Best Outdoor Workouts in Austin

Austin has some of the best outdoor workout activities. Between our hiking and biking trails; lakes, rivers, and greenbelts; paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming—the options are truly endless. This is also a great budget option for workouts!
We also love the social aspect of outdoor workouts. One of our favorite companies, The Loop Running Supply, has group running workouts on Friday mornings at 6 a.m., and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. These are 3-5 mile runs that take off from their store underneath the Gables Park Plaza on the corner of Cesar Chavez and Sandra Muraida Way, in the Seaholm District. They are perfect for people who want to run with a buddy, and have a level of accountability within the group. You can also get a ton of affordable, quality brands of fitness attire in their store!

Kayaking, Canoeing, and Paddleboarding

Kayaking and Canoeing are the perfect combination of a leisure activity and exercise. Paddleboarding is not only fun, but also a great way to build core strength. It’s perfect for warm days where you can get some sun, too.

Our favorites:

Congress Avenue Kayaks

One of the things we love about CAvK, is the multitude of offerings. See below for all of the ways you can get fit on Town Lake with Congress Avenue Kayaks! Located at Waller Beach in Town Lake Metropolitan Park (near Rainey), makes it just a short ride to the Congress Avenue Bridge.

• Rentals: Single, Double, and Triple Seater Kayaks; Stand Up Paddleboards
• Pricing: Single – $12/hr (+$7 additional hour), Double – $15/hr (+$7 additional hour), Triple – $25/hr (+$15 additional hour); Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP) – $20/hr (+$15 additional hour),
  • Also offer half-day rental deal for kayaks at $25
• Additional Offerings:
  • Guided Sunset Bat Tours ($50 for Double Kayak – this would be great for friends/family visiting!)
  • Guided Downtown to Barton Springs Tours ($30/person, Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m., 2 hours)
  • Yoga classes, private lessons, and a free Kids Kayak Day one Saturday a month starting in April (Facebook signup).

Check out more about Congress Avenue Kayaks here.

Check out our other ways to enjoy the water, here!

Hidden Hiking Trails

Check out our post on all hidden hiking trails in and around the Austin area. Shop all the best running and hiking gear at our favorite spot: The Loop Running Supply.
The Loop Running Supply is our favorite one-stop shop for all of our fitness needs. They carry a ton of different brands for a perfectly curated shopping experience with affordable prices.
Check out our post on Loop, here.

Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs Pool is the fourth-largest spring fed pool in Texas with a constant 68 degree water temperature making it one of the best places to swim year-round. Here’s a fun fact: Robert Redford learned to swim here. We say that bodes well for your athletic aspirations. If you want to get in shape and live your best Austin life while you do it—swimming the length of this civic treasure should be a go-to.
2131 William Barton Dr.
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 974-6300

Roy and Ann Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

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 cultural attractions. It is THE Austin workout and a great way to fall in love with fitness and this fabulous city at the same time. The 10-mile trail is Austin’s most recognized and popular recreational area.
900 W Riverside Dr.
Austin, TX 78704

Walnut Creek Greenbelt

A popular spot for both hikers and mountain bikers, Walnut Creek is an explorer’s dream. There are tons of unmarked paths, so you may get a little lost; but that’s more fun, right? With multiple winding paths and few obstacles, undertaking part of the trail is perfect for beginners. The hike offers plenty of overlooks, so don’t forget to stop and smell the roses on the way up. And of course, cool down in the beautiful creek on the way down.
2611 Park Bend Dr. 
Austin, TX 78701

Spicewood Valley Trail

This 1.3 mile hike is a great workout and wonderful way to get your heart rate up outside of a gym! It is also very convenient —the perfect not-too-long, not-too-short hike for an evening outing with a friend. Plan for a little over an hour to complete the hike.
The high points are definitely the man-made waterfall and the awesome stonework that you get to see.
Location/Parking:
183 South on Spicewood Springs Road
Right onto Scotland Well Drive
Right onto Middlebie Drive & look for parking
Start of Trail – Just Across the street from Mountain View Park
To see your business featured, please contact erin@365thingsaustin.com.