Texas

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...

The Homestead Loop hike is a 3.1 mile loop featuring the Lower Falls of McKinney Falls State Park. The hike is pretty intermediate and is mostly shaded. There are not many inclines. It is both dog- and kid-friendly. The trail does cross small streams, so be weary to bring water shoes/sandals.  Th...

The Violet Crown Trail: Zilker to 360 is 3.7 mile out-and-back stretch through the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The trail begins in Zilker Park and follows Barton Creek all the way south to Loop 360. Parking can be found at Zilker Park. Though on weekends and during the summer time, the park is usuall...

Located in the small but fun town of Llano, Texas, Badu Park is a great location for catching a sunset, fishing, picnicking, or just plain chilling. This location is located about an hour and a half west of Austin, Texas (75 miles) but is well worth the drive for a day trip!  The dam is a popular...

In the middle of the West Texas desert lies Balmorhea State Park, a literal oasis among the scrubland. The river here has been routed into the swimming pool of your dreams, with clear fresh water, a rocky bottom, dozens of fish and marine life, AND a diving board. From the surface, Balmorhea look...

The Three Falls Hike is a 7.35 mile out and back hike located in the Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin, Texas. The hike is heavily trafficked. The trail takes you past three waterfalls, which during the summer time serve as extremely popular swimming holes. Please note that the flow of the waterf...

The Dick Nichols Park Trail is a 1 mile loop neighborhood park trail located in Southwest Austin. The trail is completely flat and is entirely paved. It circles the park and is equally shaded and exposed. It's very kid-friendly and perfect for walking the dog, biking, trail running, hiking, and e...

If you're interested in kayaking, paddle board, or just chilling, this spot is perfect for you (you can also fish, take photos and bird watch). To get to the spot, you will need to take I-10 from Houston, 71 from Austin, or 239 from San Antonio. The launch point is literally at the end of county ...

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...

Starting at the parking lot at the top of the hill there are great views of the lake. As you descend on the criss-crossing trails, be careful of crumbling rocks. At the bottom of the park which borders the river just below the dam, you will find waterfalls and a pool.Trails are not well marked, s...

The Limbo, Dante, Old West, Beatrice, and Ovid East Loop is a 2.98 mile loop trail that begins in Prospect Park and makes a  loop around through the Purgatory Greenspace in San Marcos, Texas. The trail is mostly shaded and a little rocky at certain sections. However, this is a great hiking trail ...

The Spring Lake Wetland Walk is a 0.7 mile loop hike located in The Meadows Center for Water and Environment. It's a great walk with a self-guided tour purposed for learning about the surrounding nature, wildlife, and invasive species. This area is not particularly great for exercising or anythin...

Just off I-40, this charming area is worth stretching your legs and working the camera lenses. I took Georgia Street a few minutes northward to Sixth Avenue and easily found parking near several welcoming shops. I certainly perused the local fares for merch and memorabilia, as there were so many ...

Turkey Creek trail is a 2.7 mile out-and-back hike located within Emma Long Metropolitan Park in Northwest Austin, Texas. This trail is perfect for cycling, running, walking, and general exercise. The trail is made of dirt with few inclines. Please note, however, at the beginning of the trail the...

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Garden is a loop trail that is approximately 1-mile located near Fort Davis, TX. This is a family-friendly hike with very minimal elevation gain that can be done in about 20 mins. This trail is dog friendly on-leash. The trail has some rocks and une...

Walnut Creek Metro Loop is an 8.8 mile loop hike located within Walnut Creek Metro Park in north Austin, Texas. The trail is moderately hiked and relatively easy. It's great for walking/running/cycling. There are many smaller trails that connect portions of the main loop and it's easy to get conf...