Best of Outdoors Archives - 365 Things Austin https://365thingsaustin.com/category/best-of-lists-guides/best-of-outdoor-activities/ Austin, Texas Events, Music, Restaurants, Festivals and More Things to Do in Austin! Tue, 01 Jul 2025 18:59:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 Dog Friendly Patios In Austin https://365thingsaustin.com/dog-friendly-patios-in-austin/ Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:11:23 +0000 https://365thingsaustin.com/?p=276339 Life is better with our four-legged friends! We put together a list of patios across Austin that are pet-friendly so you can bring your furbabies along on all of your […]

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Life is better with our four-legged friends! We put together a list of patios across Austin that are pet-friendly so you can bring your furbabies along on all of your adventures.

Need someone to patio sit with? Zate is a dating app that helps you plan better dates. Skip the extra steps and get right to the date.

Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden

With their extensive beer, coffee, and seasonal cocktail list, Cosmic is the perfect place to go for a casual sip. Their outdoor area is massive, and is complete with picnic tables, three food trucks, and a chicken coop!


Perla’s

If you’re looking for champagne and oysters, Perla’s is the spot for you. Located on South Congress, Perla’s is a great place to go when looking to grab lunch followed by some shopping at Austin’s top clothing boutiques and vintage stores.


TLC

Southern comfort food and seafood boils are the name of the game at TLC. Build your own seafood boil with king crab, mussels, and shrimp, or opt for a Texas favorite like the Chicken Fried Steak or the Cowboy Ribeye.


Tacodeli

Tacodeli has six locations all across Austin, all with dog-friendly patios! They have a wide range of breakfast tacos, lunch tacos, chips and dips, and newly added cocktails and dinner plates.


Revelry Kitchen + Bar

Located on E. 6th Street, Revelry Kitchen + Bar makes it easy to loosen up with their fun party vibes, great cocktails, and awesome menu. It’s a great place for Sunday Funday as they have a great brunch menu, a DJ, Jell-O shots, and boozy brunch sips.


Little Darlin’

If you’re looking to catch some live music and great food, the South Austin gem Little Darlin’ is calling your name! They have both an indoor and outdoor bar, patio swings, picnic tables, and yard games that make it a great spot for casual hangs.


Easy Tiger

With two Austin locations—North and South Easy Tiger is a great place to go when looking for a convenient meet-up spot. You can’t go wrong with any of the snacks at Easy Tiger as they focus on artisan bread, pastries, pretzels, and cured meats.


Bouldin Acres

Bouldin Acres now with two locations has a laid-back vibe complete with food trucks, pickleball courts, lawn games, TVs, and more. Whether you’re looking to eat, drink, or engage in some friendly competition, Bouldin Acres has a chill atmosphere with tons to do.


Radio Coffee & Beer

With coffee, cocktails, and craft beer, Radio is a good choice when you are looking to meet up with someone over drinks. Their outside area is nice and shaded and has a food truck on site!


Central Machine Works

Central Machine Works always has something going on. Whether it be live music, movie nights, or a beer run, there’s always something fun in the works!


Cenote

Cenote’s patio is the perfect combo of sunny and shady, plus it’s covered with greenery! Cenote not only serves amazing coffee, but they also have a full food menu of fresh offerings made with the best ingredients.


Las Perlas

Las Perlas is a cool and cozy mezcal bar with a beautiful patio! They’re also connected to two other bars, and Asador Tacos making it easy to bop around from spot to spot.


Paperboy

Paperboy has a lower level and rooftop patio, and both are pup-friendly. They open at 8 a.m. every day for breakfast and brunch.


Lou’s

Lou’s is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have daily happy hour and reverse happy hour along with movie nights every Tuesday.


Wanderlust Wine Co.

If you’re a wine lover, Wanderlust is the place for you! They are the largest self-pour wine on tap winery, and always have live music or other fun events going on.


Fresa’s

Fresa’s has two locations in Austin, and they’re serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with a great cocktail list. Their 9th and Lamar location has a convenient walk-up window with a smaller menu for walk-up and to-go, and their S. 1st location has a full bar with an expanded dine-in and takeout menu.

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Top 5 Tucked Away Hiking Trails in Austin https://365thingsaustin.com/top-5-tucked-away-hiking-trails-in-austin/ Mon, 28 Apr 2025 13:58:03 +0000 http://austin365stag.wpengine.com/?p=27177 Outdoor enthusiasts are pretty lucky here in Austin. We’re graced with scenic trails and beautiful views right in our own backyard (see: Town Lake (Lady Bird) and the Barton Creek Greenbelt). […]

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Outdoor enthusiasts are pretty lucky here in Austin. We’re graced with scenic trails and beautiful views right in our own backyard (see: Town Lake (Lady Bird) and the Barton Creek Greenbelt).

