Looking for things to do in Austin this summer for your summer Austin bucket list? Look no further, here are 40 of my favorite summer activities in Austin! Whether you want to soak in the sun, keep cool by the pool, or avoid melting by staying indoors we have something on this list for everyone.
SEE MORE : The Ultimate Texas Bucket List // 50 Things You Must Do in Texas
1. Go Kayaking on Lake Austin
The most obvious just had to be the first one! Don’t worry, I promise they get more original than this. I recommend checking out the Austin Rowing Center for some rentals, and then spending an hour or two on the water!
2. Play Putt Putt at Peter Pan
The best mini golf spot in Austin, if I do say so myself. Also a great activity if you have kids! Fun fact, they’re also BYOB so grab a six pack and enjoy it while you’re there!
3. Drink an Entire Manmosa
The most iconic brunch spot in Austin would be Bangers, and they’re especially known for their giant mug of a mimosa, aka the Manmosa. If you’re up to the challenge, make sure you’re there by 10am or else you’re in for a brutal wait!
4. Grab a Rooftop Cocktail
Grab a delicious local craft cocktail on the top of a rooftop in Austin and enjoy the sunset and the warm weather. Sharing some of the best Austin rooftop bars here. Personal favorite vote is going to be P6 just because this sunset view over the lake is unbeatable. If you’re going wild, you can also end your night on Rainey Street or Dirty Sixth!
5. Wait in Line for Franklin BBQ
Nothing more Texan than waking up at the crack of dawn and getting in line for six hours to wait for BBQ. Oh, and having a beer at 8am while you wait. However, it must be done! And I can confirm that the brisket is totally worth your while.
6. Take the Kids to the Thinkery
Especially perfect option for kids! The Thinkery is a children’s museum that also has a community night where you can attend for free. It’s a must if you need something to do on a Rainey Day in Austin too!
7. Have a Winery Day in Fredericksburg
Go Have a Winery Day in Fredericksburg
You basically have the Napa of the south at your doorstep, what are you waiting for! Take a day trip to some of the beautiful vineyards in Fredericksburg, Texas with your best gals. If you want to make a whole weekend of it, then check out my Fredericksburg Weekend Guide for some good tips!
8. Hike Up Enchanted Rock
Hike Up Enchanted Rock
While you’re in the Fredericksburg area, you can plan out a morning hike to the top of Enchanted Rock! Make sure you’re there bright and early to avoid the insane Texas heat that will definitely otherwise cause you to melt. But still worth it!
9. Visit the Texas State Capitol
You think this would be obvious, but so few people actually ever get around to doing it! The Capitol tours are actually free, which makes it even better. Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Austin and the capitol building itself.
10. Have a Picnic at the Top of 360
One of my favorite spots for a sunset watch in Austin. Seriously, a beauty. I recommend climbing up the opposite side of where the cars are parked (which you cannot miss) for an insane view with way less tourists!
SEE MORE // Austin First Date Ideas
11. Go Two Stepping with Friends
Total confession: I have never been two stepping in Austin! Went all the time back in Fort Worth & Dallas, but not down here. However, I have heard from many that Broken Spoke is the way to go if you’re looking for a good two-step spot.
12. Take a Day Trip to San Antonio
So many great day trips you can take just from Austin! Drive on down to San Antonio one morning and spend your day at the never-forgotten Alamo and end up with a walk along the Riverwalk. You can also find even more great day trips from Austin here!
13. Do a Local Beer Tasting
We absolutely have no shortage of great craft breweries in Austin, and they’re an easy and affordable way to spend the afternoon! Also, most of these have some non-alcoholic options you can go with if you aren’t a huge beer fan but want the ambiance. My favorites are Live Oak Brewery and Jester King, but I have a whole list of some great Austin breweries here!
14. Spend the Day at Zilker Park
The obvious picnic spot in Austin! Grab a giant blanket and tons of food for a picnic under the sun in Zilker Park. Bonus: there are ALWAYS puppers running around, so either take your own or just enjoy the others!
15. Attempt to Slackline over Town Lake
If you’ve ever hung out on the Boardwalk on the Riverside trail area, then you know about the slackliners! They hang out right in front of the Breakers on the Lake apartment and during summer months you can find them on the slacklines.
Maybe take a little practice on your slackline at home, and make your big summer event the attempt at slacklining over water!
Or be like me and just watch them because you know you’ll fall right in.
16. Visit the Austin Central Library
If you haven’t seen the new Austin Central Library then RUN DO NOT WALK. An absolute beauty, and one of the coolest buildings I have been in. Also, they have a beautiful rooftop patio with a killer view of the city for you to get some work done or read a good book with a view. Also, here are some of my book recommendations this year you might like!
17. Take a Photo at the I Love You So Much Mural
Ah yes, this is the cheesy item on the list. But listen, it has to be done. It just does. Grab your loved one, whichever one you want, and go take a cute picture at this mural!
Then maybe step up the cheesyness of the day, and post that on the gram. It’s fun to be a tourist in your own city sometimes!
