New Braunfels, Texas

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...

Hamilton Pool Preserve, about a 45 minute drive from Austin, TX, is one of the most beautiful places to spend a hot, Texas afternoon. A short hike from the parking lot through a wooded forest opens up onto a scenic, natural pool. The small beach to one side is usually dotted with sunbathers and p...

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...

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...

Pedernales Falls drops 50 feet in elevation over 3,000 feet of titled, layered steps of limestone along the Pedernales River in Blanco County. In order to reach the falls you must enter Pedernales Falls State Park and follow the park road until the very end. There you'll find a parking lot and it...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is managed as part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and consists of 227 acres of beautiful Hill Country woodlands owned jointly by Travis County (164.4 acres) and St. Edwards University (62.6 acres). Wild Basin is open to visitors who can hike the 2.5 miles of t...

The Southeast Metropolitan Park Primitive Trail is a quick 2.3 mile hike, perfect for families, hikers, and trail runners. This trail is dog friendly, and is open for use year round. This hike is lightly trafficked, so this is a great place to go if you are looking for some solitude. 

Commons Ford is a lakefront park offering a boathouse that can be reserved, fishing, volleyball net and picnicking. Many people go to the park with the expectation of lounging on the large grassy area for many hours so be sure to pack food, blankets, sunscreen, and tubes if you plan to float in ...

This spot is located right off of the North Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360) on the west side of Austin. It faces east and is perfect for catching the sunrise over the city or just overall chillin'. It provides easy and accessible parking. It's a popular spot for sunset and sunrise. There are ...

The Hamilton Greenbelt is a 5.1 mile out-and-back neighborhood hike located in Lakeway, just 15 miles outside of downtown Austin. The trail is located in a neighborhood and is extremely well-maintained. At the entrance of the trail you will find a little garden area with a small waterfall and a s...

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...