Getting Outdoors in Austin, TX

There’s something about Austin that keeps people coming back. It could be that the music, laid-back atmosphere, and the food are excellent, but there’s more to this town than that. It’s also home to gorgeous hiking trails, multiple “lakes” along the Colorado River, and boundless opportunity for outdoor adventure.

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The choose-your-own-adventure possibilities—paddling, hiking, dirt bike lessons, paintball, wakeboarding, rock climbing, and more —are as vast as the city’s green spaces. I have called Austin home since 2004 and still come across new trails and new outdoor activities on a regular basis.

As you begin setting your summer goals while in the Austin area, whether it’s to eat better or shop less (damn you, Amazon!), think about how you can also increase your physical activity and move your body.   

You don’t always need a high-impact workout to move your body. More important than an intense workout regime is finding activities, preferably outdoors, you actually enjoy that promote healthy movement. Working out outdoors actually boosts your mood, outlook, focus and immunity. When you engage in activities that encourage both your physical and mental wellbeing, you make it less likely that you’ll avoid being active altogether.

7 Ways to Get off Your Ass this Summer in ATX:

1.  Water Ski, Wake Surf, Slalom, or Wakeboard. Great Instructors in the Austin,TX Area:

• Executive Water Sports
• Water Ski Lake Austin
• Texas Wake Academy

2.  Hiking and Biking:

• Barton Creek Greenbelt
• Wild Basin
• Turkey Creek
• Hike and Bike Trail
• River Place Nature Trail
• Walnut Creek
• St. Edwards Park and Trail
• Hamilton Pool
• McKinney Falls State Park

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3.  Outdoor Climbing:

• Rock About Climbing Adventures
• Lesson with Sam Brodnax (Crux Instructor) at Reimers Ranch

4.  Paintball:

• Texas Paintball (Jonestown)
• Austin Paintball (Dripping Springs)

5. Dirtbike Class:

• MXFactory (nestled in beautiful TX Hill Country)

6.  Swim (I recently tried a masters swim class at my local pool. A very humbling experience! The 60-year-old men and women continued to pass me until I was eventually moved to the slow lane with the other newbies).

• Deep Eddy Pool
• Barton Springs Pool
• Greenbelt Swimming Holes
• Hamilton Pool
• Krause Springs

7. Paddle:

• Lone Star Kayak Tours
• Rowing Dock
• Texas Rowing Center
• Lakeway Marina
• Peace Paddling
• Zilker Park Boat Rentals
• EPIC SUP – Standup Paddle Board & Kayak Rental Dock
• Live Love Paddle (known for that urban bat tours in July and August)
• Austin Rowing Club (formerly Congress Avenue Kayaks)

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I know it sounds cliché, but there is no time like the present to get moving! Austin offers so many ways to get outdoors it can be hard to pick a starting point! Don’t forget to reward yourself with some of Austin’s famous BBQ, migas, and margaritas when you are done! Also, don’t be afraid to comment on any trails or activities that are worthy of being on this list!

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. 

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