Top Austin Outdoor Activities

Avoid traffic and swap busy city sightseeing tours for something a bit more peaceful—a relaxing sunset cruise on Lake Austin. This tour showcases views of Mount Bonnell, Mr “Alright, Alright, Alright’s” Lake House, and a place nicknamed “Little Venice” with luxurious mansions. Ride in a comfortable pontoon boat equipped with a cooler and ice, so you can BYOB and enjoy a laid-back ride on the lake.

Enjoy the best paddle boarding Austin has to offer. Grab a coffee at Mozart's Coffee Roasters before or after your paddle board rental. You'll launch from our artificial turf beach right into the clear water of Lake Austin. You'll be equipped with a life jacket, a map of the lake and a quick safety briefing. The entire area you paddle in is a no-wake zone, so the water stays calm and smooth for paddlers of every level.

Going out on the San Marcos River at nighttime can be a difficult task if you don’t know the river well. This San Marcos River Clear Lighted Kayak Sunset Eco Tour makes it easy to explore in the dark with a guide leading the way in clear kayaks equipped with glow lights. Keep an eye out for fish, bats, deer, and more as your guide points out and tells you about the wildlife of the river ecosystem.

Relax at our cozy cat café, home to 20+ adorable, adoptable rescue cats. Sip on coffee as you enjoy 30 or 70 minutes of cuddles, and playtime. All guests must be 6+ and have a paid ticket—no exceptions. The purr-fect spot to unwind or meet your future feline friend!

Many of the bat tours that set out on Lady Bird Lake in Austin are filled with so many people, it can be hard to see where your guide is leading you, but not with this Austin Bats Sunset Small-Group Kayak Tour. This tour sets out at sunset with just 12 for a more intimate experience. Take in views from your kayak of the Mexican free-tailed bats as they fly above Congress Avenue Bridge.

There’s no need to worry about how to get around downtown if you’re drinking when you book this Downtown Austin Pedal Pub Crawl Experience. Ride with your others aboard this fun, electric pedal mobile as you sip drinks as you go. This experience stops at up to three bars where you can also purchase a drink if you choose to do so.

Hear the historical tales of murder and mayhem that helped make Austin weird on this haunted history tour of Texas's capital city. Join an acclaimed storyteller guide for a group walking tour through Austin's supernatural nooks and creepy crannies, including a tour of the famous Driskill Hotel. The short tour takes place in the evening so you can easily fit it into busy schedules.

Howdy y'all! Beautiful Autumn weather is finally here! Greenbelter Nature Co. Safari's will show you a part of Austin, or the Hill Country from a native's perspective. Enjoy the sylvotherapy of forest bathing with our expert trail guides. We will cater the hike to what you are looking for. Come and join us for a fun and easy hike through one of the area's greenbelts. The Texas Hill Country is growing very rapidly, and folks are trying to find some really cool places in nature to check out and know about for future swims, hikes and nature adventures. Wisdom of the lands will be shared, such as Eliza Springs and Barton Springs, as well as the native plants and wildlife, salamanders, bobcats, and armadillos! You will learn the scientific names of such plants and critters, as well as the traditional "Texan" lingo for the plants and animals. Fun for the whole family, come take a hike!

Save time looking up bus schedules and opt for this hassle-free Austin sightseeing bus tour instead. Travel on a loop around the city that passes by top landmarks in Austin’s downtown area. Along the way, listen to commentary from a guide, get great photos from the top deck, or sit in the climate-controlled lower deck. Highlights include 6th Street, The Driskill hotel, Texas State Capitol, and the Texas Governor’s Mansion.

Swap city sightseeing for a fun and interactive escape game in Austin. Choose which character you take on—from planning a prison break to searching for gold, recovering stolen art, or even being a secret agent. There are five immersive games to choose from, and together with your team—solve clues, finish puzzles, and see if you can successfully complete your chosen mission.