18. Visit the Rooftop at the Austin Airport (ABIA)
A little secret for those flying in and out of Austin, whether you happen to live here or not, the rooftop of the Austin Airport is open! ABIA Rooftop by the Delta Lounge is actually open to the public, although that is not obvious.
Just follow the signs to the Delta Lounge, and then the rooftop is right there! It may not be obvious, but it’s a little local trick
19. Watch the Austin Bats Fly Out from Congress
If you’re in Austin during the summer and up until late Fall, then you can go watch the bats come out under Congress Bridge just after the sun sets! It’s an Austin iconic spot. I recommend parking at the Long Center and then walking the Boardwalk trail over to the corner under the bridge by the Statesman building. My fav viewing spot!
20. Try Bouldering at Austin Bouldering Project
Get yo fitness on at the Austin Bouldering Project in East Austin! Basically rock climbing without the ropes, and it’s a hoot for kids and adults both. Especially great on a boiling hot or rainy day when you want to be indoors in summer. You can also do Crux, but that personally is more of a hard-core one for me and I like a fun rock climbing gym!
21. Go Dive Into Hamilton Pool or Jacobs Well
Obviously, Texas can get a smidge hot! Hamilton Pool and Jacobs Well are Texas icons and a great way to keep cool. Make sure you book your spot in advance, it’s a reservation-only hideout!
Or just opt for another Austin watering hole! There are so many worth visiting that do NOT require reservations!
22. Hike Up Barton Creek to Twin Falls
Two of my favorite watering holes within Austin city limits! If you Google Map search “Twin Falls” and park right on that intersection with 35, then you can reach the hiking trail that takes you to both these spots. Take a giant cooler with you and enjoy a day on the water! More information about Twin & Sculpture Falls.
23. Visit the Texas Farmers Market
Whether you live North and want to aim for the Lakeway Farmers Market or go down South and aim for the Mueller Farmers Market, there are awesome options for Farmers Markets in Texas!
Personally, you can find me at the Mueller Farmers Market on Sundays. I’m a sucker for my Teddy V Cookies, Yaupon Tea, and all the other goodies they have!
24. Enjoy the Free Barton Springs Spillway
Due to the amazing location, this is a favorite by locals and tourists both! Let me start by saying it gets crowded VERY quickly in summer. Also, they are very strict about what you can and cannot bring in.
The water is also freezing cold, but they do have a really cool diving board! In fact, I recommend you check out the Barton Springs Spillway because it is free & dog friendly too!
25. Attend a Blues on the Green Concert
Every summer, Zilker Park puts on Blues on the Green which is basically a free live music show at Zilker where you can grab your besties and your blankets and listen to music! Gonna be honest, I actually have never been so I have zero tips! But goooooo!
26. Drive Out to Salt Lick for BBQ
Not up for waiting in line at Franklin’s? Honestly, same! I much prefer to drive out to Dripping Springs for Salt Lick BBQ, which I will argue is one of the best. I do notttt recommend going during peak dining hours, but if you make a day of it and hit just after lunch rush or before dinner rush then it’s a must. Plus, BYOB!
27. Go Swing Dancing at the Syndicate
Drag your dance partner and try something totally new by taking Swing lessons! You’ve probably seen it before and thought it looked like a blast, so this is the perfect opportunity to try some dancing out for yourself.
28. Float the San Marcos or Comal Rivers
Grab a cooler, a ton of beer, and your closest friends this summer and spend the day floating the San Marcos river! Make sure you check out our floating guide for everything to know before you go float
29. Attend a Music Festival in Texas
Somewhere SOMEHOW there is a music festival going on in Texas, and definitely somewhere around Austin!
Check out what festivals are going on around you and go check them out! Maybe that involves a little day trip to Dallas or Houston or San Antonio, but that’s an adventure on its own!
30. Go on a Bike Ride Over the Boardwalk
One of my favorite places in the entire state. YUP, state. The skyline views of Austin from the boardwalk are simply…unbeatable. Start off at the Long Center park at the parking lot and then ride towards 35 for the best views!
You can rent a city bike or take a JUMP bike (which basically do the work for you tbh). If you’re feeling extra fit, then go for a run here instead.
31. Camping at a Texas State Park
So many gorgeous state parks in Texas are just a stones throw from Austin, and you Austin summer bucket list would not be complete without a night at one of them. Grab your swimsuit and sleeping bag, and prepare for the best night sky of your life.
Here are some of my favorite State Parks just outside of Austin for you to check out!
32. Catch a Live Music Show in Austin
We are the LIVE MUSIC CAPITOL OF THE WORLD. If you have not yet caught a live show in Austin then you need to do that immediately.
So let’s make it easy, and here are some of my favorite venues you can just catch a show at without tickets!
Far Out Lounge
Little Darlin Austin
The ABGB Austin
Cedar Street Courtyard Downtown
33. Attend a Show at Esthers Follies
The iconic Austin comedy club! Also a great Austin bucket list item in general, not just in summer. Pick up tickets for Saturday or Friday and laugh your butt off at their comedy shows!