For those who have ran the trail and hiked The Greenbelt countless times, we’ve put together a list of our favorite hidden gems in Austin that may not be on your radar. All the trails are free and are within a 30 minute drive from downtown. Check ’em out!

1. River Place Nature Trail

Surrounded by greenery and tall trees, this trail will take you to a different world; a world that is shaded and cooler (great for the hot, summer months). After climbing many stairs, your heart rate will soar and you’ll reach high levels of elevation that you wouldn’t find anywhere else in Austin. The trail is extremely clear and is impossible to get lost on. Make sure you stop at the creeks and waterfall to cool off. If you’re looking for a challenging hike, this ones got your name all over it!

Pro tip: If you’re a moderately-experienced runner, run the trail. It’s worth it!

Distance: 5.5-6 miles (round trip; no loop)
Dog friendly: Yes
Terrain: Mostly dirt, stairs, some water crossings
Fees/Reservations: $10 on Saturdays and Sundays; no reservations, no cash


2. Walnut Creek Trail

This neck of the woods is a popular spot for both hikers and mountain bikers. Comprised of a huge, 15-mile mass of land, 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. 

Pro tip: Wear good shoes. The rocks can be pesky!

Distance: 15 mile loop
Terrain: dirt, loose gravel, small and large rocks, tree roots
Dog friendly: Yes; there are on and off leash sections
Fees/Reservations: Free; no reservations 


 3. Turkey Creek Trail

Located near The Emma Metropolitan Park, you may be lucky enough to see some wildlife on the drive up! Turkey Creek trail is a very cool, secluded spot where you’ll find a creek that runs along the trail. Although primarily flat, you will find parts of the trail that have moderate elevation changes as well as water crossings. This is the place to be one with nature; but, don’t forget that bug spray!

Pro tip: No, really, lather yourself in bug spray. Horse flies are not your friend.

Distance: 2.8 mile loop
Terrain: Loose rocks, dirt, tree roots
Dog Friendly: Yes, off leash
Fees/Reservations: Free; no reservations


 4. St. Edwards Park

Referred to as the “country within the city,” St. Edwards Park is a perfect balance between finding peace and chasing adventure. Surrounded by forest-like areas, there are lots of hidden trails, great elevation, phenomenal views, a waterfall, and a creek. This trail has everything you need for a peaceful getaway and truly is the best of both worlds.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for a more challenging trail with elevation, take the hill trail. Keep your eyes peeled on the way down and you will find a rope swing and swimming hole for all your adventure needs!

Distance: 2-4 mile loop (depending on the trail – hill or creek)
Terrain: mostly dirt, rocks, gravel, and some tree roots
Dog Friendly: Yes; dogs must be on a leash
Fees/Reservations: Free; no reservations


5. Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve


Located off of Loop 360, you can access Wild Basin Wilderness preserve easily, making it a great spot for families and visitors to Austin. It’s a short trail comprised of multiple paths and terrain (dirt, large rocks, loose gravel, tree roots). There are some hills with relatively high elevation, and multiple overlooks that show off a great view of Austin. With a perfect, easy-to-get-to location, be sure to check out this trail for a weekend adventure. 

Pro tip: Trails are marked very clearly, but here’s a trail map to help out since there are multiple networks of trails.

Distance: 2.5 mile round trip
Terrain: Dirt, loose gravel, rocks, tree roots
Dog Friendly: No
Fees/Reservations: Free on weekdays; reservations required on weekends and holidays with a nominal day-use fee

Written by Danielle McIntosh

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A Guide To Hiking Austin’s Greenbelt https://365thingsaustin.com/a-guide-to-hiking-austins-greenbelt/ Wed, 20 Dec 2023 21:56:07 +0000 https://365thingsaustin.com/?p=312800 Austin is well-loved for its greenspaces, but perhaps none is mentioned as often as the Greenbelt. Each year, locals and visitors flock to the public land to see Central Texas’ […]

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Austin is well-loved for its greenspaces, but perhaps none is mentioned as often as the Greenbelt. Each year, locals and visitors flock to the public land to see Central Texas’ natural beauty and maybe get a swim in as well.

Want to head out to the Greenbelt soon? Here’s what you should know.

What is the Greenbelt?