Visit the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum, a unique outdoor museum dedicated to fostering community and creativity through art and nature. Explore over 40 stunning sculptures set amidst beautiful landscapes, and enjoy rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary artists in the indoor gallery. With engaging activities for children and regular workshops, lectures, and events, this destination offers enriching experiences for art enthusiasts of all ages. Located conveniently next to Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, this museum invites visitors to connect with art and nature in an inspiring environment.

One of the best ways to see Austin’s famous bat colony is from the water, and this guided kayaking experience makes it easy. Avoid the hassle of sourcing equipment or figuring out where to go, with kayaks, paddles, and life jackets included. Led by a guide, the trip takes you directly to the best spots for watching the bat colony departure—with no research or planning required.

Located right in downtown Austin, we offer the most scenic views of Lady Bird Lake. This paddle on your own adventure allows you to see Austin from a whole new perspective from your single kayak. On your journey you will pass under the famous Congress Avenue Bat Bridge, see the Downtown Austin Skyline, and check out the famous Barton Springs!

Cover more ground during this Austin Small-Group E-Bike Tour than if you booked a walking tour of the city. This bike tour provides you with an e-bike and helmet so you can explore Austin’s most popular attractions and sights as you pass by them with a guide leading the way. Plus, your guide tells you about the city and ideas that go far beyond just the normal tourist path.

Lake Austin is especially scenic at sunset, but organizing a boat rental or navigating the water yourself takes effort. On this small-group cruise, a captain handles the steering while you relax on the water and enjoy sunset views over the Texas Hill Country. With a BYOB setup and plenty of space to relax, you can unwind and take in the scenery without the crowds of larger sightseeing boats.

Enjoy a half-day experience filled with barbecue and wine without having to get behind the wheel after drinking with a wine country and barbecue shuttle from Austin. Your driver takes you to the outskirts of Austin to visit two popular wineries, where you can taste locally produced wines at your own expense, and the Salt Lick BBQ.

Get a comprehensive overview of Austin on this sightseeing tour. See famous landmarks along with hidden gems, real neighborhoods, and food trucks. Learn about Austin's history and culture with commentary from your guide and hear fun facts about the city that even the locals don't know. Plus, choose a morning or afternoon departure to easily fit this tour into your schedule.

Book this Austin Private Crime-Solving Detective Experience for a unique way to explore Austin while enjoying a detective-inspired game. This experience should be played with small groups of up to four, and you can choose whether to do it outside or while driving. Audio for the game includes 16 characters voiced by actors. You can also choose modes and difficulty levels before you start to ensure you’re comfortable with the pace of play and how hard it is, too.

If you want to see more of Austin in less time—without getting jammed into a tour bus—book this e-bike tour perfect for seeing the sights, while enjoying Austin's fantastic weather. Hop on your pedal-assist e-bike, and follow your guide to Austin's famous murals, city landmarks, and University of Texas buildings. Along the way, take in views of the downtown skyline, and visit the Texas State Capitol building.

See many of Austin's highlights in just a few hours on this bike tour. You won't have to worry about navigating if you opt for a guided tour, and you'll cover about 7 miles (roughly 11 kilometers) of ground much faster than by walking. Bike past Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake, Congress Avenue Bridge, and attractions such as the Texas State Capitol building.

Come join this Austin e-bike biker gang to see the sights and feels the vibes of the crown jewel of Hill County. The e-bikes are fun, easy to ride and best with friends to get around this amazing city. Ride past Austin and Hill County icons including The Driskill (a historic and haunted hotel), Austin City Limits, Town Lake, and much more. Enjoy a dynamic experience in a vibrant city where every ride is different.

There are many people who go out on the water to take in views of Austin and its popular bat colony, but this Austin Skyline and Bats Giant Glow Paddleboard Sunset Tour takes you out on the water after most people have already been out and lets you stay out longer than other experiences, too. Head out on a giant paddleboard with provided glow lights and enjoy the stunning views of Austin.

Lady Bird Lake is a popular nature escape in the heart of downtown Austin, complete with scenic footbridges, lakeside parks, and skyline views. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, this cycling tour allows you to escape city traffic and cruise around the Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail, which spans 10 miles (16 kilometers) and loops around the lake’s shoreline.