Will say my one thing is that this is SO fun the first time, but then I went again three years later and the show was basically entirely still the same. So once is good!
34. Catch the Sunset from the Oasis
To be real, I would NOT recommend the Oasis restaurant for dinner. Absolutely not worth the mediocre food and century long wait. Instead, head next door to the Oasis Brewing Company for a beer (and better food tbh) and get the above view. You will not be disappointed, I promise
35. Spend the Day Walking South Congress
Whether you’re looking for a cute boutique or a pool to hang out by or a little restaurant for happy hour, South Congress absolutely has it all! I love taking out of towners to South Congress and just wandering the streets and shops. There’s always a fun new spot to try out, even if you’ve lived in Austin for years!
Important to note: the best part of this is avoiding the chain spots! So skip those and instead get some ice cream at Amys, a cocktail at SoCo Hotel, eat queso at Guerros, and walk in some local boutiques!
36. Date Night at a Drive In Movie
I have always wanted to do a drive-in movie!! So let me live through you as you grab your cutie date and hit up this adorable date night spot. They have so many awesome movie options too! Or, you can check out this Austin date night ideas guide for more cute date ideas with your babe
37. Have a Water Park Day at Schitterbahn
I have been going to this water park since I was 5 years old and I will never be able to love any other water park the way I love this one. It’s giant, three huge parks all connected by a lazy river. Oh my gosh, Schlitterbahn is a must for kids AND adults. It is not technically Austin, but close enough!
38. Rent a Boat on Lake Travis
Okay OBVIOUSLY. I probably should have added this first in the list. You obviously have to get away from the heat in Austin and rent a boat and have a lake day! There’s tons of companies you can do that with, but we usually do Float On Boat Rentals so that’s the recommendation I have!
39. Order an Electric Jellyfish Beer
The most iconic and well known beer in Austin from Pinthouse Brewing! It’s a must try in Austin. You can find it pretty much at ANY bar in Austin that has craft beer, and it’s alway going to be way more expensive than any other beer. But that’s just what Pinthouse does!
40. Have a Coffee at Mozarts Coffee
Probably the most iconic coffee shop in Austin because it’s got the most amazing view of the Lake! I want to be clear that the coffee itself is…fine…and the wifi is just plain terrible BUT this view absolutely makes up for all of that.
SEE MORE // MY FAVORITE COFFEE SHOPS IN AUSTIN
41. Attend Emo Night at Barbarellas
Okay listen. This is probably specific to my old emo warped tour kids, because if that was not you then this will likely be absolutely no fun. If it was, GREAT NEWS. Emo Night at Barbarella’s is the first Wednesday of every month and it’s a 10/10 great time!
42. Rent a Paddleboard on the Lake
Yes, this list is going into tourist territory. But as a local, I realize that I have not rented a paddleboard and gone onto the lake in YEARS. Its been at least four years at this point.
So if you’re new here then maybe you do this a bunch, and this item is for my locals!!! Reminder to rent a paddleboard and enjoy the lake!
43. Attend an Austin FC Game
The Austin FC team is brand new to Austin, and their games are a blast! There is a reason the team is known to have one of the best fan bases of any US FC Teams. The tickets themselves are pretty pricy for sitting seats, but we paid $25 or so for fan tickets in 2021 and had a BLAST. Would do that over seats again!
45. Visit Butters at Civil Goat Coffee
If you have yet to, go hang out with Butters at the Far West Civil Goat Coffee location! Not always, but usually you can find Butters on the outdoor patio. He is adorable, and he will absolute try to eat anything you are holding!
46. Take a Sunset Boat Tour
Okay listen another one i get it, sounds cheesy. But these are SO FUN YALL. Once again, be a tourist in your own city and take one of the sunset bat cruises! They’re like $12 and BYOB and so so fun. It’s only an hour long!!!
47. Take a Day Trip to Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs is SO much closer than Fredericksburg and most people don’t take advantage of the great spots within it! Whether you want more wineries like Bell Springs or Driftwood Springs (pictured) or maybe beer spots like Vista Brewing or 12 Fox Beer co!
You can check out our full Dripping Springs guide here to get you started!
48. Attend a Free Yoga Class
Perk of living in a city that absolutely LOVES to be fit? The free workout classes! They’re all over Austin during the summer. You just google it and something is going to pop up.
Usually the best spots to find them are 365 Things Austin, Outdoor Voices, or Yoga on the Boardwalk which are what I normally look for!
And that’s it folks! So many things to do in Austin, and honestly six years later I find myself still crossing things off my bucket list. So if you have managed to pull off doing everything on this list, then MAJOR kudos to you because this Austin Summer Bucket List definitely is not for the faint of heart.
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Comments (1)
Carter Ramon
July 3, 2019 at 8:59 am
I am already reading the second article from this girl, I really like it, she very clearly presents all the events and activities