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Austin, Texas

Top Spots in and near Austin

  • Austin, Texas

    Walk Through Austin State Capitol

    4.0
    3.4 mi / 101 ft gain
    The loop is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This walking tour provides the visitor with many views of Texas History: the beautiful state capitol building, the capitol grounds filled with historic m...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Watch the Mexican-Free-Tailed Bats Emerge from Congress Street Bridge

    Every evening, just as the sun sets, you can watch the 1.5 million bats take flight into the evening sky. This is great family fun and a must if you visit/are new to Austin. Parking is easy and nearby, however it is paid. There is a separate lot located in the Austin American Stateman parking lot...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike along Lady Bird Hike & Bike Trail

    10 mi
    The Hike and Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake provides great views of the city skyline from several different perspectives. It's perfect for exercising or just taking a stroll on. It's about a 10 mile looping trail however there are several points in which you can cross the river and make the loo...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Bike through Iconic Graffiti Landmarks in Austin

    5.0
    You don't have to rent a bike but it's the "Austin" thing to do. With plenty of pick up and drop off locations all throughout the city you can start the trip and end it whenever you feel like it! It's recommended to start the trip on South Congress at the bike rental located near Doc's Motorworks...
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  • Austin, Texas

    University of Texas Walk

    2.99 mi / 197 ft gain
    The University of Texas Walk is about a 3-mile loop trail around the University of Texas at Austin. Beginning at the LBJ Presidential Library, the trail loops around all of UT's most prominent landmarks, including the LBJ fountain, the Blanton Museum of Art and of course the renowned school tower...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Swim in Barton Springs Pool

    4.8
    Barton Springs Pool is a historical staple in the city of Austin. Located within Zilker Park, the location is easy to find and even has easy accessible parking. Now with that being said, it is recommended to arrive somewhat early in the day if you don't want to be resorted to fishing for a parkin...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Paddle on Lady Bird Lake in Austin

    5.0
    Getting There: Lady Bird Lake is located just South of Downtown Austin. One of many ways to access Lady Bird Lake is from Zilker Metropolitan Park and Barton Springs Pool. Free parking is available in the park with direct access to Barton Creek. It is here, that you can launch your own person...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Catch a Sunrise at the Look Out Point

    0.1 mi
    This look out point is less than a quarter mile hike and is located within the Rollingwood neighborhood, just west of Loop 1 (Mopac Expressway). It faces east and is a great location for catching sunrise. The trail to the overlook is crushed gravel, but is very flat. This overlook is kid- and dog...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Shoal Creek Trail

    5.0
    5.47 mi / 173 ft gain
    The Shoal Creek trail is located along the Shoal Creek Greenbelt which stretches the length of central/downtown Austin. It is a 5.4 mile out-and-back trail following along Shoal Creek. Much of the trail runs through residential area. And though it runs parallel to a creek, itis a city trail and n...
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  • Barton Creek Greenbelt: Trail 11, Texas

    Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail via Spyglass Trailhead

    5.0
    3.03 mi / 128 ft gain
    Outside of the fantastic job market, one of the most magical things about Austin is how quickly you can go from city life to being immersed in nature. Nearly every day, I take a quick jaunt down to the Barton Creek Greenbelt with my trusty companion, Sage the Chocolate Lab. We live within walking...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Mueller Park Trail

    4.0
    2.6 mi / 78 ft gain
    The Mueller Park Trails total a distance of 5 miles with a 2.6 mile loop hike that takes you by some waterfalls located in Austin, TX. You can wander around Mueller Lake or the pond in Southwest Greenway, where man-made waterfalls can be viewed, or both! In addition to the waterfalls, the Southwe...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Take a Stroll around Red Bud Isle

    1 mi / 0 ft gain
    This small isle is a nice feature of the section of the Colorado River that flows through Austin. The isle is pretty small and is a good scenic location for a quick 1-2 hour outing. All the trails are pretty flat and easy to walk. Definitely worth checking out if you are looking for a nice park i...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Swim at Gus Fruh

    4.0
    0.26 mi / 79 ft gain
    The trailheads are located in neighborhoods and parking isn't really too much of an issue. The shortest entrance is located off Barton Hills Dr. A quick google search and you will find it and the labeled trail. You walk down into the Barton Creek Green Belt and your spirits are uplifted. That cra...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Rock Climb at Gus Fruh

    0.5 mi / 50 ft gain
    NOTICE:For this activity it is necessary to have someone with lead climbing and belaying expertise. There is a wide range of difficulties on the routes. A guide that has climbed at this wall before is recommended. GETTING THERE:You can enter Gus Fruh from a couple of different points starting in ...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Laguna Gloria Trail

    0.4 mi / 9 ft gain
    The Laguna Gloria Trail is a 0.4 mile out-and-back hike beginning in Mayfield Park, a popular park located in west Austin. The trail is very short and relatively easy. The trail is made of dirt and is completely shaded. It's a very calming walk and beautiful walk, full of lush greens and dependin...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Main Trail to Meadow Loop to Taylor Creek Loop

    0.6 mi / 55 ft gain
    The Main Trail to Meadow Loop to Taylor Creek Loop is a 0.6 loop hike found within Mayfield Park just west of downtown Austin. The trail is completely shaded and is a relatively easy hike. The trail does descend down stairs in some spots, but nothing too significant. This is a great family trail ...
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Camping and Lodging in Austin

Austin East KOA Holiday
Austin, Texas

Austin East KOA Holiday

Leander / NW Austin  KOA Holiday
Leander, Texas

Leander / NW Austin KOA Holiday

Getaway Hill Country
Wimberley, Texas

Getaway Hill Country

From $99 / night

Russell Park
Georgetown, Texas

Russell Park

Cedar Breaks Park
Georgetown, Texas

Cedar Breaks Park

Jim Hogg Park
Georgetown, Texas

Jim Hogg Park

Guides, Insights and Stories from Austin

Erin's Travel Guide to Austin, Texas

Erin's Travel Guide to Austin, Texas

Erin Newman-Mitchell

10 Must-Do Adventures Near Austin, Texas

10 Must-Do Adventures Near Austin, Texas

The Outbound Collective

Top 20 hikes near Austin, Texas

Top 20 hikes near Austin, Texas

Aurora Slaughter