climbing spots, and more.
Staycations
We live in Austin because we love Austin! So why not book a stay in a new place and enjoy the city from a different point of view. Staycations are a quick and easy way to change up your scenery and switch up your routine. Some of our favorite spots are South Congress Hotel, The Fairmont, The Line, and Hotel San José. All of these places even offer package deals and specials for Austin residents. For ambiance and outdoor areas, we like Hotel San José. For the lobby and bar area, South Congress Hotel is always a go-to! If we’re really feeling luxurious, then the Fairmont with a couple of besties is what you need. As far as location goes, The Line is the perfect place to stay, nestled right between downtown and Lady Bird Lake.
Restaurant Patios and Rooftops
Austin restaurants and bars have some of the best patios and rooftop views and vibes in the city! P6 is the rooftop bar at The Line hotel and overlooks Lady Bird Lake, the Austin skyline, and Congress Ave, so if you’re in need of a good view or a little Instagram moment, P6 is for you. Azul Rooftop Bar at the Westin is another must! Complete with a pool overlooking the city, comfy seating, private cabanas, and an outdoor bar, Azul Rooftop is the perfect mix of lax and luxury. Looking for a patio to relax on? Kitty Cohen’s, Mozart’s, Radio Coffee and Little Darlin’ are calling your name!
