Spring Branch, Texas

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 ...

Spend all day wandering the endless fields of bluebonnets above the banks of the Colorado River in this hill country oasis. MuleshoeBend Recreation Area is just 50 minutes outside of Austin in Spicewood, TX. It has 540 acres of trails, camping, and picnic tables. The highlight of this park is the...

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...

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...

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...

The Little Fern Trail is a 1.9 mile out-and-back hike that is a part of the River Place Nature Trail. It is perfect for hiking, walking, running, and biking. The trail is open for use year-round and is easy to follow, with lots of small, side waterfalls and lush greenery scattered along. The tree...

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...

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...

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 ...

Mayfield Nature Preserve is a 21-acre park located just west of downtown Austin, Texas. This nature preserve is unique from all other parks in Austin in that it that features free-roaming peacocks. It's a beautiful park full of beautiful nature and the trail leads down near the lake. The trail is...

The trail up is a combination of manmade and natural stairs that take you up to the top. At the summit, you will find beautiful views of the area, and a pavilion where you can have a picnic lunch. To head back down by a different route, continue on the northern trail, which will take you past mo...

The Shoal Creek trail is located along the Shoal Creek Greenbelt which stretches the length of central/downtown Austin. It is a 5-mile loop 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 not ideal f...

This is a pretty challenging hike but the view is most definitely worth the effort. There are two sides you can hike up on: the east and west. The west side is more popular as it gives a view of the Austin skyline as well the Pennybacker Bridge. However, the east side is good for sunset viewing. ...

If you're looking for excellent views of hill country, the skyline, or just an awesome place to watch the sunset this is the place to be. If you're heading southbound from 183 on 360 just before you reach the bridge there will be a dirt parking lot on your right. There are trailheads on the easts...

After turning off Highway 1431 you'll drive through a little quiet and narrow one road neighborhood to arrive at the entrance to Shaffer Bend Recreation Area. From there you will drive down a dirt road which will take you almost all the way through Shaffer Bend's 523 acre lot, and lead you direct...