The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a 7.5-mile stretch of land through South Austin used for hiking, swimming, birdwatching, rock climbing, cycling, and more. It begins near the famed Barton Springs Pool at Zilker Park and ends at 1712 Camp Craft Road.

Where can I enter?

The Greenbelt has seven access points. Popular ones include the trail’s head at Zilker Park (2212 William Barton Drive), the main access point off of the Capital of Texas Highway (3755-B Capital of Texas Highway), and the Twin Falls access point (3918 South Mopac Expressway).

What should I bring?

Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially during Austin’s warm days. Snacks are also a good idea, but don’t forget to take all trash and recyclables—leave no trace! Alcohol is not allowed, so leave the beer at home. A towel and extra socks may also be a good idea if you plan to swim.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcome on the trail but must stay on a leash for the safety of other hikers and cyclists. Don’t forget extra water for your furry friend. Also, check on Austin’s harmful algae blooms that may crop up in the Greenbelt’s water, which can be extremely toxic for dogs if ingested.

Where can I park?

Parking lots are near the Zilker, 360, and Homedale access points. But beware, spots can fill up quickly on good weather days. Austin is also bringing back its free weekend shuttle from the One Texas Center parking garage to Zilker Park starting May 27.

Where can I swim?

Perhaps the most crucial question for hiking during Austin’s warmer months. The Greenbelt includes two swimming areas: Campbell’s Hole and Gus Fruh.

Campbell’s Hole includes rock formations, sandbars, and a pebble beach, and lies near the Homedale and Spyglass access points. It’s also less popular than some other Austin swimming holes.

Gus Fruh is another less-traveled favorite of locals, and the swimming hole can get very deep after some good rain. However, the Gus Fruh access point (2632 Barton Hills Drive) is in a residential area, meaning street parking is necessary.

Hikers will also take a dip in Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls. Just know that water levels will always depend on rainfall; you’ll have a better shot at a good swim in late spring and early summer.

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Hike Turkey Creek Trail https://365thingsaustin.com/hike-turkey-creek-trail/ Wed, 30 Nov 2022 11:24:37 +0000 https://365thingsaustin.com/?p=273778 Get outside and enjoy the day with a hike on Turkey Creek Trail! Located within Emma Long Metropolitan Park, the trail is a 2.8-mile out-and-back hike that features a river […]

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Get outside and enjoy the day with a hike on Turkey Creek Trail! Located within Emma Long Metropolitan Park, the trail is a 2.8-mile out-and-back hike that features a river and scenic views. At the back of the trail (the loop part), there are several paths that branch off so you can extend your hike if you’d like. Dogs are also welcome.

Location:
1670 City Park Rd.
Austin, TX 78730

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Hill Of Life Nature Trail https://365thingsaustin.com/hill-of-life-nature-trail/ Mon, 19 Sep 2022 10:54:34 +0000 https://365thingsaustin.com/?p=288392 Grab your hiking boots and set out to explore the Hill of Life nature trail in the Barton Creek Greenbelt! This is a 3.1-mile out-and-back trail that’s moderately challenging and […]

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Grab your hiking boots and set out to explore the Hill of Life nature trail in the Barton Creek Greenbelt! This is a 3.1-mile out-and-back trail that’s moderately challenging and takes about an hour to complete. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. There is a parking fee required to access the trail.

Location:
1710 Camp Craft Rd.
Austin, TX 78746

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McKinney Falls State Park https://365thingsaustin.com/mckinney-falls-state-park-2/ Mon, 15 Aug 2022 10:22:34 +0000 https://365thingsaustin.com/?p=285909 Located a quick 13 miles Downtown Austin, McKinney Falls State Park feels like a world away and is one of our all-time favorite escapes. Listen to Onion Creek flowing over limestone […]

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Located a quick 13 miles Downtown Austin, McKinney Falls State Park feels like a world away and is one of our all-time favorite escapes. Listen to Onion Creek flowing over limestone ledges and splashing into pools. Follow trails winding through the Hill Country woods. Explore the remains of an early Texas homestead and a very old rock shelter. It’s the perfect place to unplug, unwind, and reflect!

The park has lots to do for just a day trip or a camping excursion along the banks of Onion Creek. Hike or bike nearly nine miles of trails. The 2.8-mile Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail has a hard surface, good for strollers and road bikes. You can geocache, go bouldering, and enjoy a picnic. When it’s warmer out, swimming is great here, and fishing is awesome, too.

