I was born and raised in Austin, TX. Even though I grew up in the city, I seem to find new events or things to do every day. If you are an outdoor explorer, music-lover, or adventurous person then Austin has an unlimited amount of things to offer. Here are some of my most favorite and fun things to do, especially during the summer heat
- Barton Springs
This is the place to be during the summer. Everyone is out tanning, having picnics, swimming, or playing games. The vibes are immaculate here during the summer and there is no doubt that you will run into fun people. They are also open at night! If you go after 9pm, it is free and you can join in on something they call the “Howl.” The late night swimmers all join in to howl at the moon.
- Jump off the Lady Bird Bridge or Walk Lake Austin
If you are a walker or just like to be outside, Lake Austin is swarming with people all throughout the day. You can walk the beautiful trail or take pitstops to fish, paddle board, kayak, swim in the water, or jump off the bridge! It is scary but so worth it and you will find some fellow thrill seekers at any time you go.
- Pool Burger and Deep Eddy
Stop by a cute and artsy restaurant called Pool Burger on your way to Deep Eddy. The burgers are insane. You can even get one with goat cheese and the fries are even better. After go to Deep Eddy for a giant screened movie in the water. You can rent tubes, get drinks, or lay out on the chairs.
- Zilker Park
Zilker is in the center of Austin. During the summer people have picnics, tan, and play any game you can think of. It is so fun to go with friends or even by yourself because there are tons of sand volleyball games going on that you can join in on! Everyone is friendly and more than happy to have you join them for a game or to hang out.
- Blues on the Green
You can find the schedule for Blues on the Green on their website or instagram page. It happens every Wednesday of the week for the majority of the summer. It is hosted in Zilker park where you can listen to bands all night and hang out with your friends then head to Chuy’s or Baby Apaculo’s right down the street for some Tex-Mex afterwards.
- South Congress
South Congress is the place to go for the cutest boutique shopping or dinner date with friends. It is a giant and walkable street that does not have one bad restaurant. Lots of the restaurants have live music during the summer and if you aren’t feeling like sitting down at a table they have tons of food trucks to check out. Make sure you make a reservation though! Everyone wants to be there so you should snag a table beforehand.
- When Where What Austin
If you want to keep up with week-to-week events or freebies happening in Austin then check out the insta page: @WhenWhereWhatAustin. They are amazing at posting fun events happening around the city, get togethers, or restaurants and bars that are hosting parties or giving out free food!! It’s a fun way to meet people that enjoy the same things that you do or to get a bite to eat from a restaurant that is seeking to give people free food!
- Thrifting on Guadalupe
Check out Guadalupe for thrifting. When I tell you that you will find an immense amount of actually cute clothes, believe me. Stores like Pavement, Lo-fi, Flamingos, or Buffalo Exchange host thrift markets with vendors every Saturday. Pavement hosts $1 dollar days and Flamingos is pay by the pound. Also, Guadalupe is directly around the corner from some amazing and cute food stops. Grab a smoothie from Juiceland or some yummy pho and boba from Sip-Pho then head over to shop and bring home piles of clothes!
- Lake Travis and Laguna Beach
If you want to check out another lake in Austin besides Lake Austin then drive out to Lake Travis for a beautiful and ongoing lake with views of gorgeous green hills. While you are there, Laguna Beach is a massive and on the water park. They have an obstacle course on the water and water slides on land. This is also a Great Lake to go wake boarding, tubing, or water skiing if you have a boat or if can get a friend with a boat to take you then you should not miss it!
- Commons Ford
Commons Ford is a quieter but still hopping place in the summer. It gets you out of the big city but you still get all the fun people with it! Tons of college students come here to hang out with friends or host summer get-togethers. You can find people barbecuing, hiking, swimming, playing volleyball, or setting up tight-ropes on the water. The activities are endless. I have never made it across the whole tight rope but it is a goal of mine this summer! They are typically open for everyone to try out and everyone in the water and on the grass cheers you on!