Spring Things to Do in Austin: Outdoor Activities Explore Austin's Springtime Offerings

Leave it to Tipster Tours to share information, experiences and fun while incorporating a “pay what you like” structure to these entertaining walks about town*. Just show up ready to walk, rain or shine, “hell or high water.” If you enjoy the tour, tip what you think is fair and what you can afford — no pressure at all.

What’s your interest — Austin, music scene? The state capital’s downtown area? East Side Art? Beer? You’ll scratch that curiosity itch while being mobile and getting fresh air, Austin style.

Covert Park is the five-acre parcel on which Mount Bonnell — one of the city’s oldest tourist attractions, a Texas Historic Landmark and one of many spring outdoor activities in town — is situated. At 775 feet tall, Mount Bonnell is one of the highest points in Austin. As such, the views of Austin, Lake Austin and the surrounding land (and gorgeous area homes) are well worth the 100+ steep steps to get to the top. Once there, a pavilion and picnic tables make good places to catch your breath. Or hike around the peak to experience the different views afforded from this unique vantage point.

South-central Austin claims the Barton Creek Greenbelt as one of the city’s favorite greenbelts and a top hiking trail in Texas — and for good reason. With nearly 13 miles of beautiful trails, trails for mountain biking, gorgeous limestone bluffs for rock climbing, the Barton Springs Pool and other swimming holes (when there’s water), this area attracts locals and visitors alike.

Leashed dogs are welcome but bring waste bags to clean up after your pet. Several access points provide different levels of difficulty; remember to take water along with you (but plan ahead, because no restrooms are available on the trail).

As far as exciting spring outdoor activities go, three of the longest and fastest ziplines in Texas (plus two additional lines) have thrill-seekers’ names written all over them. After hiking one mile at elevation, adventurers zip across stunning canyons and over Lake Travis.

The Lake Travis Zipline Adventures three-hour tour includes access to a private beach for picnicking, swimming in the lake, playing games and relaxing in hammocks. Reservations are required and participants must weigh 70 - 250 pounds.

This 351-land-acre, 416-water-acre park just southwest of downtown Austin is ideal for running, biking, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, playing volleyball and dog-walking. While here, check out the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool, the Austin Nature Science Center and the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum, plus the botanical garden’s ponds, streams and waterfalls. The park also plays host to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year — think kites, lights, science, music and theatre.

The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is home to the approximately 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats — the largest urban bat colony in North America. From spring to early fall, visitors to the bridge can watch as the bats take off from the bridge on their nightly flight searching for food (around 15,000 pounds of insects, including agricultural pests). Check it out from the Congress Avenue Bridge or catch a water view on a bat-watching tour offered by Capital Cruises.

No matter what else you do in Austin, you gotta eat. Why not consider an Austin Eats Food Tour? Led by discerning foodie guides, you’ll get a true sense of the flavor of local establishments — with no waiting in lines. Tour options include East Austin Happy Hour Tour and Best of Austin Food Truck Tour. Corporate and private tours are also on the menu. Ages 15+ are welcome on the less-boozy tours, and all you need is a pair of comfy shoes, an appetite and gratuity for your tour guide “if they rock.”

While Austin’s 6th Street is known as the city’s premier party zone, Rainey Street Historic District is making a name for itself, as well. Many craftsman-style houses in the area have been converted into cocktail lounges and bars with fun porches, patios and backyards decorated with string lights, picnic tables and hammocks. Charming restaurants to try include Emmer & Rye — a small but mighty south-end spot with a menu that changes daily — and the Bummer Burrito food truck — from the team behind the ever-popular Little Brother bar. Dessert? Yes, please, at Little Lucy's Mini Donuts food truck.

Also known as SoCo, South Congress Avenue is chock-full of eclectic, funky shops, Austin-authentic restaurants and live music venues. With a fantastic view of the Texas Capitol, , the long-famous area is a must-stop destination for visitors and locals alike.

Go for First Thursday — an ideal time to people-watch, shop extended hours and eat, drink and boogie to your heart’s content. And if you need a shot of sugar to extend your time in this famous district, stop by Big Top Candy Shop — you’ll be the proverbial kid in a candy shop, no matter how old you are. You can even whet your whistle with an old-fashioned soda fountain and ice cream.

A calm reservoir on the Colorado River in Austin, Lady Bird Lake (aka Town Lake) is ideal for a watery getaway. Rowing Dock is just west of the MoPac Expressway and offers such evening paddle excursions as Glow Paddle and Full Moon Paddle. You can watch the Congress Avenue Bridge bats take flight, check out Austin’s skyline, take a guided tour or explore the lake on your own — all uniquely Austin spring outdoor activities. BYOB in non-glass, reusable containers, plus a waterproof bag for your camera. All rentals are first come, first served and the last boats must be must be on the water an hour before closing time. Bon voyage!

NOTE: The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is a 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake. Ideal for watching people and sunsets, you’ll also take in amazing views of Austin’s skyline.

Hit the road with Your Biker Gang — Ride electric minibikes around Austin, checking out such points of interests as 6th Street, Congress Avenue, Pfluger Bridge, University of Texas and statues of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Willie Nelson. Your Biker Gang Passengers ride free on these two-hour daily tours, and kiddos can ride in back or in front with an adult (16+ to drive). It’s one of the most fun spring outdoor activities and a five-star tour experience guided by road captains who know and love the city.

Go to an Austin event or festival — A long list of fun things to do in Austin keeps the city hopping year-round, and there’s truly something for everyone. A sampling of events and festivals includes the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Round Rock Express, SXSW Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, Moonlight Margarita Run, Free Day of Yoga, Texas Book Festival, Bat Fest, Austin Pond and Garden Tour, Austin Reggae Festival and Trail of Lights. Visit Austin has the complete list — check it out.

Hike your way through the River Place Nature Trail — You’ll need an extra dose of energy and a bottle of water to tackle this 5.5-mile out-and-back hike across three trails. Open every day from dawn to dusk, the trails have an elevation gain of 823 feet and plenty of log stairs to get the heart pumping. The scenic, well-kept trail has a creek running along much of the path, and it’s dog-friendly, too.

Find family fun at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park — Looking for family activities near you? North of downtown Austin and a quick four-mile drive east of The Domain’s Archer Hotel Austin is the 293-acre Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. Family-friendly and dog-friendly, the park has lots of spring outdoor activities in one locale: a swimming pool (with low daily entrance fees for residents and nonresidents), a playground with equipment geared toward both little and big kids, and sports and recreational facilities, as well as 15 miles of unpaved trails that are ideal for biking, walking and jogging.