Daily Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Location:
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Austin, TX 78744

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Bull Creek District Park https://365thingsaustin.com/bull-creek-district-park/ Tue, 02 Nov 2021 14:53:27 +0000 https://365thingsaustin.com/?p=247297 Head west on 360 (N Capital of Texas Hwy) for a few minutes and the rolling hills will make you feel like you are a world away from Downtown Austin—it’s […]

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Head west on 360 (N Capital of Texas Hwy) for a few minutes and the rolling hills will make you feel like you are a world away from Downtown Austin—it’s one of the best parts of living in Central Texas. Bull Creek District Park is an oasis right off the highway that’s ideal for exploring and spending part or all of the day.

There are great hiking trails, scenic mountain biking routes, and your dog can cool off in the creek while you dip your toes in and relax. Parks like this make you remember why Austin is such a special place.

There are a bunch of different access points to the park along the creek. Here are a few of the most widely used:

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Best Plant and Gardening Stores in Austin https://365thingsaustin.com/best-plant-gardening-stores-austin/ Mon, 27 Jul 2020 15:37:00 +0000 https://365thingsaustin.com/?p=224800 Photo credit, Tropic of Capricorn  Plants and greenery not only look great in a living or office space, but caring for our little green buddies can be therapeutic and a […]

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Photo credit, Tropic of Capricorn 

Plants and greenery not only look great in a living or office space, but caring for our little green buddies can be therapeutic and a fun hobby to take up on the weekends. Plus, they really help to up your home decor Instagram game. Whether you’re looking to perfect your green thumb, try your hand at raised bed gardening, or just need a couple cool potted plants to cultivate some chill vibes, check out our favorite nurseries and gardening stores below: 

Central 

Photo, credit Flourish Shop

Shoal Creek Nursery: Conveniently and centrally located, this nursery is locally owned and sells high quality plants, imported pottery, water features, gardening supplies and gifts.
Location: 2710 Hancock Dr, Austin, TX 78731
Contact: (512) 458-5909

Sledd Nursery: A Clarksville staple since 1978. Sledd Nursery specializes in high quality plants well suited for our Central Texas climate and organic solutions to common garden problems.
Location: 1211 W Lynn St, Austin, TX 78703
Contact: (512) 478-9977

Flourish: A sweet boutique located off of North Loop, offering locally made pottery and a curated selection of house plants.
Location: 215 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
Contact: (512) 599-4763


South 

Photo credit, The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors:  A majestic urban garden center offering two acres of plants and gardening supplies, The Great Outdoors carries a wide selection of native and adapted plants suitable for Central Texas gardens and homes. Their inventory includes seasonal vegetables, perennials, cacti and succulent, indoor plants, palm trees, shrubs, water plants, vines, roses, fruit trees, and more.
Location: 2730 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Contact: (512) 448-2992

The Natural Gardener: The Natural Gardener is a world-class gardening destination known for its pioneering work in organic gardening and sustainable living. Wander through eight acres of rustic Hill Country beauty and build the garden of your dreams.
Location: 8648 Old Bee Cave Rd, Austin, TX 78735
Contact: (512) 288-6113

Photo credit, Frond Plant Shop 

Frond: An adorable boutique carrying unique and rare houseplants as well as a wide variety of on-trend planters and decor items to compliment your new plants. The shop allows customers to envision their own indoor jungle and personalized paradise.
Location: 507-A W Mary St, Austin, TX 78704
Contact: (512) 531-9755


East 

Photo credit, Tropic of Capricorn 

East Austin Succulents & Tillery Street Plant Co: these two east side plant businesses who share one property have everything you need for cacti, succulents, large plants, flowers, garden vegetables, houseplants and much more. Spend a day creating an amazing succulent garden!
Location: 801 Tillery St, Austin, TX 78702
Contact: East Austin Succulents: (512) 701-3448
Tillery Street Plant Co: (737) 212-0457

Plant Party: Shop house plants small and sweet or large and in charge. Their expert staff will help consult on pet-friendly plants and best methods to care for your at-home plant party.
Location: 1200 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
Contact: (888) 272-6499

Tropic of Capricorn: Located outside of east side hang Kinda Tropical, stop in for some solid plant vibes and a shot for the gram.
Location: 3501 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
Contact: https://www.shoptropicofcapricorn.com/plant-design-and-maintenance#PlkUXT


West 

Photo credit Barton Springs Nursery 

Barton Springs Nursery: Westlake-area nursery set in a serene garden-scape, you can find every indoor or outdoor plant, seeds, and gardening supplies you could need.
Location: 3601 Bee Caves Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Contact: (512) 328-6655

Breed & Co: Great resources for west Austin dwellers who are in search of garden supplies, gardening hardware and plants.
Location: 3663 Bee Caves Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Contact: (512) 328-3960


North 

Photo credit, Hill Country Water Gardens 

Hill Country Water Gardens and Nursery: Technically outside city limits in Cedar Park, Hill Country Water Gardens is worth the quick drive over to explore the gorgeous water gardens and lawn sculptures while shopping for plants.
Location: 1407 N Bell Blvd #7085, Cedar Park, TX 78613 

Desk Plants: Hard to kill plants for those with not-so-green thumbs. Desk Plants’ mission is to help improve your work space to allow you to feel happier and breathe healthier air on the job.
Location: 3200 Palm Way Suite 150, Austin, TX 78758
Contact: https://deskplants.com/pages/contact-us

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The Best Summer Activities https://365thingsaustin.com/best-2020-summer-activities/ Sun, 26 Jul 2020 14:43:41 +0000 https://365thingsaustin.com/?p=222227 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 […]

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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!

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Cruisin’ With Your Biker Gang https://365thingsaustin.com/cruisin-with-your-biker-gang/ Tue, 30 Jun 2020 15:48:19 +0000 https://365thingsaustin.com/?p=223998 Let me just start this off by telling you that I am the most uncoordinated, scaredy cat human in the world. If I can do this thing, so can you! […]

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Let me just start this off by telling you that I am the most uncoordinated, scaredy cat human in the world. If I can do this thing, so can you!

This past weekend I decided to switch up my Sunday Funday routine, which normally consists of lounging outside and consuming copious amounts of rosé. “Adventurous” isn’t a word I use to describe myself, but I decided to get crazy and book an excursion with Your Biker Gang.

Your Biker Gang is a guided tour around Austin on electric minibikes. Now, I haven’t ridden a bike since I was probably about 12 years old, and never in my life have I been on an electric one so I was super intimidated. I’ve also lived in Austin for 25 years, so going on a guided tour of the city seemed like it could be a tad bit lame. But I went for it anyway. I also made three of my most uncoordinated friends come along—if I failed, I wasn’t going to fail alone.

When we pulled up, we were greeted outside by Cope, our ride guide. He was super friendly and reassuring. We went inside and filled out our waivers and then got a 10-minute run down of the minibikes. He went over all the components and how to use them—gas, breaks, horn, etc. We also got fitted with super cute helmets, and then it was time to ride.

Luckily we were able to practice in an empty parking lot and garage, and Cope taught us how to turn, accelerate, and brake effectively so by the time the tour started we were all feeling pretty comfortable on our bikes. I’m not going to lie, when we first got on the bikes we were a little rough and 100 percent looked like baby giraffes learning how to walk. We had plenty of time to get accustomed to the bikes and build our confidence before taking it to the streets.

Our tour kicked off in Clarksville, and for two hours we made our way through West Austin, 6th street, 2nd street, the heart of downtown, and South Congress. There was music playing from Cope’s bike on a loud speaker so it was a ton of fun riding around and dancing. Everyone on the street could hear the jams too, so people were vibing with us throughout our whole ride! Cope had a ton of information about Austin and its history that I was previously unaware of. I learned so many interesting things about my hometown, and saw murals, sculptures, and views that I didn’t even know existed. Not to mention, Cope is a professional photographer and took the best pictures of us along the way!

My favorite part of the ride was toward the end when we rode across the Congress Bridge. Being on the road with the cars was scary at first, but my confidence grew throughout our excursion. Flying down the bridge (LOL at 28 MPH) was so freeing and exciting! Doing it with my besties was also great. It was a fun and novel way to have a girls day. The last stop was right off SoCo and it was the “Before I Die” wall. I worked on South Congress for three years and never even knew it was there. It’s an interactive mural where you write down your personal aspirations, and it was such a sweet way to end the adventure

I really didn’t know what to expect going into this, but I’m so glad I decided to do it! My friends and I had the best time. It would be such a cute date idea, family outing, or just a hang session with your crew. I know a guided tour seems corny, but once we got out there it was actually so chill!

The life of social distancing has been pretty dull to say the least, but my time with Your Biker Gang was an amazing and safe way to change things up. We wore masks the whole time except while snapping pics, so I never felt uncomfortable with the situation. Whether you’re new to Austin, have lived here for years, or are just visiting for a couple days, I would 10/10 recommend grabbing your gang and booking an excursion!

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